KAMPALA, UGANDA — A recent study by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), supported by UNHCR, the European Union, and the Norwegian government, underscores a significant gap between the legal right of refugees in Uganda to work and the practical realities they face. Uganda, with over 1. 9 million refugees and asylum seekers, is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and among the top five globally.
Despite the country’s progressive policy that legally allows refugees to work, move freely, and access public services, the NRC’s research reveals a stark contrast. Kampala and Nakivale Refugee Settlements have shown that these rights are often undermined by complex administrative systems and challenging labor-market conditions.
The study, conducted through a mixed — methods approach, including household surveys and interviews, highlights that many refugees possess work experience, education, and professional skills.
However, these assets are consistently impeded by structural and administrative barriers that restrict access to stable and protected employment.
The research indicates that while some refugees find employment in the informal sector, they often face poor working conditions and low wages.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Country Analysis for Uganda further emphasize the need for improved documentation, labor rights awareness, and formal employment opportunities.
The NRC’s findings underscore the importance of targeted labor-market integration strategies, which must be informed by better data on refugees’qualifications, skills, and work experience.
The report calls for enhanced support services and complaint mechanisms to ensure that refugees’rights are upheld.
As Uganda and the international community strive for sustainable development, it is imperative that the rights of refugees are not overlooked.
The NRC’s research and the ILO’s analysis serve as a call to action for governments, organizations, and communities to address the de facto barriers that prevent refugees from exercising their right to work.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Norwegian Refugee Council
