By Joan Abaasa
Communications Intern- ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 11th CPA Economic Forum from July 19th to 21st, 2023. The event will take place at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, while also offering an online participation option.
The theme of this year's forum is "National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," aligning with Uganda's third National Development Plan (NDP III) and its Vision 2040, aimed at transforming the nation into a modern and prosperous country within the next three decades.
The CPA Economic Forum will address eight key topics derived from the priorities outlined in NDP III. These topics encompass various sectors crucial to Uganda's socio-economic progress. The selected discussion areas include:
1. Cooperative Societies as a Driver for Socio-Economic Transformation
2. Role of Security in Nation Building
3. Empowering Communities through Agricultural Value Addition
4. Labour Exports: Socio-Economic Benefits and Challenges
5. Education Sector: Reforms in Curriculum
6. Uganda's Oil and Gas Sector: Value chain for Public Value
7. Hospital, Tourism Management, and Marketing
8. Industrialisation as a Driver for Self-Reliance
By focusing on these topics, the CPA Economic Forum aims to actively contribute to the ongoing efforts of transforming Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation. CPA Derick Nkajja, the Secretary/CEO of ICPAU, highlighted the significance of the chosen theme, stating, "In selecting the theme, our aim is to contribute towards the ongoing efforts to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous country."
The resolutions derived from the discussions at the forum will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. This initiative ensures that accountants' valuable contributions shape the country's economic growth and influence the government's budgeting process on an annual basis.
The CPA Economic Forum, introduced in 2012, has served as a pivotal platform for dialogue on national economic matters, enabling accountants to actively participate in the formulation of Uganda's economic policies. Over the years, the forum has provided valuable recommendations to the government, with ten sets of policy recommendations already forwarded.
“The 11th CPA Economic Forum is open to all individuals and will attract stakeholders who drive the economy,” said CPA David Sserebe, the Chairman of the Events Management Committee remarked at a recent media briefing for the 11th CPA Economic Forum.
Renowned economic expert, Dr. Fred Muhumuza, acknowledged the accountants' consistent contributions during a recent dialogue on the 2023/24 national budget. He expressed appreciation for their ongoing efforts in shaping national economic policy formulation.
The 11th CPA Economic Forum fosters multidisciplinary collaboration, attracting a diverse range of professionals, including tax consultants, economists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investment experts, government officials, and development enthusiasts.
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