An important development in refugee and forced migration research, policy, and practice in recent years has been the increased recognition that refugee-led initiatives and organisations (RLOs) play a vital role in meeting community needs. However, there is a very limited understanding of the various forms RLOs can take, how refugee communities perceive them, and the factors that condition their work.

This regional study, led from start to finish by researchers with lived experience of displacement, sought to fill this gap in urban and camp/settlement sites across Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The report was prepared by Mary Gitahi (lead researcher for Uganda), Andhira Kara (Kenya), Abis Getachew (Ethiopia) and Uwezo Ramazani (Tanzania), with support from Pauline Vidal (Research Facilitator, RLRH).