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Ggoobi explained that the current suspension is a temporary review by the U.S. government and not an immediate halt to all aid disbursements
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By Our Reporter
The Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has assured Ugandans that the government remains committed to ensuring their safety and stability, despite the recent announcement by the United States to suspend aid to the country. Drawing parallels to the 2014 freeze on donor funds following the passing of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, Ggoobi emphasized that the government is well-prepared to mitigate any potential risks.
“The sky didn’t fall then, and it won’t fall now,” Ggoobi stated confidently while appearing before Parliament’s Budget Committee. He was responding to lawmakers’ concerns over the potential impact of the U.S. aid suspension on Uganda’s economy and development programs.
Ggoobi explained that the current suspension is a temporary review by the U.S. government and not an immediate halt to all aid disbursements. “This is just a review, not a complete stop. The disbursement of funds is paused for about three months, and after that, it is up to the American government. I don’t want to speculate, but I call upon everyone to remain calm, just as we did during the Anti-Homosexuality Act fallout,” he said.
The Secretary to the Treasury reiterated the government’s proactive approach to risk management, stating, “We always analyze risks and take measures to mitigate them. What I can assure you is that we will never fail to keep Ugandans safe. That is our job.”
Background: U.S. Aid freeze and gobal impact
The U.S. government recently announced a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid programs, a move initiated by President Donald Trump to review the effectiveness of humanitarian, development, and security assistance worldwide. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has temporarily exempted life-saving humanitarian programs, many U.S.-funded initiatives have already begun laying off staff and shutting down operations.
This development has raised concerns among aid-dependent nations, including Uganda, which relies on foreign assistance to support key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. However, Ggoobi’s remarks reflect the Ugandan government’s confidence in its ability to navigate the challenges posed by the aid suspension, drawing on past experiences to reassure citizens and stakeholders.
As the situation unfolds, the government has urged Ugandans to remain calm and focused, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s stability and progress.
Torch Media Africa
