While Ugandan refugee law grants refugees a range of rights, they do not explicitly provide a pathway to permanent residency status that would provide a secure, durable status to allow refugees with the highest level of attachment to their host stat to enjoy their rights before naturalization. However, refugees may eventually obtain permanent residency status in Uganda, by having a permanent residency permit as provided under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act like any other non-nationals. Also, the Refugees Regulations has dedicated one section for integration of refugees that would promote the social, economic and cultural integration of refugees in the Ugandan society. 

The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, under section 55, provides that every foreigner including refugee can apply for a permanent residence permit if they fulfill the requirements set forth in the law.   As per section 55 (3) of the same Act, the certificate of permanent residence shall only be granted to a person on proof that the person has contributed to the socioeconomic or intellectual development of Uganda; has continuously lived legally in Uganda for ten years; is of good character and of proven integrity; has not defaulted in the payment of any taxes required to be paid by him or her; and has no criminal antecedents in Uganda or outside Uganda; and is not a bankrupt or destitute; or he or she is legally married to a Ugandan citizen and there is a subsisting marriage of three years or such other period as may be prescribed. 

In addition, the administrative requirements of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control states that an applicant should provide Valid Police clearance, medical report from a recognized health facility, Passport Copy (Bio data page) with at least 6 months validity, Evidence of continuous legal stay for a minimum of 10 years and Valid Income tax clearance among others. Moreover, the applicant should pay a fee of USD 4000 for 5 years stays; a fee of USD 3500 for 10 years and USD 3,000 for life in addition to an application fee of 200$ for processing.

The Refugees Regulations, under regulation 60, states that the Commissioner shall ensure that refugees are integrated into the communities where the refugee camps or the refugees are settled. Furthermore, as per regulation 61 of the Regulation, the Commissioner shall liaise with the national, local, and regional planning authorities for the purposes of ensuring that refugee concerns and related matters are taken into consideration in the initiation and formulation of sustainable development and environmental plans. Also, pursuant to regulation 61 of the Regulation, the Commissioner is expected to take affirmative action in favor of women, children and persons with disabilities in the integration process. 
 

The term ‘integration’ is applied in the Regulation differently from ‘local integration’ that aims to integrate refugees including by providing durable legal status and naturalization. In the Regulation, the integration section aims to facilitate the appropriate economic, social and cultural inclusion of refugees and are provided without prejudice to eventual durable solutions that may become available. The Ugandan Government has implemented an Integration Program for refugees, which aims to promote their social, economic, and cultural integration into Ugandan society. This program includes various initiatives, such as language training, livelihood skills training, and support for education and employment.