By BM
Shock and confusion rippled through Uganda’s accounting community after Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among failed to attend the 30th Annual Seminar of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), where she was expected to officiate as Chief Guest and launch Uganda’s new sustainability reporting standards.
The highly anticipated event, held at the luxurious Imperial Resort Hotel in Entebbe, was poised to mark a historic milestone: the official rollout of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, a significant step in aligning Uganda’s corporate reporting with international norms on sustainability and climate accountability.
For hours, attendees were reassured that the Speaker was “on the way.”
Delegates, many of whom had traveled from across the country waited patiently for what was billed as a landmark moment in their profession.
But as the hours dragged on, anticipation turned into confusion and ultimately, disappointment.
When Hon. CPA Faith Nakut Loru Chuna, Member of Parliament for Napak District, appeared in her place without any prior notice, low toned murmurs swept the audience.
Some delegates voiced frustration, questioning the Speaker’s commitment to the accounting profession.
Before delivering her speech, Hon. Nakut, herself a Certified Public Accountant, conveyed the Speaker’s apology.
She explained that Among had to chair a critical parliamentary plenary session and could not delegate the responsibility.
Even the State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties, Henry Musasizi, who might have represented the Speaker at the event, was reportedly tied up with a presentation to Parliament.
Despite Nakut’s passionate address urging accountants to apply sustainability principles in practice; her message did little to lift the somber mood.
“The problem is not the Institute,” Nakut said. “It’s our willingness to take risks and apply what we learn.”
ICPAU President Timothy Ediomu hailed the launch of the sustainability standards as a “historic moment” for Uganda, saying the country had positioned itself among global leaders in responsible, transparent business reporting.
The keynote address, delivered by renowned leadership strategist and founder of the CEO Summit Uganda, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, was a rallying cry for transformation.
Speaking under the theme “Positioning Professionals for Sustainable Impact,” Dr. Kimbowa challenged accountants to evolve from number-crunchers into change makers and innovators.
“Growth and comfort do not coexist,” he warned. “By 2030, 60–70% of accounting functions will be automated. But in disruption lies your opportunity.”
Kimbowa’s powerful message emphasized digital adaptation and leadership beyond compliance, urging CPAs to future-proof their profession amid sweeping technological change.
Despite the compelling speeches, unveiling of new standards, and announcement of the inaugural ICPAU Research Conference scheduled for November 2025, the Speaker’s no-show overshadowed the event.
For many delegates, it felt like a symbolic snub of a profession striving for greater national relevance and recognition.
“If Uganda is truly serious about sustainability, why wouldn’t one of its highest-ranking leaders stand behind it publicly?” one visibly disappointed CPA asked after the session.
What should have been a proud celebration of Uganda’s commitment to global standards and professional excellence became, for many, a sobering reminder: that even at the highest levels, the accounting profession is still struggling to command the respect it deserves. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
