Museveni holds diplomatic talks with UK, US Envoys amid USAID freeze

Entebbe, (UG):- President Yoweri Museveni Monday hosted high-level diplomatic meetings with the British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, and the United States Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp, at State House Entebbe.

The discussions focused on strengthening Uganda’s bilateral relations with the United Kingdom and the United States, emphasizing mutual cooperation in critical areas of development and stability.

In his meeting with UK High Commissioner Lisa Chesney, H.E Museveni underscored the significance of deepening economic ties and fostering trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and the UK.

They also explored collaborations in security, governance, and efforts to enhance regional stability.

The President later met with Ambassador Popp, and the discussions centered on boosting Uganda-US relations through shared priorities, such as economic growth, security partnerships, and support for vital sectors like health and education.

The meetings were also attended by Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, who reinforced Uganda’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships.

These diplomatic engagements come after the US State Department reportedly issued a pause on nearly all existing foreign assistance and new aid, following President Trump’s executive order for a 90-day review of foreign development assistance.

The move is set to have a significant impact on Uganda, which relies heavily on international aid. The US is the world’s largest international aid donor, having spent $68bn in 2023. The funding halt will affect various sectors, including development assistance, military aid, and humanitarian programmes.

USAID’s funding to Uganda focuses on areas such as democracy, human rights, economic growth, education, and health. The agency has provided significant assistance to Uganda, including a $250,000 investment in renewable energy companies and over $25 million in humanitarian funding for refugees.

The funding freeze has raised concerns among experts, with one former senior State Department official describing the move as having a “potentially huge” impact on foreign aid programmes.

Another expert, Dave Harden, noted that the pause could affect critical development projects, including water, sanitation, and shelter.

Both envoys reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to maintaining strong ties with Uganda, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.