Uganda suspends US health programs amid aid freeze
Uganda has temporarily suspended all health-related operations funded by the United States following an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump, which froze American financial aid worldwide.
A letter from the US Office of Management and Budget, dated January 27, 2025, instructed a halt on grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs while a review is conducted. As a result, Ugandan authorities have paused all US-supported activities, including salary payments for staff working on such initiatives.
Uganda’s health sector has long depended on US funding, especially for essential programs like HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention, and maternal healthcare. The freeze has led to disruptions in these critical services.
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On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order halting US foreign development aid for 90 days to foreign countries, NGOs, international organizations, and contractors. This was followed by a memo from the State Department instructing USAID-funded on-the-ground projects to cease operations immediately. Consequently, vital programs, such as providing vaccinations to impoverished communities and delivering clean water and food supplies, were forced to stop.
In her letter to affected personnel, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, urged contracted staff willing to continue working as volunteers to contact their respective hospital directors for reintegration into the existing healthcare system.
Dr. Atwine assured workers that negotiations with the US government were ongoing and encouraged them to remain hopeful as discussions with stakeholders continue in efforts to restore normal operations.
The suspension has raised alarms among global health advocates, who warn that the funding freeze could have severe consequences, putting thousands of frontline health workers at risk of losing their jobs. While Uganda works on internal solutions, experts are concerned that prolonged disruptions could undermine the country’s ability to tackle major public health challenges.
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