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By Aggrey Baba
A leaking pot can never be full, and for Africa, the steady loss of US$88 billion (UGX322.5 trillion) annually through illicit financial flows (IFFs) has left the continent struggling to provide basic services.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has called on African nations to step up efforts in sealing these financial leakages that rob citizens of development opportunities.
Speaking at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala, Among emphasized the devastating impact of IFFs on key public services such as health, education, roads, and rural electrification.
“This loss is deeply felt in our communities. We lack health facilities, schools, roads, and proper development of our natural resources because billions are lost through illicit transactions,” she stated.
The conference, running until 21st March 2025, is themed “Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience.” It has drawn over 100 delegates from across Africa, all determined to find solutions to this financial crisis.
Uganda is one of the countries bearing the brunt of illicit financial flows, losing an estimated Ugx 4.8 trillion annually due to trade misinvoicing, tax evasion, and corruption-related activities, according to the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) Report. These losses continue to choke economic growth, leaving critical sectors underfunded.
Hon. Medard Sseggona, AFROPAC Chairperson and Chairperson of Uganda’s Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), stressed the importance of a united African effort in tackling the problem.
“By working together, we can create a strong front against those who illegally drain Africa’s wealth. We welcome the Global Fund as a new partner in this critical fight,” he said.
He urged African governments to increase funding to AFROPAC to strengthen financial oversight and accountability.
“By the end of this conference, we must have clear resolutions that will equip our countries with the tools to effectively combat illicit financial flows,” he added.
Speaker Among also pledged to rally more financial support for AFROPAC through the Association of African Parliament Speakers.
“We will push for more funding to AFROPAC so that we safeguard Africa’s wealth,” she affirmed.
AFROPAC Secretary General Hon. Mark Botomani emphasized the need for governments to implement PAC recommendations, warning that failing to act would only worsen Africa’s financial woes.
“The fight against illicit financial flows is about ensuring that public resources benefit citizens rather than being siphoned away,” Botomani noted.
Founded in 2013, AFROPAC is a Pan-African network of parliamentary oversight committees committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in public resource management.
As the conference progresses, delegates hope to produce policy recommendations that will help African nations close financial loopholes, boost domestic resource mobilization, and strengthen public financial resilience.
After all, when the granary is left open, even the lazy rat takes its share. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
