Gambians In Zürich

Unity, Welfare &
Cultural Identity
across Switzerland

UGSA is the representative body for the Gambian diaspora in Zurich, Switzerland — built on the values of community, accountability, and the proud heritage of The Gambia.

Become a Member Our Story Join UGSA Community
2013
Founded in Zürich
26
Regions Across Switzerland
118+
Active Members
10
Executive & Governance Roles
Registered Association Switzerland · Est. 2013
UGSA · Est. 26 October 2013 · Zürich

A nationwide Gambian diaspora body in Switzerland — built on unity, welfare, and cultural identity.

Rooted in Gambia,
Built in Switzerland

The United Gambian Swiss Association (UGSA) was founded on 26 October 2013 in Zürich as an inclusive, non-profit association open to all Gambians and supportive non-Gambians. Its foundation rests on unity, neutrality, and community service.

From a single meeting at Heinrichstrasse 143, the association has expanded into a nationwide diaspora body representing Gambians across 26 Swiss cantons. Its growth reflects increasing community needs and engagement.

UGSA delivers welfare support, cultural activities, and humanitarian assistance, strengthening both local community cohesion and contributions to The Gambia. It plays a central role in supporting Gambians in Zürich and beyond in Switzerland.

The association operates under a transparent, accountable governance system aligned with Swiss legal standards. The General Assembly holds supreme authority, while the Executive Committee provides strategic and operational leadership.

Registered Association · Switzerland 26 Oct 2013
Who We Are & What We Stand For

Five Pillars of Our Community

UGSA brings together Gambians and friends of The Gambia across Switzerland — guided by strong governance, Swiss legal standards, and a deep commitment to our members' wellbeing.

01

Member Welfare

Social, medical, and emergency support — including repatriation assistance for deceased members and their children.

02

Unity & Cultural Identity

Preserving Gambian heritage and promoting cohesion across all 26 regions of Switzerland.

03

Community Events

Gambian Day, Koriteh, Tobaski, Summer Meet & Greet — celebrations that bind our diaspora together.

04

Development & Humanitarian Aid

Fundraising and action for disaster relief and socio-economic development in The Gambia.

05

Transparent Governance

Democratic, accountable governance fully aligned with Swiss Civil Code Articles 60–79.

Our Impact

Projects We Support

Each year, UGSA dedicates a share of member contributions to projects that improve healthcare, education, and community life — in The Gambia and within our diaspora here in Switzerland.

Our People

Executive Committee

Legislative period 2026–2028

The governing body responsible for strategic leadership, legal compliance, financial oversight, and the administration of UGSA.

Madam Binta Singhateh
President
Madam Binta Singhateh
Ebrima Singhateh
Vice President & Congress Rep
Ebrima Singhateh
  • Jiky Jarju
    Secretary
    Jiky Jarju
    • Alasan Mbye
      Asst. Secretary
      Alasan Mbye
  • Mohamed Sylla
    Treasurer
    Mohamed Sylla
    • Asst. Treasurer
      Vacant
  • Fenda Nanky
    Org. Committee
    Fenda Nanky
    • Aminata Jatta-Ceesay
      Asst. Org. Committee
      Aminata Jatta-Ceesay
  • Kitabu Ceesay
    Logistics
    Kitabu Ceesay
  • Samba Kebbeh
    Legal & Audits
    Samba (Batch) Kebbeh
  • PRO
    Vacant
Kaddy Jaiteh
Non-Portfolio
Kaddy Jaiteh
Nicholas Jatta
Non-Portfolio
Nicholas Jatta
Sainey Kassama
Non-Portfolio
Sainey Kassama
Fanta Drammeh
Congress Financial Rep.
Fanta Drammeh
Core Officers
Madam Binta Singhateh
President
Madam Binta Singhateh
Ebrima Singhateh
Vice President
Ebrima Singhateh
Jiky Jarju
Secretary
Jiky Jarju
Mohamed Sylla
Treasurer
Mohamed Sylla
Fenda Nanky
Org. Committee
Fenda Nanky
Kitabu Ceesay
Logistics
Kitabu Ceesay
Support Roles
Alasan Mbye
Asst. Secretary
Alasan Mbye
Asst. Treasurer
Vacant
Aminata Jatta-Ceesay
Asst. Org. Committee
Aminata Jatta-Ceesay
Samba Kebbeh
Legal & Audits
Samba (Batch) Kebbeh
PRO
Vacant
Non-Portfolio Members
Sainey Kassama
Non-Portfolio
Sainey Kassama
Kaddy Jaiteh
Non-Portfolio
Kaddy Jaiteh
Fanta Drammeh
Congress Financial Rep.
Fanta Drammeh
Nicholas Jatta
Non-Portfolio
Nicholas Jatta
Community Life

Our Events

Bringing the community together — from cultural celebrations to casual gatherings.

Koriteh

Meet & Grill

Gambian Day

Koriteh

Meet & Grill

Gambian Day

Koriteh

Meet & Grill

Gambian Day

Koriteh

Meet & Grill

Gambian Day

Our Structure

Governance & Leadership

Four organs guide everything UGSA does — ensuring accountability, continuity, and democratic representation at every level.

