The UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC) country representative, Matthew Crentsil has told urban refugees in Kampala to engage in self-sustainable economic activities that improve their welfare.

Crentsil said that to be an urban refugee, you have to be self-resilient. “Connect and take advantage of your talents and skills to do something that earns you money,” he said.

He asked urban refugees to borrow some business ideas including baking, tailoring, and urban farming, among others so that they can contribute to the economy and the communities they live in.

However, Crentsil told the refugees that the only way they can pay back the kindness of Uganda is by obeying the laws of the land.

He commended Uganda for her contribution to the well-being of refugees and pledged support to the cause, saying that he is pleased to see various groups of refugees in the country.

Crentsil was speaking during the commemoration of urban refugees and World Refugee Day yesterday at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School grounds.

More support is needed.

The assistant commissioner for refugees in the office of the prime minister, Charles Bafaki called upon stakeholders in the refugee cause to support the country, saying it takes a lot of effort and resources to maintain an open door policy for refugees.

There is a challenge of resources. However, what we can assure refugees is that no one will be hungry,” Bafaki said.

Bafaki rallied the refugees and partners to work with the government warning that there are refugees who are posing as brokers to extort money from their colleagues.

Bafaki reiterated that refugees should exploit their talents and skills as opportunity has been given to them to participate in the economic activities of the country.

The Norwegian refugee council country representative, Laura Marshall said Refugees have a wealth of knowledge, and entrepreneurship that can drive economic growth and innovation.”

By allowing refugees to work, recognizing their skills, and promoting entrepreneurial opportunities, she said Uganda can unlock their potential, and foster their self-reliance.

She added, “Economic Integration is equally important and benefits not only the refugees themselves, but also the communities that host them.

Marshall said the job that Uganda is doing is fundamental in ensuring the right of every child, including those who have had to flee their homes is extended.

“Today, as we mark World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every displaced person has hope away from home,” Marshall said.

“Refugee council remains steadfast in its mission to support Uganda in protecting and supporting displaced people. Together, we shall continue to work towards a world where no one is left behind,” she added.

Stephen Odaro, the Executive Director of Platform for Vendors in Uganda (PLAVU), a refugee-based alliance formed to organize, urban refugee vendors in Kampala asked the government to work on the refugee policy that supports them in the area of documentation.

Odaro said the challenge their members face is getting documentation that allows them to travel and do business. “The refugees need to easily access documents that give them recognition so that they can assimilate and participate in economic activities in their communities,” he said.

“We call up the government to make it easy for refugee-based organisations to get trading licenses and alternative identification documents so that they can access opportunities like jobs, health, and education services,” Odaro said.

Marshall said Uganda needs to strengthen the legal framework and protection mechanisms to protect the rights and dignity of refugees.

“We must ensure that refugees have access to essential services, are protected from violence and exploitation, and find legal pathways to seek safety and durable solutions,” she said.

This, Marshall said will take a joint effort involving governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and individuals.

Since the start of 2023, more than 54,500 new arrivals and new births 5,000 have been registered across the settlements and urban locations in Uganda.

Close to 42% of new arrivals originate from South Sudan, and 20% from the DR Congo. Kampala alone hosts 141,581 refugees.

According to Odaro, this number has increased from 107,763 in 2022. However, he lamented that only about 5.6 % of 141,581 refugees in Kampala have an occupation.