Since 2021, Re:BUiLD has engaged with national and local government institutions, private sector actors, refugee-led organisations, and other partners to influence policies, strengthen systems, and promote the inclusion of refugees in urban development and service delivery. Through evidence, partnerships, policy dialogue, and community engagement, the programme has supported efforts to strengthen access to documentation, decent work, financial services, and other opportunities for refugees and vulnerable host communities.
National-Level Engagements in Uganda
Supporting Refugee Inclusion in District Planning
In July 2026, Re:BUiLD supported Wakiso District Local Government to assess refugee settlement patterns within the district. The assessment is intended to generate evidence on the distribution, demographics and needs of refugee populations to inform district planning, service delivery and inclusion efforts. The programme also completed paperwork for in-kind support to Mukono Municipality Youth Center.
Advancing Evidence-Informed Policy Dialogue
On 22 July 2026, Re:BUiLD jointly facilitated a Pre-Policy Symposium Dialogue in Uganda attended by policymakers and partners . The dialogue provided an opportunity to reflect on progress since the 2024 Research and Policy Symposium and prepare for the forthcoming Evidence to Policy Symposium. Re:BUiLD also supported Wakiso District Local Government to conduct an assessment of refugee settlement patterns to generate evidence to inform district planning, service delivery and inclusion
Formalising Local Government Partnerships
In June 2026, Re:BUiLD formalised partnerships with Mukono Municipal Council and Wakiso District Local Government through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding. The partnerships strengthened collaboration with local governments in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area and supported the programme’s expanded geographical scope. Re:BUiLD also contributed to planning for the 2026 Research and Policy Symposium and the related pre-policy dialogue.
Strengthening Refugee Documentation and Urban Policy Engagement
In May 2026, Re:BUiLD continued engagement with the Office of the Prime Minister on the Refugee Documentation Information Pack, presenting the resource to senior UNHCR officials at the request of the Commissioner’s Office of the OPM. The Information Pack was awaiting approval from the OPM Permanent Secretary before translation and wider rollout. Re:BUiLD also coordinated the nomination of an OPM representative to the Advisory Committee for the 2026 Research and Policy Symposium and facilitated the formalisation of the IRC–KCCA Memorandum of Understanding to guide collaboration under IRC’s urban programming.
Strengthening refugee inclusion through local government partnerships
In March and April 2026, Re:BUiLD co-facilitated two validation meetings with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to review the Refugee Documentation Information Pack, incorporating feedback into the final draft for translation into Kiswahili, Arabic and Juba Arabic. The programme also held introductory engagements with Mukono Municipal Council and Wakiso District Local Government to explore strategic partnerships and support refugee inclusion in local planning and service delivery. A refugee management and legal frameworks capacity-building session was also facilitated for Mukono officials.
Launch of the KCCA strategic plan on refugee inclusion
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), officially launched its Five-Year Strategic Plan (FY2025/26–FY2029/30), valued at UGX 11.9 trillion (€ 2,811,446,400). The plan, themed “Revitalizing Kampala into a Functional City.” The plan outlines a bold vision to transform Kampala into an inclusive, resilient, and well-planned capital through multi-sectoral collaboration and innovation.
On September 30, 2025, the Re:BUiLD Program participated in the launch and was actively involved in the strategy design process, contributing insights and evidence from its work with urban communities. The engagement highlighted Re:BUiLD’s continued collaboration with KCCA in promoting livelihood resilience, inclusive urban development, and sustainable service delivery for both refugees and host communities. Importantly, the strategy integrates refugee inclusion as a core principle, ensuring that urban systems and services are responsive to the needs of displaced populations. The event also reaffirmed joint commitments to strengthening climate adaptation, governance, and economic empowerment within Kampala’s urban landscape.
Private Sector Engagement
On 24th September 2025, Re:BUiLD hosted a Private Sector Engagement at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, bringing together 33 stakeholders including MoGLSD, UGAFORD, OPM, Opportunity Bank, RLOs, FICA Seeds, refugee entrepreneurs, Fine Spinners, Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME) and refugee leaders. The event highlighted refugee economic resilience and promoted inclusive hiring and entrepreneurship. Key challenges discussed included tenancy insecurity and access to finance, with recommendations to streamline SACCO registration and sensitize refugee entrepreneurs. Stakeholders committed to collaborative action, recognizing refugee inclusion as both a humanitarian and economic opportunity.
Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development Engagement on the Jobs and Livelihood response plan
Also on 24th September 2025, Re:BUiLD convened an engagement with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MOGLSD) at Fairway Hotel, Kampala. The meeting focused on disseminating the Jobs and Livelihoods Response Plan (JLRP), reviewing progress, and strengthening coordination. Key discussions included inclusive engagement, private sector partnerships, and mapping refugee contributions. Stakeholders committed to collaborative action to inform the next JLRP (2025–2030) and promote resilience in refugee-hosting communities.
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. Re:BUiLD generated a learning brief that highlights the interventions and collaborations between the Re:BUiLD program and the KCCA to champion change that promotes dignified livelihoods for urban refugee and their access to city services.
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.
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.
The collaboration between Re:BUiLD and KCCA has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, KCCA received in-kind grants in the form of ICT equipment to equip its Kabagala Youth Center, where urban youths learn videography and photography skills. Re:BUiLD has also supported the City Authority with office supplies to facilitate the registration process for savings groups. Re:BUiLD and KCCA are now implementing a climate-smart livelihoods initiative that equipped participants with skills and resources to engage in environmentally sustainable income-generating activities, promoted social cohesion between the refugees and host communities while strengthening refugee inclusion through advocacy, policy engagement, and routine monitoring.
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.
Commemoration of International Days
Re:BUiLD actively participates in the commemoration of several key international days, including World Refugee Day, International Women’s Day in Uganda, 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.