Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of aid to be given to Uganda for 2005 and 2006; if the Government is to alter policy in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18628/05]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will be cutting its annual direct aid to Uganda to demonstrate the need for political reform in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18650/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.

Ireland has had a development programme in Uganda for a decade. The budget for the bilateral programme in 2005 is €32 million, comprising support to a poverty action fund focused on supporting key social sectors, dedicated support to related sectors like education, health, as well as for reform in the justice, law and order sector and support to a number of districts as well as to a number of projects. A further €4 million is being provided for emergency and development activities, mainly through non-governmental organisations.

Donor concerns about the pace of democratic reform in Uganda have been growing in the lead-up to presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place in 2006. These concerns focus on the slow pace of change to create space for a multi-party political system. Additionally, donors have raised concerns about the transparency of any moves to amend the constitution in order to remove the two-term presidential limit. While it is a matter for Ugandans to decide on constitutional change, I believe that the process must be fair and transparent if it is to command the confidence of the Ugandan people, as well as the international community.

In recent months discussions have intensified between donor countries, including Ireland, and the Ugandan Government across a range of governance reforms with a particular emphasis on the multi-party issue. There has been a strong engagement at official level in Kampala and on 20 May I met the ambassador of Uganda to Ireland, His Excellency, Dr. Tomasi Sisye Kiryapawo. At that meeting, I clearly outlined the concerns of the Irish Government. I indicated that, as a signal that Ireland wants to see real progress on reform, the withholding of €2 million in development assistance is being considered.

The situation is currently under review. I am continuing to maintain contact with my counterparts from other donor countries to encourage a coordinated approach. The United Kingdom withdrew €5 million sterling from its programme in Uganda earlier this year on account of similar concerns and other donor countries are also considering their position.