ACCA and Deloitte Uganda Launch 9th CFO Awards to Celebrate Financial Leadership

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Uganda and Deloitte Uganda have launched the 9th edition of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Awards.

Organised under the theme, “CFO Vision: Creating Impact and Legacy,” the 2025 awards will spotlight finance leaders who are not only driving business success but also building sustainable legacies in their industries and communities.

Over the years, the CFO Awards have become Uganda’s most prestigious platform recognizing excellence in financial leadership.

They celebrate professionals demonstrating strategic vision, innovation, ethical leadership, and sound financial stewardship.

Charlotte Kukunda, ACCA Uganda Country Manager, highlighted the awards’ growth.

“From five to ten categories, we've seen increasing participation, especially from first-timers. Many have transitioned into CEO and regional roles. This platform has amplified the role of CFOs and inspired younger professionals to pursue finance leadership.”

Patronella Namubiru, director of Tax and Legal at Deloitte Uganda, noted the awards’ broader impact: “We’ve seen our winners rise in their careers and gain regional recognition. These awards are a worthy challenge for any finance professional.”

Stanbic Bank Uganda CEO Mumba Kalifungwa endorsed the awards, calling them “an opportunity for accounting professionals to demonstrate leadership impact and organizational value.”

Kate Kiiza of Dfcu Bank, CFO of the Year 2024, shared how the recognition reshaped her outlook: “I had to be intentional about how I support others. It transformed me from back-office CFO to frontline leader.”

Nominations are open from July 17 to September 5, ahead of the awards gala on October 16. Among the ten categories are:

1. Not-for-Profit Award – Recognizes CFOs ensuring donor funds are used transparently and drive impact in NGO projects.
2. SME Award – Honors finance leaders in SMEs (5–100 employees, UGX 360M–25B turnover) who’ve unlocked capital, scaled businesses, and driven sustainability.
3. Young CFO Award – For professionals aged 35 or below with a record of financial turnaround, innovation, and early leadership impact.
4. Public Sector Award – Recognizes senior finance professionals in government or parastatals who manage resources effectively and promote transparency.
5. Compliance and Governance Award – Awards CFOs who’ve built ethical, compliance-driven cultures and shaped policies that enhance governance.
6. Strategy Execution Award – Honors leaders who’ve guided organizations through disruption, enabling strategic pivots and value-aligned delivery.
7. Finance Transformation and Technology Award – For CFOs who’ve led digital transformation and redefined finance’s role through tech innovation.
8. Sustainability Award – Highlights CFOs integrating ESG metrics into strategy, managing environmental/social resources, and championing sustainability programs.
9. Leadership Award – Recognizes transformative leaders who’ve influenced teams, built cross-department cohesion, and nurtured future finance professionals.
10. CFO of the Year Award – The top honor for a CFO with sustained excellence, strategic impact, and demonstrated value creation over time.

ACCA, the global body for professional accountants, supports over 252,000 members and 526,000 students across 180 countries. It partners with more than 7,900 Approved Employers to shape future-ready finance professionals.

Deloitte Uganda, part of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s global network, supports these awards through its commitment to advancing leadership and excellence in financial management.