Celebrating the Generosity of the American People: A Legacy of Life-Saving Impact

Uganda Today Edition: Celebrating the Generosity of the American People: A Legacy of Life-Saving Impact

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By Roy William Mayega
Deputy Chief of Party, ResilientAfrica Network

A Lifeline in Times of Hardship
In the 1980s, Uganda was plagued by extreme scarcity, affecting every aspect of life, particularly for children. Boarding schools across the country faced dire nutritional shortages, with students surviving on poor-quality meals. It was during this time that food aid from the United States, marked with the emblem “USAID – From the American People,” began to arrive. Canned beef, fish, yellow maize meal, and cooking oil significantly improved dietary conditions. USAID’s maternal and child nutrition programs have since saved millions of lives, ensuring that generations of Ugandan children had access to essential nourishment.

Fighting Malaria: A Battle Partially Won
In 1982, I lost my two-year-old sister to cerebral malaria. At the time, malaria was a relentless killer, with limited access to effective treatment. By the 1990s, USAID intensified its malaria control efforts in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the Malaria Consortium. The provision of Artemisinin-based malaria drugs, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and insecticide-treated mosquito nets dramatically reduced malaria-related fatalities. Thanks to these interventions, my extended family has not lost a child to severe malaria in decades.

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The George W. Bush Jr. Motorway and PEPFAR’s Lifesaving Impact
During a visit to Accra, Ghana, I was struck by the grandeur of the George W. Bush Jr. Motorway. When I questioned why a U.S. president’s name graced such an impressive infrastructure project, I was reminded of the profound impact of PEPFAR—the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This initiative made HIV medication accessible to millions in Africa. Since 2003, PEPFAR has saved over 26 million lives, provided antiretroviral therapy to 20 million individuals, and ensured that 7.8 million babies were born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV.

Ebola, Epidemics, and Uganda’s Public Health Transformation
In 2014, as West Africa battled a devastating Ebola outbreak, the African Union urgently sought 200 epidemiologists from Uganda. Makerere University, supported by USAID and CDC, rapidly mobilized specialists trained in field epidemiology. Uganda’s epidemic response capacity is a direct result of sustained U.S. investment in public health education, ensuring that outbreaks are contained before they become global crises.

From HIV Prevention to Cutting-Edge Research
Thanks to U.S. funding, Uganda has become a leader in HIV prevention research. The collaboration between Gilead Sciences and Ugandan researchers led to the development of Lepacanavir, a groundbreaking drug with 100% efficacy in preventing HIV among high-risk populations. Similarly, studies on the role of circumcision in HIV prevention, backed by U.S. support, have informed global health policies.

Higher Education and Innovation for Resilience
USAID’s support extends beyond healthcare. Programs like the Higher Education for Development (HED) initiative and the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) have empowered African universities to drive innovation. Makerere University’s public health training model has been replicated across East Africa, strengthening regional capacities to tackle health emergencies. The creation of e-learning platforms and the development of the EpiTent—a low-cost, humane, and rapidly deployable hospital—underscore how American support has fueled African ingenuity.

A Testament to Strategic Humanitarian Investment
The success of U.S. humanitarian and development aid cannot be measured solely by financial returns but by the countless lives saved and the resilience built in vulnerable communities. From epidemic containment to technological advancements in medicine, the American people’s generosity has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s development trajectory.

A Final Reflection: Why This Can Never Be a Waste
For just 1% of the U.S. government’s budget, USAID and other agencies have achieved extraordinary impact. The funds spent on global health, education, and economic development are a testament to America’s commitment to humanity. While political decisions may fluctuate, the goodwill generated through these efforts will continue to shape a more stable and prosperous world.

At a time when misinformation about development aid circulates widely, it is crucial to acknowledge that the benefits of these partnerships extend far beyond borders. To the American people: Uganda remembers, appreciates, and celebrates your generosity.

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