The United States has pledged to deepen its cooperation with Uganda in various sectors, including health, trade, technology, energy, and security. According to Mikael Cleverley, the US Embassy chargé d’affaires in Kampala, the bilateral relationship between the two countries is currently at its strongest point. Cleverley made these remarks during an event marking 250 years of US independence. He emphasized that there is a strong political will on both sides to enhance cooperation.
Cleverley highlighted that the focus is now on taking the relationship to the next level, particularly through commercial diplomacy, health, and security cooperation. The US is keen to broaden its cooperation with Uganda and encourage more American companies to invest in the country. The two countries are exploring cooperation in regional and global peace and security. Cleverley noted that commercial diplomacy is a top priority for the US Embassy in Kampala.
The US and Uganda have signed a $2.3 billion health cooperation memorandum of understanding. Under this five-year arrangement, the US will contribute $1.7 billion, while the Ugandan government will provide the balance. This new model of partnership aims to give the Ugandan government greater leadership and management responsibility for health programs. The programs will be increasingly managed by Ugandan institutions from one year to the next.
The new health partnership will integrate programs that have traditionally operated separately, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and global health security. A joint health steering committee, co-led by Cleverley and the minister of Health, will provide strategic direction for the program. The US hopes that this arrangement will strengthen the Ministry of Health and other Ugandan health institutions. The partnership will focus on outcomes and is expected to have a significant impact.
Cleverley pointed to recent American commercial engagements in Uganda, including the entry of Starlink and investments involving major companies, as signs of growing interest in the Ugandan market. He encouraged more American companies to explore opportunities in the country, citing areas such as technology, tourism, and connectivity. Companies like Boeing could improve Uganda’s connectivity to international markets, while Starlink could extend internet access to remote areas.
The US Embassy in Kampala is working with Uganda’s ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ugandan diplomatic missions in Washington and New York to promote trade and investment between the two countries. Cleverley emphasized that Uganda needs transparent and level-playing-field markets to attract American investors competing globally for investment opportunities. The embassy’s role is to identify opportunities, explain the Ugandan market to American businesses, and help reduce investment risks.
Cleverley also addressed concerns over continued US travel restrictions affecting Ugandans despite Uganda being declared Ebola-free. He noted that the restrictions were determined and periodically reviewed in Washington rather than by the US embassy in Kampala. Cleverley praised Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak and expressed hope that travel between Uganda and the US would return to normal soon.
Key points
- The US and Uganda have signed a $2.3 billion health cooperation memorandum of understanding.
- The US is keen to broaden its cooperation with Uganda and encourage more American companies to invest in the country.
- The US Embassy in Kampala is working to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
