The Certified Public Accounts (CPA), Lango Regional Members Network has officially opened its new office in Junior Quarters, Lira City.
This marks a significant step in strengthening the presence of the accounting profession in the region and expanding opportunities for training and professional development.
The Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (CPA) is the official regulatory body overseeing accountants in the country. Established under the Accountants Act of 2013, CPA Uganda ensures that accountants undergo rigorous training and adhere to international accounting standards.
The profession remains relatively small in Uganda, with only about 5,000 CPAs nationwide and approximately 50 in the Lango region.
Patrick Oruu- Chairperson CPA Lango Regional Members Network emphasized the crucial role of accountants in maintaining transparency and financial accountability in both public and private sector institutions.
“Accountants provide critical financial information to businesses and government agencies, ensuring that stakeholders have confidence in financial transactions,” he noted.
One of the primary objectives of the CPA Lango Regional Members Network is to promote training and education in accountancy.
The newly opened office will serve as a training center for aspiring accountants. Over the past year, three batches of students have completed CPA examinations, with the latest results released last week.
The network continues to advocate for professional enrollment, emphasizing that a bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient for qualification additional CPA certification is required.
The network has also been engaging with schools to encourage students to pursue accounting as a career.
“We need to inspire young people to become accountants. Last year, we conducted sensitization sessions in schools, and we hope that more students who have completed their Senior Six education will enroll in CPA courses,” said CPA Oruu.
Beyond training, CPA Lango is committed to supporting local businesses with financial management and bookkeeping. Many business owners struggle to track their expenses and profits effectively, which affects their ability to secure loans and grow their enterprises. The network aims to help businesses maintain proper financial records, prepare financial statements, and conduct audits to ensure their financial health.
“Banks require businesses to present audited financial statements before granting loans. By promoting professional bookkeeping, we aim to empower businesses to access financing and expand their operations,” CPA Oruu explained.
With Ethics and integrity as fundamental to the accounting profession, CPA members are required to uphold objectivity, transparency, and accountability in their work. “An auditor must be independent and honest. Compromising integrity can damage personal and corporate reputations and have long-term consequences,” CPA Oruu stressed.
Despite its progress, the CPA Lango Regional Members Network faces financial and operational challenges. The network is primarily funded by member contributions, and sustaining operations remains a problem.
While the newly opened office was generously provided rent-free by a member, future operational costs such as utilities may require additional financial support. Additionally, mobilizing members for meetings remains a challenge due to their dispersed locations.
Mr. Paul Nwamgeri-Lungande, representing the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, commended the efforts of the CPA Lango Regional Members Network.
“This is the first of our nine regional networks to open an office. It is a major step in bringing accounting services closer to the community and strengthening the profession in this region,” he said.
Through collaboration with businesses and stakeholders, the network aims to promote professionalism, ethical practice, and economic development in Northern Uganda.
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