By Caroline Nassuuna
Communications Officer
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has launched the 7th edition of the Student Scholarship Programme (SSP). This took place during an event held on 15 January 2025, at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz.
While launching the 7th edition of the Scholarship programme, the Vice President of ICPAU, CPA Ronald Mutumba remarked that the programme was started to foster social development and meaningful impact to society.
“Through the scholarship programme, the Institute promotes the accountancy profession while helping students save a significant amount,” said CPA Mutumba.
Eligible applicants for the 7th edition are those who completed their Bachelor’s degree programmes in 2024. Applicants must possess a first-class or second-class honours – upper division grade.
The SSP is a financial aid programme for students of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) course. It targets the most recent Bachelor’s degree finalists from public universities and private chartered universities recognised by the National Council for Higher Education.
The programme is open to bachelor’s degree holders from any discipline/background who wish to study CPA. The scholarship package covers all ICPAU-related costs, including registration, annual studentship fees, examination fees, and study material.
Application for the 2025 scholarships is via the Institute’s website, www.icpau.co.ug and the deadline is 30 April 2025.
During the ceremony, winners of the 2024 ICPAU Student Scholarship Programme (6th Cohort) were also unveiled.
The 10 winners who applied for scholarships between February and April 2024 were announced by CPA Mutumba. They beat 359 applicants from 27 universities.
Their names are below.
|
Name |
Gender |
University |
Course |
|
|
1. |
Agaba Irene Violah |
Female |
Gulu University |
Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting |
|
2. |
Anthony Magumba Wanendeya |
Male |
Kyambogo University |
Bachelor of Civil and Building Engineering |
|
3. |
Anziku Emmanuel |
Male |
Makerere University |
Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting |
|
4. |
Chloephas Nabbanja |
Female |
Makerere University |
Bachelor of Science in Accounting |
|
5. |
Joan Claire Nyangoma |
Female |
Mbarara University of Science and Technology |
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance |
|
6. |
Kukundakwe Debrah |
Female |
Mbarara University of Science and Technology |
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting |
|
7. |
Mercy Biyinzika |
Female |
Makerere University |
Bachelor of Commerce |
|
8. |
Nakiranda Sanyu Sophia |
Female |
Kyambogo University |
Bachelor of Science in Oil and Gas Production |
|
9. |
Okello Patrick |
Male |
Kyambogo University |
Bachelor of Business Studies with Education |
|
10. |
Rodger Mukonyezi |
Male |
Makerere University |
Bachelor of Science in Accounting |
The students are scheduled to write their first examinations in May 2025, and they are required to complete the course within two and a half years.
CPA Mutumba urged the students to be resilient and committed to the programme.
“Accountants contribute significantly to community transformation. We encourage you to use the knowledge and skills you will acquire to uphold professional excellence, as you, too, contribute to this cause,” remarked CPA Mutumba.
CPA Charles Byaruhanga Bahakwoka, Director Education, advised the students to work hard and deliver what the institute expects of them.
“You, the beneficiaries, are responsible for living according to ICPAU’s expectations. Study diligently and perform to the best,” said CPA Byaruhanga.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest, CPA Andrew Kawere, Deputy Director of Payment Systems Oversight & Policy at the Bank of Uganda, shared his CPA story with the beneficiaries, assuring them that the CPA course will offer them the professional skills and competencies required for the job market.
“Time waits for no man. As a university student at Makerere, I chose to enrol for CPA, which I did concurrently with the Bachelor of Commerce. By the time I graduated with a first-class degree, I had progressed and I was equipped to compete favourably within the job market,” explained CPA Kawere.
The ICPAU Student Scholarship Programme was introduced in 2019 as part of the Institute’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The aim is to nurture talent in the field of professional accountancy. The programme is in its sixth cycle and there are 60 beneficiaries to date.
The past beneficiaries shared their experiences with the newest winners as a guarantee that the journey they are about to embark on is absolutely achievable, with commitment and perseverance.
Lilian Bukirwa, a CPA finalist from the inaugural cohort of the Student Scholarship Programme, encouraged beneficiaries to stay focused, acknowledging that while the CPA journey is challenging, it is also attainable with determination. Similarly, Hanifa Nalugi, a CPA finalist from the third cohort, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Institute for providing opportunities to aspiring professional accountants. She urged beneficiaries to remain dedicated, emphasising that the CPA course, though demanding, is achievable through commitment.
On the other hand, CPA Beatrice Wanyirigira, a graduate from the 1st cohort of the scholarship programme, shared her inspiring CPA journey and emphasised the importance of having well-organised work plans. She encouraged the beneficiaries to adopt structured approaches to their studies, which is key to successfully navigating the CPA program.
Bukirwa and Nalugo are CPA finalists and they will graduate during the Institute’s 15th graduation ceremony on 6 March 2025.
END
