By Eric Zachary Mugisha
What is FAQ?
The Foreign Accountancy Qualifications (FAQ) Masterclass is a final opportunity for holders of recognised foreign accountancy qualifications earned before 1 December 2013 to become eligible for accountancy recognition in Uganda. It’s a specialised route designed to integrate experienced professionals into the national accounting framework without repeating foundational training.
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) recently held a dynamic and informative X-Space session hosted by Communications and Marketing Consultant, Eric Zachary Mugisha. The session brought together esteemed professionals, including CPA Charles Lutimba (Director – Standards & Regulation), CPA Ambrose Mugisha (Head of Education & Training), and Lydia Tusiime (Manager – Business Development), to shed light on the upcoming FAQ Masterclass, scheduled for 21st–26th July 2025.
The virtual discussion tackled the intricacies of foreign accountancy qualifications in the Ugandan context and the special opportunity presented by the FAQ Masterclass for holders of such credentials.
What is the FAQ Masterclass?
According to CPA Ambrose Mugisha, the FAQ Masterclass is a tailored training and assessment programme for individuals who obtained foreign accountancy qualifications before 1 December 2013. This includes qualifications from bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, and other recognised institutions outside the East African region. The Masterclass offers a final opportunity to align with the Ugandan accountancy system without undergoing the full CPA Uganda qualification process.
Participants will study four core modules—Taxation, Public Finance Management, Business & Company Law, and Audit & Assurance—during an intensive one-week session, followed by formal assessments. Successful candidates will be eligible for Associate Membership with ICPAU.
“This is a one-time opportunity,” Mugisha emphasised. “After 2025, those who miss this route will need to follow the full CPA programme pathway, including exams and practical experience.”
Legal and Regulatory Foundation
CPA Charles Lutimba explained the legal foundation behind the requirement for ICPAU membership in Uganda. He highlighted the Accountants Act, which mandates that only ICPAU members can be recognised as professional accountants in the country. While global accountancy bodies may confer international qualifications, only ICPAU membership ensures local recognition and compliance with national laws.
He also referenced key legal rulings where courts upheld the requirement for ICPAU membership in roles involving public financial oversight and compliance. “Professional recognition isn’t just about your qualification—it’s about compliance with the national framework,” he explained.
Lutimba further clarified that while mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) exist among East African accountancy bodies, qualifications acquired from outside the region must go through a local validation process. The Masterclass serves this function for eligible professionals with pre-2013 credentials.
Global and Regional Recognition
Lydia Tusiime spoke about the global and regional stature of the CPA Uganda qualification. Uganda’s active membership in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and its participation in regional MRAs make CPA Uganda a globally respected designation.
“Our members benefit from international exposure, cross-border job mobility, and the chance to contribute to the shaping of global accountancy standards,” Tusiime noted. She also reiterated that the FAQ Masterclass is part of ICPAU’s larger mission to uphold professional excellence and protect the public interest.
Final Call to Action
The X-Space ended with a strong call to action. All eligible professionals were urged to submit their documents for review and prepare for the July 2025 session.
Applicants outside Uganda are encouraged to email their credentials for validation ahead of the course.
For more details and application guidance, visit www.icpau.co.ug or email: faqholders@icpau.co.ug
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