US to maintain aid to Uganda

By Taddeo Bwambale and Violet Nabatanzi

The US ambassador to Uganda, Scott DeLisi has said his country will not cut aid to Uganda over allegations of corruption involving some Ugandan officials.

Several donors suspended aid to Uganda following investigations into alleged corruption in the Office of the Prime Minister, where over sh50b was reportedly misappropriated.

DeLisi said his country was convinced that its funding to Uganda was properly utilised, since it was outside direct budget support to Government.

"People have been saying that we are silent on corruption in Uganda. The money we bring here has not disappeared, but we must stand together to solve the problem of corruption," he said.

DeLisi made the remarks while giving a health policy speech to commemorate World Health Day Thursday, under the theme: "The US Government and the People of Uganda-Working Together for a Healthier Future'. The event was held at the Makerere College of Health Sciences in Kampala.

The US provides over $430m (1 trillion shillings) to Uganda every year to address critical health issues in Uganda.
DeLisi, however, warned that corruption was affecting Uganda's efforts to attract foreign investment and maintain its development agenda.

"I met some people who were keen to invest in energy and infrastructure, but a point was made about corruption. These people always find alternatives," he said.

The envoy maintained that the US would not condone corruption, but said it was the duty of Ugandans, not donors, to fight the vice.

He said he was frustrated that cases of corruption had led many Ugandans to lose faith in the country's service delivery.

"One of my greatest frustrations is when a Ugandan on my Facebook page says things like: 'thank you for the assistance, Ambassador, but you know that the money never reaches the people because it is eaten by corrupt officials and NGOs,'" he stated.

He pledged US support to Uganda to address public health challenges such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. He also called for scaling up of safe male circumcision and family planning services to reduce maternal deaths and ensure a productive population.

He advised the Government to motivate and retain health workers by offering them decent pay and supporting facilities.