The Certified Public Accountants Institute in Uganda is taking proactive steps to improve learner performance by introducing a masterclass for tuition providers. The initiative aims to enhance teaching skills, focusing on pedagogy and effective delivery methods. Recognizing that many accounting instructors lack formal teaching qualifications, the institute seeks to equip them with the necessary skills to boost student understanding and performance in challenging subjects.
John Bosco Ntagaare, the Director of Education at the Institute, emphasized the importance of qualified teaching professionals. The masterclass is designed to address teaching gaps, ensuring that instructors provide comprehensive and effective lessons, including recaps of previous material and interactive engagement with students.
The decision to implement the masterclass follows research into the reasons behind low grades, with a significant concern being the quality of instruction. The initiative is open to all instructors, regardless of their background in Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD), Certified Tax Advisor (CTA), or Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
In addition to the masterclass, the Institute is introducing other incentives for learning, including subsidized study materials for revision and free webinars. The move is part of a broader strategy to elevate academic performance, particularly in subjects with historically lower pass rates, such as Principles of Auditing.
The Institute is collaborating with the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to establish a modular performance audit course. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in Uganda for greater impact. The course, initially developed by the African Organisation of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions – English Speaking (AFROSAI-E), focuses on multidisciplinary skills required for performance audits.
Furthermore, the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) course has been transferred to the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) from January 1, 2024. While ICPAU will no longer register new ATD students, it will continue to conduct examinations for existing students until 2025. The ATD course has been restructured to fit UBTEB’s modular system, remaining accredited by ICPAU within the Uganda Accountancy Qualifications Framework.
Releasing exam results early in the year is expected to provide students with ample time to prepare for the May examinations. The graduation for the 6,223 candidates of 2023 is scheduled for March 7, 2024.
