By Jackline Nabirye,
Communications Officer -ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) has taken a decisive step for Uganda’s sustainability reporting journey with the launch of the roadmap for implementing the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The milestone positions Uganda among the early adopters of the global sustainability reporting framework.
The announcement was made on 3 September 2025 during the 30th ICPAU Annual Seminar, held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, under the theme, “Positioning Professionals for Sustainable Impact.”
Speaking at the event, CPA Timothy David Ediomu, the president of ICPAU emphasised the urgency for climate action and the need for a single global sustainability reporting framework.
“Extreme weather changes that we have witnessed are no longer anomalies but are now common. These are signs of climate change that will increasingly impact our economic activities and livelihoods,” he said.
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), established by the IFRS Foundation issued a comprehensive global baseline of disclosure standards to facilitate consistent and comparable disclosures on risks and opportunities related to sustainability and climate, referred to as IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, respectively.
Following the issuance of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, on 4 September 2024, ICPAU announced the adoption of the standards, making them applicable in the Ugandan context.
The roadmap unveiled at the 30th ICPAU Annual seminar outlines a phased approach to implementation, providing for testing, transition, and permanent release. It also includes guidance on the placement of disclosures, the timing of reporting, the assurance of sustainability information, and the enabling mechanisms for capacity building and effective application. The framework is designed to strengthen resilience, inclusiveness, and long-term sustainability reporting in Uganda.
The roadmap is the product of extensive consultations led by the Uganda Integrated Reporting Committee, chaired by CPA Mustapha Mugisa, working alongside the ICPAU Professional Standards Committee. A public validation workshop was held on 13 August 2025, after which the roadmap was approved by the ICPAU Council.
The president acknowledged organisations which sent representatives to witness the launch of the roadmap, including: Office of the Auditor General, Office of the Accountant General, Bank of Uganda, Insurance Regulatory Authority, Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority, Capital Markets Authority, Uganda Securities Exchange, and accounting firms. The Pan African Federation of Accountants was represented by Mr Owen Mavengere, the Director Technical Excellence.
Ediomu extended gratitude to all individuals and organisations that contributed feedback to the roadmap, urging them to remain actively engaged. He appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders in ensuring the successful rollout of the roadmap, adding that collaboration with regulatory bodies is crucial in designing Uganda’s sustainability agenda together.
“My request to all stakeholders in this sustainability reporting journey is to extend your cooperation in achieving the intention of the roadmap. For the regulatory bodies, collaborating with you presents a key milestone in designing the sustainability agenda together,” he noted.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Hon. Faith Nakut Loru, Woman Member of Parliament for Napak District, who joined members of the Uganda Integrated Reporting Committee and the ICPAU Professional Standards Committee in unveiling the roadmap. The roadmap for implementing the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards is accessible on the ICPAU website www.icpau.co.ug.
The ICPAU Annual Seminar, which provided the stage for this landmark launch, is the Institute’s largest annual gathering and a flagship continuing professional development event. It brings together accountants and other professionals from across the economy to engage in discussions on issues pertinent to the profession, personal growth, and networking opportunities. The three-day residential seminar blends technical learning with soft skills development, team building, and recreation, creating a platform for both professional advancement and personal enrichment.
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