On 23-03-26, the President of the Eastern Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala opened a 5-day advanced training on financial investigations and virtual assets organized by EAAACA in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). 

The training is informed by the findings from the Baseline Mapping Exercise which was conducted in Uganda from 20th to 22nd January 2025, a under the UNODC Regional Platform to fast-track the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). This exercise brought together key national institutions, including investigators, prosecutors, regulators, the judiciary, and civil society to critically assess gaps within Uganda’s anti-corruption and financial investigation framework.

The exercise highlighted significant capacity constraints in conducting financial investigations, particularly in areas such as forensic accounting, financial analysis, and digital investigations. It underscored the absence of standardized procedures, limited access to critical financial and beneficial ownership information, and delays in obtaining financial records, all of which hinder effective asset tracing and recovery.

In her remarks, Lady Justice Naluzze emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, noting that effective enforcement requires coordinated efforts among investigators, prosecutors, regulators and the Judiciary. he reaffirmed @EAAACA1's commitment to supporting member states in building resilient and technology-driven anti-corruption systems, and called on participants to translate the training into concrete action.

Mr. Fracensco Checchi, the Team Lead at the UNODC Anti-Corruption Hub for Africa, said the training is aimed at identifying practical solutions in the fight against corruption. He urged participants to fully engage in the sessions, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen investigations and enhance asset recovery efforts.