The President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), CPA David Timothy Ediomu, has emphasised the critical role of accountants and finance professionals in driving Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
While officially opening the 14th CPA Economic Forum in Entebbe, Ediomu called on professionals to provide strategic leadership and evidence-based guidance as the country pursues its ambitious target of a Shs1,845 trillion (US$500 billion) economy.
Held under the theme “Powering Uganda’s US$500 Billion Future,” the forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, economists, accountants, development partners and other stakeholders for discussions on economic growth and national development.
Ediomu welcomed participants to the high-level dialogue platform and commended government’s commitment to implementing the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), particularly its focus on domestic revenue mobilisation through the ATMS strategy and priority sectors including agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals and science and technology.
He emphasised that achieving sustainable economic transformation requires stronger accountability, innovation, good governance, strategic investments and partnerships among key players.
Ediomu urged accountants to move beyond traditional financial reporting roles and actively contribute to national development through professional excellence, innovation and policy engagement.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Commissioner Joseph Enyimu reinforced the importance of the accountancy profession in Uganda’s economic future.
Enyimu said accountants play a central role in building trust, strengthening institutions and supporting economic progress.
He noted that achieving Uganda’s transformation goals requires more than setting ambitious targets, but also depends on trusted professionals, effective institutions and disciplined implementation.
Enyimu highlighted Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which is anchored on agro-industrialisation, tourism development, minerals and science and technology, as a foundation for sustainable economic expansion.
He challenged accountants to take a more active role in investment mobilisation, public financial management, revenue growth, risk management and accountability.
The Commissioner called on the profession to evolve into strategic advisors who support value addition, innovation and national development while maintaining high standards of integrity and competence.
The forum also featured discussions on the importance of economic diplomacy, with Enyimu urging African countries to strengthen commercial and economic cooperation with neighbouring states and global partners to boost trade and regional security.
Delegates further recommended the establishment of a comprehensive national health insurance scheme covering all Ugandans, describing it as a public social protection programme aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare rather than a profit-driven private model.
The 14th CPA Economic Forum provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to explore practical solutions for economic growth, institutional strengthening and inclusive development.
Participants expressed optimism that the forum’s recommendations would contribute to sound economic policies and support Uganda’s long-term development ambitions.
