The Ugandan government has asked the workers under United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to volunteer their services, following the order by President Donald Trump to suspended the foreign aid agency.
In a letter signed by Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of health, the ministry stated that the workers willing to work in the spirit of patriotism are encouraged to offer their services voluntarily until the issue is resolved by the United States government.
Atwine urged them to inform the ministry for absorption into various sectors, to ensure that healthcare services are still running for the people of Uganda.
She further directed that the willing staff to contact her office directly or through hospital directors.
“In the meantime, the government of Uganda is exploring ways of integrating essential services into the routine healthcare to minimize disruptions. As such, contracted staff that are willing to continue working in the spirit of patriotism as volunteers until we harmonize with United States government are encouraged to contact respective Hospital Directors or my office, for those deployed at the ministry headquarters, for integration into the existing healthcare system,” she stated.
The PS also asked the USAID staff to stop any activities under their contracts, as their activities were solely funded by the United States government and operations will resume after the two governments have resolved the stalemate.
“Accordingly, given that your operations and emoluments were directly supported by United States government and such activities have since been suspended, your are informed to halt work for which you have been contracted, as we engage with United States government on the way forward,” she added.
Few days after his inauguration, President Donald Trump dismantled the foreign aid, majorly helping the health sector in Africa, which he said will save American tax payers money.
However, his directive has been halted by District judge Carl Nichols, who was nominated by Trump during his first term, agreed with legal arguments from the largest government workers’ union and an association of foreign service workers.
On February 5, Trump also signed an Executive Order banning transgender from participating in women’s sports in the USA. The order dubbed ‘Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports’ seek to end abuse against young women in athletics.
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