By Caroline Nassuuna
Communications Officer
ICPAU
MAT ABACUS Business School, in partnership with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), officially unveiled the 7th cohort of the CFO Leadership Academy (Class of 2025/2026). This was at Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
The event doubled as the graduation ceremony of the 6th Cohort.
The CFO Leadership Academy is designed to enhance the strategic leadership capabilities of Chief Finance Officers (CFOs), equipping them to serve as forward-thinking leaders who shape business strategy in today’s dynamic and evolving environment.
Delivering the keynote address, Paul Ikopit - CEO, Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTCL), emphasised the essential attributes of effective leadership, strategic thinking, agility and innovation, data-driven decision-making, stakeholder-centred leadership, and a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
“We live in a volatile and complex economic environment. As leaders, you must think right before acting right. Understand the organisation you serve, for this will position you as a transformational leader. Be value creators, not seekers,” remarked Ikopit
Additionally, CPA Derick Nkajja – CEO, ICPAU, underscored the graduates’ responsibility to advance the accountancy profession. He challenged them to leverage their newly acquired knowledge to shape the future of the profession and to make decisions that will benefit generations to come.
“Uganda ranks highest in accountancy mapping in Africa. You are the standard-bearers of that ranking. Go and prove it by being the best you can be,” he noted.
In his opening remarks, CPA Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka, Team Leader at MAT ABACUS Business School, congratulated the graduates on completing what he called a transformative leadership journey. He urged them to apply their knowledge and skills meaningfully in their workplaces.
“Leadership is not about titles, a designated parking spot, or others carrying your bag,” he said. “It is about building a legacy anchored in vision. That is what is expected from each of you.”
Twenty (20) financial leaders from various organisations received awards and certificates upon completing the course. The graduates shared heartfelt testimonies of personal and professional transformation.
Martha Akello - Head of Finance, Chicken Tonight, reflected on her experience in the Academy during her testimonial.
“It is time for us to go and shine, supporting and understanding team leadership, and being enablers and creators of value,” noted Akello.
The event stood out as a testimony of visionary leadership with the skills to reshape a future filled with organisational sustainability and stability.
The 7th cohort will commence classes on 22 May 2025, running until May 2026.
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