Mission

One third of all foreign aid ended on 27 January: a call to prayer 

An update from members of the Mission Team visiting Uganda in February 2025.

Two weeks ago Elon Musk and President Trump put USAID, the world’s largest development donor, “in the wood chipper” (as Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter). With barely any exceptions, programs in 136 countries providing maternal and child health; HIV and TB education; employment and civil advancement for women, LQBTQI+ and disabled communities were stopped. Clinics funded by USAID were ordered to close immediately. There was no plan B. 

Ugandan Newspaper headline stating: 3,000 caregivers rendered jobless
Front page of Ugandan newspaper from 10 February.

This directly impacts our Mission Partner, UCAA in Uganda, an LGBTQI+ rights organisation led by Tom Twongyeirwe, whose USAID grant of $500,000 was terminated last week. He’s already had to lay off staff. This weakens understanding of LGBTQI+ acceptance and integration in a deeply religious country.

Steve Penfold, who leads our Mission Team, has also worked with USAID for the last eight years, designing public health programs. His work has now ended. 

There are glimmers of hope. USAID staff in individual countries have started to get waivers to restart HIV programs, but that does not mean funds and supplies of antiretroviral drugs are flowing yet. Essential HIV-prevention programs for gay men, sex workers or drug users may not restart at all. 

Steve has heard from former colleagues that essential TB lifesaving programs are not yet even getting waivers. Medication locked in clinics is going to waste, while people are deprived of treatment. This spreads infection, creates drug resistance and complicates treatment. 

Kisoro Hospital Sign stating that USAID is a major donor

Here in Uganda, the national press is reporting ALL HIV clinics are closing. As an example, the photo above shows the extent to which Kisoro’s local hospital has benefited from USAID support. 

Without a change in policy, hundreds of millions will lose their lives and livelihoods.

Please pray:

  • For waivers to be agreed quickly for HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health programs 
  • For individuals in the US to lobby their Senators and Representatives to stand up to these changes and insist they are reversed.

Thank you.