By Jackline Nabirye
Communications Officer – ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) held its 1st Research Conference, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of the accountancy profession in Uganda. The event, held on 14 November 2025 at Skyz Hotel Naguru, brought together accounting professionals, academics, policymakers, regulators, researchers and students, all united by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and strengthening systems of accountability through research.
This inaugural conference was organised under the theme “Strengthening Accountability, Sustainability, and Professionalism through Evidence-Based Research,” a theme that reflects ICPAU’s strategic shift towards embedding research and innovation into the core of professional practice. It is the first conference of its kind by ICPAU and will now be held annually.
In his keynote address, CPA Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka, presented an in-depth reflection on how research and evidence-based practice strengthen accountability, sustainability and professionalism. Drawing from decades of academic and professional experience, he stressed that accountants cannot claim professional excellence without a strong grounding in research, intellectual inquiry and methodological rigour.
Prof. Sejjaaka challenged the profession to build context-based knowledge, confront inherent biases and contribute evidence-based solutions to Uganda’s socio-economic challenges such as tax administration, fiscal policy, business ethics, poverty and the cost of doing business. He emphasised that professionalism in accountancy extends beyond technical competence to include ethical behavior, commitment to public interest and a deep understanding of the systems accountants serve.
Representing the ICPAU President, Vice President CPA Alfred Kabuchu welcomed participants and reaffirmed that the conference directly aligns with the Institute’s strategic pillars of promoting the CPA brand and influencing economic policy. He noted that in an era shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, credible, evidence-based information is fundamental for decision-making across all sectors. CPA Kabuchu underscored that the insights from the research papers presented will inform ICPAU’s technical guidance and regulatory frameworks to ensure members remain globally competitive.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Secretary/CEO, the Director Standards and Regulations, CPA Charles Lutimba, noted that the conference represents a new chapter for the profession. He emphasised the importance of research in enabling accountants to base professional judgments on fact, data and tested evidence, rather than opinion or emotion. He highlighted that accountants play a critical role in supporting Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, and that integrating research into professional practice strengthens national systems of accountability and fiscal management while giving Ugandan scholars visibility on the global stage. CPA Lutimba added that the outcomes of the conference will guide policy advocacy, improvements in accounting and auditing standards, and future CPD programmes.
The conference featured presentations on a wide range of emerging and high-impact subjects, including artificial intelligence in accounting, ESG reporting, internal audit governance, energy transition, taxation and sustainability disclosures. Presenters included Zalikah Beatrice Nabaterega, CPA Sharon Nuwasiima, CPA Edson Serve Ashabahebwa, CPA Dorothy N. Kiyaga, David Baganda and CPA Simon Peter Mulati. Their research explored the evolving landscape of the profession and highlighted how innovation, technology and responsible practice can shape Uganda’s economic future.
Participants engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing knowledge sharing, strengthening peer review, building research capacity and creating networks between academia and practitioners. The conference also provided a platform for emerging researchers to gain visibility and contribute to national debates on public policy, financial reporting and corporate governance. ICPAU noted that the insights generated will inform regulatory reforms, technical standards, professional development courses and policy engagement with government agencies.
ICPAU leadership encouraged participants not to view the event as a one-day engagement but as the beginning of a long-term effort to embed research into every decision, audit, policy and boardroom conversation. The success of the inaugural conference sets a strong foundation for future annual conferences and reaffirms ICPAU’s commitment to promoting transparency, sustainability and professional excellence through research.
Special appreciation goes to the Research Panel of the Education and Research Committee of Council, CPA Prof. Laura Orobia, CPA Dr. Albert Richards Otete, and CPA Prof. Samuel Ssejaaka, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in the successful establishment of this inaugural Research Conference.
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