Uganda and the United States on Thursday signed a major health financing agreement worth about $1.7 billion (Shs 6.42 trillion) that will guide cooperation in the sector through 2030.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi signed the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) on behalf of the Government of Uganda, while US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley signed for the United States. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Kampala.

The agreement operationalises a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two governments on 10 December 2025. Under that framework, the United States committed up to $1.7 billion over five years while Uganda pledged to progressively increase its own domestic health expenditures by more than $500 million. The total co-investment package is valued at approximately $2.3 billion.

A key feature of the new arrangement is the decision by the United States to channel a greater share of its support directly through Ugandan government systems rather than predominantly off-budget assistance delivered through implementing partners. Officials say this shift is intended to strengthen national ownership, align funding with Uganda’s priorities, improve accountability and enhance the long-term sustainability of health programmes.

Musasizi described the signing as another significant milestone in the longstanding Uganda-US partnership. Cleverley said the agreement demonstrates American confidence in Uganda’s leadership and health sector.

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi welcomed the move toward government-to-government financing, noting that resources will now be directed through the Ministry of Finance to the health sector. The partnership will support the prevention, detection and response to emerging and existing infectious disease threats, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, while also strengthening health systems, workforce capacity, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and Uganda’s overall ability to plan, finance and deliver quality services.

The agreement builds on decades of collaboration that has contributed to measurable gains, including a sharp decline in HIV prevalence and rising life expectancy. Both sides have emphasised that the framework prioritises self-reliance and resilient health systems capable of protecting Uganda and contributing to global health security.

Implementation will be overseen through joint mechanisms, including a Joint Health Steering Committee, to ensure accountability and alignment with national priorities. The deal represents one of the largest bilateral health investments Uganda has secured in recent years and signals a new phase in how US assistance is delivered in the country.