Our national-level engagements in Uganda and Kenya are carefully crafted to drive systemic change, resonating with the goals of creating a bold influencing agenda. Each initiative is a strategic effort to influence policy, strengthen local systems, and foster inclusive practice.
National-Level Engagements in Uganda
Empowerment and Shift in Advocacy Approach
The Community Process Facilitators (CPF) approach has significantly shifted from traditional representation to participatory advocacy. Through this approach, refugee communities have been empowered to advocate for themselves on matters affecting them as individuals or as a community. The CPFs have been equipped with knowledge and skills in various aspects such as good governance, conflict management and resolution, case management, refugee legal frameworks, Uganda’s domestic laws, etc. This capacity building has boosted their confidence when engaging with duty bearers and communities.
In Kisazi cell, Makindye Division, CPFs have played a critical role in enhancing refugee participation in local decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are meaningfully included. One key issue identified was the lack of a structured platform for Local Council I (LC1) leaders to engage directly with community members. The CPF-led approach helped bridge this gap by establishing linkages between LC1 leaders and CPFs, creating a channel for regular dialogue and joint identification of community priorities.
Strengthening Refugee Economic Inclusion Through Strategic Partnerships: Re:BUiLD and KACITA Engagement
On February 6, 2025, Re:BUiLD, in collaboration with community advocacy partner PLAVU, initiated a critical dialogue with Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) to explore opportunities for inclusive economic engagement. The engagement aimed to dispel myths surrounding urban refugees, particularly the perception that they are displacing locals in business spaces, and to promote shared economic opportunities within the city.
Following this dialogue, KACITA requested a capacity-building to better understand Uganda’s refugee legal frameworks. This request materialized on February 6, 2025, when Re:BUiLD, supported by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), facilitated a training workshop for KACITA’s board members and sector leaders.
Fostering Inclusion and Social Cohesion through Commemorations in 2025
In 2025, Re:BUiLD took part in the commemoration of key international days, notably International Women’s Day and World Disability Day, as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting social cohesion and refugee inclusion in urban spaces. These commemorations were not just moments of celebration but strategic platforms for advocacy, awareness-raising, and community engagement.
Through collaborative events involving both refugees and host community members, Re:BUiLD fostered shared understanding, respect, and collective action. A significant highlight of these events was the leadership role played by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). KCCA championed the message of inclusion by integrating refugee perspectives into the city’s social events and urban planning conversations.
Launch of the Refugee Reference Handbook in October, 2023
The launch of the Refugee Reference Handbook represents a significant step in equipping policymakers, employers, and service providers with essential knowledge to better support urban refugees. The handbook on refugee access to justice in Uganda, collaboratively developed by the Judiciary, the Office of the Prime Minister, IRC's Re:BUiLD Program, and refugee representatives, serves as a vital advocacy tool to influence legal practices and enhance justice for refugees. It provides practical guidance to navigate the complex legal system, aiming to empower refugees and reshape policies to better protect their rights. This handbook is designed to shape national policies and practices, promoting inclusivity in labor markets and service provision.
Introduction of Urban Refugee Employer Category at the Employer of the Year Awards held 1st March 2024
In partnership with the Federation of Uganda Employers, Re:BUiLD supported the Employer of the Year Awards by introducing a new category for Urban Refugee Employer of the Year, strategically aimed at advocating for and promoting the employment of refugees in urban areas. This initiative serves as a key influencing activity to encourage private sector engagement and drive inclusive hiring practices that support refugee livelihoods. During the event, the Human Resources Director, representing the country director, delivered remarks highlighting the significant opportunities that refugees present for all industrious sectors, emphasizing their potential to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Spotlighting these employers, Re:BUiLD is driving a sector-wide shift towards inclusive employment practices, which are critical for the economic integration of refugees, reinforcing our commitment to fostering responsive and inclusive labor markets.
Commemoration of International Days
Re:BUiLD actively participates in the commemoration of several key international days, including World Refugee Day, International Women’s Day, Labour Day -, engaged in the 2nd Annual National Labour Convention and Expo, contributing to the Panel Discussion on Access to Labour Justice and Decent work for refugees. As part of our engagement, we showcased our clients' work and disseminated findings from our Access to Decent Work Policy Brief, shedding light on the challenges and solutions regarding refugee-related laws and policies, fostering dialogue for more inclusive labor practices, International Youth Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and International Youth Day – Refugee Marathon. Each of these observances offers a platform to highlight the contributions of urban refugees and advocate for their rights within the broader national context. By engaging in these events, Re:BUiLD raises public awareness and influences national discourse on issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment. These commemorations reinforce the role of civil society in shaping public policy and promoting social cohesion, ensuring that refugee voices are amplified and respected across all sectors of society.
