More information about Uganda is available on the Uganda Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-UGANDA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Uganda in 1962, following Uganda’s formal independence from the United Kingdom. In the post-independence period, the country endured despotism and near economic collapse. The human rights abuses of several Ugandan governments strained U.S. relations with Uganda.
President Museveni came to power in 1986, after decades of internal strife. Under Museveni, Uganda experienced relative political stability and economic growth. Uganda faces numerous challenges, however, that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, power and infrastructure constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and human rights deficits.
Uganda has been a reliable partner for the United States in promoting stability in the Horn and East/Central Africa and in combatting terror, particularly through its contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia.
U.S. Assistance to Uganda
The United States provides significant development and security assistance to Uganda, with a total assistance budget exceeding $970 million per year. The U.S. government plays a key role in supporting the professionalization of the military; providing anti-retroviral treatment for more than 990,000 HIV-positive Ugandans; and working to boost economic growth and agricultural productivity, improve educational and health outcomes, and support democratic governance through inclusive, accountable institutions. The U.S. mission is working with the Government of Uganda to improve tax collection and oil revenue management, and to increase Uganda’s domestic funding for public services and the national response to HIV/AIDS.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Uganda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Uganda include machinery, optical and medical instruments, wheat, and aircraft. U.S. imports from Uganda include coffee, cocoa, base metals, and fish. The United States has committed to signing trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Uganda is a member of both regional organizations.
Uganda’s Membership in International Organizations
Uganda and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The current U.S. Ambassador to Uganda is Deborah Malac. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Uganda maintains an embassy in the United States at 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 (tel. 202-726-7100).
More information about Uganda is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Uganda Page
U.S. Embassy
USAID Uganda Page
History of U.S. Relations With Uganda
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation: Uganda
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel Information