Uganda: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

The United States recognized Ugandan independence in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. U.S.-Ugandan relations have, except for a period in the 1970s, remained strong. The United States currently works with Uganda to promote economic development of its abundant natural resources, and combat public-health risks such as HIV/ AIDS.

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Ugandan Independence, 1962

The United States recognized Uganda on October 9, 1962, in a congratulatory message from President John F. Kennedy to Prime Minister A. Milton Obote. Uganda previously had been under British sovereignty.

Modern Flag of Uganda

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy in Uganda, 1962

Diplomatic relations were established on October 9, 1962, when the American consulate general at Kampala was raised to Embassy status with Olcott H. Deming as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Closure of American Embassy, 1973

The American Embassy at Kampala was closed on November 10, 1973, when all U.S. diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from Uganda. The Department of State later cited as factors that prompted the closure persistent internal security problems, operating difficulties for American programs and personnel, repeated public threats against Embassy officials and other Americans by high Ugandan officials, and finally the abrupt expulsion of the U.S. Marine Security Guard that protected the Embassy. Diplomatic relations were not interrupted and Uganda maintained an embassy in Washington. American interests in Uganda were represented by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Re-establishment of American Embassy, 1979

The American Embassy at Kampala was re-established on June 18, 1979, with David Halstead as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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