USAID FREEZE: U.S. Issues Waiver on Life-Saving Health Services; ‘Diversity’ Programs Remain Frozen

Kampala: The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a new emergency humanitarian waiver to the foreign aid freeze, allowing key government-run and USAID-funded health programs to continue.

“For purposes of this waiver, life-saving humanitarian assistance applies to core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance, as well as supplies and reasonable administrative costs as necessary to deliver such assistance,” said Rubio in a memo.

However, NGO-led programs related to diversity, reproductive health, and abortion remain frozen for the full 90-day review period mandated by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.

“This waiver does not apply to activities that involve abortions, family planning conferences, administrative costs other than those covered” under the life-saving humanitarian assistance; gender or DEl ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-life saving assistance,” said Rubio.

The waiver is contained in a January 28 memo sent to all implementing U.S. government agencies, partners, and NGOs.

Uganda, like many other nations affected by the initial freeze on U.S. foreign assistance, will benefit from the exemption, ensuring that core government health programs such as HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention, maternal health, and immunization campaigns continue without disruption.

While the waiver allows government-run programs to continue, NGO-led initiatives in Uganda that focus on reproductive health, LGBTQ+ rights, and diversity remain frozen under the restrictions outlined in Rubio’s memo.

A representative from a Ugandan reproductive health NGO, who requested anonymity, expressed concern about the continued restrictions, saying:

“Many women and girls rely on our services for sexual health education, contraceptives, and safe abortion referrals. Without funding, these programs will suffer, and the impact will be felt hardest by the most vulnerable populations.”

$1.5BN Portfolio

Before the freeze, USAID Uganda managed a $1.5 billion multi-year development portfolio, with a 2023 budget of $458 million supporting programs in:

The waiver safeguards the continuation of these critical services, but the freeze still affects many long-term development initiatives, particularly those implemented by NGOs.

The waiver follows strong diplomatic engagement from multiple countries affected by the USAID freeze, including Uganda. 

The memo represents a partial reversal of the sweeping foreign aid suspension after it sparked widespread outcry among aid groups, diplomats, and development partners.

The announcement also comes after President Museveni’s recent meeting with U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp, where Uganda is thought to have pushed for continued funding for essential health services. 

Uganda, a key U.S. ally in regional stability and development, has been seeking clarity on exemptions to prevent disruptions to humanitarian programs.

Rubio further said additional waivers or exceptions for humanitarian assistance not covered by this waiver may be sought through the Director of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State. 

“Implementing partners and NGOs are to work through their U.S. government agency partners on such requests,” said Rubio.