Gulu University asked to Research Uganda’s Refugee Model

Gulu University has been requested by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to research Uganda’s refugee model to establish its impact and effectiveness.

Uganda is internationally acclaimed for its open-door refugee policy.

The policy allows refugees freedom of movement, access to education and health services as well as participation in economic activities such as farming and business. In Uganda, a refugee can also own property including land.

By December 31, 2024, Uganda had nearly 1.8 million refugees, with South Sudan constituting 55 percent. With more than 228,000 refugees, Adjumani district hosts the biggest population.

The number of refugees in Uganda is expected to rise significantly this month following conflicts in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We want you to investigate the impact of Uganda’s refugee model on the refugee outcomes especially in the areas of education, healthcare and economic environment,” said Mr. Titus Jogo, the head of the OPM’s refugee desk in Adjumani.

Mr. Jogo was delivering a keynote address during a workshop on January 28, 2025, at Gulu University, organised by BSU for PhD and MA students to guide them in undertaking research among refugees and vulnerable communities.

He requested the university to examine the sustainability and adaptability of the model as well as explore the role of technology and innovation in enhancing refugee protection and services in Uganda.

Dr. Stella Laloyo Apecu, the head of Gulu University’s Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), urged the students to be sensitive while undertaking research among refugees.

“Refugees are unique. They have experienced war. Sometimes we, researchers, can be insensitive. We should be conflict-sensitive. We should be gender sensitive. We are participating in this workshop so that when we go out there to study refugees we are sensitive,” she said.

Dr. Agatha Alidri, the BSU Coordinator, emphasised that following the LRA conflict in Northern Uganda, and the conflict in South Sudan, there was a need for continued research.

“We have experienced forced displacements, forced migrations. It is a unique experience. It is our responsibility, as a university, to study what is going on in this region or else we will be failing our people. Given our African situation, we still expect forced displacements and forced migrations. And we have new forms of refugees, for example, climate refugees. Displacement comes when you least expect it. As scholars we need to undertake research to inform policy,” she said.