Financial Crime Investigation Techniques in Uganda: Judges and Prosecutors Unite to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing

A High-Level Training Session to Strengthen Capacities Against Financial Crimes

A recent training session brought together over 80 judges and prosecutors from Uganda and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) states to discuss the adjudication of financial crimes. The workshop, held at the Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, focused on strengthening capacities to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing cases.

Supported by Regional Organizations

The event was supported by the COMESA Secretariat, German Cooperation for International Development (GIZ), and other regional organizations. It aimed to provide a platform for gathering and sharing experiences regarding the prosecution, investigation, and adjudication of money laundering and terrorism financing cases.

Improving Technical Compliance with FATF Standards

Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has been working closely with international partners to improve its technical compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The country was previously grey-listed but has since implemented many of the recommendations from a mutual evaluation report, resulting in upgraded ratings and removal from the grey list.

Techniques for Investigating and Prosecuting Organized Crime and Terrorism

The workshop will cover various techniques used when investigating and prosecuting organized crime and terrorism, including depriving criminals or terrorists of their illicitly acquired profits. It will also provide insights into the challenges and best practices in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and terrorist financing cases.

Key Challenges and Predicate Offences

Uganda’s National Risk Assessment report reveals that corruption, fraud, tax crimes, and counterfeiting are among the most proceeds-generating predicate offences domestically. At an external level, drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, wildlife offenses, and tax evasion are some of the main predicate offenses.

Domestic and Regional Cooperation

The event is a testament to the long-standing domestic cooperation between judges and prosecutors in Uganda as well as regional cooperation with judges from other regions. It provides an opportunity for participants to build synergies that will aid national cooperation, coordination, and mutual legal assistance during the prosecution and investigation of money laundering and terrorism financing cases.

Opening Remarks

In his opening remarks, [Name], Director General of FIA, emphasized the importance of cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. He urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to build synergies that will benefit the nation at large.

Expected Outcomes

The two-day event is expected to yield valuable insights and conclusions on the most effective ways to combat financial crimes in Uganda and the region.