To: The Honorable Ministers of Finance, Health, Education, Gender, and All Affected Ministries
Cc: The Office of the President, Parliament of Uganda, and Development Partners

Subject: Addressing the Suspension of USAID Funds and Allegations of Misallocation

Dear Honorable Ministers,

I write to you with deep concern regarding the recent suspension of USAID funding to Uganda and the allegations raised by President Donald Trump about Uganda receiving substantial funds for projects lacking clear justification, including those termed as “behavioral and social change” initiatives. These developments not only jeopardize the continuity of essential development programs but also necessitate a critical examination of our financial accountability and sustainability mechanisms.

For decades, Uganda has benefited from USAID support across various sectors, notably health, education, agriculture, and governance. However, the recent suspension of funds underscores the vulnerability inherent in our dependence on foreign aid, particularly when such aid is subject to abrupt policy shifts. The allegations concerning the allocation of funds to ambiguous projects demand immediate attention to uphold the integrity of our development agenda.

Key Issues of Concern:

1. Aid Dependency and Sovereignty: The suspension of USAID funding highlights Uganda’s over-reliance on foreign aid, which undermines our sovereignty in determining and implementing development priorities. It is imperative to cultivate self-reliant strategies that reduce susceptibility to external political dynamics.

2. Transparency and Accountability: Allegations of misallocated funds necessitate a thorough audit to ensure that all financial resources are utilized effectively and align with national development goals. This process is crucial to maintain public trust and the confidence of development partners.

3. Impact on Critical Sectors: The affected ministries must assess and communicate the potential disruptions in service delivery resulting from the funding suspension. Proactive measures should be developed to mitigate adverse effects on health services, educational programs, and other essential public services.

4. Alignment of Development Priorities: It is essential to ensure that donor-funded projects correspond with Uganda’s strategic development objectives. Projects lacking clear justification or tangible benefits should be re-evaluated to optimize resource allocation.

Way Forward:

Comprehensive Audit: Conduct a detailed audit of all USAID-funded programs to identify any discrepancies and implement corrective measures where necessary.

Strengthening Domestic Funding: Explore and implement strategies to enhance domestic revenue generation, thereby reducing reliance on foreign aid and ensuring sustainable funding for critical sectors.

Engagement with Development Partners: Initiate constructive dialogue with USAID and other donors to rebuild trust and ensure future funding aligns with Uganda’s development priorities.

Enforcement of Accountability Measures: Hold accountable any individuals or entities found responsible for mismanaging funds to reinforce a culture of transparency and responsibility.

This situation presents an opportunity for Uganda to reassess its development strategy and assert greater control over its future. While foreign aid has contributed to national development, it should complement, not dictate, our agenda. By taking decisive action to ensure effective and transparent use of all resources, we can foster a more self-reliant and resilient nation.

Sincerely,
Alexander Luyima
Director, Community Programs & Information
African Descent Ontario
Toronto, Canada