Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has called for stronger cybersecurity and information security measures to protect sensitive financial intelligence, strengthen national security and boost investor confidence following the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA)’s attainment of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.

Musasizi made the remarks during the official handover of the certification and the launch of the FIA Client Charter at the Authority’s offices in Kampala. He commended the FIA Board, management and staff, the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U), the World Bank and other stakeholders for their contribution to the achievement.

The minister said safeguarding financial intelligence is critical to maintaining the integrity of Uganda’s financial system and strengthening confidence among international partners and investors. He emphasized the need for sustained investment in cybersecurity, improved coordination among government agencies and compliance with internationally recognised standards.

Musasizi also highlighted the importance of maintaining Uganda’s progress in combating money laundering and other financial crimes, noting that continued efforts will be necessary ahead of the country’s 2028 mutual evaluation. He urged government institutions and private sector players to treat information security as a strategic priority rather than simply a technical requirement.

The FIA’s ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification reflects its commitment to strengthening information security management and protecting sensitive data against security risks. The international standard provides a framework for identifying information security risks, implementing appropriate controls and continually improving systems used to safeguard information.

FIA Board Chairperson Alinaffe Kalule underscored the importance of information security in protecting confidential intelligence, preserving institutional credibility and safeguarding the integrity of Uganda’s financial system.

He noted that effective information security is essential for maintaining trust in the Authority’s work, particularly given its role in receiving, analysing and disseminating financial intelligence to relevant authorities. The FIA serves as Uganda’s national centre for financial intelligence and contributes to efforts to detect and prevent financial crimes.

FIA Executive Director Samuel Were Wandera said obtaining the certification should not be viewed as the end of the process but as the beginning of a continuous improvement journey. He emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance, stronger security systems and the ability to respond to emerging cyber threats, including risks associated with artificial intelligence.

As digital technologies continue to evolve, institutions handling sensitive financial information face the challenge of adapting their security measures to changing threats. Maintaining effective information security therefore requires regular reviews, staff awareness, sound risk management and continuous improvements to existing systems.

The certification handover also coincided with the launch of the FIA Client Charter, which reinforces the Authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability, responsive service delivery and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

The Charter sets out the Authority’s service commitments and provides a framework for strengthening relationships with the individuals, institutions and organisations that interact with the FIA.

The milestone comes as Uganda continues to strengthen its systems for combating money laundering and terrorist financing while seeking to maintain international confidence in its financial sector. Sustained cybersecurity investment, effective institutional coordination and adherence to recognised standards will remain important as the country prepares for its 2028 mutual evaluation.

The FIA’s certification and Client Charter launch underline the importance of combining secure information management with accountable public service delivery to support the integrity and resilience of Uganda’s financial system.