Uganda unshaken by US aid withdrawal – Museveni
President Yoweri Museveni has reassured Ugandans that the country will not be affected by the withdrawal of American foreign aid, dismissing continental concerns over the move.
Speaking at the State Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe on Tuesday, Museveni questioned why several African nations were even distressed over the review of American assistance by US President Donald Trump. He insisted that Uganda would not suffer from the lack of aid but would instead continue to thrive.
“That is the problem with many African countries—when you hear them crying that the Americans have stopped aid, you wonder, how can we die because of American aid? Whether they stop it or not, we shall continue,” Museveni said.
On January 20, 2025, the US government issued a memo pausing what could amount to trillions of dollars in federal aid under the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The decision, part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to restructure and reduce the federal workforce, sparked concerns about the potential impact on health programs and other initiatives in aid-dependent countries like Uganda.
During his speech, Museveni reflected on his personal experience with religion, stating that his family chose to maintain their traditional beliefs rather than adopt modern faiths. He recounted how, in Ankole, people built homes called Okwombeka, which symbolized a holistic approach to survival, encompassing wealth accumulation, education, and religion without discrimination.
He urged Muslims to embrace wealth creation, referencing his great-grandmother Nyinachwende’s wisdom that “one cannot have status without wealth.” He emphasized that prosperity in modern society goes beyond livestock and agriculture, extending to education and financial stability.
Museveni also commended the unity among Muslims at the event, noting that different sects including Sunni, Tabliqs, and Shia were dining together, a contrast to past divisions driven by sectarianism.
He encouraged religious leaders to help their followers balance spiritual and worldly responsibilities. The president expressed satisfaction that Muslims had begun accepting funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM), which was initially rejected due to concerns over riba (interest).
He clarified that the government does not profit from the PDM funds and that the 5% interest rate does not constitute riba. Meanwhile, the government has been working to address financial gaps resulting from the US aid cuts.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced that over Shs 163 billion had been allocated to fund capitation grants for government-aided schools.
The Grand Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, urged Muslims to observe fasting unless physically unable to do so. He emphasized that fasting is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity, fostering compassion for those in need.
Mubaje praised the government’s efforts in promoting unity among Muslims and acknowledged Museveni’s personal engagement with communities during the PDM presidential tours. He also mentioned that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) had revisited its constitution, passed in July 2022, to address concerns from those who felt excluded due to qualification requirements.
While expressing gratitude for government support, Mubaje noted that some unresolved issues remained but declined to discuss them publicly. Vice President Jessica Alupo remarked that Muslims have consistently shown strong support for Museveni and indicated that they were ready to back him again in 2026. She emphasized that Ramadan is a time for repentance, forgiveness, and generosity.
This story originally appeared in the Uganda Observer