The United States and Uganda have formalised a five-year, $2.3 billion health cooperation agreement following Ruto’s historic visit to Washington.
This sealed deal was designed to strengthen Uganda’s health system and expand joint efforts against major infectious diseases.
The Memorandum of Understanding, issued on December 10, 2025, sets a framework for long-term investment in health programs, national capacity-building, and data systems that support global health security.
According to the statement, the partnership marks a new phase of bilateral collaboration and reinforces the United States’ role as Uganda’s largest health-sector partner.
“The Government of the United States and the Government of Uganda today signed a five-year, $2.3 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a comprehensive vision to save lives, strengthen Uganda’s health system, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,’ read part of the statement.
Strengthening Health Systems and Expanding Funding
Under the MOU, the United States plans to provide up to $1.7 billion from 2026 to 2030, directing resources toward HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication efforts, emergency preparedness, and disease surveillance.
The Government of Uganda commits to increasing its domestic health financing by more than $500 million over the same period as it gradually assumes greater financial responsibility.
Uganda’s contribution is framed as a key step toward a sustainable national health system capable of maintaining progress achieved through decades of joint programming.
Also Read: Uganda’s Electoral Commission Issues Demand to Museveni’s Govt After Bobi Wine Attacked
“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,” said Ambassador William W. Popp speaking at the signing ceremony.
Key Provisions in the Uganda New Framework
The MOU outlines several structural reforms intended to support long-term sustainability. Procurement of most commodities, previously managed by the United States, will gradually transition to the Government of Uganda over five years.
Frontline health workers currently funded by the U.S. government will be mapped to existing government cadres and progressively transitioned onto Uganda’s payroll.
Also Read: President Ruto Agrees to Give Uganda Access to the Indian Ocean
According to the statement, the United States will invest substantially in Uganda’s data and surveillance systems, aiming to advance the country’s digitisation agenda.
Planned interventions include improving electronic medical records, enhancing data capture, and integrating multiple systems with the national data warehouse.
The agreement also provides structured support to faith-based healthcare providers, who play a major role in Uganda’s health delivery system.
The framework includes performance-based service agreements, increased primary healthcare grants, and assistance for digitisation and community health insurance initiatives.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
