Date of publication:
08/21/2025
Uganda
Do domestic laws and policies allow freedom as regards the religious education of forcibly displaced and stateless children?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Domestic laws and policies in Uganda generally allow refugees freedom as regards the religious education of their children. The Constitution, under 29(1)(c), guarantees the right to freedom of conscience, including freedom to practice and manifest one’s religion in worship, teaching, observance, and assembly. This constitutional guarantee has a bearing on the refugee’s freedom as regards the religious education of their children,
As stated under Section 29(1)(f) of the Refugees Act, a recognized refugee shall have the same rights as the nationals of Uganda with respect to practicing their religion and the religious education of their children. Furthermore, as provided under Section 4(1) of the Education Act, the provision of education and training shall be primarily the responsibility of the State and parents; and Section 4(4) of the Act states that religious studies shall form part of the curriculum in primary and post primary schools.
Therefore, the laws and policies in Uganda guarantee refugees the same rights and freedoms as Ugandan citizens in practicing their religion including the religious education of their children.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
The Constitution of The Republic of Uganda
- Year: 1995
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Education, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://ulii.org/akn/ug/act/statute/1995/constitution/eng@2018-01-05
Legal provision
Article 29(1)(c) - Protection of freedom of religion, assembly, association.
(1) Every person shall have the right to — ... (c) freedom to practice any religion and manifest such practice which shall include the right to belong to and participate in the practices of any religious body or organisation in a manner consistent with this Constitution.
The Refugees Act (2006)
- Year: 2006
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Work & Workplace rights
- Link to external source: https://ulii.org/akn/ug/act/2006/21/eng@2006-08-04#part_IV__sec_21
Legal provision
Section 29(1)(f) - Rights of Refugees while in Uganda (Freedom of Religion)
(1) A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention and the Geneva Convention — (f) have the same rights as the nationals of Uganda with respect to practicing their religion and the religious education of their children.