By Abraham Malinga
ICPAU
Accountants have been urged to take the lead in safeguarding digital trust as Uganda’s business environment increasingly shifts into the digital space.
Speaking at the 30th Annual Seminar of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Peter Kahiigi, Chief Technology Officer of Centenary Technology Services, encouraged accountants to embrace cybersecurity as a critical pillar of financial integrity and sustainable business.
Kahiigi noted that accountants are custodians of some of the most sensitive data, including financial records, payroll systems, tax information, and personal client details.
He warned that any breach in such information could have catastrophic consequences not only for clients but also for the credibility of the profession.
Kahiigi emphasised that clients and boards now expect CPAs to go beyond traditional auditing roles and provide assurance on cybersecurity controls, advise on data protection risks, and integrate cyber risk into their assurance services.
Highlighting the growing cyber threat landscape in Uganda, Kahiigi said that weak digital systems are increasingly being exploited for fraud and sophisticated scams.
He urged accountants to take proactive steps, including conducting risk assessments, implementing strong controls such as multi-factor authentication and data backups, and developing clear incident response plans.
He also advised professionals to champion realistic cybersecurity budgets, invest in continuous upskilling and certification in cybersecurity, and collaborate with peers to strengthen the resilience of the profession as a whole.
Kahiigi reminded participants that compliance with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 is not optional, noting that accountants are legally liable as both data controllers and processors.
Non-compliance, he said, attracts heavy fines and reputational risks. He encouraged accountants to view cybersecurity investments not as costs but as essential safeguards for business continuity and financial integrity.
“In the digital age, trust is not given; it is earned, protected, and renewed with every click, every transaction, and every client interaction,” Kahiigi said, underscoring that building a culture of digital trust is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment.
The ICPAU Annual Seminar is a three-day event that blends technical learning with soft skills development, team building, and recreation, creating a platform for both professional advancement and personal enrichment. The seminar was being held from 3 – 5 September 2025 at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe and online.
