The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has recognized outstanding performers in the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) examinations for May and December 2025, naming the best students across various subjects during its recent graduation ceremony.
The ICPAU Merit Awards were presented by CPA Sandra Nakibuule Baate, a council member of the institute, in recognition of the candidates who demonstrated exceptional academic performance in the professional examinations.
Top ATD Candidates
The students recognized as the best performers in their respective ATD papers include:
ATD 3 – Principles of Business & Company Law: Able Damalie Kuteesa
ATD 4 – Business Mathematics and Statistics: Immaculate Nankinga
ATD 5 – Principles of Cost & Management Accounting: Sumaya Kemigisa
ATD 6 – Economics and Entrepreneurship: Luke Kasajja
ATD 7 – Information & Communications Technology: Immaculate Nankinga
ATD 8 – Business Management: Able Damalie Kuteesa
ATD 9 – Financial Accounting: Winniefred Nakawuma and Pius Omuna
ATD 10 – Principles of Taxation: Joan Oshaba
ATD 11 – Principles of Finance: Joan Oshaba
ATD 12 – Principles of Auditing: Janat Balikanda Nampiima
Some candidates stood out by topping more than one paper, with Immaculate Nankinga, Able Damalie Kuteesa, and Joan Oshaba each emerging best in multiple subjects.
412 Graduate from ICPAU Programs
During the ceremony, ICPAU graduated 412 students across its professional programmes.
Of these:
378 students completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) programme
12 students graduated with the Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) qualification
22 students completed the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) programme
The graduates sat their final examinations in May, August, and December 2025.
Notably, the ATD graduates represent the final cohort to be assessed directly by ICPAU, as future assessments for the programme will be handled by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB).
Professionals Urged to Adapt to AI Era
Speaking at the ceremony, George Arodi, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Baati Limited, challenged Ugandan professionals to become more competitive, innovative, and proactive in the face of rapid technological change.
Arodi warned that artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are reshaping the global labour market and may reduce employment opportunities in some companies.
He revealed that companies within the Safal Group, including Uganda Baati, are considering reducing their workforce by about 15 percent as part of adjustments linked to technological changes.
According to Arodi, accountants must move beyond traditional roles and become actively involved in strategic decision-making and organisational operations.
Future Custodians of Transparency
Nancy Amuge Owino, chairperson of the Public Accountants Examinations Board, reminded the graduates that society expects accountants to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability.
“The knowledge and skills you have acquired place upon you a responsibility to contribute positively to society and to the growth of our economy,” she said.
The message was echoed by Timothy David Ediomu, president of the ICPAU Council, who noted that the qualifications equip graduates with the technical expertise, ethical grounding, and professional judgement required in today’s complex professional environment.
Although the CPA graduates have completed their academic requirements, they will only become fully certified public accountants after obtaining membership with ICPAU, for which they currently qualify as associate members.
ICPAU Chief Executive Officer Derick Nkajja also highlighted the importance of the Certified Tax Advisor programme, noting that Uganda’s large informal economy still falls largely outside the tax net, limiting the country’s domestic revenue mobilisation.
He urged the graduates to uphold high ethical standards as they begin their professional journeys and contribute to national development.
