© 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.

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UNHCR makes $1 million vehicle donation to Uganda to support South Sudan Emergency Response

News and stories about Uganda

South Sudan actor played dead to save his life

Abducted by gunmen as he fled, Moses had to draw on all his skills and experience to cheat death.

4 Nov 2016

Uganda farming classes transform refugees into entrepreneurs

Trained to expand their rice and pepper harvests, Congolese refugees in Uganda use earnings to start new businesses and become more self-reliant.

28 Oct 2016

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.

19 Sep 2016

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.

30 Aug 2016

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.

28 Jul 2016

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.

26 Jul 2016

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.

21 Jul 2016

Thousands flee to Uganda after South Sudan flare-up

Influx expected to continue as tension remains high across the border.

19 Jul 2016

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.

18 Feb 2016

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.

4 Jun 2015

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.

19 Mar 2015

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.

3 Nov 2014

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.

25 Sep 2014

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.

25 Aug 2014

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.

23 Jan 2014

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.

20 Jan 2014

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.

21 Nov 2013

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.

4 Nov 2013