Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa addresses Members of ACCA Uganda at the opening of the 2024 Convention at Speke Resort in Munyonyo on Wednesday.
The ACCA Uganda Members Convention 2024 opened at Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala, on Wednesday with calls for entities to embrace sustainability.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, was chief guest.
The 3-day event is being held under the theme: Empowering finance professionals for a sustainable future.
“Sustainability of this profession relies on this profession,” said Tayebwa in his opening remarks. “Sustainability is very crucial for the world.”
However, he warned that “it starts with your own sustainability in the profession.”
According to Tayebwa, sustainability in the profession means integrity, impact, and innovation.
“We are no longer shameful in Uganda,” said Tayebwa, adding that integrity is very crucial. “The public looks at you as someone who can detect fraud and corruption and bring people to book. Without impact, the communities won’t feel you.
He, however, appealed to accounting professionals to incorporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) aspects in their financial reporting.
“You have important roles to play in the sustainability of your businesses,” said Tayebwa.
Gerald Paul Kasato, the deputy managing director and deputy chief executive officer of NSSF Uganda, delivered a keynote address on behalf of his MD, Patrick Ayota.
He said, We hold keys to a sustainable future.
Sustainability is a necessity, he added.
However, Kasato said that sustainability cannot be achieved singlehandedly.
“Work with leaders from across sectors to ensure that you incorporate sustainability in all facets of the organization,” said Kasato. ‘Sustainability is not just a trend but the future.”
Kasato urged professionals to measure the impact of sustainability.
According to Kasato, there are emerging areas such as sustainability reporting that he said can help accounting professionals improve themselves.
Otherwise, he said that “Sustainability requires a commitment and relentless pursuit of knowledge.”
Charlotte Kukunda, the Country Manager, ACCA, said that the convention is an opportunity for professionals to network and listen to “captains” of the industry whom she said contribute to policy formulation.
“We will ensure that there is knowledge sharing for members to be bold, confident, and empowered,” said Kukunda.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, Peter Kyambadde said, “We are going to discuss, learn, interact, and try to forge a way forward and take specific areas of action we are going to take to ensure sustainability.”
The convention ends on Friday.
