Anita Among, Speaker of Ugandan Parliament, has called on African leaders to intensify the fight against illicit financial flows, which result in an estimated annual loss of US$88 billion from the continent.
“The impact of this loss has and continues to be felt by our citizenry through foregone health facilities and services, schools, roads, rural electrification, and development of natural resources,” Ms Among said on Monday.
She made the remarks while presiding over the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and 5th Annual General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.
Ms Among, speaking on the theme “Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience,” highlighted the devastating impact of illicit financial outflows on Africa’s socio-economic development.
She explained that these losses translate into missed opportunities for the provision of essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and rural electrification.
While commending public accounts committees (PACs) for their role in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement, Ms Among called for transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, emphasising that these elements are crucial to promoting accountability in Africa.
She further stated that parliamentary speakers would advocate for increased funding for AFROPAC.
“We will take it up, and we will support AFROPAC to grow so that we are able to save the money we have as Africa.”
Medard Sseggona, AFROPAC’s chairperson, underscored the importance of collaboration in combating illicit financial flows.
Mr Sseggona praised the African Union, the Southern African Development Community Organisation of PACs (SADCOPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees for their support.
“By collaborating, we can create a united front against those who aim to illegally drain Africa’s common wealth and resources. We want to thank the incoming partner, the Global Fund, for accepting to work with AFROPAC,” he said.
He reiterated AFROPAC’s commitment to regional and continental cooperation, advocating for harmonized policies and joint action. He also urged African parliaments to take bold steps against illicit financial flows.
The secretary-general of AFROPAC, Mark Botomani, pointed out that ensuring the implementation of PAC recommendations by governments remains a challenge in promoting accountability in Africa.
“The fight against illicit financial flows includes ensuring that public resources are harnessed for sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of the citizenry,” Mr Botomani added.
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