Byanyima Calls Out Dr. Atwine: "Why Not Work for Free Too?" Following Ministry's Call for Volunteers

Following the freeze on US foreign aid, Uganda’s Ministry of Health asked health workers supported by USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue their work as volunteers "in the spirit of patriotism."

This request came after an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on January 27, 2025, halting all foreign assistance programs, including grants and loans.

On January 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health sent an official letter to all health workers supported by US aid, informing them that all US-funded activities were immediately suspended. The letter, signed by Dr. Diana Atwine, Uganda's Permanent Secretary of Health, stated that all US-funded operations must cease until further notice, citing the executive order as the cause.

Dr. Atwine urged health workers to continue their services as volunteers, offering their support to the health sector for the good of the country. The government is attempting to integrate the affected services into Uganda's national healthcare system to minimise disruptions, particularly for areas that rely heavily on foreign funding.

Health workers willing to volunteer are encouraged to contact their respective hospital directors or the Ministry of Health for further instructions.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her frustration with the Ministry’s request. She questioned the fairness of asking health workers, many of whom are already struggling, to work for free.

"If ‘patriotism’ is the answer, why don’t the Permanent Secretary and other top health officials work for free and redirect their hefty salaries to frontline health workers? A PS’s salary could pay 10+ community health workers. Funny how ‘patriotism’ always demands sacrifice from the poor. Injustice, Dr. Diana Atwine and Ministry of Health."

Byanyima’s comments have resonated with many online, sparking a debate on the socio-economic disparities in Uganda, especially during times of crisis. Critics argue that the government’s call for volunteerism seems to place the burden of sacrifice on the most vulnerable, while those in power remain unaffected.

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https://x.com/Winnie_Byanyima/status/1889121069006725359?s=19