Allen Kagina, Executive Director at the Uganda National Roads Authority, has said that the roads authority is committed to protecting nature while carrying out it’s mandate.
She was speaking as the Chief Guest at the opening the 29th ICPAU Annual Seminar held at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe on Wednesday.
Having made great strides at the helm of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Kagina’s leadership and vision are inspiring the participants to drive positive change in their respective fields.
Kagina affirmed that Uganda National Roads Authority will take necessary steps to implement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESGs) in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)Sustainability Disclosure Standards as adopted by Uganda.
According to her, the new sustainability standards will save mother earth noting that UNRA will strike a balance between development activities and protecting the environment.
“The work we do in developing our countries will affect all of us,” she said while emphasizing the reality of climate change and why institutions need to adopt and adhere to new sustainability standards.
“I remember when we were constructing a road in Budongo forest, a foreign company involved in oil activities protested. They feared that we would destroy the canopy and endanger animals which indeed happened. Some animals could not cross the tarmac because it’s too hot. However, we have now restored the canopy in order to save primates that cross the road,” she explained.
She also urged the Institute to provide financial literacy to people who are relocated from their homes by road construction activities saying some misuse their compensation money.
“Giving billions of money to someone who has never earned Shs1m can cause problems. Some use that money to pay loans while others use it to buy another wife instead of using it for its intended purpose,” she pointed out.
In his opening remarks, the CEO for the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Uganda (ICPAU), CPA Derick Nkajja reminded accountants of the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global economic shifts that are reshaping the landscape of the profession.
On her part, ICPAU President CPA Josephine Ossiya, said accountants play a pivotal role in helping organizations navigate through Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.
“Our cherished tradition continues as we recognize outstanding contributions to accountancy with the prestigious Accountancy Service Awards. This year, we introduce a special category: Woman Accountant of the Year,” she noted.
Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, a Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board, in her keynote address, welcomed global initiatives to introduce sustainability reporting standards that complement financial reporting.
“ISSB’s work is vital in directing finance where it’s needed most,” she said.
The seminar was graced by Owek. Hajj Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase, the First Deputy Premier (Katikkiro) of the Kingdom of Buganda and ICPAU Council Member and Sironko West MP, Hon. CPA Nandala Mafabi, among others.
