The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The 2025 Accountancy Service Awards lit up Kampala with celebration and inspiration as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) marked ten years of recognising outstanding achievement and impact within the profession.
The evening of Oct.3 was filled with applause, emotion, and reflection as accountants, institutions, and partners were honoured for their excellence, leadership, and service to both the profession and society.
At the pinnacle of the awards stood 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, receiving a standing ovation from her peers.
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 future of accountancy belongs to those who combine ethics with innovation,” he remarked.
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. “True leadership is about service, not position,” he said, reflecting on his journey and the evolution of Uganda’s accounting profession.
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.
The Media Personality of the Year award went to Deogratius Habimana of UBC TV, honoured for his decades-long contribution to promoting the visibility of the accounting profession through consistent and impactful reporting.
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. “These awards tell a story of growth, resilience, and transformation. Every nominee represents the best of our profession and our country,” she said.
ICPAU Chief Executive Officer CPA Derick Nkajja said, “These awards remind us why we do what we do—to create impact through accountability, mentorship, and excellence.”
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.
As the evening drew to a close, one message resonated across the room: to serve is noble, but to serve with excellence is honourable.
