MBARARA – Mbarara Deputy Resident City Commissioner Julius Katwiromunda has urged the media to work closely with the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to combat financial crimes, particularly in border districts.
Katwiromunda said that increased public awareness and cooperation with the media will help curb tax evasion and other illicit financial activities among cross-border businesses.
He made the remarks today during a Financial Intelligence Authority training for stakeholders on Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing and Counter-Proliferation Financing in Uganda’s Western Region held at Las Vegas Garden Hotel in Mbarara.
Katwiromunda emphasised that proceeds of crime pose a threat to society, calling for collective efforts to address illicit financial transactions.
The FIA Principal and Communication Officer Jossy Muhangi said the authority is committed to safeguarding the integrity of Uganda’s financial system through the effective detection and prevention of financial crimes.
Muhangi urged journalists not only to report financial crime cases but also to educate and sensitise the public about the dangers of money laundering and related offences.
The FIA Principal Compliance and Outreach Officer, Monic Ndyamuhimbisa, called on financial institutions to conduct proper due diligence on their clients, including verifying the sources of their income and how the funds are distributed.
She said such measures are essential in preventing money laundering and other financial crimes.
The training attracted participants from the media, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), the business community, the real estate sector, commercial officers and communication officers.
Source: Radio Ankole
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