By Joan Abaasa
Communications Officer
ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has honoured John Bosco Ntangaare, the former Director Education for 26 years of service to the organisation. At a colourful farewell dinner held on 25 July 2024 at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz, Ntangaare was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the establishment and growth of the framework for professional accountancy education in Uganda.
Fondly known as JB, Ntangaare joined ICPAU in April 1998 and retired in June 2024. He was the Institute’s first Examinations Officer and the only member of staff in the unit until further recruitments were conducted in 2006.
Ntangaare was instrumental in the formative years of the Certified Public Accountants of Uganda [CPA(U)] course, often travelling to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland for training and benchmarking. Later, he spearheaded the introduction of examinations for the Accounting Technicians course and the Certified Tax Advisor course. Under his leadership, the Institute has realised several advancements in the curriculum for professional accountancy education in Uganda. Over 6,000 students have qualified through the ICPAU examinations schemes.
Ntangaare is also recognised for his contribution to growth of the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme through premium events like the ICPAU Annual Seminar which is the largest convention of professional accountants in Uganda attracting over 1,500 participants, and the CPA Economic Forum, among others.
Throughout the evening, guests shared stories and reflected on JB's legacy, acknowledging him as a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of inspiration to many.
"I have failed is a mindset!" CPA Ronald Mutumba, the Vice President of ICPAU echoed this quotation from Ntangaare, sharing how it inspired him during his early days as a student of ICPAU.
“I am a proud accountant because John Bosco Ntangaare counselled me when I thought I had failed and no longer had the courage to progress with my CPA studies,” the ICPAU Vice President recalled.
CPA Albert Otete, the chairperson of ICPAU’s Education and Research committee presented Ntangaare with a book titled Facts About the US Presidents from George Washington to Clinton by Joseph Nathan.
CPA Prof. Laura Orobia, the chairperson of ICPAU’s Public Accountants Examinations Board recognised Ntangaare as a humourous, well connected, solution-oriented, compassionate and generous human being with a heart for charity.
Ntangaare thanked ICPAU for providing him with the opportunity to learn, grow and serve. He acknowledged ICPAU as a good employer, and Professional Accountancy Organisation with one of the most solid frameworks for professional accountancy education in Africa. At the time of his retirement, Ntangaare was the Director Education.
With JB’s retirement, the Council has appointed CPA Charles Byaruhanga Bahakwonka as the new Director of Education, who assumed the role on 1 July 2024. CPA Byaruhanga was previously the Examinations Manager at ICPAU. He joined the Institute in 2006.
The event was attended by ICPAU members of staff, past presidents of ICPAU, members of the ICPAU Council, and members of the Public Accountants Examinations Board (PAEB) and the Education and Research committee of ICPAU. The general membership and students of ICPAU will have an opportunity to honour Ntangaare at the ICPAU Annual Seminar in September this year.
What they said about John Bosco Ntangaare
"JB’s journey with the Institute has been nothing short of inspirational. After 26 years of exemplary service, it is an honour and a privilege to speak about his contributions. JB has been a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of inspiration to many. His tireless efforts in nurturing the next generation of accountants have left an indelible mark on countless lives."
CPA Ronald Mutumba
ICPAU Vice President
"I thank JB for the outstanding work that he has accomplished for the Education and Research Committee of the Institute. He has served exceptionally well."
CPA Dr Albert Richards Otete
Chairperson
ICPAU Education and Research Committee
"I met JB when I came to the Institute to enrol in 2005. The warm welcome I received made me feel that I was in the right place to pursue the right course. I later joined the examiners’ team. JB is jolly and full of stories, always able to connect with someone somewhere. He is compassionate, kind, and generous."
CPA Prof. Laura Orobia
Chairperson PAEB
"26 years ago, John was identified by Pius Bahemuka (RIP) from Mengo S.S. to join the Institute as an Examinations Officer. I have worked with John on many projects, and I remember how he would tirelessly find solutions for students. John has been diligent, ethical, and a good listener throughout the years. He was confident working with professionals despite being new to the accounting field at the beginning. John, we admire your confidence and leadership."
CPA Joseph Baliddawa
4th ICPAU President
"When I met JB, I knew he was a lover of literature, so I wrote him a poem because he is practical in spirit and diligent in deed. As an accountant, he led with a heart full and true. We celebrate JB.'"
CPA Frederick Kibbedi
8th ICPAU President
"I first saw John at a printing house in 1998. He then recruited me to do some work, and his attention to detail was remarkable. He taught me the true meaning of teamwork and how to include everyone in decisions by using the word ‘we.’ Thank you John for being a team player."
CPA Derick Nkajja
Secretary/CEO - ICPAU
