Accountancy Service Awards celebrates 10 years of excellence, innovation

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The 2025 Accountancy Service Awards held last Friday (October 3) highlighted the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU)'s 10 years of celebrating outstanding achievements and impact created by the profession.

The colourful event was filled with glamour, emotion, and reflection as accountants, institutions, and partners were honoured for their excellence, leadership, and service to both the profession and society.

At the helm of the awards was CPA Gloria Tuhaise Wakooba, Director of the Procurement and Disposal Department at the Bank of Uganda, who was named CPA of the Year 2025. Her award celebrates a career defined by integrity, mentorship, and innovation in public financial management.

“This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to every professional who believes in doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” she said.

The Young Accountant of the Year award went to CPA Stephen Muchelule, Assistant Manager – Business Risk Services at Grant Thornton Uganda.

His creativity, technical expertise, and commitment to developing young professionals earned him accolades as a rising star in the industry.

The Finance Team of the Year award was claimed by Quality Chemical Industries Ltd (QCIL), whose finance department was praised for its teamwork, strong ethical standards, and financial stewardship that continues to drive organisational excellence.

CPA Irene Mwoyogwona, Head of Finance at Pride Bank and President of the Rotary Club of Najjera, was celebrated as the Woman Accountant of the Year 2025. Her leadership and commitment to community service were highlighted as hallmarks of transformative professionalism.

The prestigious ICPAU Gold Service Award was presented to CPA Ben Patrick Kagoro, the 6th President of ICPAU. With over 28 years of service, Kagoro’s legacy includes mentoring generations of accountants, reforming financial governance, and leading institutional transformation.

Abdul & Associates emerged as the Accounting Firm of the Year, recognised for its excellence in service delivery and dedication to nurturing future accountants.

MAT Abacus Business School received the Institutional Partner of the Year award for its investment in training and professional development, strengthening the foundations of accountancy education in Uganda.

Chief Guest CPA Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, commended ICPAU for championing transparency and professionalism in financial reporting.

He highlighted Uganda’s progress in adopting the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and its leading role in developing the forthcoming International Non-Profit Accounting Standard (INPAS).

“This is about more than compliance; it’s about aligning Uganda’s financial systems with global sustainability and governance goals,” he said.

The president of ICPAU, CPA Timothy David Ediomu, noted that each awardee has not only excelled professionally but also embodied the values that the profession holds: integrity, accountability, innovation, and leadership.

“Your work is shaping businesses, transforming communities, and inspiring the next generation of accountants. You are living proof that accountancy is more than numbers; it is about creating impact.

As Chair of the Members’ Service Committee, CPA Sandra Batte reflected on the journey of the Accountancy Service Awards, noting how the initiative has grown from a segment of the annual seminar into a standalone celebration of excellence and innovation.

ICPAU Chief Executive Officer CPA Derick Nkajja said the awards are a reminder that the profession plays a huge role in creating impact through accountability, mentorship, and excellence.