Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies provide forcibly displaced and stateless persons the right to move freely within the country?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Refugee Act, pursuant to section 30, entitles the freedom of movement only to recognized refugees and does not explicitly accord such rights to asylum seekers whether they enter the country legally or illegally. According to sections 2 and section 19(1) of the Refugees Act, an asylum seeker is any person who enters Uganda and wishes to remain in Uganda as a refugee and makes a written application to the Eligibility Committee for the grant of refugee status within thirty days after the date of his or her entry into Uganda. However, as per regulation 3 (4) of the Refugees Regulations, where a person was not able to apply for refugee status within the prescribed time, he can approach the reception center and explain the circumstances of his entry into the country. Section 38(1) of the Refugees Act provides statutory protection to an asylum seeker and a refugee against prosecution under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (cap.66) for unlawful entry or presence in Uganda. 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugees Act (2006)

    Legal provision

    Section 30 - Freedom of Movement

    (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, a recognised refugee is entitled to free movement in Uganda (2) The free movement of a recognised refugees in Uganda is subject to reasonable restrictions specified in the laws of Uganda, or directions issued by the Commissioner, which apply to aliens generally in the same circumstances, especially on grounds of national security, public order, public health, public morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others;

    The Refugees Regulations (Uganda)

    Legal provision

    Regulations 3 - Application for refugee status.

    3. Application for refugee status. (1) A person who enters Uganda and wishes to remain in Uganda as a refugee shall apply to the Eligibility Committee for the grant of refugee status within thirty days after the date of entry into Uganda. (2) An application made under sub regulation (1) shall be submitted in person to the Commissioner through an officer authorised by the Commissioner or through the UNHCR representative. (3) The application under sub regulation (1) is in Form A specified in the Third Schedule. (4) Where a person wishes to remain in Uganda as a refugee, but was not able to apply for refugee status within the time prescribed under sub regulation (1), he or she shall approach and present himself or herself to a refugee reception officer as soon as practicable explaining the circumstances of his or her entry into Uganda. (5) The refugee reception officer shall record the information provided to him or her under sub regulation (4) and shall receive the person and give him or her the form and guide him or her on how to apply for refugee status.