The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reportedly cut off an annual $4 million (approximately UGX 15 billion) funding package previously allocated to key populations in Uganda, sparking intense online debate about its impact and beneficiaries
For years, USAID has provided financial support targeting key populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, sex workers, and injecting drug users, as part of broader efforts to combat the HIV epidemic in Uganda. While some critics have framed the funding as direct support for LGBTQ+ rights, health professionals and analysts emphasize that the majority of the funds were channeled through government institutions such as the Ministry of Health and the Infectious Diseases Institute to procure essential medical supplies and pay health workers.
A social media post claimed that the funding was being spent on “gay rights” in Uganda, prompting mixed reactions from the public and key stakeholders.
Online Reactions
Public Concerns Over Beneficiaries
Many Ugandans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concerns over who actually benefitted from the USAID funds.
@SKSylviaa tweeted:
“Many of us are interested in knowing the person/group that received this money on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. $4m can do much more in Uganda!”
Similarly, @MarionKafuko questioned whether the LGBTQ+ community was the actual beneficiary:
“Maybe the question is, who was the actual beneficiary of the money? Definitely not the LGBTQ+ community. It was the government.”
@AkatuhuriraJM echoed skepticism about fund distribution:
“Just like all the other scams, that money wasn’t reaching Uganda either. Maybe a very small portion of it did the intended work.”
Defending the Funding’s Role
Others clarified the intent of the funding and its importance in HIV prevention.
@RodSsewa explained:
“Actually, it goes to key populations, including LGBTQ+, sex workers, and injecting drug users, in an effort to control the HIV epidemic in Uganda. 90% of these funds are not accessed by LGBTQ+ organizations but rather by the Ministry of Health and the Infectious Diseases Institute to procure health commodities for these groups.”
He further noted the financial impact of USAID’s withdrawal on healthcare workers:
“A lot of health workers have been getting salaries from this money. Now that USAID has gone, what best can you do besides yapping?”
Sovereignty vs. Foreign Influence Debate
The discussion also sparked a broader debate on national sovereignty and foreign aid influence in Uganda’s policies.
@TheBlackList posed the question:
“Is pro or anti-gay rights in Uganda the prerogative of the people of Uganda in a sovereign nation? Is USAID spending $5.5m (UGX 20bn) on gay rights in Uganda an interference in the internal affairs of Sovereign Uganda?”
Concerns Over Exploitation and Youth Vulnerability
Some social media users raised concerns about youth exploitation and potential misuse of the funds.
@KamyaSamuel shared a personal experience:
“Teenagers being sodomized for a mere 150k UgX. I’ve prayed with and counseled two of them at church. The last one felt suicidal and was giving up on life.”
He warned of a cycle where vulnerable youth could be recruited and groomed for exploitative purposes.
