Ugandan government to repay €4m in aid

The Ugandan government is to repay €4 million of Irish Aid funding which was transferred into unauthorised accounts.

The Ugandan government is to repay €4 million of Irish Aid funding which was transferred into unauthorised accounts.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore confirmed he has had assurances from the highest level in the African country that the misappropriated money will be paid back in full.

Prime minister of Uganda Patrick Amama Mbabazi last week denied any knowledge of the fraud and insisted none of the missing money was ever paid to him. Two of his senior officials are on remand facing prosecution, while 17 have been suspended without pay while investigations continue.

Last month, Mr Gilmore suspended €16 million in Irish aid due to be channelled through the Ugandan government and ordered an inquiry.