Communities equipped to survive after foreign aid cu
Following significant cuts to foreign aid since early 2025, Ugandan communities and NGOs are struggling to maintain essential services for vulnerable populations. Stakeholders are now focusing on integrating refugee support into broader national public services to ensure long-term sustainability.
Why it matters
The shift highlights the vulnerability of aid-dependent social programs in Africa to changes in Western political administrations and foreign policy priorities.
________________ Since the second inauguration of President Donald Trump in January 2025, foreign aid to African countries, including Uganda, has dwindled, forcing some non-governmental organisations to close while others struggle to survive. The cuts have also affected beneficiaries who relied on aid to meet their basic needs, including refugees, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth, children and pregnant women. According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's August 2025 report, only 891 (14%) of the 6,256 USAID programmes operating in January remained by May 2025. Their value had fallen to $69 billion, from $120 billion on January 20, 2025. Other countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom, have also reduced foreign aid.
David Gergaim Robin, Acting Head of Cooperation, French Embassy.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in