Uganda and the United States are deepening their financial partnership in the health sector following high-level discussions between Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and United States Chargé d’Affaires H.E. Mikael Cleverley in Kampala.
The meeting focused on strengthening transparency and accountability in health financing, with both sides agreeing on the need for greater visibility of all resources invested in Uganda’s health sector. The discussions were held within the framework of the Development Objectives Assistance Agreement (DOAG), which guides development cooperation between the two countries.
Musasizi welcomed the move to improve oversight of health financing, saying better coordination of government and development partner funding would enhance accountability and ensure resources are used more effectively.
The discussions come shortly after Uganda and the United States signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation memorandum of understanding valued at USD 2.3 billion. Under the agreement, the United States will provide up to USD 1.7 billion to support priority health programmes, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, disease surveillance, and maternal and child health.
The financing is expected to strengthen Uganda’s health system while supporting broader economic productivity by improving access to quality healthcare and reinforcing disease preparedness.
Musasizi also appealed for the removal of travel restrictions related to Ebola, arguing that Uganda’s strong disease response has demonstrated its ability to contain outbreaks. He said lifting the restrictions would support tourism, trade, and investment by improving international confidence in the country’s public health systems.
Cleverley reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Uganda’s health sector, noting that the partnership remains focused on delivering measurable results. He also revealed that both governments are working on a Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG), which will provide a more comprehensive framework for future government-to-government cooperation.
The latest engagement signals continued confidence in Uganda’s health sector and reinforces the role of international partnerships in financing essential public services while supporting the country’s long-term economic and social development.
