Financial Crime World

Uganda Hosts Training Workshop on Investigation and Prosecution of Money Laundering Crimes and Asset Recovery

Kampala, Uganda - A Collaborative Effort

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) of the Republic of Uganda, in partnership with AGA AAP, recently organized a two-day workshop on Investigation and Prosecution of Money Laundering Crimes and Asset Recovery. The event brought together 120 participants from various stakeholders, including FIA staff, investigators, and personnel from law enforcement agencies, tax authorities, and other relevant institutions.

Enhancing Understanding of Money Laundering in Uganda

The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of money laundering and related matters in Uganda, which has been identified as a major challenge in the country’s fight against financial crimes. The training covered topics such as:

  • Vulnerabilities and methods of money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Investigation tools
  • Asset recovery

Keynote Speakers

The event featured keynote speakers from around the world, including:

  • Scott Blake, Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, who presented on the link between money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Melisaa Pulver, Detective with MSJ Phoenix Police Department Drug Enforcement Bureau, who took participants through a session on asset recovery
  • Kenneth Muhangi, partner at KTA Advocates, who focused on investigation tools, terror financing, and prosecution of AML cases in Uganda

Presentations and Interactive Sessions

Peter Mugisha, State Attorney, Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, presented on the scale of money laundering in East Africa and Uganda, emphasizing the importance of asset recovery. The workshop also featured interactive sessions and case studies, allowing participants to share experiences and best practices in investigating and prosecuting money laundering cases.

Official Opening

The training was officially opened by FIA’s Executive Director, Sydney Asubo, who thanked AGA AAP for its timely intervention in providing capacity-building support to Uganda’s efforts to combat financial crimes. The workshop was also attended by the President of the Uganda Law Society, Simon Peter Chinobe, who emphasized the importance of understanding money laundering and its implications.

Expected Outcomes

The training is expected to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in investigating and prosecuting money laundering cases, ultimately contributing to improved efforts to combat financial crimes in Uganda.