Uganda: Uganda, U.S. Sign Shs6.4 Trillion Health Financing Agreement
[Nile Post] Uganda and the United States have signed a five-year health cooperation agreement that will guide the implementation of about $1.7 billion (Shs6.42 trillion) in US support to Uganda's health sector between 2026 and 2030.
The United States and Uganda have inked a five-year agreement worth approximately $1.7 billion (Shs6.42 trillion) to bolster the health sector in Uganda from 2026 to 2030. The Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) was signed in Kampala, marking a shift towards greater government-to-government financing under US leadership. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Mikael Cleverley were present to sign the document.
The SOAG builds upon a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from December 2025, which committed $1.7 billion to address infectious disease threats. Musasizi hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two nations, emphasizing the impact of US support on fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as responding to disease outbreaks and strengthening public health surveillance.
He welcomed the shift towards direct government financing to enhance Uganda's ownership of health initiatives and align external aid with national priorities. However, Musasizi cautioned that the country cannot solely rely on external funding to sustain health services in the long run.
The agreement aims to expand beyond disease-specific programs by bolstering Uganda's health systems, upgrading health workers' skills, and enhancing accountability. US Ambassador Cleverley expressed confidence in Uganda's leadership and the country's capacity to manage public health programs independently. Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi welcomed the new financing model, stating it would transition Uganda away from donor-dependent off-budget assistance toward a more self-reliant approach.
The SOAG will see the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development directing the funds to the health sector. Baryomunsi highlighted ongoing challenges with communicable and non-communicable diseases, noting that continued investment in the health sector remains crucial.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
