Ugandan professionals have been urged to become more competitive and proactive as technological disruption, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), reshapes the global labour market.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), the chief executive officer of Uganda Baati Ltd, George Arodi, said many Ugandan professionals tend to be less aggressive in pursuing opportunities compared to their counterparts in other countries, particularly Kenya.
Arodi noted that professional careers increasingly transcend national borders, making it necessary for Ugandan professionals to position themselves to compete for opportunities both regionally and internationally.
On the growing influence of AI and other technological innovations in the workplace, he urged professionals to accept the reality of technological disruption and adapt accordingly.
He warned that ongoing innovation is likely to reduce employment opportunities in some companies, making it necessary for accountants and other professionals to become more innovative to remain relevant.
Arodi revealed that companies within the Safal Group, including Uganda Baati, are already considering reducing their workforce by about 15 per cent as part of adjustments linked to technological changes.
He also advised accountants to move beyond traditional financial management roles and take a more active part in the broader operations of their organisations.
According to Arodi, the success or failure of organisations often depends on the strength and integrity of their accounting systems, making accountants central to building trust, ensuring transparency and preventing fraud.
A total of 412 students graduated during the ceremony. Of these, 378 completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) programme, 12 completed the Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) course, and 22 graduated with the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD).
The graduates sat their final examinations in May, August and December 2025. The ATD cohort marked the final group to be assessed directly by ICPAU. In future, students undertaking the programme will be assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board.
Nancy Amuge Owino, chairperson of the Public Accountants Examinations Board, told the graduates that they represent the future of accountability, transparency and ethical leadership in their respective professions.
“The knowledge and skills you have acquired place upon you a responsibility to contribute positively to society and to the growth of our economy,” she said.
Owino added that society looks to accountants as custodians of transparency, stewards of good governance and partners in national development.
The message was echoed by ICPAU Council president Timothy David Ediomu, who said the qualifications awarded to the graduates equip them with the technical expertise, ethical grounding and professional judgement required in today’s complex and rapidly evolving professional environment.
Although the CPA graduates are now qualified for employment, they will only become fully fledged certified public accountants after obtaining membership with ICPAU. For now, they qualify to enrol as associate members.
ICPAU chief executive officer Derick Nkajja said the Certified Tax Advisor programme is particularly important given that a large portion of Uganda’s economy operates in the informal sector, much of which remains outside the tax net.
He noted that this limits the country’s tax base and poses challenges for domestic revenue mobilisation and national development.
Nkajja advised the graduates to uphold high ethical standards as they apply their knowledge and skills in their organisations and contribute to national development.
About the Author
