Uganda concern as aid programme delayed by fraud

Uganda has expressed concern at the suspension of Irish aid to the country after €4m of taxpayers’ money went missing in a suspected fraud.

The country’s ambassador to Ireland said she was “disappointed” by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore’s decision, and insisted corruption was not rife in the war-torn East African state.

Mr Gilmore ordered a Department of Foreign Affairs team to investigate what happened to the relief funds after it is believed they were transferred into an unauthorised account of the office of prime minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi.

While the probe continues, Mr Gilmore has suspended €16m in aid to the impoverished country.

Ambassador Joan Rwabyomere said she was unhappy at the turn of events.

“My initial response is disappointment. I’m optimistic once this matter is over, Irish aid can be reinstated, so that we can continue with our already existing co-operation and friendship.

“It has to be confirmed that this money has been misappropriated as investigations are still going on.

“We have received Irish aid for many years in the past and it has been put to proper use.”

Ms Rwabyomere defended Uganda’s reputation, saying corruption occurred in all countries.

“I wouldn’t say that corruption is the only thing happening in Uganda,” she said. “In any country there could be elements who are corrupt.

“But we have progressive and clear-headed leaders and a free press that is able to expose corruption.”

Irish Aid director general Brendan Rogers said the Tánaiste was “incensed” about what happened.

But Mr Rogers added Irish aid made a huge difference to the lives of ordinary people in Uganda.

“All of that money, except for this €4m, has made a huge difference in that country,” he said. “It’s a different place. It’s a young democracy. It is a poster boy for corruption but it is also a poster boy for progress as well.”

Mr Gilmore has sent three DFA officials to Kampala to investigate what happened to the money, which was earmarked for education, policing, and HIV-Aids prevention.

The alleged fraud took place last year and involves €12m in aid from four nations — Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Despite the suspension of Government aid funds, some €15m of taxpayers’ money will continue to go to Uganda via groups such as Goal and World Vision Ireland.

Mr Gilmore hit back at critics of the Irish aid programme, saying funds had help establish the office of an independent auditor general in Uganda which uncovered the alleged fraud.