Uganda and United States sign $2.3 billion health cooperation agreement

11 December 2025, 10:17 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Government of Uganda and the United States have signed a landmark five-year, $2.3 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving health services and strengthening national systems. The agreement, signed yesterday in Kampala under the America First Global Health Strategy and US Foreign Assistance framework, reinforces a shared commitment to saving lives, enhancing health systems, and promoting country-led sustainability.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, signed on behalf of the Government of Uganda. The United States was represented by its Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, who highlighted the importance of the partnership. He noted that the new agreement builds on previous successes and signals a shift towards self-reliance, driven by strong local systems, performance accountability, and global health security measures designed to detect and contain outbreaks before they pose wider threats.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija expressed gratitude to the United States government, emphasising that the cooperation will not only improve disease-specific outcomes but also strengthen national institutions and the health workforce. He added that Uganda’s pledge to increase domestic financing demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustaining progress.

Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng welcomed the support and commended the United States government for prioritising the health sector.

Under the agreement, the United States will contribute $1.7 billion, while Uganda will provide $500 million. The funds will be allocated to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio reduction, global health security, and related areas. Senior Advisor at the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Brad Smith, also attended the signing ceremony.