Vienna, Austria – Uganda participated in the Global Fraud Summit 2026, held at the Vienna International Centre from 16–17 March, reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation in addressing fraud as an increasingly complex transnational threat. Representing the country, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, underscored the evolving nature of fraud and called for strengthened collective action at national, regional, and global levels.
Speaking during the High-Level Session on national commitments, Gen. Muhoozi emphasised that fraud continues to pose significant economic and social risks worldwide, necessitating coordinated responses that bring together governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Uganda, he noted, remains fully aligned with global efforts to combat fraud in all its forms and has continued to strengthen its domestic frameworks through legislation, institutional capacity, and a whole-of-government approach. He highlighted that Uganda’s progress in enhancing financial integrity systems had contributed to its removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, reflecting sustained reforms and political commitment. The country’s anti-fraud architecture integrates a range of legal and institutional mechanisms, supported by ongoing policy development and enforcement coordination.
The Minister acknowledged structural challenges, particularly the persistence of informal economic activity, which can create vulnerabilities that fraudsters exploit. Addressing such gaps, he suggested, requires inclusive strategies that expand financial access while strengthening public awareness and regulatory oversight.
The Summit, convened by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in collaboration with INTERPOL, brought together global leaders to align strategies against fraud, which continues to expand in scale and sophistication. Discussions highlighted the growing use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in enabling financial crime, as well as the increasing interconnectedness of criminal networks.
Participants emphasised that effective responses must prioritise real-time information sharing, cross-border coordination, and stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the private sector. New initiatives, including enhanced international task forces targeting scam operations, reflected a shared resolve to respond with speed and coherence. Uganda reiterated its commitment to sustained engagement within global frameworks, recognising that combating fraud requires not only robust domestic systems but also enduring international solidarity and cooperation.
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