Remain competitive by embracing continuous learning, skills enhancement, accountants told

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Accountants have been urged to embrace continuous learning and skills enhancement to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving accounting profession.

The call was made by Grant Thornton Advisory business risk services manager Stephen Muchelule during the graduation ceremony at Africana Hotel on March 6, 2026.

He said professional accountants must continually upgrade their knowledge and competencies to keep pace with technological advancements, regulatory changes and emerging global financial practices.

Muchelule noted that beyond academic qualifications, the modern workplace demands practical skills, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.

He encouraged the new graduates to pursue further professional development, innovation and ethical practice to strengthen the accounting profession and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economic growth.

“Continuous learning is no longer optional for professional accountants. The profession is evolving rapidly with technology, new regulations and global financial trends, so graduates must remain adaptable and committed to upgrading their skills throughout their careers,” Muchelule said.

Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) president Timothy David Ediomu emphasised the critical role of the accountancy profession in national development, stating.

“Professional accountancy remains the cornerstone for good governance, financial transparency, and sustainable economic growth.”

He congratulated the graduands on their achievement and urged them to be proactive in creating employment opportunities, noting that “in today’s competitive market, securing a job is not automatic; you must innovate and generate opportunities that contribute to both personal success and Uganda’s economic progress.”

Over 400 graduate

A total of 412 students graduated during the ICPAU ceremony, reflecting the growing interest in professional accountancy in Uganda.

The majority of graduands, 378, completed the rigorous Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) programme, which equips students with advanced skills in auditing, taxation, financial management, and corporate governance.

In addition, 12 graduands earned the Certified Tax Advisory (CTA) qualification, preparing them to provide expert guidance on tax planning, compliance, and advisory services in both public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, 22 students graduated with the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD), a foundational programme designed to develop practical accounting and financial management skills for entry-level positions and career progression within the profession.

These graduations underscore ICPAU’s commitment to developing a diverse pipeline of accounting professionals capable of driving transparency, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in Uganda.