The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged for the harmonization of anti-illicit financial flows legislation across jurisdictions to help curb financial crimes.
He made this call while officially closing the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.
Ssenyonyi emphasized that financial crimes drain African nations of critical resources, undermining their capacity to invest in essential services and national development.
He pointed out that addressing illicit financial flows is not just a matter of financial oversight but a broader fight for economic justice, social equity, and sustainable progress.
“Accountability must be demanded at all levels, and reforms must be championed to strengthen state institutions in their mission to safeguard public resources,” Ssenyonyi stated.
In his remarks, Ssenyonyi advocated for increased training programs for Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively scrutinize public spending. He noted that empowering PAC members would enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of financial oversight mechanisms.
The AFROPAC Conference brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on measures aimed at strengthening financial accountability and combating illicit financial flows.
Delegates discussed strategies for improving regulatory frameworks, increasing intergovernmental cooperation, and reinforcing institutional capacity to track and prevent financial crimes.