US Freeze Hits Makerere Hard: Key Projects Halted, Staff Laid Off Following Trump’s Directives

The executive orders from US President Donald Trump have placed Makerere University in a difficult situation, forcing the institution to pause key projects and lay off staff. The freeze on federal grants to foreign institutions has particularly impacted universities like Makerere that rely heavily on American funding.

On February 3, 2025, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared the university’s struggles. He explained that the freeze has significantly affected their research activities, as a substantial portion of their funding comes from the US. "As a major university in the country involved in extensive research, we are feeling the impact of this order," he stated. The freeze will last for 90 days, with the university hoping that the US government will reconsider its position.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that several important departments, including the College of Health Sciences and the School of Public Health, are among the most affected. If the freeze continues beyond the set period, the university plans to seek additional funding from the Ugandan government to sustain essential programs.

The Dean of the School of Public Health, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, expressed concern about the abrupt suspension of activities. She pointed out the 35 year long term collaboration between Ugandan institutions and US agencies like USAID and the CDC, which has been crucial in shaping Uganda’s public health system.

This freeze occurs within the context of broader executive orders signed by President Trump after his inauguration on January 20. These orders include a temporary suspension of foreign aid pending evaluations of various programs. This has created uncertainty in sectors dependent on US support, especially public health initiatives like PEPFAR, which assists over 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

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