Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1203 EAT on Monday 11 May 2026

The government of Uganda has praised its long-standing and cordial relationship with the United States as Washington prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence under the Freedom 250 campaign.

On July 4, 2026, the US will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a historic milestone being celebrated globally through the Freedom 250 and American Edge campaigns. The initiatives highlight America’s legacy and its enduring partnerships around the world, including with Uganda.

Speaking at the launch, Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, commended the United States for its sustained support to Uganda in key sectors, particularly healthcare and humanitarian response.

Oryem noted that the partnership between the two countries has contributed significantly to Uganda’s development efforts over the years, especially in areas of public health, refugee support and emergency response initiatives.

“Since Uganda’s independence, the American government has played a significant role, particularly in the health sector and emergency interventions, including during the HIV/AIDS crisis,” Henry Okello Oryem said.

He added that US support has been instrumental in helping Uganda respond to major public health challenges such as Ebola outbreaks and hepatitis, as well as supporting the country’s refugee response efforts.

“We thank the American government for helping make Uganda healthier. Their support in combating Ebola, hepatitis and managing refugee-related challenges has been critical,” Oryem noted.

“With more than two million refugees hosted in Uganda, the financial and technical assistance from the United States has helped avert what would otherwise have been a major humanitarian crisis,” he added.

Oryem also highlighted the strong security cooperation between the two countries, noting that the United States has played a key role in strengthening the capacity of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces through training and other forms of support.

“The United States continues to support our security sector through training and strategic collaboration. This has strengthened Uganda’s capacity to respond to regional threats, including deployments in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan,” Henry Okello Oryem said.

He also acknowledged the contribution of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), noting that the agency has supported thousands of Ugandans across multiple sectors over the years, including humanitarian interventions during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in northern Uganda.

Oryem said the partnership between Uganda and the United States has remained resilient despite occasional diplomatic differences.

“Even close partners will at times disagree, but that does not weaken the relationship,” he said. “We remain proud of our partnership with the United States.”

He described the American Edge as a fusion of technology, education, innovation and opportunity that continues to positively impact Ugandans through partnerships in research, business and academia.

Popp highlighted historical initiatives such as the Fulbright Program, noting that renowned Ugandan scholar William Senteza Kajubi was among its early beneficiaries, an experience that later contributed to shaping education reforms in Uganda.

On health cooperation, he pointed to joint Uganda-US efforts in combating disease outbreaks, including the 2025 Ebola response, where American and Ugandan experts worked together to contain the outbreak in less than 90 days.

“That collaboration saved lives in Uganda and beyond. It is a clear example of what true partnership looks like,” he said.

-Observer

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