The Refugees Act (2006) under section 29 (1) (e) (vi), states that recognized refugees shall receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances with respect to accessing employment opportunities and engaging in gainful employment. Further, the Refugees Regulations (2010), under regulation 64, further clarifies the Refugees Act and states that recognized refugees with a valid identity card shall be entitled to the most favourable treatment accorded to foreign residents in similar circumstances with respect to engaging in wage earning. Thus, refugees are treated to the most favourable treatment accorded to foreign residents being the waiver of work permit fees (see below), which only permanent residents and nationals of the members of the East African Community (EAC) are entitled to.

The Ugandan Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (cap.66), as per sections 53-55, provides that only those foreigners that are in possession of a valid entry permit, certificate of permanent residence, or pass, issued under this Act shall enter or remain in Uganda. Foreigners that hold certificate of permanent residence are not legally required to apply for work permit in Uganda and have automatic right to work under the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act. Whereas non-nationals in general, pursuant to sections 53-54 of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, should apply for an entry work permit. 

According to section 53(4) of the same Act, 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. The details including the duration and fees, requirements, steps for application are announced in detail in the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control site.  The provided work permits are issued on the passports of the applicants and in case of refugees on refugee Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC). 

Foreigners that hold permanent residence are the most favored foreign nationals in Uganda followed by nationals of members of the EAC who are exempted from fees for work permits. Similarly, refugees are exempted from paying fees required for the acquisition of a work permit. This is reinforced further by the Refugees Regulations (2010), regulation 64, that provides the exemption of refugees from any requirement to pay any charges or fees prior to the taking up of any offer of or to continue in his or her employment. The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Fees) Regulations (2021), waives work permit fees for gainfully employed refugees.