The United States and Uganda have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Uganda's health system and address global health threats. The agreement, valued at $2.3 billion, aims to improve healthcare outcomes in Uganda while also contributing to international disease prevention efforts.
Under the terms of the MOU, the U.S. government will provide up to $1.7 billion in support for key health programs such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, global health security, workforce development, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness. The Government of Uganda has committed to increasing its domestic health spending by over $500 million during the same period in order to take on greater financial responsibility for its healthcare system.
Ambassador William W. Popp stated at the signing ceremony alongside Finance Minister Matia Kasaija: “This agreement represents a significant commitment by the United States and Uganda to co-invest in our shared global health priorities. Today, we are building on prior successes and making a significant shift toward promoting self-reliance in the health sector through strong community health systems, clear performance metrics, and a foundational commitment to data systems and global health security that will prevent and stop outbreaks from threatening Uganda, the United States and the world.”
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija added: “The Government of Uganda acknowledges the critical importance of preventing the spread of emerging and existing infectious disease threats globally. In this regard, the Government of Uganda notes the United States Government’s commitment to support Uganda with a budget allocation of $1.7 billion for the period 2026–2030. The Government of Uganda also recognizes and commits to gradually increasing its own budgetary contribution to more than $500 million over the same period, as the U.S. budget support decreases. This collaboration will yield not only disease-specific outcomes but also significant improvements in national systems, institutions, and workforce capacity. This is highly commendable.”
Key elements of the agreement include transitioning procurement responsibilities for most medical commodities from U.S.-funded programs to Ugandan control over five years; integrating frontline healthcare workers into government payrolls; investing in digital data systems for improved disease tracking; supporting faith-based providers through new service agreements; and expanding funding mechanisms like primary healthcare grants.
The partnership builds upon more than six decades of collaboration between both countries' health sectors.