- Refugees migrating to urban areas in Uganda are transforming from aid recipients into entrepreneurs and taxpayers, significantly contributing to the local economy.
- As of October 31, 2025, Uganda hosted 1,961,518 refugees and asylum seekers, with 9 percent residing in urban areas.
- The 2026 cuts to humanitarian rations have made urban migration and entrepreneurship a vital survival strategy for those moving away from settlement dependency.
Economic Participation and Entrepreneurship
- Refugees from nations including the DRC, Somalia, and South Sudan are operating businesses in fields like tailoring, food service, and cosmetics in suburbs such as Makindye and Zana.
- Tailor John Babish Makando and food vendor Amina exemplify this shift, focusing on high-quality services and cultural adaptation while paying local taxes.
- Urban refugee entrepreneurs pay KCCA trading license fees (ranging from USD 8.34 to USD 23.83) and local service taxes, directly supporting city infrastructure and development.
The Role of the Bondeko Refugee Livelihoods Center
- The center, led by Paul Kithima, provides vocational training in areas like ICT, hairdressing, and tailoring, alongside financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops.
- It facilitates the formation of 37 savings groups serving 1,110 individuals and assists in registering refugees as Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to improve access to financial services and loans.
- By training both refugees and Ugandan nationals together, the center fosters social cohesion and prevents inter-community resentment.
- Last year alone, the center supported over 3,500 people, offering additional services like a law clinic for asylum status navigation and youth programming.