Africa-Press – Uganda. In a renewed push to address barriers faced by urban refugees, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), through its BUILD programme, has launched a regional campaign aimed at improving access to legal documentation across East Africa.
The campaign, unveiled in Kampala on 8 July 2025, is part of a broader strategy to enhance refugees’ ability to access rights, services, and economic opportunities within the East African Community (EAC).
With nearly 100 million people displaced globally—and a growing number settling in urban areas in search of better livelihoods—the lack of formal identification continues to deny many refugees the chance to participate fully in economic and social life.
“Refugees in Kampala face serious limitations due to lack of documentation,” said Moses Okot of the IRC. “Without it, they are unable to engage in formal work or access essential services.”
He also highlighted the financial burden placed on refugees who wish to move across borders, citing the Shs 220,000 (approximately $50) required to obtain a travel document for movement to countries like Kenya or Tanzania. “This cost is simply out of reach for most urban refugees,” he added.
According to Daniel Kaseregenyi, Deputy in charge of Gender at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kampala currently hosts over 150,000 refugees part of Uganda’s total refugee population of shs 1.8 million.
He emphasised that the IRC, in partnership with KCCA, is working to reduce the economic disparities faced by refugees, especially in urban settings.
Moses Odokonyero, Re:BUILD Programme Manager, underlined the campaign’s goal of empowering refugees to contribute meaningfully to both their personal growth and the broader economy. “Documentation is more than a legal requirement it is the foundation of economic inclusion,” he said.
The Re:BUILD initiative, launched in 2021 with funding from the IKEA Foundation, has so far delivered livelihood support to 7,529 people in Kampala and Nairobi comprising 3,981 refugees and 3,548 host community members. It focuses on innovative, evidence-based approaches to helping urban refugees thrive.
“Documentation is not just a piece of paper; it is the gateway to dignity, rights, services, and self-reliance,” said Irene Shiundu, the programme’s Public Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator.
Complementing the campaign is a recent study conducted in Kampala by IRC, Georgetown University, and the Center for Global Development, which found that direct cash grants significantly boost the stability of refugee and host community businesses.
Elijah Okeyo, IRC Uganda Country Director, said the research confirms what many already know on the ground: “Combining financial support with mentorship enables refugee entrepreneurs to build stronger, more resilient businesses that benefit both refugees and the communities that host them.”He noted
As the campaign rolls out across the region, stakeholders hope it will shift policy and public awareness toward recognizing documentation as a critical tool for inclusion, economic empowerment, and lasting refugee self-reliance.
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