UGANDA-US MEDICAL DATA DEAL SPARKS STORM IN PARLIAMENT
KAMPALA — The Ugandan government has confirmed the existence of a medical data-sharing agreement with the United States, a deal that has ignited fierce debate in Parliament over concerns about national sovereignty and compliance with Uganda’s data protection laws.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka appeared before Parliament to address the controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was signed on December 10, 2025. He assured legislators that the agreement is legally sound and operates within the framework of Ugandan law.
“I reviewed the Uganda-US medical data agreement and it is in accordance with the laws of Uganda,” the Attorney General stated in remarks captured on video. He further emphasized that citizens’ data cannot be shared outside the boundaries of Uganda’s legal statutes and called on the relevant parliamentary committee to formally request and read the full contract to understand its scope.
However, the deal has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, most notably Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko. Mr. Nsereko has raised alarm over the terms of the MOU, alleging that the government has effectively signed away the medical data of all Ugandans in exchange for American funding.
Mr. Nsereko contends that the agreement constitutes a breach of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, which governs how personal information is collected, processed, and shared. He is demanding full disclosure of the MOU’s terms, arguing that Parliament and the public have a right to know the specifics of what data is being shared and for what purpose.
The Attorney General’s response sought to downplay fears of a legal violation, reiterating that the agreement does not supersede domestic law. By urging the committee to review the contract, Mr. Kiwanuka signaled a willingness to allow parliamentary oversight to resolve the dispute.
As of press time, the full text of the MOU had not been made public, and it remains unclear which specific US agencies or funding mechanisms are involved in the arrangement. The controversy highlights growing tensions in Uganda regarding foreign partnerships that involve the transfer of sensitive citizen data.
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