The 10th Parliament has passed the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2017, which contains amendments aimed at suppressing terror financing.
Section two of the approved bill provides a definition of a suspected terrorist, but the old act only defined a terrorist organisation and individuals without providing for a suspected terrorist. However, Parliament deleted a clause, which grants the Internal Affairs Minister powers to designate a terror suspect.
Section 7 of the bill introduces the element of terror activity being perpetuated within or outside Uganda in response to the global nature of terrorism. Clause three of the bill seeks to curb collection of funds and ultimate financing of a suspected terrorist or organization and collection of funds to facilitate travel of a terrorist outside Uganda.
The amended act also criminalizes acts of terrorism regardless of the intent of the terrorist. Judith Nabakoba, the Chairperson of the Defense Committee of Parliament, says the new amendments will now ensure effective legislation when it comes to individuals or organization involved in terrorism outside the country.
Sydney Asubo, the Executive Director Finance Intelligence Authority told the committee recently that the amended law will strengthen the entire Government system in fighting terrorism. He says the act is now clear on the fate of a terrorist even if his intention was not to terrorize others, but a single individual.
