The Department of Foreign Affairs says €4 million of misappropriated Irish funds has been reimbursed.

All Irish Aid to Uganda was suspended last October after the monies were found to be misappropriated by officials within the Office of the Prime Minister there.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also sent an audit team from Ireland to the capital Kampala to try and secure the return of the funds.

Ireland gives around €33 million each year towards aid projects in Uganda.

Around half of that is administered by the Ugandan government.

Tanaiste satisfied with steps taken

However today the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore says restitution has been made following intensive and high-level discussions.

Officials from the Department are to examine options for a support programme for Uganda this year.

Mr. Gilmore says he is satisfied the steps taken send a clear signal of commitment to bring those involved to account.

"Looking to the future, we stand ready to continue to work with the Auditor General of Uganda in his efforts to root out corruption, strengthen financial controls, and build robust and transparent systems of accountability" he said.

"Pending the successful completion of this work we will examine appropriate management arrangements, with direct oversight by Ireland, which ensure that our development assistance continues to make a difference on the ground and builds local capacity, but also provides assurance in respect to accountability". he added.