ACCA hosts stakeholders roundtable on sustainability commitment

28 November 2025, 10:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Leaders from various institutions yesterday convened at Serena Hotel in Kampala for a stakeholders’ roundtable organized 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, emphasized the organization’s renewed commitment to sustainability development. Speaking to stakeholders, Proffitt noted that ACCA is working to equip people with the knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions toward 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 are facing,” she said. She added that sustainability goes far beyond climate concerns, explaining that the roundtable brought together leaders from diverse sectors to help Ugandans engage in constructive conversations. “We cannot do everything, but we can do something. That is one of the key ideas behind the sustainability development initiatives we are launching,” she said.

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

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

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

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