By Jackline Nabirye
Officer Communications & Brand Management, ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has reported improved performance in both the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) examinations following the release of the May 2026 examination results at Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz in Naguru.
The results were released by the President of ICPAU, CPA David Timothy Ediomu, following a presentation by the Vice President of ICPAU, CPA Alfred Kabuchu, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Chairperson of the Public Accountants Examinations Board (PAEB), CPA Nancy Amuge Owino.
According to PAEB, a total of 6,682 candidates sat the May 2026 examinations, comprising 6,542 CPA candidates and 140 CTA candidates. The examinations were conducted from 18 to 22 May 2026 at examination centres in Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Kampala, Mbale, Mbarara, and Nkozi.
Presenting the results, CPA Kabuchu noted that performance had improved compared to the December 2025 examination diet. The overall CPA pass rate rose from 35.5% in December 2025 to 38.0% in May 2026, while the CTA pass rate increased from 47.3% to 54.8%.
“The improvements were mainly registered across Levels II and III of the CPA programme, reflecting gradual progress in candidates’ performance,” he said.
For the CPA course, among the strongest-performing subjects were Management and Information Systems with a 96.0% pass rate, Economics and Entrepreneurship with 71.4%, and Strategy, Governance and Leadership with 55.4%.
However, PAEB observed that some subjects continue to present challenges to candidates, particularly in the application of technical knowledge, examination techniques, and interpretation of examination requirements. The Board urged students to regularly review examiners’ reports and actively participate in student support activities organised by the Institute.
CPA Kabuchu highlighted the impact of student engagement initiatives introduced by PAEB to improve examination performance. Of the 7,364 candidates who registered for the May 2026 examinations, only 2,143 participated in virtual student engagement sessions. Of those who participated and subsequently sat the examinations, 44.1% passed the papers they attempted.
“Analysis continues to demonstrate a positive relationship between participation in student engagement activities and examination success. We therefore encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to interact with subject experts and gain insights into examination expectations and techniques,” he said.
The Board also reported that 117 candidates completed the CPA course during the May 2026 examination diet, bringing the cumulative number of CPA graduates to 5,676 since the programme's inception. Of the 117 finalists, 61 were female and 56 were male.
In the CTA programme, five candidates completed the course, bringing the cumulative number of CTA finalists to 117. The Board noted significant improvements in Level II performance, with Business Accounting 2 recording a remarkable increase in pass rates from 20% in December 2025 to 100% in May 2026.
PAEB congratulated all candidates who successfully passed their examinations and encouraged those who were unsuccessful to remain focused and continue preparing for future examination diets.
“Professional qualifications are demanding, and success often requires persistence and determination,” CPA Kabuchu said.
Speaking after officially releasing the results, CPA Ediomu congratulated all successful candidates and particularly the top performers, describing their achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and determination.
“To those who have completed the CPA course, you have proven that the qualification is attainable through focus, sacrifice and perseverance. You have earned your place among a distinguished community of professionals whose expertise and integrity contribute to the growth of businesses, institutions and economies around the world,” he said.
He encouraged finalists to enrol as Associate Members of the Institute and urged those who have met all requirements for full membership to take their place among Uganda’s Certified Public Accountants.
While addressing candidates who did not attain their desired results, CPA Ediomu urged them not to lose heart, noting that setbacks are often stepping stones to future success.
The Secretary/CEO of ICPAU, CPA Derick Nkajja, advised students to make better use of examiners’ reports published on the Institute’s website.
“Students should always endeavour to understand what the examiners want. The examiners’ comments provide valuable guidance on common mistakes and examination expectations and can significantly improve performance,” he said.
The release of the May 2026 examination results marks another milestone in ICPAU’s efforts to develop competent accounting professionals capable of supporting Uganda’s economic growth and strengthening accountability in both the public and private sectors.
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