Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

49 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters discussed with the President of Uganda and his officials during the President's official visit to Ireland; if claims of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda were raised; if so, the response received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30484/03]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

58 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent reports that Uganda loses 200 billion, SHS, annually due to corruption; and the level of projected aid to Uganda from Ireland for 2004. [30409/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Mr. Kitt)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 58 together.

I met President Museveni on 10 November last during his visit to Dublin. Many matters were discussed, including Uganda's involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the findings and recommendations of the Porter judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the various reports of the UN panel of experts, which had prompted the establishment and work of the Porter commission, the situation in northern Uganda and the process of political transition to a full democracy in Uganda. There was discussion on trade and aid and on domestic governance issues.

On the issue of Uganda's involvement in the DRC, I advised President Museveni of Irish concerns regarding human rights abuses and illegal exploitation of resources. I emphasised the importance of the full implementation of the recommendations of the Porter commission, as promised in the white paper issued by the Ugandan Government. President Museveni made clear that he is committed to taking action against Ugandans involved in illegal activities in the DRC. He reiterated that all Ugandan troops had been withdrawn and that Uganda is fully committed to the peace process in the DRC. In that context, he referred to the proposal for the convening of an international conference on the Great Lakes region, as proposed by the UN Secretary General's special representative to the region, Mr. Ibrahim Fall, and of Uganda's full support for it.

We conveyed our hope that the Ugandan Government will give priority attention to the humanitarian situation in the north of the country. We expressed our hope that, while acknowledging and condemning the atrocities carried out by the Lord's Resistance Army, the President would continue his efforts to find a negotiated settlement with it. I underlined the need for further progress in the building of Uganda's democracy, particularly the importance of creating a multi-party democratic system. The President referred to the constitutional review which is under way which he said reflects a healthy public debate on this and related issues.

The issue of corruption, in itself one of the key development challenges in Uganda and elsewhere, was also discussed. Mr. Museveni acknowledged its corrosive impact and referred to his Government's crusade to tackle corruption. I underlined the importance attached by donors to effective action by his Government on this issue.

The issue of the reported loss of 200 billion Ugandan shillings was raised with Uganda one year ago by EU donors on foot of reports by the Ugandan auditor general to the parliament. It refers in part to an inability to account properly for up to 7.5% of the government budget. We are continuing to press the Ugandan authorities on this issue, while noting the view of the Ugandan auditor general that greater capacity needs to be provided for his office to follow up on such issues. It should be mentioned that Ireland has played a key role in funding a national survey in Uganda to identify the extent of corruption and, in co-operation with donors, identifying a range of issues to be tackled to reduce it, including public sector pay reform, adequate resourcing for anti-corruption agencies, follow-up to investigatory commissions and continued strengthening of the accountability regime. Positive developments in the war on corruption include the introduction of a leadership code under which politicians and senior civil servants must make a declaration of their wealth and interests. Its seriousness of purpose was demonstrated by the dismissal of a number of officials who failed to comply.

Part of Ireland's programme of assistance is directed towards support of the ministry of ethics and integrity and the office of the inspector general of government, the key government anti-corruption institutions. We also support civil society organisations, including the Uganda Debt Network, in their anti-corruption efforts. There are significant oversight and accountability measures in place to ensure the protection of Irish taxpayers' money.

I am satisfied that Ireland's support to Uganda is well spent and has contributed to the remarkable progress made in Uganda in poverty reduction and in the improvement of services such as primary schooling and primary health care and in combating HIV/AIDS. Value for money audits carried out in the education, health and other sectors, while bringing to light weaknesses requiring correction and reform, consistently confirm the progress being made. The proposed budget for Development Co-operation Ireland's Uganda country programme for 2004 is €30.5 million.