Across Africa, the approach to refugee management has evolved significantly over the years. Rather than isolating refugees in camps, several countries are now embracing integrated community models that promote inclusion, dignity, and self-reliance. Among these nations, Uganda stands out as a global leader, widely recognized for its progressive refugee policies and inclusive approach to hosting displaced populations.
Uganda’s refugee model is often celebrated as one of the most forward-thinking in the world. Guided by the Refugees Act of 2006 and the Refugee Regulations of 2010, Uganda grants refugees the right to work, move freely, and access public services such as education and healthcare. These provisions ensure that refugees are not confined to camps but instead become active members of the communities in which they live. In Uganda, refugees share communities, schools, health centers, and marketplaces with their Ugandan hosts. This approach promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual economic growth. As a result, refugee-hosting districts such as Arua, Yumbe, Adjumani, and Kiryandongo have witnessed the emergence of vibrant local economies where both groups benefit from trade, cultural exchange, and shared development initiatives.
Uganda’s success has inspired similar efforts across the region. Countries such as Rwanda, Somalia, and Djibouti have also implemented policies aimed at integrating refugees within their local communities. These initiatives emphasize inclusion over isolation, recognizing that integrated communities foster resilience, stability, and long-term sustainability. Kenya, for instance, has taken significant strides through the creation of the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in the Kakuma region—a community designed to provide the full range of services typically found in a regional town. Building on this progress, Kenya has unveiled the Shirika Plan, a transformative framework developed in partnership with UNHCR to transition traditional refugee camps into integrated settlements. This plan, grounded in the Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021, strengthens refugee rights to employment, education, and essential services—paving the way for genuine socio-economic inclusion.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Burundi have begun exploring similar models. Ethiopia’s plans for an integrated settlement in Kebribeyah and Burundi’s community-based approach in Giharo reflect growing continental recognition that refugee inclusion benefits both displaced populations and host communities.
While developing integrated communities requires substantial investment, Uganda’s experience demonstrates that the rewards far outweigh the costs. Inclusive policies promote self-reliance, reduce dependency on humanitarian aid, and strengthen local economies. They also enhance social cohesion, ensuring that refugees and hosts work together toward shared goals of stability and prosperity. As the global community grapples with growing displacement, Uganda offers a blueprint for transformative refugee management—one that values human dignity, economic inclusion, and local empowerment.
By investing in integrated settlements, Uganda and its neighbours are not only reshaping the future of refugee protection in Africa but also redefining what it means to build shared futures for all.