Date: December 04, 2024
As part of the ongoing Anti-Corruption Week activities, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, hosted Mr. Nicholas Rowell, a UK-based Anti-Corruption Compliance Consultant, who delivered a presentation on “How to Stop the Supply Side of Corruption.”
In his presentation, Mr. Rowell stressed the need for government to enact laws requiring both public and private institutions to establish anti-corruption compliance programs and policies. He noted that in contexts where strong internal controls are implemented and regularly reviewed, corruption is significantly reduced or eliminated.
Mr. Rowell advised that such systems must include regular updates of internal controls, continuous transaction monitoring, and random audits. He warned that red flags—possible indicators of corruption or fraud—should never be ignored.
He further emphasized that compliance requirements vary depending on the size and risk exposure of institutions, and outlined several procedures that organizations should prioritize to strengthen compliance frameworks. He also emphasized the need for greater cooperation among Uganda’s anti-corruption agencies to maximize their collective potential in the fight against corruption.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Hon. Beti Kamya, who served as Chief Guest, commended Mr. Rowell for his insightful presentation.
“When you sidestep rules, the result is corruption,” Hon. Kamya observed.
She also expressed the agencies’ readiness to work closely with Mr. Rowell to tap into his extensive experience in building sustainable compliance systems to strengthen Uganda’s fight against corruption.
The event brought together representatives from several anti-corruption agencies, including the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and State House Investors’ protection Unit.