Overview of ACCA in Uganda

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional body for accountants. In Uganda, ACCA operates through its local office in Kampala and works with approved learning partners to provide tuition, exams, and student support. It is widely respected by employers in finance, banking, audit, and corporate sectors.

Entry Requirements and Pathways

Standard entry: Two A-Level passes plus credits in English and Mathematics at O-Level or equivalent.

Foundations route: If you do not meet the minimum entry criteria, you can start with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) courses, then progress to full ACCA.

Graduate entry: If you already hold a university degree in accounting or related fields, you may qualify for exemptions from some of the early ACCA exams.

Structure of the Qualification

The ACCA qualification in Uganda follows the global structure:

Applied Knowledge – foundational subjects (e.g. Business & Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting).

Applied Skills – technical subjects (e.g. Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Financial Reporting).

Strategic/Professional Level – advanced modules including Strategic Business Leader, Strategic Business Reporting, plus optional specializations.

To become fully qualified, students must also complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module and obtain relevant work experience under the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

Exams in Uganda

Computer-Based Exams (CBEs) are available for the foundational level and are held regularly at approved centers.

Higher-level exams are offered four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

Exams are delivered in collaboration with the British Council and approved exam centers in Uganda.

Registration and Support

Students register with ACCA by submitting their academic documents, identification, and a registration fee.

Local Approved Learning Partners (ALPs), such as business schools in Kampala, provide tuition and exam preparation support.

Students can access mentoring, study materials, and coaching through these partners to increase their chances of success.

Recognition and Benefits

ACCA is internationally recognized, offering career mobility in accounting, audit, finance, and consulting across Uganda and beyond.

Many professionals in senior roles in Uganda hold the ACCA qualification.

It equips graduates with strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and ethical training.

Local Regulation

While ACCA membership is prestigious, practicing as an auditor or signing audit reports in Uganda requires registration with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).

ICPAU is the statutory body that regulates the accounting profession locally, issues practicing licenses, enforces ethics, and ensures continuing professional development.

Challenges

Costs can be high relative to local incomes (tuition, registration, exam fees, study materials).

Tuition centers are concentrated in urban areas, limiting access for students in rural regions.

Navigating both ACCA requirements and local ICPAU regulations can be complex for those who want to practice as public accountants.