European envoys break silence on DGF graft
What you need to know:
- The DGF board members said they have had several positive projects in Uganda since they started in 2011.
Kampala. Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) has taken action against some of its staff following allegations of misconduct resulting from an investigation on corruption in their funding.
According to a statement by the board of DGF, they take allegations of misconduct by some of their staff seriously.
“In recent months, we have investigated allegations of misconduct among some DGF staff members and, based on the findings of those investigations, we have taken disciplinary actions,” the statement reads in part.
The board members of DGF include the heads of mission of Austria, Denmark, the European Union, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
DGF, which is the largest pool of donor funding to civil society organisations in Uganda, terminated funding to four organisations after a forensic audit uncovered widespread rot and corruption.
They also ordered the affected organisations to refund the misused funds.
“As DGF Development Partners, who want to contribute to the fight against corruption in Uganda, we need to be ready to walk the talk when allegations are brought against the DGF,” the statement reads in part.
“No one working for the DGF can be associated with corruption. If any member of the public comes across any kind of misconduct by people working for the DGF, we encourage everyone to bring it to our attention, for instance by using the DGF whistle-blower hotline.”
Funding
However, the DGF board members said they have had several positive projects in Uganda since they started in 2011.
They said their projects have contributed to increased confidence of more than 10 million Ugandans to demand for rights.
“In addition, more than 750,000 women, men, girls and boys have experienced improved access to justice through legal aid services. DGF support has helped improve the capacity of the Parliament and other key state institutions,” the statement stated.
They said they have also helped Ugandan authorities in the recovery of misappropriated funds.
