The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has called for increased public-private partnerships in combating illegal wildlife trade and related financial crimes.
The call was made during a recent regional meeting that brings together key stakeholders committed to combating money laundering and related financial crimes.
This 48th Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting hosted by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) that took place in Diani, Kenya, also included the 7th Sub-Saharan Africa Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Public/Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD).
FIA Executive Director, Samuel Were Wandera, alongside his team comprised of the Deputy Executive Director, Director of ICT Systems & Security, Manager of International Relations and others attended.
During the meeting, Bright Besigye, FIA’s Manager of International Relations, delivered a detailed presentation on Uganda’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding Money Laundering (ML) and Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Typologies.
His paper for example gave insights into Uganda’s achievements, such as improved coordination between law enforcement agencies, stronger monitoring mechanisms for financial flows linked to wildlife crime, and enhanced regulatory frameworks.
“Besigye emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring the effective implementation of these measures. He highlighted Uganda’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by illegal wildlife trade and related financial crimes” says a statement from FIA, adding that the focus was on implementing the FATF’s 2016 Money Laundering and Illegal Wildlife Trade Typology Report and the ESAAMLG study on poaching.
The agency said Uganda’s progress in these areas underscores the nation’s commitment to international AML/CFT standards and to addressing the intertwined issues of wildlife crime and money laundering
WHY ESAAMLG?
According to FIA, ESAAMLG continues to play a pivotal role in fostering cooperation and collaboration among member states in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. By bringing together Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the private sector, ESAAMLG strengthens regional and international efforts to curb financial crimes.
“Therefore, the presence of Wandera and the FIA team at the 48th Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting and the 7th Sub-Saharan Africa AML/CFT Public/Private Sector Dialogue underscores Uganda’s strong commitment to regional and international AML/CFT obligations” the agency said.
FIA expressed it’s continued commitment towards its mission of safeguarding Uganda’s financial system against money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
“In respect of the Meetings in Kenya, the FIA will continue to engage with other member states, sharing experiences and adopting best practices. The FIA looks forward to further strengthening its role in the fight against financial crimes across the region in collaboration with ESAAMLG and other key stakeholders” it said.
