The Governments of the United States and Uganda have formalized a five-year bilateral health cooperation agreement valued at $2.2 billion. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines a comprehensive strategy to save lives, strengthen Uganda’s health system, and enhance global health security, while fostering stronger U.S.–Uganda relations. The agreement also emphasizes measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases both regionally and internationally.

Under the terms of the MOU, the United States will prioritize support for critical health programs including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, emergency preparedness, global health security, human resources, and disease surveillance. Over the next five years, the U.S. Government is expected to contribute up to $1.7 billion, while the Government of Uganda will increase its domestic health spending by more than $500 million to gradually assume greater financial responsibility. The agreement also includes initiatives to support faith-based healthcare providers across Uganda.

Statements from the U.S. Government

At the signing ceremony alongside Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Matia Kasaija, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp said, “This agreement represents a significant commitment by the United States and Uganda to co-invest in our shared global health priorities. 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.”

Statements from the Government of Uganda

Finance Minister Honorable Matia Kasaija highlighted Uganda’s commitment, saying, “The Government of Uganda acknowledges the critical importance of preventing the spread of emerging and existing infectious disease threats globally. In this regard, the Government of Uganda notes 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 recognizes and commits to gradually increasing its own budgetary contribution to more than $500 million over the same period, as the 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.”

Key Provisions of the MOU

The agreement includes several provisions designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s health system:

  • Commodities: Procurement of most health commodities will gradually transition from U.S. funding to the Ugandan Government over the five-year period, strengthening Uganda’s supply chains and institutional capacity.
  • Frontline Health Workers: Health workers currently funded by the U.S. will be mapped to cadres employable by the Ugandan Government and transitioned to the national payroll.
  • Data Systems: The U.S. Government will invest in Uganda’s data and disease surveillance infrastructure, supporting digitization, electronic medical records (EMRs), and integration of systems with the national data warehouse.
  • Faith-Based Providers: Uganda, with U.S. support, will enhance services provided by faith-based organizations through performance-based agreements, expanded primary health care grants, and support for digital and community health insurance initiatives.
  • Co-Investment: Uganda will boost domestic health expenditures by over $500 million during the five-year period to ensure sustainable funding and move toward self-reliance.

As Uganda’s largest global health partner, the United States has a long history of collaboration spanning over 60 years, supporting programs that have saved lives and strengthened health systems. This MOU builds on that legacy, reinforcing the shared goal of a resilient health system owned and managed by Uganda’s institutions and communities while safeguarding the health of both Ugandan and American citizens.