KAMPALA
Uganda and the United States have signed a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth USD 2.3 billion (about Shs 8.51 trillion) to boost bilateral cooperation in health and strengthen Uganda's health system. The agreement was signed today at the Ministry of Finance, with Finance Minister Matia Kasaija representing the Government of Uganda and U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp signing on behalf of the United States.
Under the new framework, the United States will contribute USD 1.7 billion (about Shs 6.29 trillion) over five years, while the Government of Uganda has pledged to increase domestic health financing by USD 500 million (about Shs 1.85 trillion) as it gradually assumes more responsibility for the health sector.
The health cooperation package will support priority programmes including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, human resources for health, disease surveillance, global health security, and emergency preparedness. The MOU also includes support for faith-based health providers across Uganda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Kasaija said, “The partnership offers a comprehensive vision to save lives and strengthen Uganda's health system,” adding that it will “yield long-term improvements in national institutions and workforce capacity.”Ambassador Popp described the agreement as “a significant long-term commitment by both countries to co-invest in shared global health priorities.”
He noted that the framework “emphasises stronger community health systems, better data systems, clear performance metrics, and improved readiness to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.”
The MOU builds on past cooperation while steering Uganda toward greater self-reliance in managing its national health needs.
Torch Media Africa
