Accountants have called on organisations to strengthen sustainability reporting by embracing technology and innovation to improve transparency, governance, and compliance with emerging global reporting standards.
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, CPA Derick Nkajja, said organisations are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by climate-related risks, rapid technological change, shifting investor expectations, and growing public demand for accountability.
Nkajja said institutions are now expected not only to adopt sustainable business practices but also to clearly communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in a credible and accessible way.
“The 2026 theme recognises the critical role technology and innovation play in strengthening sustainability reporting,” he said.
Chairperson of the FiRe Awards Committee, CPA Stephen Ineget, said sustainability reporting has become a key pillar of good governance, investor confidence, and institutional resilience.
He noted that the awards aim to promote high-quality reporting practices that build trust among stakeholders and support informed decision-making.
The remarks were made during the launch of the 2026 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards by ICPAU, in partnership with the Capital Markets Authority, the Uganda Securities Exchange, and Vision Group.
The 16th edition of the awards was launched under the theme “Driving Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation,” reflecting growing pressure on organisations to improve transparency, accountability, and long-term value reporting in line with global sustainability standards.
The FiRe Awards, introduced in 2011, are part of ICPAU’s broader efforts to improve financial and business reporting in Uganda through compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and corporate disclosure best practices.
Organisers say the initiative is rooted in ICPAU’s commitment to promoting IFRS adoption, which Uganda embraced in 1998.
Over the years, more than 1,000 organisations have participated in the awards, gaining independent assessments, benchmarking opportunities, and feedback aimed at improving annual reporting standards.
The awards are open to public institutions, private companies, and not-for-profit organisations that prepare annual reports.
Entries for the 2026 FiRe Awards open on June 1 and close on September 30, 2026. Submissions will be made through the ICPAU online portal or at its Bukoto offices.
