CPA Ben Patrick Kagoro, the Chairman of the Deposit Protection Fund and the 6th President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has been honoured with the ICPAU Gold Service Award at the 10th Accountancy Service Awards.
Among other achievements, Kagoro was recognised for mentoring CPAs, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for future accountants, professionalising the finance and audit functions of institutions, and playing a major role in establishing transformative policies that strengthened ICPAU’s governance and administrative systems.
In his acceptance speech, he pledged a lifelong commitment to developing accountants and promoting the values of ICPAU. He further encouraged accountants to strive for excellence and set honourable examples for their subordinates.
“Whatever we do, we strive to excel so that when we are out of it, they say oh, he did a good job and whoever follows will say, I cannot shame my predecessors,” Kagoro advised.
For her all-round exemplary professional performance and inspirational endeavours, CPA Gloria Tuhaise Wakooba the Director of the Procurement and Disposal Department at Bank of Uganda received the CPA of the Year Award.
Wakooba attributed her accomplishments to her supportive husband who has been by her side throughout her educational and career journeys, cheering her on and supporting her with family roles, including the domestic duties and carrying their children to Gloria’s classes so that she could nurse them, essentially enabling her to balance her career and parenting roles.
The Woman Accountant of the Year Award was presented to CPA Irene Mwoyogwona, the Head of Finance at Pride Bank and President of the Rotary Club of Najjera.
Among several accomplishments, Mwoyogwona was honoured for her transformational leadership, notably championing the transformation of a microfinance institution into a bank.
Mwoyogwona thanked God for his grace. She also thanked Pride Bank for giving her the opportunity to serve with excellence, and she thanked her team members for their collaboration.
CPA Stephen Muchelule, the Assistant Manager, Business Risk Services at Grant Thornton Uganda, was presented with the Young Accountant of the Year Award for his technical proficiency, mentorship contribution, service to the Institute and promoting the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) course.
Muchelule acknowledged his mentor, CPA Ronald Mutumba who encouraged him to professionalise at a youthful age.
The Accounting Firm of the Year Award was presented to Abdul & Associates. The firm was recognised for a strong commitment to quality, including implementing the recommendations of the ICPAU Quality Assurance Review team and great improvements in its quality management systems through automation, participating in the ICPAU pro bono initiative and supporting the professional development of its staff.
The Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) Finance Team won the Finance Team of the Year Award.
The Members Services Committee noted that the Qcil finance team’s commitment to transparency, continuous development, and ethical governance reflects a deep sense of responsibility and excellence.
Other Awardees were:
Ms. Ann Ssebunya, founder of Drugs Hapana Initiative ― Unique Humanitarian Service Award, for her work in mental health and drug abuse prevention.
MAT ABACUS Business School ― Institutional Partner of the Year, for their outstanding contribution in the field of professional accountancy education.
Deogratius Habimana, Editor at UBC TV ― Media Personality of the Year Award, for his dedication, professionalism, and significant contribution to enhancing public awareness and appreciation of the accountancy profession in Uganda through journalism.
Hon. CPA Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), who presided as Chief Guest, commended ICPAU for championing international standards such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the International Non-Profit Accounting Standard. He urged accountants to embrace their role as custodians of accountability.
“To serve is noble, but to serve with excellence is honourable. Let us always strive to impact society with passion, diligence, and integrity,” he said, pledging government’s continued support to professionalise and strengthen the sector.
Reflecting on the Awards’ growth, CPA Sandra Nakibuule Batte, Chair of the ICPAU Members Services Committee, said the transformation from a side event at the Annual Seminar to a dedicated gala underlines the profession’s commitment to celebrating excellence. This year, ICPAU received 142 nominations across the categories.
ICPAU Secretary/CEO, CPA Derick Nkajja, said the awards provide a mechanism for recognising distinction in service and growing the profession.
“Through this recognition, we are able to create impact and strengthen our values of integrity and excellence,” he noted.
The 10th ASA dinner reaffirmed ICPAU’s mission to uphold professionalism and integrity while positioning accountants as drivers of sustainable growth in Uganda.
The 10th edition of the Accountancy Service Awards (ASA) was held on 3 October 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, marking a decade of recognising excellence in the profession. For the first time, the ASA were organised as a standalone event, giving the occasion a premium feel befitting its role in celebrating the profession’s highest achievers.
Under the theme “Accountancy: Serving with Excellence,” the awards recognised nine winners drawn from individuals, firms, and institutions whose work reflects integrity, innovation, and a commitment to national development.
Organised by ICPAU, the ASA were introduced in 2015 as premium annual awards of excellence aimed at recognising persons or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the accountancy profession in Uganda and beyond.
Access awardees’ citations here
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