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Financial Intelligence Authority reaffirms fight against financial crime
Operating at the vital intersection of law enforcement and the financial sector, FIUs are responsible for turning raw financial data into actionable intelligence to combat complex financial crimes.
Samuel Were Wandera, the Executive Director of the FIA. (Courtesy photo)
By: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Journalist @New Vision
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On June 9, 2026, the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) joined the global community to celebrate International Financial Intelligence Units (FIU) Day.
The annual event shines a spotlight on the critical, often behind-the-scenes role that FIUs play in safeguarding global financial systems and disrupting illicit financial flows, including money laundering and terrorist financing.
Operating at the vital intersection of law enforcement and the financial sector, FIUs are responsible for turning raw financial data into actionable intelligence to combat complex financial crimes.
Progress in the fight against money laundering
In a statement marking the occasion, Samuel Were Wandera, the Executive Director of the FIA, highlighted the country’s ongoing progress in aligning with international standards.
“FIA has made significant strides in the fight against Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Proliferation Financing. Through our strong partnerships with reporting entities, competent authorities, law enforcement agencies, and other FIU’s, Uganda has improved its integrity of the financial system and compliance with global AML/CFT standards,” Wandera said.
Wandera also extended special recognition to the analysts and specialists who work tirelessly behind the scenes to detect suspicious financial activities and support law enforcement investigations.
Established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2013, Cap 118, the FIA serves as the country’s central agency for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence.
To stay ahead of criminal networks, Wandera said the authority is actively investing in advanced analytical tools, leveraging data-driven approaches, and upskilling its specialised workforce.
In a statement marking the occasion, Samuel Were Wandera, the Executive Director of the FIA, highlighted the country’s ongoing progress in aligning with international standards.
“FIA has made significant strides in the fight against Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Proliferation Financing. Through our strong partnerships with reporting entities, competent authorities, law enforcement agencies, and other FIU’s, Uganda has improved its integrity of the financial system and compliance with global AML/CFT standards,” Wandera said.
Wandera also extended special recognition to the analysts and specialists who work tirelessly behind the scenes to detect suspicious financial activities and support law enforcement investigations.
Established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2013, Cap 118, the FIA serves as the country’s central agency for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence.
To stay ahead of criminal networks, Wandera said the authority is actively investing in advanced analytical tools, leveraging data-driven approaches, and upskilling its specialised workforce.
Because financial crime knows no borders, he said the FIA used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to timely, trusted international cooperation, ensuring that Uganda’s financial system remains secure, transparent, and resilient.
Financial action task force grey list
Uganda’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in February 2024 marked a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen financial integrity.
The country had been placed under increased monitoring in 2020 over concerns about weaknesses in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Following a series of reforms led by the Financial Intelligence Authority and other government agencies, FATF confirmed that Uganda had met international standards, paving the way for its delisting and boosting confidence among investors and international financial institutions.
Financial action task force grey list
Uganda’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in February 2024 marked a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen financial integrity.
The country had been placed under increased monitoring in 2020 over concerns about weaknesses in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Following a series of reforms led by the Financial Intelligence Authority and other government agencies, FATF confirmed that Uganda had met international standards, paving the way for its delisting and boosting confidence among investors and international financial institutions.