John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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39. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of any aid the Government gives to organisations in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20556/23]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland’s engagement in Uganda, including through our international development programme, is based on our international development policy, A Better World, and guided by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025.

In line with these strategies, Ireland’s development and cooperation work in Uganda focuses on helping the furthest behind first. We have had a strong emphasis on promoting peace and security and respect for human rights and the rule of law. There is an increasing focus on supporting inclusive growth and equality in education in Karamoja, which is one of the poorest regions in Uganda. We are also taking initiatives to increase resilience and reduce humanitarian need, on climate-related vulnerability, gender equality, the provision of quality sexual and reproductive health services, and support for civil society, including LGBTI+ persons.

Through the Embassy in Kampala, we are supporting local civil society organisations, human rights defenders and NGOs. We also contribute to international development initiatives through the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Health Organisation. This has included supporting projects to assist refugees from neighbouring countries, and responses to acute crises, including the outbreak of Ebola in Uganda in late 2022. In addition, support has been provided to missionary organisations through Misean Cara, which is involved in a wide range of social and infrastructural projects in areas such as water and sanitation, agricultural education and training, food crop production, basic nutrition, basic healthcare.

In 2021, the Government provided a total of €24.4 million in assistance to Uganda, through the bilateral programme, NGOs and other channels. Details of funding provided through Ireland’s official development assistance programme to partner organisations are published each year in the Irish Aid annual report.