‘Donors slash govt aid over corruption’, reads Wednesday’s cover of one of Uganda’s leading newspapers. The Dutch cut budget support to Uganda’s free education system, which they have been supporting since its inception in 1997. Corruption, poor quality and disappointing results are cited as the main reasons for the 14 million euro cut.

By Marlies Pilon, Kampala

In almost every theory of sustainable development, education is hailed as the single most important driver for a better future. So why cut down on the development of children, the ones who will have to shape the future of the country? Surprisingly, a majority of Uganda’s citizens agree with the Dutch move to slash aid.

Undermining democracy
One of Kampala’s most popular radio stations, Sanyu FM, held an SMS poll about the issue. The poll was supported by TRAC FM, an NGO that stimulates listeners of radios shows to voice their opinions and report on failing public services.

‘Do you support the Dutch aid cut?’ listeners were asked. The results show that 82 percent of the 94 respondents support the decision by the Dutch to withdraw their budget support. 17 percent said they were against it.

The overall sentiment among the listeners, mostly urban youth living in the capital Kampala, is to rather have aid slashed then corrupt leaders fed. “Giving aid to a corrupt government only helps to undermine our democracy,” says Godfrey, who works at the Leadership Centre in Kampala. “I agree with the Dutch that they should not reward the corrupt elite.”

Unsatisfying results
“Uganda is a partner of Dutch development programmes. We will continue our development relation, but in other ways,“ a press officer of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Radio Netherlands Worldwide. “The Dutch government thinks budget support is a suitable instrument only when strict good governance conditions are met. The budget support to Uganda is cut because of an unsatisfying anti-corruption policy.”

When President Museveni introduced universal primary education in 1997, it enhanced his popularity in Uganda, and abroad. Western donors were eager to join the aid caravan and fund the system. But looking back, Dutch ambassador Jeroen Verheul says: “The results of universal primary education have been very disappointing. An ever growing number of children stand very little chance of ever making it to any form of secondary education.”

Rotten system
Many Ugandans also feel the idea of universal primary education did not live up to its promise. Mary Namale, a mother of six, complains that teacher absenteeism is common and books are often not available. Her children sit together in a small classroom with 80 others and listen to one teacher, if present. “I can understand the decision from donors to stop funding this system. It doesn’t matter how much money you give, if the system is rotten, money will not trickle down.”

Bu what about the responsibility of donor countries? Two Ugandan men on the street say it is unfair the Dutch government is only blaming Uganda. “It is also the fault of the donor countries. They blame everything on corruption. But corruption is nothing new. It looks as if they have been sleeping all along. They are also responsible for giving so much money to a corrupt government, right? They’d better invest in trade and support starting entrepreneurs."