Professional accountants in Uganda are regulated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), originally established under the Accountants Act1992. The Accountants Act 1992 was repealed and replaced with the Accountants Act 2013 and Accountants Regulations 2016 to amend and consolidate regulations relating to professional accountants.

The Institute confers the designations of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accounting Technician (AT), and Certified Tax Advisor (CTA), depending on the course of study. To pursue the CPA qualification, individuals must hold a university degree from a recognized university, an Accounting Technician certificate from a recognized training institution, or a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two principal passes plus a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 credits, including English Language and Mathematics or the Equivalent.

Candidates must then complete a minimum of three years’ practical experience and pass ICPAU’s examinations. To register as a practicing accountant, ICPAU members must apply and receive a practicing certificate from the ICPAU Council. Audits must be conducted by members of the ICPAU with practicing certificates. 

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Under the Accountants Act 2013 , the ICPAU is responsible for: (i) setting and maintaining accounting and auditing standards; (ii) setting licensing requirements for accounting firms, and issuing and renewing licenses; (iii) issuing practicing certificates to qualified members who wish to practice accountancy; (iv) maintaining a register of practicing accountants; (v) setting initial professional development and continuing professional development requirements and regulating practical training; (vi) establishing ethical requirements; (vii) monitoring the conduct and performance of its members, including quality assurance (QA) reviews; (viii) investigating and disciplining members for misconduct and breach of professional standards; (ix) and advising the government on matters of financial accountability.

In addition, the Bank of Uganda, Uganda Securities Exchange, Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority, and the Insurance Regulatory Authority obligate regulated entities to choose auditors from a list of pre-qualified auditors and obtain approval prior to the appointment of the auditor. The list of pre-qualified auditors is made up of only ICPAU members.

Nandera Brenda 0753618790

Student ICPAU