Ugandan law firm, Kalikumutima & Co. Advocates, is urging Ugandan businesses and law firms to adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and digital technology as global investors and regulators place greater emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and corporate accountability.
The firm made the call during its 10th anniversary celebrations in Kampala, where it launched a digital information management system designed to improve case management, streamline internal operations and strengthen accountability. The system was launched by Margaret Muhanga, Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
The push for ESG comes as sustainability reporting gains ground in international markets. The International Sustainability Standards Board has developed global disclosure standards to help investors assess how sustainability-related risks and opportunities could affect companies.
As of July 2026, 35 jurisdictions had adopted the standards on a voluntary or mandatory basis, while another 11 were planning to adopt them, according to S&P Global.
For Ugandan businesses, the shift could affect access to investment, international markets and supply chains as companies face growing expectations to demonstrate how they manage environmental risks, treat workers and communities, and uphold ethical governance.
Kalikumutima & Co. is seeking to make ESG practices more accessible to businesses, arguing that responsible business principles should be integrated into everyday decisions rather than treated solely as reporting or compliance obligations.
Deo Kalikumutima, the firm’s chief executive partner, said its achievements over the past decade should be measured by more than legal outcomes.
“When we established this firm, we resolved that our success would be measured not only by the cases we won, but by the people we empowered and the lives we transformed. Over the past decade, more than 200 young lawyers have passed through our mentorship and clerkship programmes. Watching them grow into capable professionals and leaders remains one of our proudest achievements,” Kalikumutima said.
The firm is building on its role as a strategic partner in Uganda’s inaugural National ESG Conference and Expo to encourage businesses to incorporate sustainability and governance principles into their operations.
“As we mark ten years, our ambition is to make ESG understandable, accessible and practical for every Ugandan business. Responsible stewardship must become part of how we lead, treat people, manage resources and preserve value for future generations,” he said.
Kalikumutima added that a public ESG commitment initiative launched in September had attracted encouraging participation. The firm plans to hold an ESG training cohort in January 2027.
Its advisory work also covers family business governance, succession planning and wealth preservation. Through a partnership with the Association of Uganda Family Business Owners (FBAU), the firm is promoting governance structures to help businesses manage leadership transitions, protect assets and maintain operations across generations.
As of July 2026, 35 jurisdictions had adopted the standards on a voluntary or mandatory basis, while another 11 were planning to adopt them
S&P Global.
George Omunyokol, managing partner of GP Advocates, said continuous learning and mentorship were essential to professional development in the legal sector.
“Qualifying to practise law is only the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. The profession demands intellectual curiosity, humility and an unwavering commitment to excellence. True professional distinction lies not only in what we know, but in our willingness to keep learning and to mentor those who follow,” Omunyokol said.
The firm is also expanding its engagement with Ugandans living abroad who want to invest in property, establish businesses or protect family assets in Uganda.
Through engagements with the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) and a memorandum of understanding with the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations (NAUCA), it is promoting legal awareness around property transactions, inheritance, investment structuring and cross-border representation.
The initiatives are intended to help diaspora investors navigate legal processes, protect their interests and make informed decisions when conducting transactions in Uganda.
