The Embassy of Uganda and The Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva was opened on March 12, 1996 by Ambassador Nathan Irumba who arrived in Geneva on March 10, 1996, as Chargé d’affaires ad interim.
The purpose of the opening of the mission was to implement Uganda’s Foreign Policy in Switzerland and to other International Organisations to promote economic growth, Security, and development.
With over 100 international organizations, The Permanent Mission can engage at a multilateral level on issues concerning refugees, global health, international law, economic development, trade, intellectual property, the environment, arms control, and human rights through organizations such as UNOG, WTO, UNCTAD, ITC, ITU, ILO, WIPO, WMO, OHCHR, UNCHR
At a bilateral level, The Mission is tasked to promote Uganda as the tourist destination of choice for the Swiss people, a profitable destination for Swiss Foreign Direct Investment, and to increase the trade between the two countries. The Mission also provides consular services and advice on matters including passports, visas, and temporary travel documents.
Mandate
The Permanent Mission is accredited to the United Nations Office in Geneva, other International Organizations, and to Switzerland. It is, therefore, responsible for implementing Uganda’s Foreign Policy in Switzerland and other International Organisations to promote Uganda’s economic growth, Security, and development.
Vision
The Vision of the Uganda Geneva Mission is to effectively represent and promote Uganda’s interests of peace and prosperity at the United Nations Office in Geneva, other International Organizations, and Switzerland.
The current diplomatic staff
- H.E. Robert Marcel Tibaleka – Permanent Representative
- Ambassador Arthur Kafeero – Deputy Permanent Representative
- Brigadier General Emmanuel Kazahura – Defence Attaché
- Mr. Brian Mwesigwa – Counselor
- Mrs. Mary Namono Kibere – Counselor / Accounting Officer
- Ronald Basiimwa – Second Secretary
- Mr. Allan Mugarura Ndagije – Third Secretary
- Ms. Faith Logose Kayondo – Financial Attaché
- Ms. Bennah Kyaligonza – Administrative Attaché
The list of former ambassadors and heads of mission for the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations (UNOG) in Geneva:
- Ambassador Eunice KIGENYI- Designation: Chargé d’affaires ad interim, Period: 2020-2022
- Ambassador Christopher Onyanga APARR, Designation: Permanent Representative – Period: 2013-2020
- Ambassador Benedict KIWANUKA – Designation: Permanent Representative, Period: 2009-2012
- Ambassador Arsene BALIHUTA – Designation: Permanent Representative – Period: 2006-2009
- Ambassador Kweronda RUHEMBA -Designation: Permanent Representative – Period: 2003-2005
- Ambassador Alphonse OSEKU – Designation: Permanent Representative – Period: 1996-1999
- Ambassador Nathan IRUMBA – Designation: Chargé d’affaires ad interim – Period: 1996
The strategic objective of the Mission is to promote and protect Uganda’s interests in Switzerland and to ensure effective participation in the work of Geneva-based international organizations.
The Mandate of Uganda’s Permanent Mission in Geneva: Promoting National Interests
Uganda’s Permanent Mission in Geneva serves a critical role in advancing the country’s interests on the international stage. Situated in a city that is home to numerous multilateral institutions, the mission engages with a broad spectrum of global issues, including trade, security, human rights, health, and environmental policy. These institutions shape global norms and standards that directly affect Uganda. The mission’s primary role is to ensure that Uganda’s voice is heard and its interests are protected within these international forums.
The mission acts as Uganda’s representative in major international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Labour Organization (ILO). It advocates for Uganda’s positions on crucial issues such as trade policy, intellectual property rights, health standards, and labor laws. By doing so, the mission helps to influence international policies and agreements that impact Uganda’s development and economic growth.
Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDP III), the mission focuses on optimizing the benefits of Uganda’s status as a Least Developed Country (LDC). This includes securing favorable trade terms and advocating for policies that support Uganda’s economic interests. The mission’s efforts help enhance Uganda’s ability to access international markets and attract foreign investment.
The mission is also actively involved in promoting economic ties between Uganda and Switzerland. It collaborates with agencies like the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) and the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to boost trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from Switzerland. The mission leverages Switzerland’s high standard of living and strong interest in international travel to increase Swiss tourism to Uganda, participating in events like the International Tourism Exhibition in Lugano to showcase Uganda’s attractions.
