(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-24 15:53

Kampala -- Britain will totally give Uganda 700 million pounds (US$1.4 billion) in next 10 years to support Uganda's development programs which will focus mainly on poverty reduction and alleviation.

"We plan to provide at least 70 million pounds (US$140 million) in each of the next 10 years through this new Development Plan Arrangement (DPA)," British Minister for International Development Shriti Vadera was quoted by state-own New Vision on Saturday.

She signed an agreement with Ugandan Finance Minister Erza Suruma at the new Department of Foreign and International Assistance offices in Kampala.

"This arrangement signals the Britain's long term commitment to support Uganda's development," she said.

"I welcome the strong progress that Uganda continues to make in reducing poverty, which has almost halved since 1992/93," said Vadera.

"The partnership is based on a shared commitment to reduce poverty, tackle corruption and respect human rights and our international obligations," Vadera said. "The Development Partnership Arrangement signals our long term commitment to Uganda' s development and is an important part of our efforts to improve the predictability of aid."

Vadera also announced that Britain would provide Poverty Reduction Budget Support to Uganda of 35 million pounds (US$70 million) in 2007/08.

"The Britain's total program in Uganda in 2007/08 is 70 million pounds. Of this we will allocate 35 million pounds to budget support to poverty for poverty reduction and at least 15 million pounds will meet humanitarian needs and recovery efforts in the north, including water and sanitation, health and emergency food aid as required," Vadera said.

"The remainder will support public service reform, public financial management, anti-corruption effort, revenue mobilization, accountability through Parliament and civil society, health as well as water and sanitation," added Vadera.