By Joan Abaasa
Communication Officer - ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has unveiled the Women in Accountancy (WiA) Committee. This took place on 7 March 2025 during the Women in Accountancy Forum held at the Imperial Royale Hotel.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, CPA Gloria Tuhaise Wakooba highlighted the importance of Practical Experience Training (PET) in equipping aspiring accountants with real-world exposure, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.
"Mentorship isn’t like tomatoes in a market; you must seek it out," she asserted.
CPA Nancy Amuge Owino, the Finance Manager at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and one of the speakers at the WiA Forum encouraged female accountants to actively pursue professional development and mentorship opportunities.
Sharing insights from her career journey, she highlighted the transformative impact of mentorship in both professional and personal growth.
“Leadership is not solely studied but learned through experience, support, networking, and mentorship,” she stated.
She urged women to strategically position themselves for leadership roles by embracing challenges, seeking knowledge, and leveraging opportunities.
CPA Amuge Owino emphasised the critical role of women in leadership, highlighting their resilience, emotional intelligence, organisational skills, and strategic thinking. She noted that leadership in accounting extends beyond technical expertise to broader managerial capabilities, reinforcing the importance of professional support networks in shaping future leaders.
Among the various speakers at the forum, CPA Freda Anne Namatovu emphasised that the true mark of an accountant is adding value to society. She urged professionals to go beyond routine tasks, embrace strategic problem-solving, and commit to continuous learning to stay ahead. Highlighting the importance of adaptability, she noted that problem-solving is what sets great accountants apart.
The WiA Committee has been established to support and advance the participation, leadership, and professional growth of women in the accountancy profession.
It will work towards promoting gender diversity, mentorship and advocacy within the accounting industry, through the following roles:
- Developing strategies to increase women’s participation in leadership roles within the accountancy profession.
- Supporting mentorship initiatives and leadership development opportunities for women accountants.
- Participating in professional networking events, fora and discussions to support career growth in accountancy.
- Conducting studies on gender representation in accountancy.
The Committee members are:
- CPA Gloria Tuhaise Wakooba (Chairperson)
- CPA Edith Nalyanti Kakuba
- CPA Florence Lawil Emojong
- CPA Rosette Nantabo Kafuko Sempala
- CPA Juliet Namyalo
- CPA Marion Atuhura
- CPA Sylivia Adong
- CPA Agnes Khwaka
- CPA Stella Atwine
- CPA Margaret Saano
They will serve for an initial 3-year term from 2025 – 2027.
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