The United States of America and the Government of Uganda have signed a landmark five-year, $2.3 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a new framework for bilateral health cooperation.
The agreement sets out a shared vision to save lives, strengthen Uganda’s health system, and bolster global health security under the America First Global Health Strategy.
The MOU advances a six-decade-long partnership between the two nations and aims to build a resilient Ugandan health system capable of preventing and responding to emerging and existing infectious diseases — a critical step in safeguarding both Ugandan and American citizens.
Under the agreement, the United States Government plans to provide up to $1.7 billion between 2026 and 2030 to support priority areas such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, human resources for health, and global health security.
The Government of Uganda has pledged to increase domestic health spending by more than $500 million over the same period, gradually taking on increased financial responsibility as U.S. support phases down.
The framework also includes dedicated support for faith-based healthcare providers, who deliver a significant share of Uganda’s essential health services.
A Significant Commitment to Shared Global Health Priorities
Speaking at the signing ceremony, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp hailed the agreement as a major step forward in the bilateral partnership.
“This agreement represents a significant commitment by the United States and Uganda to co-invest in our shared global health priorities,” said Ambassador Popp.
“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.”
Highly Commendable Collaboration
Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, commended the United States for its continued partnership and outlined the government’s commitment to increasing domestic health investment.
“The Government of Uganda acknowledges the critical importance of preventing the spread of emerging and existing infectious disease threats globally,” Minister Kasaija stated.
“We note 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 recognises and commits to gradually increasing its own budgetary contribution to more than $500 million as 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.”
The MOU includes several innovative elements designed to strengthen sustainability, promote self-reliance, and modernise Uganda’s health system.
The United States remains Uganda’s largest global health partner, supporting national programs that have saved millions of lives and built strong foundations in disease control, maternal and child health, and emergency readiness.
