The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) recently revealed the winners of the 2023 Accountancy Service Awards (ASA). Individuals, organizations, and companies were recognized for their outstanding performance over the past year.
CPA Japheth Katto was presented with the prestigious ICPAU Gold Service Award. He received this honor for his 23-year membership with ICPAU, extensive service on ICPAU committees and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) boards, mentoring fellow members for IFAC service, and his contributions to corporate governance practices in the region.
CPA Katto, who recently joined the Central Bank’s Board, stressed the importance of voluntary service and urged accountants to serve their communities alongside their profession. He also emphasized the significance of ethics in the accounting field.
CPA Sarah Muzungyo Chelangat, the Commissioner-Domestic Taxes at the Uganda Revenue Authority, was awarded the CPA of the Year. She was recognized for her exemplary professional conduct, involvement in ICPAU’s Taxation and Economic Policy Panel, active participation in ICPAU events, and advocacy for the recruitment of qualified accountants in workplaces.
CPA Charles Busingye, a project accountant at Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, earned the Young Accountant of the Year title. Busingye’s exceptional performance in the CPA Course, Advanced Taxation, Business Policy and Strategy, and Integration of Knowledge exams, along with his contributions to organizational transformation, were key factors in his win.
The Finance Team of the Year award went to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) finance team. Their accomplishments included establishing robust internal controls, ensuring compliance with regulations, securing funding sources, embracing technology, promoting the CPA qualification within the finance department, and upholding ethical standards.
Ardenfield was named the Accounting Firm of the Year. They demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, automation, expanding their services, and supporting staff development.
Rtn. Steven Mwanje, the Managing Director of Bridge Credit Finance, received the Unique Humanitarian Service Award for his contributions to the Uganda Rotary Cancer Program, which fights cancer in Uganda.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) received the Institutional Partner Award for its contributions to ICPAU’s growth and success, including compliance with the Accountant’s Act, 2013.
A new award category, the Members’ Regional Network of the Year Award, was introduced in 2023. The inaugural award was won by the CPA Uganda Mid-Eastern Regional Network, based in Mbale, for their efforts in promoting the CPA brand and fostering unity among members.
Don Wanyama, the Managing Director of Vision Group and the chief guest at the 2023 ASA ceremony, commended accountants for their professionalism and encouraged them to continue serving their communities and prioritizing need over greed.
Established by ICPAU in 2015, the annual Accountancy Service Awards aim to recognize excellence in the accounting sector and honor those who have contributed significantly to the accounting profession in Uganda and beyond.
