KAMPALA — The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), together with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), and Vision Group, has officially launched the 16th edition of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards 2026, with stakeholders calling for greater transparency, sustainability, and innovation in corporate reporting.
The launch was held at Hotel Africana under the theme: “Driving Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation.”
Opening the event, Lydia Tusiimwe, Manager Business Development at ICPAU, welcomed participants and reflected on the growth of the awards since their introduction in 2011.
“The Financial Reporting Awards continue to recognise excellence in corporate reporting and promote high-quality financial and business reporting in Uganda through the adoption of financial reporting standards and best practices,” Tusiimwe said.
She noted that the awards have become an important platform for encouraging organisations to strengthen accountability and improve the quality of disclosures in annual reports.
CPA Stephen Ineget, Chairperson of the FiRe Awards Committee, emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, sustainability, and excellence in corporate reporting. “Transparent sustainability reporting has become an essential pillar of good governance, investor confidence, and organisational resilience,” Ineget said.
He added that sustainability reporting is increasingly becoming a strategic necessity rather than a voluntary exercise.
“ICPAU believes that sustainability reporting is no longer a voluntary exercise for progressive organisations; it is increasingly becoming a strategic necessity,” he said. “Through the FiRe Awards, we continue to encourage entities to embrace high-quality reporting practices that inspire trust and support informed decision-making.”
Ineget encouraged organisations across both the public and private sectors to participate in the awards and continue embracing reporting standards that strengthen governance and sustainable growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Capital Markets Authority, Lyn Tukei, Communications and PR Manager at CMA, highlighted the role of credible financial reporting in attracting investors and strengthening Uganda’s capital markets.
“Quality financial reporting is critical in building investor confidence, strengthening transparency, and supporting sustainable economic growth,” Tukei said.
She reaffirmed CMA’s commitment to supporting accountability, innovation, and high-quality corporate disclosures.
“As one of the partners of the FiRe Awards, CMA remains committed to promoting accountability, innovation, and reporting standards that support Uganda’s evolving capital markets and investment landscape,” she added.
At the same event, Revenue and Financial Analyst at the Uganda Securities Exchange, Isaac Kayemba, stressed that investors increasingly pay attention not only to financial statements but also to the broader story behind businesses.
“Investors do not just buy into numbers; they buy into the story, vision, and credibility behind a business,” Kayemba said.
He noted that transparent and credible reporting remains central to building investor confidence and supporting sustainable business growth.
The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), which emerged as the first runner-up in the Non-Profit Organisations category at the 2025 FiRe Awards, also shared its experience during the launch.
CPA Drollah Ssebagala, Deputy Executive Director of JCRC, said constructive feedback received through the FiRe Awards process had helped improve reporting practices and strengthen stakeholder trust.
“Excellence in reporting is not just about recognition, but about learning, refining systems, and consistently improving how organisations communicate their impact and stewardship,” Ssebagala said.
Meanwhile, Vision Group reaffirmed its commitment as the official media partner of the FiRe Awards.
CPA Margaret Saano, Accountant at Vision Group, said the media plays a critical role in amplifying conversations around transparency, governance, and sustainability.
“Through strategic communication and storytelling, Vision Group continues to bring financial reporting conversations closer to the public, while supporting efforts that strengthen governance, innovation, and professional excellence,” Saano said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of ICPAU, CPA Derick Nkajja, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of ICPAU, said organisations today operate in a rapidly changing environment shaped by climate risks, technological transformation, and growing stakeholder expectations.
“The 2026 theme recognises the critical role technology and innovation play in strengthening sustainability reporting,” Nkajja said.
“Organisations are now expected not only to implement sustainable practices, but also to communicate their impact and long-term value creation in an accurate and accessible manner,” he added.
Introduced in 2011, the FiRe Awards were established to improve the quality of financial and business reporting in Uganda by promoting compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and best practices in corporate disclosures.
According to ICPAU, more than 1,000 organisations have participated in the awards over the years, benefiting from benchmarking opportunities, independent professional assessments, and national recognition.
Entries for the 2026 FiRe Awards will open on 1 June and close on 30 September 2026. Organisations are required to submit their most recent annual reports through the FiRe Awards portal or physically at the ICPAU offices in Bukoto.
The awards are open to public sector institutions, private sector entities, and non-profit organisations, with winners expected to be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for 4 November 2026.