The Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Allen Kagina, has called on public accountants to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their business strategies, emphasizing the importance of fostering sustainable practices that deliver long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Kagina made her remarks while opening the three-day 29th Annual Seminar of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe.
In her address, Kagina highlighted the need for sustainable environmental protection measures in infrastructure development and other human activities to mitigate climate change-related risks.
"As we work to construct roads and undertake other infrastructural developments, there's always a conflict between human development activities and environmental sustainability," she noted.
"When we build roads like the Entebbe Express Highway, we inevitably destroy forests, swamps, and disrupt human activities. Without planning for sustainable replacements, we risk harming future generations."
Kagina underscored the importance of environmental sustainability, societal care, and good governance in all areas of work, stressing that these considerations must be central to boardroom discussions. "Sustainability should be a priority for all accountants," she added.
The ICPAU Annual Seminar, attended by over 1,000 participants including accountants, business leaders, executives, academics, entrepreneurs, and other professionals, aims to enhance Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in diverse fields such as personal finance, business, environment, and governance.
Ronald Mutumba, Vice President of ICPAU, echoed Kagina's call, stating that accountants have a responsibility to prepare financial information that supports capacity building and the implementation of sustainability standards.
"Our goal is to work with different entities to produce reports on operations and advise the public on sustainable reporting standards," Mutumba explained.
During the seminar, ICPAU announced the adoption of international sustainability standards designed to promote trust, environmental conservation, and good governance among entities.
Charles Rutimba, Director of Standards at ICPAU, emphasized that for an entity to thrive, it must not only focus on profits but also set sustainable goals within the communities it serves.
ICPAU, established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament, now operates under the Accountants Act of 2013. It regulates and maintains the standards of accountancy in Uganda and prescribes the conduct of both accountants and practicing accountants across the country.
