Britain Joins Ireland In Suspending Aid To Uganda

The British government yesterday joined the Irish government in freezing aid to Uganda after it emerged funds worth 10 million pounds in aid money were transferred to Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi’s private bank account.

Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland joined hands to give this aid meant to among others reduce poverty and help with the recovery process underway in Northern Uganda as it emerges from over 20 years of war.

This comes five days after the Irish government also suspended aid to the East African nation after auditors told the Irish government their aid money worth 12 million euros had gone missing.

The UK has already set up an independent audit to find out more about the alleged fraud.

Premier Amama has since denied any involvement in the fraud saying ‘I didn’t even know. No money was ever paid to me and I never handle money… As the prime minister I don’t handle money of government at all, ever.’

The Prime Minister’s office has been under the spotlight in the last couple of months after auditors discovered aid money channelled through the premier’s office ended up in the personal accounts of staff.