HEALTH
In a significant development, Baylor Uganda has been directed to terminate all its contracts following a directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The termination notice, dated February 26, 2025, was issued by Adam Cox, the Deputy Director of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The notice states that the award is being terminated for convenience and in the interests of the U.S. Government. Secretary Rubio, in his capacity as the Acting Administrator for USAID, along with Peter W. Marocco, who is performing the duties and functions of both Deputy Administrators for USAID, determined that the award is not aligned with Agency priorities. They concluded that continuing the program is not in the national interest.
The decision to terminate the award is a policy determination vested in the Acting Administrator and the person performing the duties and functions of the Deputy Administrator. Detailed instructions will follow, and a formal modification or amendment to memorialize this action is forthcoming.
Baylor Uganda has been instructed to immediately cease all activities,awards and contracts, and avoid incurring any additional obligations chargeable to the award beyond those unavoidable costs associated with the termination notice. Similar instructions have been provided to all subrecipients and contractors.
The termination notice has raised concerns among stakeholders, as it impacts various ongoing projects and collaborations. Baylor Uganda is expected to confirm receipt of the termination notice via electronic email response to the sender.