Additionally, the mission works with the Ugandan diaspora to encourage investment in Uganda, facilitating opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. These efforts are aimed at building stronger economic links and fostering mutual benefits between Uganda and Switzerland.
Consular Services and Diaspora Engagement
The Uganda Permanent Mission in Geneva provides essential consular services to Ugandans within its jurisdiction, including passport renewals, visa processing, and legal assistance. It is committed to the welfare of Ugandan nationals abroad, offering support in emergencies and helping them understand and comply with local regulations.
The mission also engages with the Ugandan diaspora through community activities, cultural events, and outreach programs, helping maintain a connection between Ugandans in Europe and their homeland. These activities promote cultural exchange and strengthen the sense of community among Ugandans living abroad.
How do I contact the Permanent Mission of Uganda in Geneva
The embassy is located in Rue de Vermont 37/39, 1202 Genève. And can be contacted through Phone: 022 339 88 10. Email: consular-visa@ugandamission.ch
When is the embassy open?
The embassy is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends and public holidays for both Ugandans in Geneva and Uganda.
In the fiscal year 2021/22, the Mission achieved several significant milestones. It participated in the following activities.
- Participated in the Council for Trade in Services in Special Session and acted as the focal point for the WTO group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), advocating for market access and preferential treatment for services and service providers from LDCs.
- Engaged in negotiations in the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session for a permanent solution on Public Stockholding for Food Security, supporting Uganda’s cotton sector through lobbying for duty-free and quota-free market access and the elimination of cotton subsidies by developed countries.
- Monitored the aid for trade work program to reflect Uganda’s interests and participated in the review of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference on duty-free and quota-free market access to safeguard Uganda’s export interests.
- Joined the consensus of the Africa Group advocating for the revival of the Universal Periodic Review as a comprehensive mechanism for addressing human rights violations and ensuring equitable information sharing among Member States.
- Participated in and made statements at the Universal Periodic Review of Uganda in January 2022.
- Engaged in negotiations regarding the governance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), championing the Africa Group’s position for broader representation in the IOM’s top structure.
- Coordinated Uganda’s participation in the 81st Meeting of the UNHCR’s Standing Committee, ensuring continued support for refugees and host communities in Uganda.
- Monitored and reported on the human rights situation in Ethiopia during a Special Session and communicated developments to headquarters.
- Lobbied for continued technical assistance from UNCTAD on Debt Management and Financial System Programs to build capacity in national debt management.
- Supported Uganda’s candidatures for leadership positions within WIPO during the WIPO Assemblies, resulting in the election of Ugandan representatives to significant positions.
- Lobbied for the election of a Ugandan candidate to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for the upcoming elections in June 2022 in New York.
- Facilitated an internship for a Ugandan representative with the UN and included her in Uganda’s delegation to the 48th Human Rights Council.
ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS
The Permanent Mission of Uganda in Geneva plays a crucial role in representing Uganda’s interests within various international organizations located in Geneva. The mission engages with a range of Geneva-based organizations, including:
The Permanent Mission of Uganda in Geneva is dedicated to representing Uganda’s interests and participating actively in the work of Geneva-based international organizations. These organizations include;
- United Nations (UNO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- International Trade Centre (ITC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The mission’s core responsibilities to these organizations include
- Representation: Acting as Uganda’s voice in international forums, advocating for national interests in areas such as trade, human rights, health, and environmental issues.
- Participation: Actively engaging in discussions and negotiations to influence policies that affect Uganda, particularly in trade and development.
- Promotion: Enhancing Uganda’s image as a tourist destination and a viable location for foreign direct investment, especially from Switzerland.
- Resource Mobilization: Seeking financial and technical support from international organizations and the diaspora to aid Uganda’s development goals.
By collaborating with other nations, particularly within regional blocs, Uganda aims to strengthen its negotiating capacity and ensure that its voice is heard in the decision-making processes of these organizations. The mission also plays a vital role in fostering bilateral relations with Switzerland, promoting trade and tourism between the two countries.