Uganda is grappling with a looming public health crisis following the suspension of USAID funding, which has long supported its HIV/AIDS programs. The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) and AHF Uganda Cares have appealed to Parliament for an urgent Shs300 billion allocation to sustain essential HIV/AIDS services, including medication and laboratory monitoring.
Vincent Bagambe, UAC’s Director of Planning and Strategic Information, warned that the funding cut could reverse Uganda’s progress in reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths. Uganda spends around Shs1.9 trillion annually on HIV services, with 60% funded by international donors, primarily through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The sudden funding freeze has already led to clinic closures and staff layoffs.
Without immediate action, thousands of people living with HIV risk losing access to life-saving medication, which could lead to drug resistance and increased new infections. Bagambe also urged Parliament to raise the HIV Mainstreaming budget allocation from 0.1% to 0.5%, which would provide an additional Shs200 billion to support viral load monitoring and antiretroviral distribution.
Uganda currently has 1.49 million people living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 5.1%. Vulnerable groups, especially young people aged 15-24 and adolescent girls, remain most affected. Flavia Kyomukama from the National Forum of People Living with HIV warned that the funding freeze could force the closure of ART clinics and youth centers, exacerbating stigma and limiting access to medication.
Youth Officer Trevor Emojel called for local solutions, urging Parliament to support domestic manufacturers of antiretroviral therapy (ART) through tax breaks and low-interest loans. Jacqueline Makokha, UNAIDS Country Director, echoed the need for homegrown strategies to mitigate the crisis.
Several MPs, including Hon. Lulume Bayigga and Hon. Sarah Netalisire, stressed the importance of local investment and clear plans for maintaining medication access. Bayigga proposed cutting unnecessary expenditures to create a fund for purchasing medicines, while Netalisire highlighted the need to operationalize the AIDS Trust Fund to replace lost donor funding.
Committee Chair Hon. Joseph Ruyonga called on the Ministry of Health to convene a stakeholder meeting to address the crisis. The appeal underscores the urgent need for Uganda to mobilize domestic resources and ensure continued support for millions of people living with HIV/AIDS.
