The recent decision by the U.S. government on January 24, 2025, has effectively suspended nearly all foreign aid, significantly impacting essential financial support for Uganda.
Numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) argue that this funding freeze for USAID-supported projects will have far-reaching and intricate consequences, especially for local communities in Uganda.
They point out that USAID has played a crucial role in enhancing key areas such as health, education, food security, economic development, and governance.
The absence of this support is likely to threaten the services that many Ugandans depend on for their health and daily needs.
Mose Ntenga, the Executive Director of Joy for Children, urges organizations urgently seek collaborative efforts that could help alleviate the ongoing crisis.
He highlighted that USAID funding has been vital in the fight against infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, and fortifying health systems.
He referenced initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides antiretroviral therapy (ART) to thousands of individuals living with HIV.
He warned that the withdrawal of this funding could disrupt treatment, putting patients at a higher risk of drug resistance and increased mortality.
“There are currently more than 1,416,800 people on ARV treatment across 2,051 health facilities. The suspension of services will mean immediate disruptions in care for thousands of individuals dependent on consistent medication and the threat of rapid spread and proliferation of this deadly disease,” he added.
He noted that one of the most vulnerable groups affected are pregnant women living with HIV, who depend on PEPFAR for their treatment to safeguard their health and prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies.
In Uganda, it is estimated that 41 newborns contract HIV each day during this interruption. Over a span of 90 days, this could result in more than 3,690 infants being born with HIV, many of whom may remain undiagnosed due to the halt in infant HIV testing services.
These newborns are at a significantly increased risk of mortality if they do not receive prompt treatment.
In his press statement issued today January 30, 2025, Ntenga pointed out that the country has 20,809 healthcare providers supported by PEPFAR, which includes 923 doctors, 1,622 nurses and midwives, 756 laboratory personnel, and 12,551 community health workers.
“With stop-work orders in effect, many facilities will be left understaffed, making it difficult to provide even basic medical care. This will not only affect HIV services but also disrupt the broader healthcare system, straining already limited resources,” he added.
He noted that with the suspension, USAID funding freeze, rural clinics are expected to experience shortages in vaccines, vital medications, and healthcare personnel, which could lead to a rise in preventable diseases.
He emphasized that maternal and child health services are also experiencing interruptions, posing a risk of higher maternal mortality rates.
Additionally, he pointed out that the education sector will significantly be affected by the reduction of USAID funding.
“The agency has supported the construction of schools, provision of learning materials, and teacher training programs. Digital learning tools provided to schools in remote regions have improved access to education for many children. A work stoppage order means schools are under-resourced and unable to meet the growing demand for quality education,” he noted.
He said programs aimed at overcoming obstacles to girls’ education, including early marriage and menstrual health issues, are also in jeopardy and the hard-won progress toward achieving gender equity in education could be undone.
Food security/ economic development
Ntenga noted that food security also poses a significant challenge, particularly for Uganda’s refugee community, which exceeds 1.3 million individuals.
“USAID has funded food aid programs that provide life-saving assistance to refugees in settlements like Bidi Bidi and Nakivale. The cessation of funding jeopardizes these programs leading to increased hunger and malnutrition. USAID’s agricultural development initiatives, such as the Feed the Future program, have helped smallholder farmers improve productivity and adopt climate-resilient practices,” he noted.
He emphasized that without these crucial interventions, agricultural communities will face significant challenges in maintaining their livelihoods, especially given the increasing threats posed by climate change.
Ntenga highlighted USAID’s role in supporting programs that empower women through financial education and entrepreneurship training, pointing to initiatives in the slums of Kampala that have helped many women launch small businesses and enhance their family incomes.
He also mentioned that USAID-funded vocational training programs for youth have provided essential skills, helping to lower youth unemployment rates.
However, he warned that the cessation of this funding would limit these vital opportunities, worsening poverty and heightening the risk of social unrest.
Ntenga pointed out that the withdrawal of USAID funding will have a profound impact on humanitarian assistance efforts.
“In times of natural disasters, such as floods in Kasese or droughts in Karamoja, USAID has provided emergency aid, food, shelter, and medical supplies. The absence of such support in future crises leaves communities vulnerable and less prepared to respond effectively,” he added.
He said access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas and refugee settlements, has been bolstered by USAID projects like borehole drilling and hygiene campaigns.
Strain on Civil Society
He stressed further that many local organizations in Uganda also rely on USAID funding to advocate for child protection, gender equality, and education.
“These organizations face significant challenges in sustaining their work without external financial support. USAID’s efforts to promote good governance, transparency, and institutional strength may stall and hinder progress toward accountable and effective public sector management,” he added.
He said during a temporary funding shortfall in 2022, refugee clinics in northern Uganda reported overcrowding, drug shortages, and increased mortality rates.
Similarly, in Karamoja, USAID-supported resilience programs helped farmers adapt to drought, but without funding the region’s food insecurity increased.
“These examples highlight the ripple effect of reduced aid on Uganda’s most vulnerable populations,” he added.
