The Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) is set to take over the assessment of the Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) program in Uganda, a role previously overseen by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).
The transition is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024, marking a significant shift in the assessment of ATD programs in the country.
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Handover of Responsibilities
Dr. Derick Nkajja, CEO of ICPAU, made the announcement, emphasizing that ICPAU would no longer accept new ATD student registrations after January 1, 2024. Existing students already enrolled with ICPAU will continue their studies with the institute.
The decision to transfer responsibility for ATD assessment from ICPAU to UBTEB was prompted by changes in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector. Over the years, ICPAU had been overseeing the assessment of ATD, a program offered at different levels in various institutes and universities.
Collaboration between UBTEB and ICPAU
In 2018, UBTEB and ICPAU entered into a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and seamless career progression of accounting-related programs examined and accredited by UBTEB. Under this partnership, UBTEB will standardize and harmonize the content of business and accounting programs at the diploma level in accordance with the Uganda Accountancy Qualifications Framework.
Dr. Nkajja stressed that this collaboration will help students save both time and money on their journey to becoming Certified Public Accountants, aligning with the government’s goal of producing competent and productive labor.
Accreditation of Tertiary Institutions
In the new arrangement, UBTEB, in partnership with ICPAU, will provide accreditation to tertiary institutions, including universities, interested in delivering ATD programs. This approach is expected to enhance the quality and regulation of ATD education in Uganda.
The collaboration will also involve joint curriculum and assessment guide development, research, and capacity-building programs to offer TVET graduates access, progression, and ongoing learning in accountancy and related fields.
Government Support and Encouragement
John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister in charge of higher education, commended the move and highlighted the need for standardization and regulation in the assessment and certification of various TVET programs. He encouraged other government bodies to follow the example set by UBTEB and collaborate on assessing TVET programs effectively.
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Examination Results
In the recently released UBTEB examination results, 2,106 out of 2,615 candidates (81%) demonstrated the required competencies in their respective trades. The Physical and Biological Sciences Diploma Programs stood out with an impressive average of 97 percent of candidates achieving full competence, consistent with the April/May 2023 series.
However, some areas, including Elementary Design of Structures, Estimating and Tendering, Measurement of Civil and Building Works, Engineering Mathematics I, and Engineering Mathematics III, experienced underperformance, contributing to a decline in the overall pass rate. These results were released for cohorts that were not presented in the April-May 2023 examination series due to the staggered academic calendar in tertiary institutions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown.
The transition of ATD assessment responsibilities to UBTEB represents a significant step toward enhancing the quality and standardization of accounting-related programs in Uganda, contributing to the country’s workforce development and education sector.
As UBTEB and ICPAU continue their collaboration, the goal is to provide students with access to a seamless and regulated pathway toward becoming Certified Public Accountants while promoting competence and productivity in the field of accountancy.