KAMPALA – Uganda’s premier financial leadership recognition platform, the ACCA and Deloitte Uganda Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Awards, has returned for its 8th edition. This prestigious event celebrates outstanding financial leaders who have made significant contributions to their organizations and the economy.
Charlotte Kukunda, ACCA Uganda Country Manager, noted that the CFO Awards have achieved their objective of raising the profile of the CFO role and functions, highlighting good business and finance practices that create sustainable outcomes. “The 8th edition of the CFO Awards is a celebration of success and growth, demonstrating the impact of financial leadership in Uganda’s economy,” she said.
The awards have seen significant growth in participation, from 22 professionals with 61 nominations in 2017 to 60 professionals with 380 nominations in 2024. This increase underscores the growing recognition of the importance of financial leadership in Uganda’s business landscape.
Over the past seven years, 38 professionals have won 55 CFO Awards. Notably, 29% of these winners are female, taking 27% of the awards. This demonstrates the progress made in promoting gender diversity in financial leadership.
The breakdown of sectors shows that the banking sector dominates with 36% of awards, followed by the Corporate sector (20%), Public sector and SMEs (15% each), Not For Profit (10%), and Insurance (4%). This is likely attributed to the regulation and competitive landscape of the financial services industry.
Paul Ssali, Deloitte Uganda Country Managing Partner, emphasized the significance of the theme “Pushing Boundaries, Exploring the Growth Mindset.” He urged CFOs to provide leadership on emerging issues, citing the importance of innovation and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Baker Magunda, Stanbic Bank Uganda Holdings Ltd Board Chairman, delivered the keynote address, advising finance leaders to improve through continued effort, learning, and persistence. “Finance leaders must build the right attitude, especially in the face of failure, and create the right environment for success,” he said.
Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Deputy Governor, challenged finance leaders to embrace technology and drive the sustainability agenda. “CFOs must prioritize sustainability and leverage technology to ensure business continuity and a sustainable future,” he emphasized.
The awards ceremony honored CFOs across 10 categories, showcasing the diversity and impact of financial leadership in various sectors. The winners were selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, and Andrew Bugembe, CFO of MTN Uganda.
The winners included:
- CFO of the Year Award: Kate K. Kiiza, CFO and Executive Director, DFCU Bank
- Strategy Execution Award: Ronald Makata, Chief Finance and Value Management Officer, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited
- Finance Transformation and Technology Award: Kate K. Kiiza, CFO and Executive Director, DFCU Bank
- Compliance & Governance Award: Peter Ssenyange, CFO, Post Bank Uganda Limited
- Leadership Award: Nirav Patel, CFO, Steel & Tube Industries
- Sustainability Award: Andrew Oyie, Chief Financial Officer, UMEME Limited
- Public Sector Award: Jacqueline Kiwanuka, CFO, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited
- SME Award: Simon Jordan Mugisha, Head of Finance, Movit Products Ltd
- Not for Profit Award: Robert Kakooza, CFO, One World Health
- Young CFO Award: Andrew Oyie, Chief Financial Officer, UMEME Limited
The overall winner, Kate Kiiza, received two business class return air tickets, while Patricia Naggawa from NCBA Bank won a return air ticket in a lucky draw.
This year’s awards are sponsored by MTN Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Uganda Airlines, NCBA Bank, NBS TV, Osela Technologies, Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation, and CEO East Africa Magazine.
Post-awards, ACCA Uganda will host a members convention themed “Empowering finance professionals for a sustainable future” from November 13-15 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
