Published on 1 February 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Uganda

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Uganda are limited in scope. Switzerland has an honorary consulate in Kampala, which assists Swiss nationals in Uganda.
Uganda is part of the Greater Horn of Africa, which is one of the five geographical priorities of the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 adopted by the Federal Council in January 2021.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with Uganda since 1966. In 1971, the two countries concluded a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Switzerland opened a consulate in Kampala in 1972.

Switzerland's representation in Nairobi is responsible for diplomatic contacts with Uganda, and ensures that cordial diplomatic relations are maintained between the two countries.

Treaty database

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers who are citizens of Uganda can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

Swiss nationals in Uganda

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 106 Swiss citizens were living in Uganda and 254 Ugandan citizens were living in Switzerland at the end of 2020.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland recognised the state of Uganda in 1962 and established diplomatic relations with the country in 1966. During Idi Amin's military dictatorship from 1971 to 1979 there were major outbreaks of violence, particularly against specific ethnic groups. In 1988, Switzerland set up a programme to compensate for the losses caused by the dramatic fall in the price of coffee, historically the country's main export product.

Uganda, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Documents

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