The increasing money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in most African countries have continued to threaten national security, economic stability, and development in most countries within the region.
This was revealed by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, while representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during the launch of the 49th Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) task force of senior officials meeting at the Speke Resort Munyonyo on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
The meeting is held under the theme; Enhancing Regional Collaboration To Combat Financial Crimes & Promote Financial Integrity
She warned that if left unchecked, these illicit activities could undermine trust in financial institutions, discourage investment, and fuel criminal networks.
Nabbanja was commended for its critical role in fostering regional cooperation, supporting capacity building, and ensuring compliance with FATF standards.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s full commitment to the ESAAMLG agenda and pledged continued support for regional and global efforts to enhance financial system transparency and combat illicit financial flows.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has conducted a new study to provide guidance to countries on measures they can take to combat money laundering (ML) from the illegal wildlife trade (IWT).
The study draws on inputs and case studies from over 50 countries from across the FATF Global Network and observers (including ESAAMLG members), as well as civil society. The co-chairs of the project were Botswana, China, and the UK.
The Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) is a regional body subscribing to global standards to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation.
Its 21 member countries are Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and it includes a number of regional and international observers such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, East African Community, FATF, IMF, SADC, United Kingdom, United States of America, UNODC, World Bank, and World Customs Organization.
The United Kingdom and the United States of America have been cooperating and supporting nations of the organization since it was established in 1999.