UK Government witholds Uganda aid

By Alex Singleton | 30 April 2005

The UK Government has cancelled £5m in foreign aid to Uganda, the BBC reports, because it has not done enough to allow free and fair elections.

Political parties have for years been severely restricted and some opposition groups have urged donors to cut aid.

Multi-party elections are expected to return next year, but some say the government is not doing enough to ensure a smooth transition.

Although the British have handed over almost 90% of the proposed funding for the year, the BBC's Will Ross in Kampala says this action is intended to send out a message: "The British government will work with you and support you but only if the political process is fair."