Clare Short, the International Development Secretary, said: “Uganda has made huge progress in the past few years and is reaping the rewards in economic growth and stability. The Ugandan government has put poverty eradication at the heart of its programme and Britain will continue to work in partnership to achieve that aim.”

In 1996, the Ugandan government pledged free education for up to four children a family, and the grant should enable it to double enrolment and attendance to school. This should allow 5.9 million primary-aged children education, compared with 2.45 million last year.