The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda has released its updated 2026 directory of authorised accounting practitioners and firms, showing a steady expansion of Uganda’s professional accountancy sector.
According to the newly published register, a total of 275 accounting firms have been cleared to operate this year, marking a modest growth of about four percent compared to the previous year.
The increase signals a gradual rise in compliance and professionalisation within the country’s financial services industry.
ICPAU officials have, however, reiterated strict legal requirements governing the practice.
Under the Accountants Act, only individuals and firms holding a valid Certificate of Practice or licence are permitted to offer accountancy services. Those operating outside this framework risk violating the law.
The scope of regulated services remains wide, covering areas such as auditing, financial reporting, tax consultancy, risk management, insolvency advisory, and broader business consultancy.
These services play a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability across both private and public sector institutions.
Speaking on the development, ICPAU’s Director of Standards and Regulation, Charles Lutimba, warned businesses against the temptation of engaging unlicensed practitioners who often market themselves as cheaper alternatives.
He noted that while such services may seem cost-effective at first, they can ultimately expose businesses to significant risks, including unreliable financial records and non-compliant audit reports that may not stand up to regulatory scrutiny.
To maintain professional standards, ICPAU subjects all licensed firms to a rigorous vetting process before approval.
This includes assessing technical competence, adherence to professional guidelines, financial soundness, and the ethical standing of practitioners.
Even after licensing, firms undergo periodic quality assurance reviews to ensure they align with internationally recognised auditing standards.
Members of the public and business community have been encouraged to verify practitioners before engaging them, using the official ICPAU online register.
This measure is intended to safeguard clients from fraud and uphold the integrity of Uganda’s accounting profession.
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