On Thursday, May 23, United States President Joe Biden pledged to fund Kenya’s counterterrorism measures to the tune of Ksh2.4 billion.
This was announced during a bilateral meeting with President William Ruto, and the cash was expected to be used in peace efforts in Sudan, Somalia, and other neighbouring countries.
Ugandan media saw the billions received by Ruto during his US State Visit as supposed to have been channelled to Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
For years, the United States identified Museveni and his government as strategic partners in East Africa for fighting global terrorism as well as advancing regional stability.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush bankrolled Uganda to advance peacekeeping efforts and democracy in the region.
For example, Uganda used to receive billions of shillings from the US to address insecurity in Somalia, which is now being handled by Kenya.
Additionally, President Biden revealed that Kenya would continue receiving aid through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The money will be used to promote the health welfare of over 1.3 million Kenyans living with HIV/Aids, as well as promote HIV prevention programs.
It should be noted that Uganda was one of the primary beneficiaries of PEPFAR, but the funding now hangs in the balance as the US continues to accuse Uganda of human rights abuses.
Additionally, in 2002, the United States recognised Uganda as eligible for preferential trading status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
While Kenya will continue to enjoy this status, President Joe Biden formally removed Uganda from the list in January 2024.
On why Uganda was being delisted from AGOA, Biden stated, “Uganda has engaged in gross violations of internationally recognised human rights.”
