Uganda steps up efforts to advance durable solutions for refugees

The Government of Uganda stepped up efforts to translate its commitments on durable solutions for refugees into concrete action, with a two-day technical workshop on 23 and 24 September 2026 at the UNICEF-WFP Common Offices in Mbuya, Kampala.

Led by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the workshop brought together Government and partners under the Durable Solutions National Initiative to strengthen coordination, identify implementation priorities and advance practical pathways towards lasting solutions for refugees.

“We are here to examine what is already in place, identify the main opportunities and barriers, and agree on what needs to be done to accelerate durable solutions in Uganda,” said Ms. Hellen Bugaari, Director of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Secretariat at OPM.

Durable Solutions is one of Uganda’s five pledges under the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. However, the 2025 national stocktaking and mid-term review identified progress on this commitment as an area requiring greater attention and more concrete action.

With Uganda continuing to face protracted displacement, new refugee arrivals, mounting pressure on host communities and public services, and constrained resources, the National Initiative seeks to move beyond individual efforts towards a clearer, more coordinated approach to implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, Mr. Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, encouraged participants to approach the discussions with openness, courage and a solutions-oriented mindset.

“The attitude we should have here in the room is that we can do,” he said, urging participants to think outside the box and explore practical opportunities to address the challenges facing refugees seeking lasting solutions.

Over the two days, participants identified priority actions across durable solutions pathways, policy and institutional requirements, stakeholder commitments, and resource and financing needs. The discussions also helped shape commitments for the High-Level Dialogue scheduled for 7 October 2026.

“We need to move from commitments and individual initiatives towards a clearer and more coordinated approach to implementation,” Ms. Bugaari emphasized.

The technical workshop will lay the foundation for the High-Level Dialogue, which will provide strategic direction, endorsement and commitments. A subsequent Task Team will take forward roadmap development, implementation, resource mobilization, coordination and monitoring.

Achieving durable solutions requires collective action, bringing together Government leadership, international responsibility-sharing, regional cooperation, humanitarian and development partners, the private sector, refugees and host communities.

Mr. Zulu thanked the Government of Uganda for maintaining its open-door refugee policy and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s refugee response and efforts to advance durable solutions.

The workshop marked an important step towards translating Uganda’s commitments into coordinated action and advancing lasting solutions for refugees and their host communities.