Uganda has returned more than $5 million in looted aid money from Ireland back to the Irish government.

Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore said Tuesday he is confident the restitution will contribute to the Ugandan efforts to fight corruption. He says Irish officials will now consider restarting its frozen aid program for Uganda.

More than $5 million in aid from Ireland was embezzled last year by officials in the office of Ugandan Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi, who denies involvement.

The theft led to Britain, Denmark, and Norway to also suspend aid to Uganda.