Politics 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
FIA Deputy Director Explains Path to Unfreezing NGO Accounts Amid Election Probes
The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) deputy executive director states that frozen NGO bank accounts will be released once they submit required documents to clear suspicions of illicit funding ahead of the 2026 elections. Affected organizations like Chapter Four and the African Institute for Investigative Journalism are preparing to comply, with FIA assuring a swift three-day review process. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/financial-intelligence-authority-boss-speaks-out-on-closed-ngos-5424270
The deputy executive director of Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Mr. Lazarus Mukasa, has clarified that bank accounts of several NGOs frozen due to suspected financial irregularities will be unfrozen upon submission of supporting documents.
Speaking on the sidelines of a capacity-building workshop on financial investigations in the mining sector at Serena Hotel Kigo, Mukasa emphasized that this is a standard procedure triggered by any suspicious activity. He noted that unresolved cases stem from account holders’ failure to provide necessary evidence.
The freezes, ordered ahead of the 2026 General Elections, target alleged illicit funding. Affected groups include Chapter Four, Agora Centre for Research, and the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AI IJ).
AI IJ Executive Director Solomon Serwanjja confirmed they are compiling and will submit original documents as requested by FIA, expecting quick resolution.
Mukasa assured that adequate evidence could lift the freeze within three days, but insufficient proof would lead to further probes. He stressed NGOs represent just 2% of frozen accounts, denying targeted actions.
FIA also urged stronger anti-money laundering efforts, particularly in minerals, to recover illicit gains for national development.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)