By Joan Abaasa
Communications Officer- ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) in partnership with the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), held the 44th Annual National Mathematical Conference at the Yusuf Lule Teaching Facility at Makerere University. This was on 26 July 2024. The event, themed Mathematics is the Hinge for All Careers, was followed by the Uganda Mathematics Quiz Contest on 27 July, where winners in various categories such as; Primary, Secondary (O & A Level), University, Regional, and Quiz (O & A Level) were awarded.
Dr Joseph Ssebuliba, the President of the Uganda Mathematical Society welcomed students and teachers, expressing his gratitude for their participation. He also shared valuable tips on improving mathematics skills, noting the positive impact of access to information on students' intelligence.
Prof. Sunday Angoma Okello, the chief guest, delivered a lecture highlighting the prevalent mathematical challenges among students and the need for collective efforts to address them. He emphasised the importance of rethinking teaching styles to focus on the relevance and application of mathematics in society.
"We must face our challenges and appoint career guidance officers to detect talent in students. By working together and leveraging technology, we can significantly enhance learning," Prof. Sunday remarked.
He further pointed out the gaps in interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence among teachers and encouraged students to view numbers as practical tools. He also stressed the importance of logical and strategic games, puzzles, and envisioning future scenarios to stimulate thinking.
Prof. Sunday expressed concern about the significant dropout rate among girls, particularly in P.5 and P.7, who often dodge classes, find mathematics difficult, and dislike their teachers. He challenged educators to popularise the Miss Mathematics award among girls, elevate it to the level of East African Mathematics Contests, and give every child an opportunity to excel in mathematics.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Sunday offered several recommendations to improve the mathematics landscape in Uganda. These included popularising math contests in all schools, reaching out to bright students across the country, providing reading materials to support academic success, and increasing bursaries and scholarships.
The keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Sinobia Kenny, an Academic Manager at the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre, reinforced the theme by highlighting that mathematics is fundamental to all careers. She quoted Nelson Mandela, stating, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Dr. Kenny emphasised that passion comes with challenges and noted that many teachers possess experience and knowledge but lack vision.
Dr. Kenny advised educators to prepare learners for the real world, as teachers have the power to make or break students. She stressed the importance of focusing on mathematical teaching, not just content, and advocated for the empowerment of teachers at every level—primary, secondary, and university—to be equipped with the necessary resources to provide value to young people.
The conference concluded with a call to action for teachers and students to work collaboratively in promoting mathematics and its applications, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in this essential field.
ICPAU has partnered with the Uganda Mathematical Society in organising the mathematics contest, for 12 Years.
“Mathematics is a fundamental aspect of our daily life, and this applies to all members of society accountant or non accountant,” said ICPAU’s Chief Executive Officer, CPA Derick Nkajja.
“Therefore, ICPAU’s aim is to support the development of mathematical skills among the youth in the country,” he added.
ICPAU was represented at the ceremonies by Prosper Sendagire, Cedric Owora, Peruth Kyobe, and David Okongo.
END
