What US aid cuts to UNAIDS means for Uganda

The fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda has been a long and arduous journey, with the joint United Nations Programme on Aids (UNAIDS) playing a crucial role in reducing new infections, providing treatment and supporting people living with the virus.

However, recent developments have raised serious concerns about the future of these efforts.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has cut off funding for UNAIDS, a move that has sent shockwaves through the HIV/AIDS response community.

The notice from USAID did not specify whether the termination was with immediate effect, only stating that further instructions would follow.

The official notice read: “This award is being terminated for the convenience of the US Government, pursuant to a directive from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his capacity as the Acting Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (“the Agency” or “USAID”) and/or Peter W.

Marocco, who is performing the duties and functions of both Deputy Administrators for USAID, for alignment with Agency priorities and national interest. The decision to terminate this individual award is a policy determination vested in the Acting Administrator.”

UNAIDS Uganda confirmed receipt of the notice, noting that it was an “abrupt” move that has “far-reaching” consequences.

“UNAIDS has been abruptly notified by the US Government of its decision to terminate their agreement, effective immediately, as of February 27, 2025. This move has far-reaching implications for the global HIV response, potentially jeopardising life-saving services for individuals living with and affected by HIV, as well as the work of civil society organisations and partners...” a statement issued by UNAIDS noted.

Various campaigns

UNAIDS Uganda has led various campaigns against HIV/AIDS in Uganda, including the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, which is organised to sensitise the country about HIV/AIDs.

According to Israel Kazibwe, the spokesperson for the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run, UNAIDS has played a crucial role in reducing HIV prevalence, particularly among young people.

“We have moved with UNAIDS since 2013, and we have seen numbers go down, especially among young people. We urge the US government to reconsider its decision because UNAIDS has already made a significant impact,” he said.

Nelson Musoba, the director general of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), emphasised UNAIDS’ vital role in supporting (non-governmental organisations) NGOs and government agencies.

“UNAIDS is supporting many NGOs and government agencies, including us at Uganda AIDS Commission. Anything that disrupts their programmes is a big blow to the HIV fight in Uganda,” he said.

Musoba added that despite the sudden termination of aid by US, the public will not suffer drug stocks.

“The Government, through the AIDS Commission and health ministry, is prepared to continue providing services to people living with the virus,” he added.

NGOs stuck

Macklean Kyomya, the Executive Director of the Alliance of Women Advocating for Change (AWAC), which runs a drop-in centre for key populations such as female sex workers, voiced strong concerns over the decision.

“UNAIDS has been instrumental in helping the government and NGOs. A month on after the 90-day freeze, we are getting this again. We do not know what to do next,” she said.

Prior to this week’s termination notice, Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, had warned of the devastating impacts of USAID’s funding freeze, stating that it could lead to loss of lives globally.

Byanyima noted that in many African countries, including Uganda, dependence on US assistance exceeds 70%.

Govt ready

However, Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, said: “The Government is ready to provide services to everyone. Let our people go and get the same care they were getting from independent HIV clinics.”

Atwine added that shifting HIV services into general healthcare structures would maintain efficiency.