The Ugandan ambassador to Ireland has expressed her disappointment that Irish aid to Uganda has been suspended following the disappearance of €4 million of relief funds.
The missing funds are believed to have been transferred to an unauthorised account of the office of prime minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has suspended €16 million worth of aid in the wake of the disappearance.
Speaking on Morning Ireland today, the ambassador, Joan Rwabyomere, said she was disappointed with the suspension, but hoped the matter can be resolved soon.
“My initial response is disappointment. I’m optimistic that once this matter is over, Irish aid can be reinstated, so that we can continue with our already existing co-operation and friendship,” she said.
Ms Rwabyomere added it is too early to confirm the money has been misappropriated, as investigations are ongoing, but said she is confident the money will be returned.
Also speaking on Morning Ireland, director general of Irish Aid Brendan Rogers said the Tánaiste is “incensed” with the situation, but that other funds have made a huge difference to the poverty-stricken country.
“All of that money, except for this €4 million, has made a huge difference in that country. It’s a different place. It’s a young democracy,” he said. “It is a poster boy for corruption, but it is also a poster boy for progress as well.”
Following the money’s disappearance, three officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs flew to Uganda’s capital city Kampala yesterday.