KABALE: The Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, has delivered a strong message of reassurance to Ugandans, asserting that the country will endure and progress despite recent donor funding cuts, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Minister Musasizi made the remarks during the climax of the 15th Caritas Week celebrations held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality on Sunday. The event, marked by prayer, reflection, and community solidarity, drew hundreds of Christians, political leaders, and development partners.
At the heart of discussions was the global suspension of USAID operations, initiated under the Trump administration, a move that has deeply impacted Uganda’s development landscape, especially the health sector.
Delivering his speech as Guest of Honour, Minister Musasizi acknowledged the significant role USAID has played, particularly in health interventions.
However, Minister Musasizi urged the public to remain calm, revealing that the government has already re-allocated funds in the upcoming financial year to ensure continuity of essential health services previously supported by USAID.
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The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, emphasized the need for a mindset shift among communities, encouraging focus on family planning, sustainable livelihoods, and unity as pillars for development.
Rev. Fr. Hillary Muheezangango, the National Director of Caritas Uganda, one of the organizations most affected by the aid cut, echoed the call for resilience, stating that the future lies in building strong social enterprises to reduce dependency on foreign aid.
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The Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Dr. Nicholas Kamara, and Ndorwa East MP, Wilfred Niwagaba, also supported the call for self-reliance, urging Ugandans to back local organizations like Caritas that are working towards community-driven development.
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USAID has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s healthcare funding, contributing approximately $710 million annually nearly twice the country’s entire health budget. With the halt in operations and implementing partners scaling down, concerns remain about how Uganda will maintain its healthcare services moving forward.
