Uganda commits over USD500M to health, as the US pledges USD1.7B for self-reliance

UGANDA— The Government of the United States and the Government of Uganda have entered into a new five-year, USD 2.3 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens bilateral health cooperation.

The agreement outlines a comprehensive plan to save lives, build a more resilient health system, and enhance both nations’ capacity to address emerging global health challenges.

The signing of this MOU follows a similar partnership concluded just a week earlier between Kenya and the United States in Washington, D.C.

Under that agreement, worth USD 2.5 billion (Ksh 208 billion), the U.S. government committed direct investments in Kenya’s health institutions over the next five years.

The new U.S.–Uganda framework marks a major stride forward in advancing the long-standing bilateral relationship.

It focuses on reinforcing Uganda’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to both existing and future infectious disease threats.

The United States will support key health areas, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, global health security, human resources for health, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness.

Over the five-year period, the United States Government will provide up to USD 1.7 billion, while the Government of Uganda will progressively increase its domestic health spending by more than USD 500 million.

This co-investment model seeks to promote Uganda’s financial self-reliance and ensure long-term sustainability in the health sector.

The agreement also includes provisions to support faith-based health providers across the country, recognizing their critical role in community healthcare delivery.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp emphasized that the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to invest in global health priorities.

He noted that the collaboration builds on previous achievements and shifts toward self-reliance through stronger community health systems, clear performance indicators, and greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making and global health security.

Ambassador Popp underscored the importance of using reliable data systems to prevent outbreaks that could threaten Uganda, the United States, and the wider world.

Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija, who co-signed the agreement, reaffirmed Uganda’s recognition of the need to prevent the spread of infectious disease threats globally.

He acknowledged the United States Government’s support commitment of USD 1.7 billion for the period 2026–2030 and confirmed Uganda’s pledge to increase its contribution above USD 500 million as U.S. budget support gradually declines.

The MOU features several innovative components designed to enhance sustainability across Uganda’s health system.

These include the transition of commodity procurement to the Government of Uganda within five years, strengthening national supply chains, and integrating frontline health workers funded by the U.S. into the government’s payroll.

Additionally, the United States will make targeted investments in data management and surveillance systems to support Uganda’s digital transformation in healthcare.

This includes improvements in electronic medical records (EMRs), interoperability between systems, and the national data warehouse for better health planning and service delivery.

Faith-based healthcare institutions will receive support through performance-based agreements, increased Primary Health Care (PHC) grants, and initiatives that expand community health insurance and digitization.

Together, these initiatives aim to solidify the foundations of an effective, self-sustaining health system capable of serving Uganda’s growing population.

The United States remains Uganda’s largest global health partner, working through both bilateral and multilateral channels.

This latest agreement builds on more than 60 years of collaboration in the health sector, supporting programs that have saved lives and strengthened Uganda’s health institutions.