The High Commission of Uganda in London is the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Uganda in the United Kingdom. The mission is located in Uganda House at 58-59 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX, positioning it at one of London's most prominent locations next to Admiralty Arch.[1] The High Commission shares the building with the Embassy of Burundi, reflecting efficient use of diplomatic real estate in central London.[2]
The High Commission serves both the United Kingdom and Ireland, extending Uganda's diplomatic reach across the British Isles.[3] The mission serves as a critical link between Uganda and the UK, focusing on promoting bilateral relations and collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange.[4] The High Commission operates under Uganda's broader foreign policy framework, which includes supporting Uganda Vision 2040 that aspires to change the country from a predominantly low income to a competitive upper middle income country within 30 years with a per capita income of USD 9,500.[3]
Current leadership
The current High Commissioner is Her Excellency Mrs Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, who has described the UK as "my second home," having first come to England as a refugee when she was 12 years old.[5] She completed her secondary education in England before pursuing university studies in the United States, bringing a unique international perspective to her diplomatic role.[5]
Consular services
The High Commission provides a comprehensive range of consular services to Ugandan citizens and visitors. The embassy offers notarial services, including the notarization of documents needed for legal purposes, and can issue emergency travel documents for those who need to travel urgently and cannot access their passport.[4] The High Commission offers assistance to Ugandan nationals abroad in the UK, provides support for visa applicants from UK citizens where applicable, and offers minor help for their national citizens regarding lost or damaged passports. The mission also provides signposting to health and legal services if needed in emergency situations. The process of issuing Ugandan visas and passports can take several weeks, and the High Commission serves as the only Ugandan diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom.[6]
Political activities and protests
The High Commission has been the site of various political demonstrations reflecting Uganda's domestic political situation. In 2011, a protest was held outside the High Commission by diaspora Ugandans opposed to the Presidency of Yoweri Museveni. In 2011 a protest was held outside by High Commission by diaspora Ugandans opposed to the Presidency of Yoweri Museveni,[7] and also in 2012 by people opposed to the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.[8]
In 2012 it was revealed that two staff at the High Commission were being investigated for suspected smuggling and tax evasion.[9]
Location and Accessibility
Located at Uganda House on Trafalgar Square, the High Commission is in London’s diplomatic core, accessible via Charing Cross subway (50m), Trafalgar Square bus stop (100m), or London Charing Cross train station (300m). Contact is available by phone (+44 20 7839 5783) or email (rjkabachope@ugandahighcommission.co.uk), with services by appointment.[10]
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