Speaker Anita Among Rallies Africa Against Corruption, Calls for Action!

Monday, 17th March 2025

Kampala, Uganda –

The Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among has reaffirmed her commitment to fighting corruption, urging African nations to take decisive action against illicit financial flows that cost the continent an estimated US$88 billion annually.

Speaking at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and Fifth Annual General Meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala, Among emphasized that these financial losses deprive citizens of critical public services.

“The impact of this loss is deeply felt by our people—fewer hospitals, fewer schools, poor roads, stalled rural electrification, and underdeveloped natural resources,” Among stated.

The conference, running until Friday, 21st March 2025, is themed: ‘Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience’.

A Champion for Transparency and Accountability

Speaker Among, a staunch anti-corruption advocate, lauded Public Accounts Committees (PACs) for their role in exposing economic mismanagement but stressed that more must be done.

“We need stronger institutions, greater transparency, and unwavering commitment to good governance. Accountability must be the foundation of Africa’s financial systems,” she said.

She also pledged to champion increased funding for AFROPAC through the Association of African Parliament Speakers.

“We will support AFROPAC’s growth so that we, as Africa, can safeguard our resources and put an end to financial hemorrhaging,” Among assured.

Speaker Annet Among arriving at the conference at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala flanked by Hon Medard Segona

AFROPAC’s Collective Fight Against Corruption

Hon. Medard Sseggona, AFROPAC Chairperson and Chair of Uganda’s PAC (Central Government), emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling illicit financial flows.

“By working together, we can build a united front against those who siphon Africa’s wealth. We thank the African Union, SADCOPAC, and our regional counterparts for their support,” Sseggona noted.

He also welcomed The Global Fund as a new AFROPAC partner and urged African governments to prioritize financial oversight mechanisms.

“By the end of this conference, we must have actionable resolutions to strengthen public financial oversight and arm our countries with the tools needed to combat illicit financial flows,” he asserted.

Hon. Mark Botomani, AFROPAC Secretary General, highlighted the lack of implementation of PAC recommendations as a key accountability challenge.

“The fight against illicit financial flows goes beyond tracking stolen money; it’s about ensuring public resources drive sustainable development and economic growth,” Botomani stressed.

Speaker Anita Among posing for a photo with the participants at the conference

AFROPAC: Africa’s Watchdog Against Corruption

Established in 2013, AFROPAC serves as a Pan-African parliamentary network dedicated to promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in public financial management.

As Africa grapples with the economic consequences of corruption, Speaker Anita Among continues to lead the charge, pushing for stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and unwavering political will to secure Africa’s financial future.