Uganda aid stopped by Sweden
Sweden is to withhold 65 million kronor in budget support to Uganda due to concerns about the country's democratic development.
President Yoweri Museveni has faced mounting criticism over the arrest of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, seen as his main rival in elections next year, amid fears that he is reneging on democratic commitments.
Besigye is facing terrorism, treason, weapons and rape charges before criminal and military courts.
Four other European nations have cut assistance to Uganda this year pointing to a lack of democratization and economic reform in the east African country – Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands and Norway.
Sweden said it would closely watch Uganda's first multiparty general elections in February, after which it would re-evaluate the situation.
'"The implementation of a multiparty system earlier this year was a step in the right direction. I hope the Ugandan government will resume the work for a pluralistic political system," Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Carin Jämtin said in a statement.
The Swedish government said that 25 million of the 65 million kronor would instead be used directly for disaster relief in the war-torn northern area of the country.
AFP
Comments
See Also
President Yoweri Museveni has faced mounting criticism over the arrest of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, seen as his main rival in elections next year, amid fears that he is reneging on democratic commitments.
Besigye is facing terrorism, treason, weapons and rape charges before criminal and military courts.
Four other European nations have cut assistance to Uganda this year pointing to a lack of democratization and economic reform in the east African country – Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands and Norway.
Sweden said it would closely watch Uganda's first multiparty general elections in February, after which it would re-evaluate the situation.
'"The implementation of a multiparty system earlier this year was a step in the right direction. I hope the Ugandan government will resume the work for a pluralistic political system," Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Carin Jämtin said in a statement.
The Swedish government said that 25 million of the 65 million kronor would instead be used directly for disaster relief in the war-torn northern area of the country.
AFP
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.