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The Republic of Uganda, roughly the size of Oregon and with an estimated population of 41 million, lies along the equator and is located in the center of the African continent.  The country is divided into three principal geographic areas: a fertile plateau, lowland swamps, and a semi-desert region.  The capital is centrally located in Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, which forms part of the southern border.  English is the official language.

President Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986, after decades of internal strife, and was most recently re-elected in 2021 to another five-year term. Under Museveni, Uganda has experienced relative political stability and economic growth. However, Uganda faces numerous challenges that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, power and infrastructure constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and an increase in human rights abuses. 

The NRM government has increasingly restricted civil society activity, freedom of expression and association, political competition, and the media.  Economic and political pressures on the government to create jobs and allow for fair political competition have led to violent political unrest in recent years.  Uganda's exponential population growth and high poverty rates continue to strain government services, particularly in the education and health sectors.

Uganda is ethnically very diverse, with over fifty-six different ethnic groups and more than forty languages, most of which fall into three major language families - Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic. 

Uganda has long been a regional partner with the United States in East Africa and largely shares U.S. interests in combatting terrorism and promoting stability. Uganda is host to 1.4 million refugees - the world's 3rd largest refugee population - and the leading troop contributor nation to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). It is a global hotspot for emerging infectious diseases working closely with U.S. government partners to detect and respond to potential global health security threats.  The U.S. mission is engaged in activities and programs that promote economic growth and employability for 80% of Uganda's population who are under 35, improving health and education, upholding democratic values, strengthening security, technology and innovation, the environment and creative arts.

Uganda has several established universities. However, the U.S. embassy is committed to contributing to the growth of the newer and less established universities, which have a number of short- and long-term challenges. The U.S. Embassy is dedicated to improving the quality of instruction and delivery at these institutions, while at that same time, helping to build long-term collaborations between Ugandan and U.S. universities. Academic semesters normally run from August through December and January through May or June. Ugandan universities currently face a shortage of qualified and experienced faculty to help teach and develop the programs they currently offer. We are also interested in strengthening activities in other institutions  along our strategic areas outside of academia.

The U.S. Mission in Uganda provides overall oversight of this small but robust program in the country.  We offer airport pick-up on initial arrival. We make it a point to involve our Fulbrighters in our American Center programs where relevant.  

Housing - It is recommended that grantees contact their host institutions for best possible local housing options.  Information can also be found here Lamudi Uganda http://www.lamudi.co.ug , Properties to rent and for let in Uganda | Knight Frank and AirBnB.   

Most school-aged U.S. Mission or expatriate children attend one of three schools:  The International School of Uganda (ISU) - www.isu.ac.ug, the Kampala International School (KISU) - KISU – Educating Today's Children for Tomorrow's World, or Ambrosoli - www.ambrosolischool.com.   There are other options depending on the ages of the children: The French School, Acorns, Heritage and Kissyfur.   

Medical health care - Leading facilities in Kampala include - Mulago National Referral Hospital - Mulago National Referral Hospital | Life is Precious (mulagohospital.go.ug), Victoria Hospital - UMC Victoria Hospital (umchospitals.com), , The Surgery - The Surgery Uganda – Health Facility, Nakasero Hospital - Nakasero Hospital – Quality Care With Compassion, St.Francis Nsambya Hospital - St. Francis Hospital Nsambya – Love & Serve (nsambyahospital.or.ug),  and International Hospital Kampala among others. 

Fulbright grantees have health care benefits under the Department of State Group Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE).  ASPE is a health benefits program; it is not an all purpose health insurance, and it is subject to limitations. Grantees should review their ASPE benefits closely prior to arrival.  Traveler's medical insurance, particularly emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended, especially for grantees based outside the capital city.   The Fulbright grant provides limited medical and medical evacuation (medevac) coverage for the grantee only.