Ms. Nancy Owino Amuge, the Manager of Finance at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), has been elected as a member of the Governing Council of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), in a move aimed at bolstering professionalism in the field of accountancy.
The results of the electronically conducted elections, held from June 12-23, 2025, were announced at the ICPAU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday, June 27, 2025, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
This election is a testament to Ms. Amuge’s professional standing and expertise, and carries substantial implications for the future direction and oversight of the accountancy profession in Uganda.
The UCAA extended heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Amuge, expressing strong confidence that she will “serve with integrity, excellence, and vision as she contributes to shaping the future of the accountancy profession in Uganda.”
Role of the ICPAU Governing Council
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) is the national professional accountancy organisation, established by the Accountants Act 2013, to regulate and maintain the standard of accountancy in Uganda.
Its Governing Council is the apex decision-making body, responsible for:
Setting and Maintaining Standards
The Council mandates the adoption of high-quality international accounting and auditing standards like International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Standard on Auditing (ISA), ensuring that financial reporting in Uganda meets global benchmarks.
Licensing and Regulation
It sets licensing requirements for accounting firms, issues and renews licenses, and maintains a register of practising accountants, ensuring only qualified professionals operate in the field.
Professional Development
The Council establishes initial professional development (IPD) and continuous professional development (CPD) requirements for accountants, overseeing examinations (through its Public Accountants Examination Board) and training to ensure members remain competent and up-to-date.
Ethical Conduct and Discipline
It prescribes and regulates the conduct of accountants, enforcing disciplinary measures against members found to violate the profession’s strict code of ethics.
What Amuge’s Appointment Means for ICPAU
Ms. Amuge’s appointment to this influential body brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to the ICPAU Governing Council:
Bolstering Public Sector Accounting
As the Manager of Finance for the UCAA, a critical government entity, Ms. Amuge brings invaluable insights into public sector financial management, budgeting, and accountability.
Her presence on the Council will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance public finance management systems, promote transparency, and ensure the efficient use of public funds across government agencies. This aligns with ICPAU’s role in adopting and approving public sector accounting standards.
Diverse Sectoral Representation
The inclusion of a senior finance professional from the aviation sector enriches the Council’s perspective. The aviation industry is complex, capital-intensive, and highly regulated, facing unique financial reporting challenges, international compliance requirements, and substantial infrastructure projects. Ms. Amuge’s firsthand experience will be crucial in ensuring that the ICPAU’s policies and standards are relevant and practical for diverse economic sectors in Uganda.
Integrity and Excellence
UCAA’s congratulatory message specifically highlights Ms. Amuge’s anticipated contributions in “integrity, excellence, and vision.” These qualities are cardinal for the ICPAU Governing Council, because it must uphold the highest ethical standards in a profession that is vital for economic stability and combating financial misconduct.
Promoting Women in Leadership
Her appointment also serves as an inspiration and reinforces ICPAU’s commitment to gender inclusiveness within the accountancy profession.
As a prominent female leader in finance within a critical government agency, her presence on the Council encourages other women to pursue leadership roles and contributes to a more inclusive professional landscape.
Ms. Amuge’s election to the ICPAU Governing Council represents a strategic gain for both the professional body and the country.
Her expertise will help to shape robust accounting standards, enhance professional conduct, and ultimately strengthen Uganda’s financial ecosystem, contributing to greater transparency and accountability across all sectors.