Our NGO is concerned about new anti-money laundering regulations in Uganda that might affect our ability to receive international funding. What compliance measures should we implement to ensure we can continue our operations while meeting these requirements?

Thank you for your important question about navigating anti-money laundering regulations in Uganda. The recent developments are indeed significant for NGOs operating in the region.

The good news is that as of January 2025, NGOs in Uganda have been removed from the list of 'accountable persons' under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. This exemption reduces the compliance burden significantly, but responsible practices remain important.

Recommended compliance measures:

Maintain clear documentation of all international funding sources with proper verification procedures

Implement a straightforward due diligence process for partners and major vendors
Develop risk assessment procedures specific to your funding sources and programs
Train your finance team on basic AML principles and red flags
We recommend reviewing the National NPO Working Group on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines, which provide context-specific recommendations for organizations in your situation.
Our CAH compliance team can provide more tailored guidance through our UTHABITI program's Resilience and Adaptation training. Please reach out if you would like to arrange specialized support for your organization.