Centre for the Detection, Study and Eradication of Fraud

Centre for the Detection, Study and Eradication of Fraud (CEDESEF)

a. Objectives of the Centre
The Centre is responsible for creating strong links with, to assist and advise various governmental, non governmental agencies and individuals dealing with the problem of fraud, to acquire a better knowledge of the problem. The centre is, therefore, set to achieve this through the following objectives.

To enable the establishment of proper dossiers in the matter through academic and field work.

To establish a strong database that will enable people involved in the fight against fraud to have the best possible information at their disposal.

To play an educational and informative role, whereby the dissemination of knowledge will eventually lead to a more comprehensive fight of the problem of fraud.

To advise established institutions and whistle blow when and where opportune

To serve in the capacity building for a change of attitudes in professional life.

To encourage individuals and groups to stand up against fraud and corruption, and to be zero tolerant.

To lobby government and non-government organisations.

b. Practical ways of achieving these objectives
Three different avenues have to be studied and developed:
The various areas of fraud have to be studied. We here think for businesses, government and churches. Having put up a database of information, the Centre can become a provider of consultancies in the field.

Information has to be given about these various cases. Information can be disseminated through the classical means: press, radio, and TV. But other means can also be found so as to reach the widest possible audience. A Newsletter or a magazine should be seen as an efficient way. A network with other resource Centres the world over should be established. As part of the national educational process, educational programmes will have to be developed to reach out to people and thus not only inform about cases but also educate people. The programmes developed must be strong so as to attract people. They should be built into the existing structures of the University where a string of academic support will be found. Local Government will be reached through distance learning programmes. Policies in place will have to be studied and subjected to evaluation in view of improvement. This also entails the setting up of a specialized library for this purpose. In the same way a University Diploma and/or certificate on the matter could be envisaged.

c. Organisation of the Centre
The Centre is based at Uganda Martyrs University and composed of staff of the University. People from other institutions are welcome to join the group as well as concerned individuals from all works of life. A director of the centre as well as a Secretary are chosen by the University in consultation with the advisory board and they are to be given the necessary facilitation for their work. To assist the Centre there is an Advisory Board composed of members from Government bodies, NGOs and civil society as well as the Churches. They meet at regular intervals, four times a year, to evaluate the work done at the Centre, propose areas of study, request consultancies etc.

The Centre is placed under patronage of people highly respected for their integrity ad dedication to the cause of the eradication of fraud. The Centre is also the arm, in Uganda, of Business Ethics Network (BEN), Africa, set up at the Fraud Conference held in April 1999 at Uganda Martyrs University.