URA-SECURITY AGENCIES COMBINE EFFORTS TO FIGHT ECONOMIC CRIME.
The URA -CG John R. Musingunzi has asked other government security agencies to merge efforts to combat illicit trade. This was during first annual symposium on economic crime hosted by the Tax Investigation Department at Kampala Serena hotel earlier today under the theme “Shaping today’s Intelligence to tackle tomorrow’s threats”.
The symposium brought together government security agencies of Internal Security Organisation, External Security Organisation, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Office of the Director Public Prosecution, Financial Intelligence Authority, Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defense Forces among others which are key in not only security handling but also protection of revenue and revenue sources.
“The hindrances in economic crime are a battel we cannot fight alone. We appreciate the collaborative efforts in monitoring what comes into the country, fights against smuggling and information sharing all aimed at mobilising revenue for our country.” Remarked the CG
Musingunzi also called for a formulation of a framework to guide operations in an efficient and collaborative manner arguing that it is only through joint operations that government can spend less while achieving maximum results.
In his address, the minister of internal affairs, Jeje odong also chair of the National Security Council acknowledged the new trends in crime including those on the cyber stage adding that survival through such insecurities is a concern of national security.
“Economic crime is a malady which we all aware of. URA needs our support to fight it. Let us kill all the individualism and share with each other to combat crime.” empahsised Odong.
Economic crime faced by developing countries is a major threat to development. Resources that could support a country’s development are lost through economic crime such as; corruption, money laundering, smuggling, terrorism financing and tax evasion among others.
The Government of Uganda has over the past years initiated mechanisms to combat economic crime. These include; review of the legal framework, strengthening of Law Enforcement Agencies(LEAs) and the establishment of various for example the Internal Security Organization Economic Desk, Police Cybercrime Unit, the Financial Intelligence Authority, and the Anti-Corruption Court.
