 © UNHCR/Will Swanson |
Uganda has one of the most favourable refugee protection environments in the world; providing for freedom of movement, right to work and also providing land for refugee settlements in line with the Refugee Act of 2006 and the Refugee Regulations of 2010.Uganda has declared lands as “officially gazetted” for refugees in some of the districts and such lands are protected whether or not refugee reside on it. In areas where land is not gazetted for refugees, the Office of the Prime Minister, Refugee Department (OPM) negotiates with the local communities to acquire land for usage by refugees.Congolese and South Sudanese refugees receive prima facie status, while other nationalities go through individual status determination. |
News and stories about Uganda
UNHCR airlifts aid to Uganda as thousands arrive from South Sudan
Thousands of refugees fleeing violence and human rights violations in South Sudan benefit from major aid operation.
UN Refugee Chief: World must act to end South Sudan suffering
During a visit to Uganda, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi called for action to end the violence in South Sudan that has sent thousands fleeing.
South Sudanese families rebuild their lives at Ugandan refugee settlement
UNHCR redeploys staff from other parts of the country while partner organizations set up new health clinics to cope with the influx.
South Sudan fighting drives surge of refugees to Uganda
UNHCR voiced extreme concern about the volatile security situation in South Sudan, where some 4,000 people are currently fleeing daily to neighbouring Uganda.
Flight across border achingly familiar for some South Sudan families
Despite Uganda's generous policy towards refugees, the latest influx is putting the country's resources under strain.
Thousands flee to Uganda after South Sudan flare-up
Influx expected to continue as tension remains high across the border.
Acting out their trauma, refugees bond with Ugandan hosts
Kampala stage show, with a mixed refugee and Ugandan cast, tells refugees' stories of flight and resettlement through drama, dance and song.
UNIQLO distributes 10 millionth item of clothing to refugees with UNHCR
Refugees at a distribution in Kampala spoke of their joy at receiving second-hand t-shorts, jumpers, trousers, coats and other clothes donated by UNIQLO customers.
Innovation: A Congolese mother sings the praises of wonder stove
Sarah's energy-saving stove adds hours to her day, keeps her safe, saves firewood, has increased her harvest and enables her son to go to school.
South Sudanese seek a chance to get on with life without fear
Peter fled from South Sudan to Uganda when violence flared last year. With continuing conflict in his homeland, the refugee still fears about his safety.
Congolese refugee music-lover charts his way to success
Music has always been part of Jeremiah Mbaha's life. Now the Congolese refugee is using it to help others in Uganda and to share his songs.
Sisters with a Message: Our music will go where our feet can't reach
The four Bahati sisters, former Congolese refugees," are making a name in Canada as "Thebahatizz" and using music to highlight the issue of sexual violence.
Born on the run: South Sudanese mothers name babies to reflect ordeal
Thousands of South Sudanese refugee babies will forever be identified by the way they came into the world – as their mothers fled conflict in their homeland.
Uganda: South Sudan conflict leaves women and children to cope as refugees
UN refugee agency rallies to provide the special needs of refugees in northern Uganda, where men are the minority of those fleeing fighting in South Sudan.
Q&A: Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell visits Congolese refugees
The author of the popular Wallander books has long been interested in refugees, particularly in Africa. He recently joined UNHCR on a field mission in Uganda.
Fresh fighting triggers new Congolese refugee inflow to Uganda
Around 10,000 people are estimated by Ugandan authorities to have fled into Uganda - running along the roads in fear and panic, with some bringing possessions and livestock.
UNHCR monitors returns to North Kivu from Uganda, prepares to help returnees
Once full military control and civilian authority is established, the repatriation of tens of thousands of forcibly displaced people could become a reality.
More than 10,000 Congolese civilians flee to Uganda to escape fighting in North Kivu
In a separate development in north-eastern DRC, some 3,500 to 4,000 refugees have crossed into Uganda's north-west region from Orientale province.