Uganda has a progressive policy environment towards refugees, guided by the 2006 Refugee Act and 2010 Refugee Regulations. Refugees are allowed to move freely, have the right to work, open businesses, own land, access public services, open bank accounts and access loans. However, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, refugees are required to obtain work permits, but the requirements are not clearly outlined. There are significant delays in obtaining a Conventional Travel Document (CTD), and the cost can be prohibitive. In practice, refugees tend to work without work permits, and employers may not require them because they are not mentioned in the 2006 Act. Refugees face challenges in accessing formal employment due to their status, with only 29% actively working compared to 64% of the host community. Discrimination remains a significant obstacle, and aid organisations continue to engage refugees as volunteers with limited remuneration.
