US, Uganda Set to Deepen Cooperation in Health, Trade and Investment

US, Uganda Set to Deepen Cooperation in Health, Trade and Investment

 

The United States says it will continue strengthening its partnership with Uganda, with health, trade, investment, innovation and people-to-people ties identified as key areas of cooperation.

 

Speaking at a National Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Uganda Mikael Cleverley said Washington remains committed to supporting Uganda’s development and expanding bilateral cooperation.

 

“We will continue supporting the growing U.S.-Uganda relationship, particularly in health cooperation, commercial diplomacy, innovation and people-to-people ties,” Cleverley said.

 

He said the two countries also intend to deepen cooperation in health and humanitarian assistance, while supporting innovation aimed at improving health outcomes and strengthening global health security.

 

Health cooperation remains one of the most significant areas of the renewed partnership.

 

The United States and Uganda recently signed a five-year Strategic Objective Agreement covering health cooperation from 2026 to 2030. The wider health partnership is valued at about US$2.3 billion, with the United States contributing approximately US$1.7 billion and the Ugandan government providing the remainder.

 

The partnership will support efforts to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease threats, while integrating programmes focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and global health security.

 

Cleverley said the new arrangement represents a shift toward greater Ugandan ownership of health programmes, with a larger share of U.S. assistance being channelled through government systems rather than predominantly through off-budget mechanisms.

 

“This is a new model of cooperation,” Cleverley said, describing the partnership as an opportunity for Uganda to take greater responsibility for managing health programmes over time.

 

A joint health steering committee, co-led by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and Uganda’s Minister of Health, is expected to provide strategic direction for the partnership.

 

Beyond health, the United States is also seeking to expand commercial and investment ties with Uganda.

 

Cleverley cited the growing involvement of American companies in Uganda, including Boeing, Starlink, Marriott and Abbott, as examples of expanding commercial engagement.

 

He said Washington wants to attract further U.S. investment in sectors including technology, infrastructure, energy, minerals, agriculture and health, while promoting transparent and competitive markets.

 

“Commercial diplomacy is our big priority,” Cleverley said.

 

He added that there are also opportunities for the two countries to deepen security cooperation and work together on regional and global peace and security.

 

The embassy highlighted recent commercial developments, including Starlink’s launch of satellite internet services in Uganda and a US$2.37 billion agreement between Uganda Airlines and Boeing for 10 aircraft, described by the embassy as the largest single commercial deal in the history of the bilateral relationship.

 

Cleverley said the 250th anniversary provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the history of the United States but also to look ahead to its partnerships around the world.

 

“The anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the courage, innovation, resilience and determination that have shaped the United States and its relationships around the world,” he said.

 

He referred to these qualities as the “American Edge,” saying they continue to contribute to U.S. partnerships in health, technology, investment and development.

 

The celebration, which had initially been planned for July, was postponed following Ministry of Health guidance on mass gatherings during the Ebola outbreak.

 

Cleverley said the September event still provided an opportunity to mark the milestone while continuing to strengthen the relationship between Washington and Kampala.

 

By Christine Namatumbwe