Uganda and the United States have signed a five-year, $2.3 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Bilateral Health Cooperation aimed at saving lives, strengthening health systems, and boosting global health security.
The agreement, signed on December 10, 2025, reflects a long-standing partnership spanning more than six decades and marks a significant shift toward self-reliance in Uganda’s health sector.
Under the MOU, the United States will provide up to $1.7 billion to support priority health programs, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness. Uganda has pledged to increase domestic health expenditures by more than $500 million over the five-year period, gradually assuming greater financial responsibility for health services.
“This agreement represents a significant commitment by the United States and Uganda to co-invest in our shared global health priorities,” said U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp at the signing ceremony alongside Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija.
“We are making a shift toward promoting self-reliance in the health sector through strong community health systems, clear performance metrics, and investments in data systems that will prevent outbreaks from threatening Uganda, the United States, and the world.”
Finance Minister Kasaija highlighted Uganda’s commitment to sustainability. “We will gradually increase our budgetary contribution while leveraging U.S. support. This collaboration will strengthen national systems, institutions, and workforce capacity, yielding long-term health gains,” he said.
A key focus of the MOU is transitioning health system components to Ugandan ownership. Frontline health workers currently funded by the U.S. will be mapped to roles within Uganda’s payroll. Procurement of essential commodities, including medicines and vaccines, will gradually move to the Ugandan government. Investments in data systems will enhance electronic medical records, interoperability between platforms, and disease surveillance capacity.
Faith-based health providers will also benefit from support through performance-based agreements, increased primary healthcare grants, and community health insurance initiatives.
Uganda’s Health Ministry says the agreement strengthens its ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases while improving overall system efficiency. The U.S. remains Uganda’s largest health partner, supporting programs that have historically expanded access to care, reduced disease burdens, and reinforced the country’s public health infrastructure.
Health policy analysts note the MOU signals a strategic pivot. “This is about moving from dependency to self-reliance,” said Dr. Fred Muhumuza, an economist. “Uganda is not only receiving funding but also building capacity to manage its health agenda sustainably.”
As the agreement takes effect, both countries aim to ensure measurable health outcomes while safeguarding communities against outbreaks. The MOU underscores a commitment to long-term system strengthening, capacity building, and the goal of resilient, locally led healthcare capable of protecting populations in Uganda and beyond.
