By: Olivier BAKOMEZI,
Director of the Refugees Parliamentarians for Peace-RPP
and Chairman of the Congolese Urban Refugee Community.
Date: 10 May 2026
Abstract
Uganda is internationally recognized for its progressive refugee protection framework, particularly through the Refugees Act, 2006, which grants refugees extensive rights including freedom of movement, employment, and access to social services. Despite these legal provisions, refugees in Uganda continue to face numerous socio-economic and institutional challenges that hinder the realization of these rights. This article provides a comparative analysis of the legal rights and obligations outlined in the Refugees Act of 2006 and the actual living conditions experienced by refugees in Uganda. Using qualitative analysis of legal documents, policy reports, and scholarly literature, the study identifies significant gaps between legislative guarantees and practical implementation. Findings indicate that while the legal framework is progressive, factors such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, economic constraints, and declining humanitarian funding restrict the full enjoyment of refugee rights. The study concludes that stronger institutional capacity, improved funding mechanisms, and enhanced policy implementation are required to bridge the gap between law and practice.
Keywords: Refugees, Uganda Refugee Act 2006, refugee rights, refugee policy, refugee protection, refugee integration
1. Introduction
Uganda has emerged as one of the leading refugee-hosting countries in the world, hosting approximatively two million displaced persons, and uncountable number of new arrivals on the daily basics primarily from neighboring countries such as South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Somalia. The country’s refugee governance framework is largely guided by the Refugees Act, 2006, which was enacted to domesticate international refugee protection standards contained in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.
Unlike many refugee-hosting states that confine refugees to camps and restrict their economic participation, Uganda’s refugee policy promotes self-reliance by allowing refugees to work, move freely, and access social services. This approach has been widely praised by organizations such as the United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees. However, despite these progressive policies, significant disparities remain between the legal rights guaranteed to refugees and the realities they face in their daily lives.
This article examines the extent to which the rights and obligations established under the Refugees Act are realized in practice. It critically evaluates the implementation gap between law and lived experiences of refugees in Uganda.
2. Methodology
This study adopts a qualitative research approach based on doctrinal legal analysis and secondary data review. The research draws upon:
- The Refugees Act, 2006
- Reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- Government policy documents from the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda
- Scholarly literature on refugee governance in Uganda
- Empirical studies on refugee livelihoods and settlement conditions
The analysis compares the statutory rights and obligations stipulated in the Refugees Act with documented conditions within refugee settlements such as Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, and in urban areas.
3. Legal Rights of Refugees under the Uganda Refugee Act (2006)
3.1 Protection from Refoulement
The Refugees Act incorporates the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the expulsion or return of refugees to territories where their lives or freedom may be threatened. This principle aligns with international refugee protection norms and forms the cornerstone of refugee law.
Reality on the Ground
Uganda generally respects the principle of non-refoulement. However, regional security concerns and administrative delays in refugee status determination sometimes expose asylum seekers to prolonged uncertainty regarding their legal status, and the banning of registration in Urban/Kampala Office Of the Prime Minister, department of Refugees, of Asylum seekers from certain Nationalities.
3.2 Freedom of Movement
One of the most distinctive features of Uganda’s refugee policy is the right of refugees to move freely within the country. Refugees are permitted to leave settlements and reside in urban areas.
Reality on the Ground
Although legally permitted, freedom of movement is often limited by economic constraints and the denial of file transfer from the settlements to Kampala by the OPM Kampala. Refugees who move to urban centers such as Kampala frequently lose access to humanitarian assistance provided in settlements, and face limited access to services provided by UNHCR implementing partners in urban areas making relocation financially unsustainable.
3.3 Right to Employment and Livelihood
The Act allows refugees to engage in wage employment, agriculture, and business activities. This policy aims to promote self-reliance and reduce long-term dependency on humanitarian aid.
Reality on the Ground
Despite these rights, refugees face several obstacles to employment, including limited access to capital, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications, and competition within local labor markets. As a result, many refugees remain engaged in informal or subsistence economic activities.
3.4 Access to Education and Healthcare
The Refugees Act provides refugees with access to education and healthcare services similar to those available to Ugandan citizens. This includes enrollment in public schools and treatment in government health facilities.
Reality on the Ground
The rapid growth of refugee populations has placed immense pressure on infrastructure in refugee-hosting districts. Schools are often overcrowded and understaffed, while healthcare facilities struggle with shortages of medicines, medical personnel, and equipment.
4. Obligations of Refugees under the Refugee Act
4.1 Compliance with National Laws
Refugees are required to obey the laws of Uganda and respect public order. Failure to comply may lead to penalties or revocation of refugee status.
4.2 Non-Participation in Political Activities
The Act prohibits refugees from engaging in political activities against their country of origin or within Uganda.
4.3 Contribution to the Economy
Refugees who engage in employment or business are expected to comply with national tax regulations and economic policies.
Reality on the Ground
In practice, many refugees struggle to fulfill economic obligations due to poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and limited access to financial resources.
5. Factors Contributing to the Implementation Gap
5.1 Resource Constraints
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, which places enormous pressure on national resources and infrastructure.
5.2 Declining Humanitarian Funding
Humanitarian agencies face funding shortages that affect food distribution, healthcare services, and educational support for refugees.
5.3 Institutional and Administrative Limitations
Local government structures in refugee-hosting districts often lack the institutional capacity to effectively implement refugee policies and deliver adequate services.
- Discussion
The findings of this analysis demonstrate that Uganda’s refugee legal framework is highly progressive in comparison with many other refugee-hosting states. The emphasis on self-reliance and integration reflects a shift away from traditional refugee camp models toward more inclusive governance approaches.
However, the effectiveness of these policies depends largely on adequate funding, infrastructure development, and institutional support. Without these resources, the progressive legal provisions risk remaining largely aspirational rather than transformative.
- Conclusion
The Uganda Refugees Act, 2006, represents one of the most progressive refugee protection frameworks globally, granting refugees broad rights and encouraging socio-economic integration. Nevertheless, the realities experienced by refugees in Uganda reveal a persistent gap between legislative commitments and practical implementation.
Addressing this gap requires stronger collaboration between the government of Uganda, international organizations, and development partners. Increased investment in refugee-hosting communities, improved service delivery, and expanded livelihood opportunities are essential to ensuring that the rights guaranteed by law translate into tangible benefits for refugees.