Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, has sent a strong message of reassurance to Ugandans, saying the country will survive and thrive despite recent donor funding cuts, especially from the United States Agency for International Development—USAID.

The minister made the remarks at the climax of the 15th Caritas Week celebrations at Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.

It was a day of prayer, reflection, and concern, one that brought together hundreds of Christians, political leaders, and development partners at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral. At the center of attention was the recent global shutdown of USAID operations under the Trump administration, an action that has shaken Uganda’s development sector to its core.

Speaking as the guest of honor, Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties Henry Ariganyira Musasizi acknowledged the impact of the USAID closure, especially on Uganda’s health sector, but urged calm and confidence.

USAID has been a major funder of Uganda’s health programs, supporting HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria interventions, and maternal health. The agency contributed up to $710 million annually; that’s about two point six trillion UGX, double the country’s current health budget. But with operations halted and implementing partners scaling down, questions loom over how services will continue.

Minister Musasizi, however, revealed that the government has already reallocated funds in the next financial year to cover key health programs, especially those affected by USAID’s exit.

Church leaders present, including Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, called for mindset change, urging communities to focus on family planning, sustainable livelihoods, and unity.

Caritas Uganda, one of the agencies most hit by the aid cut, is exploring alternatives. Fr. Hillary Muheezangango says the way forward lies in building social enterprises.

Kabale Municipality MP Nicholas Kamara backed the call for local solutions, urging Ugandans to support organizations like Caritas.

As the country braces for an uncertain aid future, voices from both government and Church are uniting on one message—resilience, unity, and self-reliance.