Story by Obed Kankiriho
The Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, has assured Ugandans that the country will stay on course despite recent donor funding cuts, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
His remarks came during the climax of the 15th Caritas Week celebrations held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality on Sunday.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Musasizi acknowledged the critical role USAID has played in supporting Uganda’s health sector, with contributions amounting to nearly $710 million annually—almost double the country’s entire health budget.
However, he emphasized that the government had proactively reallocated funds in the upcoming financial year to sustain key health services previously funded by USAID. “Yes, we’ve been hit—but Uganda will endure, and Uganda will progress,” he stated.
Other leaders echoed the call for resilience and self-reliance. Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, emphasized the importance of mindset change, family planning, and unity for sustainable development.
Rev. Fr. Hillary Muheezangango, National Director of Caritas Uganda—one of the organizations most affected by the aid suspension—called for investment in social enterprises to reduce dependency on foreign aid.
Meanwhile, Kabale MPs Dr. Nicholas Kamara and Wilfred Niwagaba rallied citizens to support local initiatives like Caritas, which focus on grassroots development.
