By Caroline Nassuuna
Communications Officer
ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has today, Monday 19 May 2025, officially commenced the May 2025 examinations. These examinations are being conducted at designated centres across the country, including Kampala, Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Nkozi, and will run until Friday 23 May 2025.
A total of 7,334 candidates have registered for this examination sitting. Of these, 7,107 are enrolled for the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) course, 82 for the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD), and 145 for the Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) course. This figure reflects a modest decline from the 7,750 students who sat the examinations in December 2024.
In terms of gender, the sitting includes 3,224 male and 4,110 female candidates. In comparison to the December 2024 Examinations gender parity, the number of female candidates sitting for the Examinations has consistently remained higher than that of their male counterparts. In December 2024, 4,252 of the candidates were female, and 3,498 were male.
The environment at examination centres across the country has been overwhelmingly positive, with students arriving well-prepared and focused. According to Emily Namwano, a Level 3 CPA student who sat for her Advanced Financial Reporting paper earlier today, the Institute has consistently fostered a conducive atmosphere for examinations.
"Except for minor and anticipated hiccups, the entire process was smooth. The environment enabled us to concentrate and give our best. We are hopeful about the outcomes of our papers," Ms Namwano remarked.
This reflects a broader nationwide trend, with students expressing appreciation for the professionalism, organisation, and support provided at all centres, factors that have contributed significantly to a calm and enabling examination experience.
Speaking about the significance of the examinations, CPA Derick Nkajja – Secretary/CEO ICPAU, noted:
“Examinations provide a vital platform to assess the knowledge and readiness of aspiring accountants. They are central to the Institute’s mandate to promote and regulate the accountancy profession in Uganda, while also enabling students to advance in their careers through successive qualifications.”
Meanwhile, CPA Charles Byaruhanga - Director Education, ICPAU, encouraged candidates to prepare thoroughly and manage their time effectively, particularly those in Kampala where ongoing roadworks may cause traffic delays.
“It is a rainy season. Please monitor weather updates closely and take necessary precautions to ensure timely arrival at your examination centres. Missing a paper due to poor planning is avoidable.”
In preparation for the examinations, the Public Accountants Examinations Board (PAEB) conducted a series of briefing sessions to provide candidates with vital examination guidelines. These were complemented by interactive student engagement webinars, aimed at equipping students with practical tools and strategies for success.
ICPAU’s professional qualifications are structured to produce highly skilled and ethical accountants capable of contributing meaningfully to the profession and the national economy. Graduates pursue careers such as financial and management accountants, auditors, tax consultants, finance managers, executive leaders, among others.
Established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament, now the Accountants Act, Cap 294, ICPAU continues to play a pertinent role in upholding accounting standards and professionalism in Uganda. Its work is overseen by a Council and supported by specialised committees, including PAEB, which is charged with the administration of professional examinations.
-END-
