ICPAU Honours Former Council and Committee Member at 2025 Presidential Dinner

By Caroline Nassuuna

Communications Officer

ICPAU

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has honoured its distinguished members for their outstanding service to the Institute and the accountancy profession during the Presidential dinner held on 30 April 2025 at Hotel Africana, Kampala.

The event recognised individuals who have, since the Institute’s inception voluntarily contributed to the advancement of the profession and the nation. These include members who have served on various committees of Council, the ICPAU Secretariat, and the Council itself.

In his opening remarks, CPA Derick Nkajja, the Secretary/CEO of ICPAU, acknowledged the crucial role these members have played in the Institute’s success.

“Today, we celebrate and remember the past, while looking forward to the continuous growth of our profession. We honour those who freely gave their labour for the service of the nation,” he stated.

More than 200 individuals were recognised at the glamorous evening, including current and former Council members, committee members, and past Presidents of the Institute. The occasion was a true celebration of leadership, service, and legacy in the accountancy profession.

In her address, ICPAU Council President, CPA Josephine Okui Ossiya, paid special tribute to the Institute’s founders, describing them as passionate visionaries with limited means but immense dedication.

“From a crammed, single-roomed office with just six staff members in 1998, the Institute has grown remarkably. Today, we own several properties, including a multi-billion-shilling modern construction project underway at Plot 42, Bukoto Street. We also have acres of freehold land in Lubowa and recently acquired land for the development of a state-of-the-art examination centre in Kampala,” she said.

CPA Ossiya also honoured departed leaders, including Fawn Cousens and Pius Bahemuka, for their foundational contributions to the Institute.

“They laboured to impact the lives of both today and tomorrow,” she noted.

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, CPA Stephen Ineget, Chairperson of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards Committee, expressed deep appreciation to the Institute.

“Gratitude is key to growth and progress. Recognising the work of those who have built ICPAU over the years is both commendable and necessary. I applaud the Institute for this thoughtful gesture,” he remarked.

The 2025 President’s Dinner came at a time when the current ICPAU Council is preparing to conclude its term of service. Since taking office in 2023, the Council has achieved several milestones: establishing a research arm for the Institute, introducing masterclasses tailored to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) goals, automating member and student services, setting up a benevolent fund for bereavement support, and launching Regional Member Networks to strengthen the presence of accountancy across the country.

The evening was not only a tribute to the past but also a reaffirmation of the Institute’s commitment to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for the accountancy profession in Uganda.

The following past Council and Committee members were recognised: