By Victor Turinawe
Financial experts have advised Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Business students to embrace integrity, flexibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning as they prepare for the professional world.
The experts were led by Jemimah Irene Nanziri, a tax and audit professional at Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), one of the Big Four global accounting and professional services firms specialising in audit, tax, and consulting.
Nanziri addressed participants at the half-day UCU Tax Society Annual Workshop held this evening under the theme “Taxation in a Dynamic Economy”. The event was organised in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tax Society and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), aimed at strengthening tax education and awareness in communities.
“Integrity is one of the most important qualities for a tax professional,” Nanziri emphasised. “Throughout your career, you may encounter situations where individuals attempt to influence you to overlook certain transactions or provide questionable advice. Maintaining high ethical standards is crucial. Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable assets, and once compromised, it can be difficult to restore.”
She noted that continuous learning is essential because tax laws and regulations change frequently. A successful tax professional must remain curious, adaptable, and committed to staying updated with emerging developments.
“In addition to technical expertise, students should develop complementary skills such as data analysis, communication, and people management,” she added. “The increasing use of technology and data analytics in tax compliance and advisory services means that professionals with strong analytical skills have a competitive advantage.”
Jackie Mbabazi, Business Relationships Manager at ACCA, encouraged students to pursue the ACCA qualification, highlighting its strong emphasis on practical application.
“The qualification equips students with skills that can be directly applied in the workplace, making them highly employable and career-ready — unlike university education, which often focuses heavily on theory and academic knowledge,” said Mbabazi.
Upon completion, students earn a Diploma in Accounting and Business, gaining expertise in areas such as Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Performance Management, Advanced Taxation, Advanced Audit and Assurance, and the Strategic Professional Level. The global recognition of the ACCA qualification ensures that credentials earned in Uganda are valued internationally.
Abubakar Sunday, President of the UCU Tax Society, explained that the workshop was designed to go beyond tax education by bringing together professional organisations and industry experts to guide students on career development.
“Alongside tax education, we invited partners such as ACCA and KPMG to share insights on professional qualifications, career opportunities, mentorship programmes, and the skills students need to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Allan Gad, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, noted that the presentations from KPMG and ACCA provided clearer insight into the finance and accounting profession and the practical steps needed to build successful careers.
“The speakers helped us understand how to remain competitive in the employment market, how to gain practical experience, and how to develop professionally in a field that is constantly evolving,” he said.
Gad particularly appreciated the information on mentorship and internship opportunities.
“We learned about KPMG’s mentorship and internship programmes, which provide practical exposure and guidance for students. We also gained a better understanding of the various ACCA qualification pathways and the opportunities they create for aspiring finance professionals.”
Sunday added that the society plans to make the tax workshop an annual event, with this edition being the first. The goal is to increase awareness about taxation and its importance in society.
