ACCA hosts stakeholders’ roundtable on commitment to sustainability

28 November 2025, 10:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Leaders from various institutions convened yesterday at Serena Hotel in Kampala for a stakeholders’ roundtable organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a global body for professional accountants. The meeting was held under the theme Commitment to Impact, focusing on how institutions can practically implement agreed-upon actions, particularly in the field of sustainability.

The Global President of ACCA, Melanie Proffitt, who assumed office two weeks ago after joining the ACCA Council in 2015, emphasised the organisation’s renewed commitment to sustainable development. Addressing stakeholders, Proffitt noted that ACCA is working to equip people with the knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions towards sustainability.

“We are talking about sustainability and the impact businesses can make, and how the profession can take the lead in addressing the issues we face,” she said. She added that sustainability extends far beyond climate concerns, explaining that the roundtable brought together leaders from diverse sectors to enable Ugandans to engage in constructive discussions. “We cannot do everything, but we can do something. That is one of the key ideas behind the sustainable development initiatives we are launching,” she added.

Charlotte Kukunda, ACCA Uganda Country Manager, highlighted the significance of the meeting, which attracted leaders, policymakers, and regulators, including representatives from the Central Bank and the Capital Markets Authority. She said the presence of such influential figures was crucial, as successful implementation of any agenda must begin with leadership.

“Unless leaders drive the agenda and communicate it to those meant to follow, nothing changes. When we talk about Commitment to Impact, it is an ongoing conversation. Beyond this meeting, we expect real commitment, which is why it was chosen as the theme,” Kukunda explained.

Uganda’s accounting regulator has announced the adoption of Sustainability Standards S1 and S2, issued by the International Federation of Accountants. According to Charlotte Kukunda, Uganda must now focus on understanding the roadmap that will guide institutions in reporting on sustainability issues.

During the panel discussion, participants agreed that sustainability is a long-term necessity and urged leaders to elevate the conversation to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.