Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Uganda are modest in scope. Uganda is not one of the priority countries for Swiss development cooperation, and economic and cultural exchange is also limited.
Bilateral relations
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The Swiss Embassy in Nairobi (Kenya) is responsible for diplomatic contacts with Uganda. It maintains cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Swiss nationals in Uganda
As at the end of 2015, 114 Swiss nationals were living in Uganda.
Cooperation in the domain of education
Scholars and artists from Uganda can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland recognised Uganda in 1962 and in 1966 it assumed diplomatic relations with the East African country. In 1972 it opened a consulate in Kampala. A year earlier the two countries signed an investment protection agreement.
Under the dictatorship of President Idi Amin (1971–1979) numerous groups of people in the country suffered persecution. In 1972 Switzerland accepted 200 refugees of Asian origin as part of a multilateral programme. It also provided humanitarian aid through both private and international organisations. In 1988 Switzerland launched a programme to compensate losses in the coffee industry resulting from a slump in coffee prices.