Koboko Municipality Learning Visit
The "Inclusive Urban Development and Mobility in Koboko Municipality" project, funded by the EU Trust Fund for Africa and implemented by Koboko Municipal Council (KMC) in partnership with Associazione Centro Aiuti Volontari (ACAV), successfully integrated refugees into urban planning and service delivery through direct funding, capacity building, and inclusive development strategies. The project’s success in fostering social cohesion, enhancing service delivery, and promoting sustainable development sparked interest among KCCA and NCCG officials, prompting a learning exchange visit to explore Koboko's methodologies.
The visit underscored several key lessons that can be applied in Kampala. The success of direct implementation with local government and community-based organizations highlighted the importance of tailored, community-specific interventions, such as urban farming and climate resilience initiatives. Additionally, the strong working relationship and political will between Koboko’s political and technical leadership were crucial for smooth project implementation. The use of shared public platforms for host and refugee engagement fostered social cohesion, while deliberate capacity building and long-term funding were identified as critical factors for sustainable development. These insights emphasize the need for similar strategies in Kampala to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of urban initiatives.
Engagement with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)
Our ongoing collaboration with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) plays a pivotal role in integrating refugee needs into urban planning and service delivery. Through capacity-sharing initiatives, we have equipped KCCA officials from the five divisions with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold refugee rights and protection. Additionally, we have supported KCCA with in-kind contributions to bolster their ability to provide essential services to all residents, including urban refugees. This engagement not only ensures that refugees are included in economic development strategies but also empowers them with the resources necessary to thrive, contributing to the broader goal of inclusive urban economic growth.
Advancing Refugee Inclusion Through Multistakeholder Dialogue and Advocacy
Re:BUiLD actively organized and participated in multiple multistakeholder dialogue workshops centered on refugee inclusion, effectively driving collaboration and commitment among key stakeholders to enhance support mechanisms for refugees. A notable engagement was at the 3rd Annual Labour and Employment Conference, where Re:BUiLD contributed to a panel discussion on the challenges refugees face in accessing employment and the role of human resource managers in promoting the integration of a qualified refugee workforce. This event, hosted by the Human Rights Managers' Association, Uganda Christian Lawyers' Fraternity, and Signum Advocates, served as a significant platform for advocacy and influencing policy to foster greater refugee inclusion in the labor market.
National-Level Engagements in Kenya
Launch of the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy
On April 30, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in the development of the County Refugee Integration and Community Building Strategy (NCRIS), which aims to harmonize county policies with national commitments, promote economic inclusion, enhance community engagement, and establish governance measures for refugee issues. This strategy aims to integrate refugees into Nairobi's social and economic fabric, fostering a sense of belonging and improving their lives.
Key aspects of the NCRIS:
- Access to Essential Services: The strategy ensures refugees have access to public healthcare, city-run schools, and the ability to obtain business licenses.
- Documentation and Identity: Refugee registration documents are recognized as official proof of identity, simplifying access to various services.
- Economic Empowerment: The strategy focuses on creating pathways to employment and economic opportunities for refugees, enabling them to contribute to the local economy.
- Social Integration: The NCRIS promotes social cohesion and cultural exchange through community events, dialogue forums, and cultural programs, fostering understanding and acceptance between refugees and host communities.
- Collaboration and Support: The strategy emphasizes collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international bodies like the IRC to ensure effective implementation and support for refugees.
Shirika Plan Launch
On March 28, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in the deliberation and validation of the Shirika plan and was represented in the launch of the Shirika plan by the IRC Country Director and Senior Advocacy Manager. The launch marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing commitment to embedding refugees into national development agendas. The Shirika Plan charts a 12-year, phased journey to transform refugee response from a humanitarian model to a development-led, rights-based approach:
- Transition Phase (2024–2027): Lays the legal and policy foundation for integrating refugees into national systems, initiating economic plans in Garissa and Turkana, and reimagining camps as municipalities.
- Stabilization Phase (2028–2031): Expands infrastructure and services—especially in education, healthcare, and employment—to strengthen refugee and host community resilience.
- Resilience Phase (2032–2035): Anchors sustainable development by embedding refugee inclusion into long-term planning and governance structures.
At its heart, the Shirika Plan envisions a thriving, inclusive ecosystem where refugees and host communities jointly contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic growth. By fostering equitable access to services, livelihoods, and civic participation, the Plan repositions refugees not as aid recipients but as active agents of transformation.
