Entebbe — CPA Timothy Ediomu, the newly elected President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), has called on Uganda’s accountants to be at the forefront of the country’s sustainable economic transformation.
“Today, I stand before Uganda’s accountancy fraternity for the first time as President of ICPAU. I am filled with pride and gratitude—not just for the trust placed in me, but for the opportunity to lead a profession that contributes so significantly to Uganda’s economic transformation,” said CPA Ediomu in his first address as President.
He was speaking during the opening of the 13th CPA Economic Forum, held at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe. Themed “Transform Today, Thrive Tomorrow”, this year’s Forum has drawn top professionals, policymakers, and private sector players for three days of discussion on sustainability, tax policy, public finance management, and the future of accounting in Uganda.
Accountants as Architects of National Progress
CPA Ediomu emphasised the strategic role of accountants in shaping policy and driving inclusive growth. “This forum is more than a gathering; it is a think tank guiding Uganda’s economic direction,” he said, highlighting recent government milestones such as the attainment of middle-income status, new tax reforms, and progress in education and enterprise development.
He lauded Uganda’s leadership in sustainability reporting, noting the country is among the 17 globally recognised for early adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. “Let us drive sustainable economic growth—by transforming today and thriving tomorrow,” he urged.
A Call for Support and Collaboration
In a passionate appeal, CPA Ediomu called on government partners to strengthen the accountancy profession through fair remuneration of public accountants and full implementation of IPSAS and IFRS standards.
He also reiterated the Institute Council’s appeal for Ministry of Finance support to complete ICPAU’s long-awaited permanent home, envisioned as a hub for innovation, accountability, and professional excellence.
Sustainability and Standards Take Centre Stage
Kicking off the day’s sessions, CPA Charles Lutimba, ICPAU’s Director for Standards and Regulation, introduced Uganda’s new phased roadmap for adopting sustainability reporting standards.
“Even the smallest businesses must play a role in climate accountability,” he said, adding that SMEs will have tailored requirements and a two-year exemption on Scope 3 emissions reporting.
The roadmap includes sector-specific rollout, validation workshops, assurance guidance, and an updated ethics code aimed at preventing greenwashing. “We are building systems, training professionals, and making sustainability practical,” Lutimba said.
Forum Opened by New ICPAU Vice President
The first sessions of the Forum were chaired by CPA Alfred Kabuchu, the newly elected Vice President of ICPAU, who brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the Institute’s leadership.
Kabuchu’s stewardship signalled a dynamic shift towards deeper engagement on sustainability, economic resilience, and digital transformation in accountancy.
A Profession Aligned for Impact
ICPAU CEO CPA Derick Nkajja welcomed participants with a reaffirmation of the Institute’s mission: “Our commitment is to shape policy, influence practice, and give our profession renewed purpose.”
He said this year’s Forum will not only reflect on emerging challenges but also define the future role of accountants in shaping a resilient and inclusive economy.
