Uganda hires Washington lobbyists to combat rights reputation

What the report says

Biztoc, linking to a Semafor report published July 27, 2026, reported that Uganda has retained two lobbying firms in Washington, DC. The reported effort is aimed at responding to criticism of Kampala’s human rights record and pressing the case for lifting restrictions connected to Ebola.

According to the report summary, the lobbying push comes as some U.S. lawmakers scrutinize the influence of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defense forces. The available article text does not identify the firms, disclose the value or duration of the contracts, or detail which Ebola-related measures Uganda wants removed.

The development matters because Washington lobbying can shape how foreign governments present their priorities to U.S. officials, members of Congress and policy audiences. For Uganda, the reported campaign appears tied to two sensitive issues: international concern over rights and governance, and public-health-related limits that may affect travel, trade or diplomatic engagement.

As background, Uganda is led by President Yoweri Museveni, whose government has faced periodic criticism from rights groups and Western officials over political freedoms and security-force conduct. The Semafor/Biztoc item indicates Kampala is seeking to counter such reputational pressure in the U.S., but the limited public text does not provide Uganda’s detailed response to the concerns or any reaction from American lawmakers.