U.S. Relations with Uganda
WASHINGTON, December 4, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Bureau of African Affairs
Fact Sheet
November 28, 2012
U.S.-UGANDA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Uganda in 1962, following its formal independence from the United Kingdom. Post-independence, the country saw a mix of tribal rivalries, insurgencies, military coups, dictatorships, and elections. U.S. relations with Uganda were strained by the human rights abuses of several Ugandan governments.
After decades of internal strife, Uganda has experienced more than 20 years of relative political stability and economic growth. The country has made progress on a number of fronts, including HIV/AIDS, economic growth, and stabilizing its north, where the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) operated for 20 years. But it faces challenges including flawed 2011 parliamentary and presidential elections, continued rapid population growth, human rights problems, corruption, and inflation.
Uganda is a key U.S. regional strategic partner through both its involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia and counter-LRA efforts in central Africa. In 2011, the United States sent a small number of military advisers to the LRA-affected region to enhance the capacity of the Ugandan and other regional militaries to pursue the LRA and protect civilian populations.
U.S. Assistance to Uganda
The United States has transitioned its support from humanitarian assistance to longer-term development programs that provide for reconciliation and security in northern Uganda and improved social and economic well-being throughout the country. Assistance emphasizes fostering Ugandan-managed delivery of services (using direct government assistance and local organizations where feasible) and supporting national development priorities to increase country ownership and build local capacity.
U.S. assistance includes promoting good governance, human rights, and multiparty democracy; professionalizing police and military institutions for better service delivery and adherence to human rights; addressing health threats including malaria and HIV/AIDS; supporting the Ugandan Government's plans in agricultural productivity, food security, and nutrition; and addressing development issues such as global climate change and biodiversity.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Uganda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Uganda include machinery, optic and medical instruments, wheat, and aircraft. U.S. imports from Uganda include coffee, cocoa, base metals, returns, and fish and seafood. The United States has signed 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 U.S. Ambassador to Uganda is Scott DeLisi; 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:
Department of State Uganda Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Uganda Page
U.S. Embassy: Uganda
USAID Uganda Page
History of U.S. Relations With Uganda
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information