As Re:BUiLD, we are excited to support the rollout of this transformative agenda, particularly its impact on urban refugee inclusion, and hope for inclusive development and rollout of an implementation plan.
Re:BUiLD Joins National Dialogue on Meaningful Refugee Participation in Kenya’s Refugee Response
On March 25, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in a high-level forum hosted by Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT), focusing on "Utilizing Refugee Participation in the Shirika Plan Development and Kenya's Refugee Response". The interactive workshop, held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, was co-convened by R-SEAT, Oxfam, ReDSS, and LERRN and brought together over 50 cross-sectoral actors including government representatives, UN agencies, NGOs, Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs), and development partners.
Re:BUiLD was honored to take part in a panel discussion during the forum, which centered around the transformative potential of meaningful refugee participation in shaping Kenya’s integration agenda. The workshop aimed to co-create actionable outcomes for embedding refugee voices and leadership in the implementation of the Shirika Plan - a national roadmap for transitioning refugee management from encampment to inclusion.
Speaking at the forum, IRC senior Advocacy Manager emphasized that refugees must be seen not as passive beneficiaries but as solution enablers. With the Shirika Plan touted as a game-changer in refugee integration, the inclusion of refugee voices—especially through Refugee-Led Organizations—is not optional but essential.
NSSF Haba Haba Launch
On October 30, 2024, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) in collaboration with DRS and other partners including Re:BUiLD successfully launched the Haba Haba Social Protection Program. The initiative provides a voluntary savings plan specifically designed for informal sector workers, including refugees, who often lack access to formal social safety nets. This product is tailored for refugees such as the use of a refugee ID and Emigration benefit which entails receiving total benefit upon permanently relocating from Kenya. To raise awareness and facilitate enrollment in the program, the IRC will initiate a sensitization campaign in the Kangemi, Kabiria, and Kawangware areas.
RC Facilitates Knowledge Exchange on Urban Refugee Integration in Koboko Municipality
In a significant move to advance urban refugee integration, Re:BUiLD in July facilitated a knowledge exchange between the Nairobi and Kampala city governments with Koboko Municipality. This visit was designed to explore Koboko’s innovative methods for integrating refugees into their community framework.
The Nairobi delegation, represented by Daniel Ngari and Susan Kimani, was joined by Kampala's representatives, Daniel Kaseregenyi, Deputy Director of Gender at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and Godwin Gumisiriza. Together, they engaged with Koboko’s municipality clerk and municipal officers to gain firsthand insights into the municipality’s successful refugee integration strategies.
Koboko Municipality showcased the effectiveness of sub-granting Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) for direct service provision, leveraging refugee associations to enhance community agency, and ensuring refugees have access to public services. Additionally, discussions highlighted the municipality's direct funding model to city authorities, which has been instrumental in improving service access and fostering long-term sustainability.
This exchange is expected to inspire similar initiatives in Nairobi and Kampala, contributing to the development of stronger, more inclusive communities across the region.
World Refugee Day: Re:BUiLD Advocates for Refugee Integration and Solidarity
In commemoration of World Refugee Day, Re:BUiLD actively participated in discussions focused on refugee integration frameworks during a session co-convened with the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) and HIAS. This session, aimed at the Kenya Model United Nations, explored key strategies for improving refugee inclusion within the country's frameworks.
Additionally, took part in a media engagement, reflecting on the ongoing solidarity efforts for refugees and emphasizing the critical steps needed to ensure that refugees feel welcomed and supported.
To enhance community solidarity with refugees at the community Re:BUiLD through the community advocacy partner Pamoja Trust in partnership with other actors convened football activities between refugees and host community boosting social cohesion.
Re:BUiLD policy evaluation work was equally acknowledged in a Nation wide news paper article in kenya highlighting the need to address the gaps towards refugee integration
Nairobi City Partners with Re:BUiLD to Enhance Youth Digital Skills
In a collaborative effort to empower the youth, the Re:BUiLD program has provided essential resources to the Nairobi County Youth Department. These contributions, which include computers, desks, and tents, are aimed at equipping both refugees and local youth with basic computer proficiency skills. The initiative will be hosted at the County Youth One-Stop Centre, creating a dedicated space for youth development and engagement.
The primary aim of this initiative ensure sustainability in access to training among the youth by enhancing access to the skills . By providing the tools and environment necessary for community digital training, the program not only enhances employability but also fosters greater social cohesion between refugee and host communities.