Why Uganda Works for Refugee Employment

Why Uganda Works for Refugee Employment

By Daisy Bartlett – Strategy Developer, Private Sector Partnerships

A couple of months ago, we spoke to Benjamin Wambuyu, a Congolese refugee who has built a remarkable career in Uganda’s hospitality industry. Now a Guest Relations Officer at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala, Benjamin’s journey began with an apprenticeship program as a concierge. Through hard work, determination, and his proficiency in multiple languages, he rose quickly through the ranks. Today, he is an integral part of the hotel, connecting international clients with the services they need. His story is one of many unfolding across Uganda, a country that has taken bold steps in providing opportunities for refugees to build new lives and careers.

Benjamin’s success is tied to Uganda’s progressive stance on refugee employment. As Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation, Uganda is home to nearly 2 million forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), and the country has developed a reputation for welcoming refugees with policies that encourage self-reliance and integration. Unlike many other countries, where refugees are required to navigate bureaucratic hurdles like work permits and movement passes, Uganda’s refugee laws are among the most liberal in the world. These policies allow refugees to work, own property, and access services like healthcare and education on par with nationals.

But what is it about Uganda that makes it such a beacon for refugee employment? Geopolitically, Uganda’s stability and central location in East Africa make it a viable destination for those fleeing conflict and instability in neighboring countries. The country’s commitment to the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) reinforces its welcoming approach, providing refugees with the right to work and move freely within the country. This policy of integration allows refugees not just to survive but to thrive, contributing to local economies through their work and businesses.

Benjamin’s success, however, is not just the result of favorable laws and policies. It is also shaped by Uganda’s recognition of the economic potential refugees bring. Hospitality, for instance, is one sector where refugees have found great success. Fairway Hotel, where Benjamin works, is just one of many Ugandan businesses that have recognized the value of hiring refugees. Azhar Bandali Jaffer, the Managing Director of the hotel, highlights one key advantage: language. Many refugees, like Benjamin, speak languages like French, which is invaluable for businesses interacting with international clients. The ability to connect with a wide range of visitors is a competitive edge, and refugees like Benjamin, with their multilingual abilities and cultural understanding, become assets rather than liabilities.

This narrative is not isolated to Fairway Hotel. Across Uganda, refugees are making significant strides in the labor market, not just in hospitality, but in sectors ranging from retail to media to education. However, the road to stable, long-term employment is not without challenges. Despite Uganda’s progressive policies, many refugees still struggle to find secure and year-round employment. The informal economy remains a significant challenge, and while many refugees are legally allowed to work, seasonal and insecure jobs can limit their potential for advancement. Yet, the entrepreneurial spirit among refugees is strong, with many creating their own businesses that also benefit host communities.

The private sector in Uganda, though initially hesitant, is beginning to see the potential of refugees as employees and entrepreneurs. Companies are recognizing that refugees bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workforce, particularly when it comes to cross-border trade, regional markets, and multilingual communication. The Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) has been a significant driver of this shift, helping to streamline refugee access to formal employment. According to Jean Byamugisha, CEO of UHOA, around 70% of refugees who have entered the hotel industry through their training programs have successfully transitioned into formal employment.

One of the key advantages of Uganda’s refugee policies is that refugees are integrated into local communities, rather than confined to camps. This integration allows for a smoother transition into the labor market. It also helps break down the stigma many refugees face. According to Byamugisha, a mindset shift is happening among hotel owners. What was once seen as a “charitable” act to hire refugees is now recognized as a strategic business decision. The view has moved from “those people” to “our people,” creating a more inclusive workforce and fostering economic opportunities for both refugees and Ugandans.

Uganda’s model, where refugees are granted the freedom to work and contribute, stands in stark contrast to the more restrictive policies seen in many other refugee-hosting countries. This policy framework has proven that when governments provide refugees with the tools to succeed, it benefits not just the refugees but the entire country. The question now is: how can Uganda’s example be replicated in other parts of the world?

For Uganda, the next step lies in further leveraging the private sector’s role in refugee employment. Companies can help by supporting refugee skills development, offering market-relevant jobs, and sharing their success stories to encourage others to follow suit. At Amahoro Coalition, we have been working to connect the private sector with refugee talent, highlighting the success stories of individuals like Benjamin and ensuring that companies recognize the value of hiring refugees.

As Uganda continues to lead by example, it is clear that this is more than just the story of one individual, one hotel, or even one sector. This is a broader systemic change, a shift towards recognizing the potential of displaced people and integrating them into the fabric of society. Uganda’s model shows what is possible when policy aligns with action, and when the private sector seizes the opportunity to engage. The future of refugee employment is bright, not just for Benjamin Wambuyu, but for the millions of refugees looking for a new chance to rebuild their lives.

For more information on how you can contribute to this movement, you can read our newly launched Pathways to Employment Report for refugees in Uganda.