Uganda’s Open-Door Refugee Policy
Refugee Camps in Uganda. Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. As of 2025, over 1.5 million refugees live in Uganda. Most come from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Rwanda.
Uganda uses a progressive approach. It allows refugees to move freely, work, attend school, and even own land. This model sets Uganda apart from many other host nations.
Major Refugee Camps in Uganda
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Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement—Yumbe District
Bidi Bidi ranks among the largest refugee settlements in the world. Over 270,000 people live here.
The Ugandan government, UNHCR, and NGOs run the settlement. Refugees receive land, shelter, education, and healthcare.
The settlement focuses on long-term stability. Projects support farming, water access, and livelihood training.
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Nakivale Refugee Settlement—Isingiro District
Nakivale is one of Uganda’s oldest settlements, founded in 1958. It houses refugees from over ten countries.
The camp covers a massive area with schools, health centers, and markets. Refugees grow food, raise animals, and run businesses.
Nakivale promotes integration. Many Ugandans live and trade within the same area.
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Kyaka II Refugee Settlement—Kyegegwa District
Kyaka II primarily hosts Congolese refugees. The settlement population continues to grow due to ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
The camp has new schools, clinics, and water projects. Refugees receive plots of land to farm.
Humanitarian agencies work closely with the Ugandan Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to improve services.
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Rhino Camp—Arua District
Rhino Camp lies in northwestern Uganda. It hosts over 120,000 refugees, mostly from South Sudan.
The area includes multiple zones with schools, hospitals, and youth centers. Rhino Camp focuses on self-reliance and community resilience.
Environmental protection projects promote tree planting and sustainable energy.
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Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement—Kiryandongo District
This settlement offers access to the Kampala–Gulu highway. It supports education and vocational training.
Kiryandongo hosts refugees from South Sudan and Sudan. Many schools provide formal education and language training.
Farmers receive seeds and tools to promote food independence.
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Imvepi Settlement—Arua District
Imvepi opened in 2017. It mainly shelters South Sudanese refugees. The camp works with NGOs to build latrines, boreholes, and solar-powered water systems.
Children attend nearby schools. Health clinics provide basic services, including vaccinations and maternal care.
Sports and youth programs help children and teens heal from trauma.
Life in the Settlements
Refugees in Uganda receive land for housing and farming. They live in organized zones or villages. Most settlements include:
- Primary and secondary schools
- Health centers
- Water points and latrines
- Markets and small businesses
- Churches, mosques, and community halls
NGOs like World Food Programme (WFP) and Save the Children offer food, trauma counseling, and education support.
Key Challenges
Despite progress, refugee camps in Uganda face many difficulties:
- Limited funding
- Overstretched healthcare
- Water shortages in dry seasons
- School overcrowding
- Youth unemployment
These challenges grow with each new arrival. Uganda relies on international aid and local partnerships to maintain services.
Uganda’s Commitment
Uganda remains a model for refugee integration in Africa. Refugees contribute to the local economy. Many start businesses, work as teachers, or join community leadership.
The Ugandan government, UNHCR, and partners continue to build a system of dignity, inclusion, and peace.
How to Visit or Support Refugee Camps in Uganda
Visitors must coordinate with:
- UNHCR Uganda
- Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)
- Registered NGOs working in the settlements
Volunteers, researchers, and humanitarian workers must follow guidelines and obtain permission. Donations can support food, education, healthcare, or shelter programs.
Resilience and Hope
Refugee camps in Uganda offer more than shelter. They provide hope, opportunity, and dignity.
Uganda’s open-door policy shows the power of compassion and smart planning. In these camps, refugees build new lives—brick by brick, seed by seed.
Want to Get Involved?
Ask us how you can support refugee programs or plan an ethical visit that contributes to local empowerment.
