As part of the ongoing Anti-Corruption Week activities, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) on Wednesday hosted a workshop focused on tackling corruption's supply side.
The event featured Nicholas Rowell, a UK-based Anti-Corruption Compliance Consultant, who provided insights on establishing effective measures to combat corruption in both public and private institutions.
Rowell’s presentation, titled “How to Stop the Supply Side of Corruption,” emphasized the importance of enacting laws mandating institutions to implement robust anti-corruption compliance programs.
He argued that institutions with strong internal controls, regularly updated policies, and vigilant transaction monitoring have effectively eradicated corruption.
“Red flags indicating potential corruption or fraud should never be ignored,” Rowell advised, adding that random audits and tailored compliance frameworks based on an institution's size and risk exposure are crucial for eliminating corrupt practices.
He also called for enhanced cooperation among Uganda’s anti-corruption agencies, urging them to leverage their collective expertise and resources to address systemic challenges.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya, commended Rowell’s detailed recommendations. She said, “When you sidestep rules, the result is corruption,” and expressed optimism about collaborating with Rowell to build systems that strengthen institutional accountability and compliance in Uganda.
Representatives from key anti-corruption agencies, including the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), attended the event.
Their presence highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in fighting corruption across the country.
Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, head of SHACU, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating corruption through such engagements.
He noted that fostering dialogue with international experts and sharing best practices could bolster ongoing efforts to build a corruption-free Uganda.
This event marks a significant step in Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Week, highlighting the role of preventive measures and institutional reforms in combating graft.
The week’s activities continue to shine a spotlight on the need for collective action and stronger compliance systems to address one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.