Date of publication:

01/09/2026

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies allow forcibly displaced and stateless persons to exercise liberal professions, when they hold relevant diplomas or qualifications?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

According to article 40(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, every person in Uganda, including refugees, has the right to practice his or her profession and to carry on any lawful occupation, trade, or business. This constitutional provision on right to work is broad enough to cover all types of works including liberal professions. In line with the Constitution, section 29(1)(e)(5) of the Refugees Act (2006) of Uganda provides that, recognized refugee shall receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to the right to practice the profession of the refugee who holds qualifications recognized by the competent authorities in Uganda and who wishes to practice that profession. 

Clause 7 of the Fourth Schedule Class F (Professionals) of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (cap.66) allows any foreigner, including refugees, in Uganda who is member of a prescribed profession and who intends to practice such profession, provided that, he/she satisfies the National Citizenship and Immigration Board that he or she is in possession of such qualifications as may be prescribed; he or she is in possession of sufficient capital or assured income to enable him or her to give effect to his or her intention; and has registered with the relevant professional body in Uganda. The details of the administrative requirements to acquire work permit to exercise liberal professions are available on the Directorate for Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugees Act (2006)

    Legal provision

    Section 29 (1) (e) (v) -- Rights of Refugees Access to Employment

    A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention (Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa) and the Geneva Convention (Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951 & The Protocol, 1967) — (e) receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to — (v) the right to practice the profession of the refugee who holds qualifications recognised by the competent authorities in Uganda and who wishes to practice that profession;

    Section 29 (1) (e) (iv) -- Rights of Refugees Access to Employment

    A recognised refugees, shall subject to this Act, the OAU Convention (Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa), and the Geneva Convention (Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) and the Protocol (1967)) -- (e) (vi) receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to -- the right to have access to employment opportunities and engage in gainful employment.

    Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act

    Legal provision

    Clause 7. Fourth Schedule (ss. 53, 54) -- Classes of entry permits

    Class F (Professionals) A member of a prescribed profession who intends to practice such profession in Uganda who satisfies the board that— (a) he or she is in possession of such qualifications as may be prescribed; (b) he or she is in possession of sufficient capital or assured income to enable him or her to give effect to his or her intention; and (c) has registered with the relevant professional body in Uganda

    Section 53 (4) -- Entry into Uganda

    A person intending to take on employment under entry permit class G specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Act may only enter Uganda after his or her application for the entry permit has been granted.

    Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (fees) Regulation (2021)

    Legal provision

    Regulation 3 (b) -- Waiver of Fees

    The fees specified in Part II of the Schedule to these Regulations, relating to work permits shall not apply -- (b) to a refugee who is gainfully employed.