Press Release
16 March 2009
UK announces future budget support to Uganda
The UK will keep its Poverty Reduction Budget Support (PRBS) to Uganda at £35 million in 2008/09.
Announcing the decision, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
“I welcome the strong progress that Uganda continues to make in reducing poverty, which has almost halved since 1992/93 and the renewed efforts to support the recovery process in northern Uganda. However, I recognise there are still important steps which need to be taken, including implementation of the Peace, Recovery and Development Plan in northern Uganda, a tougher stance on corruption and renewed attention to public sector reform. These will all be critical to our continued provision of budget support."
Notes to editors
- The UK’s total programme in Uganda in 2008/09 is £70 million. Of this we will allocate £35 million in PRBS. A further £15 million will be allocated to meet residual humanitarian needs and recovery efforts in the North, including water and sanitation, health and emergency food aid as required. The remainder will support ongoing project activities including in public service reform, public financial management, anti-corruption institutions and improved revenue mobilisation. We also finance projects in health and HIV/AIDS.
- The UK recently signed off a new 5-year strategy in Uganda, focusing on: a 5 year £100m programme for recovery and development in northern Uganda; budget support; support to the roads sector; support to the accountability sector; gender issues and HIV and AIDS.
- All the UK’s aid partnerships are based on a shared commitment to reducing poverty, tackling corruption, and respecting human rights. The strength of our partnership with Uganda will continue to depend on a shared commitment to these principles.
- The press release refers to Ugandan financial years which run from 1 July to 30 June.
