After more than sixty years of shaping development in Uganda, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is winding down its operations in the country. The agency has played a key role in sectors such as agriculture, education, and public health—most notably through its contributions to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
USAID had a profound impact on HIV/AIDS response in Uganda through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). At a time when scientific advances like injectable Lenacapavir for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) are poised to accelerate epidemic control, many advocates warn that USAID’s departure may jeopardize hard-won progress in global health.
Health service advocates and NGOs across Uganda are expressing concern, as many organizations are already reeling from disrupted funding. The closure comes at a time when USAID had been pivoting toward more locally led initiatives across various regions in the country—programs that many hoped would empower communities and ensure sustainability.
