Sudanese refugees sensitised on rights, business opportunities in Uganda

KAMPALA, November 4, 2026 — Sudanese refugees living in Uganda have been sensitised on their legal rights, employment opportunities and procedures for establishing businesses as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods and help them integrate into Ugandan communities.

The awareness session, held in Kampala on Wednesday, November 4, brought together lawyers from the Refugee Law Project, Sudanese refugees, members of host communities and representatives of organisations working with refugees.

The half-day engagement was conducted in partnership with SABA for Culture and Arts, an organisation headed by its director, Edrees Emadalden.

The session was facilitated by Nakalyango Flavia and Nobert Kasigazi both lawyers from the Refugee Law Project, who guided participants on issues concerning land, housing, rental agreements, property, employment and opportunities available to refugees wishing to engage in business in Uganda.

The facilitators also addressed how refugees with professional qualifications can explore opportunities to practise their professions and contribute their skills to the Ugandan economy.

During the engagement, Nakalyango took participants through the procedures and requirements for refugees interested in starting businesses in Uganda, helping them understand the available opportunities and the processes involved.

She emphasised the importance of understanding the business environment and following the appropriate procedures when establishing enterprises.

Kasigazi, on the other hand, encouraged refugees to learn commonly spoken languages, particularly English and Luganda, saying language skills could make it easier for them to communicate, interact and establish relationships with Ugandans.

He noted that understanding the local languages could help refugees overcome communication barriers and participate more effectively in their host communities.

Participants welcomed the awareness session, thanking the Refugee Law Project representatives for providing information they said would help them better understand their rights and opportunities.

Some participants particularly appreciated the guidance on doing business in Uganda, noting that access to reliable information could help refugees explore alternative sources of income and become more economically independent.

The workshop also attracted members of host communities around Kampala and representatives of organisations supporting refugee welfare, including the Islamic Development Partnership Network (IDPN) from Arua.

SABA for Culture and Arts uses culture and artistic activities as tools for peace and development. Its work focuses on peacebuilding, humanitarian interventions, economic empowerment, livelihood improvement, protection of cultural and traditional practices, gender equality and inclusion.

The partnership with the Refugee Law Project provided an opportunity to bring refugees and members of host communities together to discuss issues affecting their livelihoods, legal protection and peaceful coexistence.

The Refugee Law Project is an outreach initiative that supports refugees and asylum seekers through legal assistance, protection and awareness programmes. Its work also addresses the needs of survivors of sexual violence, including individuals who experienced rape and other forms of violence in their countries of origin.

The engagement highlighted the importance of ensuring that refugees understand not only the protection available to them but also the opportunities and responsibilities that come with living, working and doing business in Uganda.

Through continued awareness and collaboration between refugee-support organisations and host communities, refugees can access information that helps them make informed decisions, improve their livelihoods and build meaningful relationships within their communities.