The United States Government has transferred digital health information infrastructure valued at over Shs385 billion (approximately $100 million) to Ministry of Health Uganda in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s health security and self-reliance.
The handover, which took place on March 31 at the Ministry of Health headquarters, included digital health platforms, data systems, equipment, and select technical personnel.
The milestone forms part of a five-year health Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 10, 2025, between Uganda and the United States under the America First Global Health Strategy, which emphasises national ownership, sustainability, and resilient health systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, William W. Popp said stronger health systems in Uganda contribute to global health security.
“A stronger health system in Uganda protects both Americans and Ugandans. When countries can detect and respond to disease threats quickly, it reduces the risk of those threats spreading across borders,” he said.
The handover marks the culmination of 15 years of U.S. support delivered through the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) Programme, implemented by the Makerere University School of Public Health.
Between 2010 and 2026, the U.S., through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invested nearly Shs400 billion (about $104 million) to strengthen Uganda’s HIV response and modernise national health information systems.
The equipment handed over includes 725 servers, more than 4,700 computing devices such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, solar power systems for nearly 800 health facilities, and network connectivity equipment for over 1,300 sites. It also covers video conferencing systems, upgrades to regional referral hospital networks, and skilled personnel to manage the systems.
With this transition, the Ministry of Health assumes full ownership and management of Uganda’s digital health platforms, marking a significant step toward institutional sustainability.
The transfer follows a broader Shs8.7 trillion ($2.3 billion) five-year health cooperation agreement signed between the two governments in December 2025, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, building resilient systems, and ensuring accountability in the use of public resources.
