In response to the growing threat of white-collar crime, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has unveiled a new initiative—Fraud Database Uganda—a digital platform designed to help companies across all sectors prevent fraud through shared intelligence.
The platform will provide 24/7 access to a centralized database of verified fraud cases, enabling subscribing businesses to conduct due diligence before hiring employees, engaging suppliers, or partnering with distributors.
The tool aims to bolster corporate security by offering real-time data and collaborative insights, marking a significant step in the fight against economic crime.
RESPONDING TO ESCALATING CORPORATE FRAUD
According to the 2024 Annual Crime Report, Ugandan police recorded 110 cases of bank and corporate fraud, making up 0.8 per cent of all reported economic crimes.
These offenses included money laundering, terrorism financing, forgery, human trafficking, and corporate extortion. In total, Ugandans lost over Shs 785 billion to various criminal activities in 2024 alone. Of this, Shs 474 billion was attributed to cases involving false pretenses.
Despite these losses, only Shs 10 billion was successfully recovered, highlighting the urgent need for proactive solutions.
CROSS-SECTOR SOLUTION
Joselyn Kateeba, UMA board member, emphasized that although the platform is spearheaded by UMA, it is open to all registered businesses in Uganda— regardless of sector.
“From our experience, fraud incidents often have cross-sector implications,” Kateeba explained.
“Someone may commit fraud in manufacturing and later take up a role in a financial institution, using illicit gains to fund their next operations. This highlights the need for a unified, collaborative response.”
Kateeba described the platform as a centralized intelligence hub, enabling verified fraud cases to be logged and shared securely among member organizations. The goal is to build an ecosystem of transparency and accountability that discourages repeat offenders and improves sector-wide risk management.
VERIFICATION PROTOCOLS
For a case to qualify for inclusion in the database, it must meet strict verification criteria. This includes a formal police report confirming the incident as fraud, alongside an internal report prepared by a certified professional—such as a CPA, forensic auditor, or an authorized audit firm.
“Whether you’re onboarding a supplier, hiring a new employee, or entering a joint venture, we urge businesses to integrate this database into their due diligence process,” Kateeba said.
She also noted that the database is not merely a reporting tool, but a preventative mechanism aimed at helping businesses safeguard their operations before fraud occurs.
“Instead of waiting for fraud to happen and then filing an insurance claim, we’re asking—how can we prevent it?”
“By making verified information accessible and actionable, we can help organizations protect themselves from financial crime. That’s the true essence of this initiative,” she added.
SECTOR-WIDE COLLABORATION ENCOURAGED
UMA is now calling on businesses across Uganda—from manufacturing to financial services—to join the platform and contribute to the shared goal of fraud prevention.
The association believes that by pooling information and resources, businesses can better mitigate risk and close existing loopholes that fraudsters exploit when moving from one industry to another.
The launch of the Fraud Database Uganda marks a new chapter in corporate governance and risk management, as Uganda’s private sector steps up its fight against financial crime through innovation, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
