Kampala — Employers have been urged to hire only certified accountants if they are to get quality accounting services.

State Minister for Finance (planning) Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu said although government was keen on the quality of accountants they employ, the private sector still considers it as a luxury.

"Considering the dynamics in the accountancy profession we need people who are qualified and certified by the institute but many employers today still view this as a luxury forgetting that quack accountants spoil the image of companies," he said.

Prof. Kamuntu made the appeal on Friday while officiating at the first graduation ceremony of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) at Namboole. A total of 350 students graduated as professional accountants while 1,052 picked up accounting technicians qualifications. Prof Kamuntu commended ICPAU for providing quality training to students, saying those employed in government have exhibited high professionalism.