Uganda Urged to Sustain NGO Programs Amidst Donor Funding Cuts

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are urging the Ugandan government to take on greater responsibility for sustaining vital community programs as donor funding experiences significant cuts. Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, Country Manager for Amref Health Africa in Uganda, emphasized that the impact of these development initiatives should not vanish when NGOs conclude their operations.

“The world has changed, and the dynamics are different. People are giving cows and going away, for you to take over,” Dr. Kagurusi stated at the national closure of the HEROES for Gender Transformative Action Programme. He highlighted that funding models are shifting, citing specific US executive orders that have reduced foreign aid, impacting various sectors in Uganda, including health.

The six-year HEROES program, implemented by Amref Health Africa, MIFUMI, and Cordaid across nine districts, focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention, disability inclusion, water and sanitation, gender equality, and economic empowerment. It supported 65 health facilities and reached over 1.76 million individuals with crucial information and services.

Dr. Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the program’s success in highlighting the importance of investing in Uganda’s youth. He called for continued investment in skills and opportunities to foster a productive young population, stressing the need for inter-sectoral collaboration.

Officials from the Netherlands and Iceland embassies echoed the sentiment, emphasizing local ownership and the need to sustain the achievements of such programs. Mr. Bouwe-Jan Smeding, head of development cooperation at the Embassy of the Netherlands, stated that the conclusion of the HEROES program should be a moment to strategize on how to maintain and strengthen what has been built, ensuring continued access to services for communities.

This call for governmental integration and sustainable financing comes as a recognition of the valuable contributions NGOs have made, particularly in reaching marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities and survivors of violence. The challenge now lies in the government’s ability to absorb and continue these impactful initiatives using national resources. “It is now time to start thinking of new ways of financing health,” Dr. Kagurusi advised.

Read more about the HEROES programme and the call for government sustainability at the Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-asked-to-sustain-ngo-programmes-amid-donor-funding-cuts-5594980