The COMESA Court of Justice attended a capacity building workshop on the Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Cases from 28 to 29 May 2024 at Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Kigo, Uganda. The workshop had been organised by the COMESA Secretariat – Governance, Peace and Security Unit, the Uganda Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and the German Cooperation (GIZ).

The Court was represented by Honourable Dr. Justice Michael Mtambo, Honourable Dr. Justice Leonard Gacuko and the Registrar, Honourable Nyambura Mbatia. The workshop was officially opened by the Executive Director of Uganda Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Mr. Were Wandera who outlined the role of the FIA and the need for collaboration between various government agencies. Justice Mtambo in his opening remarks recalled the decision of the 18th Meeting of the COMESA Ministers of Foreign Affairs held on 6 June 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia which noted the importance of strengthening AML/CFT in the COMESA Region. His Lordship noted that it was necessary to enhance collaboration among COMESA Member State in combatting money laundering and financing of terrorism. He further noted that many countries in the region lacked the necessary resources, expertise, and infrastructure to effectively implement and enforce AML/CFT regulations.

In attendance were Honourable Judges and Public Prosecutors from the Republic of Uganda and beyond.