Uganda: Corruption
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

David Drew (Stroud, Labour)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the theft in Uganda of $1.6 million from Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation.

Ian McCartney (Minister of State (Trade & Investment), Department of Trade and Industry; Makerfield, Labour)

On 22 May, arrest warrants were issued for three former Health Ministers (Jim Muhwesi, Mike Mukula and Alex Kamugisha) and a former State House official (Alice Kaboyo) for the misappropriation of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation funds. This followed an investigation carried out by the Ugandan Inspector General of Government. The accused have been charged with various offences including abuse of office, theft, and forgery, and their trial is due to commence on 16 July. I cannot comment further as the matter is sub judice.

Corruption remains a serious problem in Uganda and we welcome all steps taken by the Ugandan authorities to investigate thoroughly corruption allegations and to seek prosecutions where the evidence allows. Our High Commissioner in Kampala most recently discussed the need for action against corruption with President Museveni on 10 May.