01

The Executive Committee

Administrative & oversight body

The governing body responsible for strategic leadership, legal compliance, financial oversight, and the administration of UGSA.

02

Organising Committee

An operational body

Plans and organizes fund raising events and activities (Gambian Day, Koriteh, Tobaski & other social events).

03

Electoral Board

An independent body

Responsible for administering elections, voter registration, primaries, nominations, and declaring results.

04

General Membership

The governing body

The supreme governing body of UGSA — elects and can dismiss the Executive Committee, approves budgets, amends the Constitution, and meets 6 times a year.

Governance Principles

✓

Transparency: All financial records maintained in duplicate; six-monthly audited statements presented to members.

✓

Accountability: Executive members subject to minimum 75% meeting attendance and performance review standards.

✓

Democratic participation: All major decisions by plurality vote; constitution amendments require approval by active members.

✓

Term limits: 4-year executive terms; President and Vice President limited to 2 terms maximum.

✓

Impeachment safeguard: A structured, fair process for removing any executive officer, requiring 2/3 General Assembly majority.

✓

Annual budgeting & auditing cycle: Legislated in 2022 to mandate year-end financial audits from fiscal year 2021 onward.

🏛️

General Assembly — Supreme Authority The General Assembly is the final decision-making body of UGSA. All major resolutions, constitutional amendments, and impeachment decisions rest with the membership.

What We Offer

Member Services & Benefits

From emergency welfare to cultural celebrations, UGSA provides a comprehensive safety net and community home for every Gambian in Switzerland.

🕊️

Repatriation Support

Welfare

UGSA covers the cost of transporting deceased members back to The Gambia, including biological children up to age 18.

🏥

Medical Assistance

Health

Financial support for members requiring medical or spiritual treatment in The Gambia, approved by Executive Committee.

🎉

Cultural Events

Community

Annual events celebrating Gambian heritage — Gambian Day, Koriteh, Summer Meet & Greet, and community fundraisers.

🌿

Disaster Relief

Humanitarian

Coordinated humanitarian support and socio-economic development projects in The Gambia.

📋

Legal & Advisory

Governance

Guidance on Swiss association law, member rights, and governance from our Legal Compliance Officer.

🤲

Emergency Fund

Emergency

Emergency financial assistance for members facing hardship, funded through monthly contributions and fundraising.

Join UGSA

Membership

Open to all Gambians in Switzerland. Honorary membership available to non-Gambians who share our values. CHF 10/month funds the collective welfare of our community.

New Arrival

Recently arrived in Switzerland

CHF 10
per month
  • Monthly contribution: CHF 10
  • Access to welfare & support fund
  • Repatriation & funeral support
  • Medical assistance fund access
  • Voting rights at General Assembly
  • Cultural events & Gambian Day
Most Common

Active Member

Gambians established in Switzerland

CHF 10
per month
  • Monthly contribution: CHF 10
  • Access to welfare & support fund
  • Repatriation & funeral support
  • Medical assistance fund access
  • Voting rights at General Assembly
  • Cultural events & Gambian Day

Honorary Member

Non-Gambian friends & allies

CHF 10
per month
  • Monthly contribution: CHF 10
  • Access to welfare & support fund
  • Repatriation & funeral support
  • Medical assistance fund access
  • Voting rights at General Assembly
  • Cultural events & Gambian Day
⚠️

Note: Long-term Switzerland residents new to UGSA are subject to a CHF 120 admission fee. Arrears must be settled for active member status.

Our Network

UGSA & Gambia Swiss Congress

UGSA is a proud member of The Gambia Swiss Congress — the national umbrella body uniting all Gambian associations across Switzerland.

The Gambia Swiss Congress

One Gambia, One Voice

Formed on 19 March 2016 in Lausanne to bring all Gambian associations in Switzerland under one umbrella — united by honesty, transparency, and the rule of law.

Congress is an umbrella Association that aims to build stronger and more resilient Gambian diaspora communities in Switzerland by promoting their socio-economic development — while contributing its quotas in improving the welfare and livelihoods of the people back home in The Gambia through the creation of smaller and bigger projects.

Founded · Lausanne — 2016 gambiaswisscongress.ch ↗
🤝

Umbrella Body

Unites all Gambian associations under one coordinating entity.

🇬🇲

National Unity

Promotes shared Gambian identity across all ethnicities and backgrounds.

🌱

National Development

Channels diaspora resources toward humanitarian impact in The Gambia.

⚖️

Rule of Law

Holds member associations to high standards of governance and accountability.

UGSA's Role

UGSA within the Congress

As a member association of The Gambia Swiss Congress, UGSA ensures that the voices and interests of UGSA Active Members are represented at the national level. Ensuring that our governance framework and core values align with the Congress's founding principles.

🔍

Transparency

Full transparency in all financial and governance decisions made on behalf of members.

✅

Accountability

Every leader is held accountable to the membership and Congress standards.

🗳️

Democratic Participation

Members have equal voice and voting rights at all General Assembly meetings.

🏛️

National Representation

UGSA represents Zürich-based Gambians at the national Congress level.

Get In Touch

Connect With UGSA

Whether you're a Gambian looking to join, a community partner, or a friend of The Gambia — we'd love to hear from you.

✅
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