The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda's development and expanding bilateral cooperation. US Chargé d'Affaires in Uganda Mikael Cleverley made this statement at a National Day celebration at the US Embassy in Kampala, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The two countries have identified health, trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people ties as key areas of cooperation. Cleverley emphasized that Washington will continue to support Uganda's growing development and expand their partnership.
Health cooperation is one of the most significant areas of the renewed partnership between the US and Uganda. The two countries recently signed a five-year Strategic Objective Agreement covering health cooperation from 2026 to 2030. The partnership is valued at approximately $2.3 billion, with the US contributing around $1.7 billion and the Ugandan government providing the remainder. This agreement aims to support efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, while integrating programs focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and global health security.
The new health partnership represents a shift toward greater Ugandan ownership of health programs. A larger share of US assistance will be channeled through government systems rather than predominantly through off-budget mechanisms. Cleverley described this as a new model of cooperation, allowing Uganda to take greater responsibility for managing health programs over time. A joint health steering committee, co-led by the US Chargé d'Affaires and Uganda's Minister of Health, will provide strategic direction for the partnership.
Beyond health, the US is seeking to expand commercial and investment ties with Uganda. American companies such as Boeing, Starlink, Marriott, and Abbott are increasingly involved in Uganda, demonstrating expanding commercial engagement. The US wants to attract further investment in sectors including technology, infrastructure, energy, minerals, agriculture, and health, while promoting transparent and competitive markets. Cleverley stated that commercial diplomacy is a top priority for the US.
The US Embassy highlighted recent commercial developments, including Starlink's launch of satellite internet services in Uganda and a $2.37 billion agreement between Uganda Airlines and Boeing for 10 aircraft. This deal is described as the largest single commercial agreement in the history of the bilateral relationship. Cleverley noted that there are also opportunities for the two countries to deepen security cooperation and work together on regional and global peace and security.
The 250th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the history of the US and its partnerships around the world. Cleverley referred to the qualities that have shaped the US, including courage, innovation, resilience, and determination, as the "American Edge." These qualities continue to contribute to US partnerships in health, technology, investment, and development. The celebration was initially planned for July but was postponed due to Ministry of Health guidance on mass gatherings during the Ebola outbreak.
Despite the postponement, the September event allowed for the milestone to be marked while continuing to strengthen the relationship between Washington and Kampala. The US and Uganda are committed to deepening their cooperation in various areas, including health, trade, investment, innovation, and people-to-people ties. The two countries will continue to work together to promote development and expand their bilateral partnership.
Key points
- The US and Uganda have signed a five-year Strategic Objective Agreement covering health cooperation from 2026 to 2030, valued at approximately $2.3 billion.
- The US is seeking to expand commercial and investment ties with Uganda, with American companies such as Boeing, Starlink, Marriott, and Abbott increasingly involved in the country.
- The 250th anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone in the US-Uganda relationship, with both countries committed to deepening their cooperation in various areas.
