Uganda’s health sector is in turmoil after the U.S. government’s recent decision to slash foreign aid leaving the country scrambling to fill a staggering Shs604Bn funding gap.
The unexpected financial blow affects crucial programs tackling HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, nutrition services and even the salaries of healthcare workers.
The revelation came during a tense meeting between Uganda’s Ministry of Health and Parliament’s Health Committee where Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng delivered the unpleasant news.
The cuts stem from the implementation of U.S. President’s executive order on January 20th, 2025, which scaled back foreign aid globally in a bid to prioritize domestic concerns.
“This is not just a funding cut, it’s a blow to the heart of our healthcare system,” Dr. Aceng lamented. “We must now ask ourselves, can Uganda afford to rely on foreign aid for survival? We need to source funds internally to build a self-reliant health sector.”
For a country where 1.4 million people live with HIV, with countless others dependent on malaria and tuberculosis treatments, this funding cut isn’t just about numbers, it’s about lives.
Uganda has one of the highest malaria burdens globally. The reduction in funding could mean fewer mosquito nets, limited access to treatment and increased fatalities.
With over 1 million people on antiretroviral therapy, Uganda’s progress in combating HIV could reduce significantly.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major killer in Uganda especially among people living with HIV. The funding cut jeopardizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention programs.
The most vulnerable populations will bear the burden. Without sustained funding, healthcare workers face salary cuts, hospitals could run out of essential drugs and families will be pushed deeper into poverty due to out of pocket health expenses.
Dr. Aceng urged Parliament to prioritize health sector financing warning that reliance on external aid leaves Uganda liable to global political impulses.
“We need to stop treating health like a charity case. This is about our sovereignty and our people’s survival. Parliament must find sustainable ways to fund healthcare,” she insisted.
Uganda has long been criticized for its heavy reliance on foreign aid especially from the United States which has been a top donor for decades.
Opposition argue that the government’s failure to develop sustainable domestic revenue streams has left critical sectors like healthcare at the mercy of international politics.
Opposition MPs were quick to pounce on the government’s predicament. “This is what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket,” said MP Theodore Ssekikubo. “We need to stop blaming the U.S. and start holding our government accountable for failing to prioritize health.”
The government faces a task of finding Shs604Bn to plug the gap. Possible solutions on the table include reallocating funds from other sectors increasing domestic taxation and encouraging public-private partnerships.
As Uganda stands at a healthcare crossroads, the message from Dr. Aceng is clear, resilience must replace reliance.
“We cannot afford to fail our people,” Dr. Aceng concluded. “Lives are at stake.”
