Summary:

• Uganda’s Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng, has issued a warning about a significant decrease in donor funding for the health sector. She informed parliament members that anticipated funding for the next financial year is expected to decrease by 49 percent.

Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Health Minister, has issued a warning regarding the diminishing donor funding for the health sector. She informed members of parliament that the anticipated funding for the next financial year is set to decrease by 49 percent.

During her remarks, Aceng explicitly stated that the reduction in funding should not be attributed to the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. She emphasized that donor support has been steadily declining, emphasizing that the country cannot rely on donors indefinitely.

Aceng pointed out a recent concern when PEPFAR announced its withdrawal, leading to serious discussions within the cabinet. She emphasized the need for strategic planning as donor contributions continue to decrease, stressing that public health funding relies significantly on external support.

According to documents presented by the Ministry of Finance to Parliament’s Budget Committee, Uganda’s donor support is projected to decline from Shs2.781 trillion in 2023/24 to a mere Shs28.94 billion in the upcoming 2024/25 budget.

Simultaneously, Aceng defended the recent request for an additional Shs2.7 billion to oversee operations at Lubowa Hospital. She explained that these funds are essential for facilitating the movement of a consortium of engineers from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Health to supervise activities after the new contractor assumes control, as the government had not allocated any funds for consultancy services.