The United States government reaffirmed it’s commitment on assistance to Uganda remains strong despite the recent uproar over the latter’s declining human rights record and other matters related to governance.
This assurance was made by US ambassador to Uganda, Amb. William W. Popp, in his speech an event to commemorate US Independence Day on July
3, 2024 at the US Embassy in Kampala.
The US diplomat said the strong partnership between the American and Ugandan peoples through investing in social services has been building since even before Uganda’s independence, and remains strong today.
“Today this commitment remains strong, with our investment of nearly $1 billion–or nearly 3.7 trillion Ugandan shillings–a year that saves lives, builds resilience in communities, fuels economic growth, and strengthens democratic institutions across all of Uganda’s 146 districts.” Amb Popp said in his Independence Day remarks at US Mission office in Kampala.
In attendance was several government officials including; Minister of the Presidency Milly Babalanda, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem and representatives from the Civil Society.
The US-Uganda relationship has been under a serious threat after the Ugandan government passed a harsh Anti-gay law last year which has been widely criticised by the country’s Western allies. Since then, the US has intensified measures to punish officials in the Ugandan government suspected of involvement in human rights violations and corruption by imposing travel bans and asset freezes.
Amb. Popp stated that nearly 70% of US support is activities implemented through local non-governmental organizations, generating over 6,000 jobs for Ugandans. He said their focus is on investing in people, by providing opportunities for Ugandans to gain the skills to research, innovate, and advance real solutions in health, agriculture, governance, and job creation.
“In the last year, the United States helped farmers generate $74 million in sales. In the same time, 185 Ugandans graduated from our Academy for Women Entrepreneurs. These women professionalized their businesses, increased revenue, and hired workers from their communities to spur economic growth across Uganda. They join nearly 6,000 U.S. exchange program alumni over the last six decades in using their new skills to build their communities.” He remarked.
In the health sector, Amb Popp said U.S. investment has helped Ugandans live healthy, productive lives. Together, we have protected over 21 million Ugandans from malaria with bed nets, rapid testing and medicines, and pre-natal care. Currently, 1.4 million Ugandans are receiving lifesaving HIV treatment through the U.S. PEPFAR program and over 1.2 million have achieved viral suppression that prevents spreading the virus. Just last month, we launched a new $1 million activity to integrate mental health care into existing programs across Uganda and grow treatment capacity at the community-level.” He added.
Since 2015, the US government has trained nearly 100 field epidemiologists through the Public Health Fellowship Program who investigate communicable diseases and successfully fighting outbreaks like the 2022 Ebola virus.
“All of this and much more has kept hundreds of thousands of babies alive, children in school, and people at work in Uganda.” Amb. Popp stated.
The United States provides more than half of all refugee assistance in the country both in building schools and health clinics, but also in delivering essential requirements like food rations, or clean water to more than 1.7 million refugees and 2.9 million Ugandans in host communities.
Other US support is through civil society organizations to advance the cause for freedom and democratic values grounded in upholding the rights of all, including the most vulnerable.
The US Embassy says it has supported over 100 civil society organizations to promote dialogue on human rights, advocacy, and legal reforms. We have assisted human rights defenders and survivors of abuse. This adds to placing financial and travel restrictions on individuals involved in corruption and responsible for human rights violations.