August 19, 2025 (Kampala, Uganda: The IGAD Secretariat, through the Protection and Solutions for Displaced Persons Project (PSDP) Project, supported Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Ministry of Local Government to organize a local-level interface and learning exchange between local authorities and refugee leaders from the Mid-West and Southwestern regions.
The events that took place from 13–14 August 2025 and coordinated by the Department of Refugees Affairs and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Uganda Secretariat at the office of the Prime Minister, participants visited Kikuube and Kiryandongo refugee-hosting districts where refugees and host communities showcased ongoing projects supported by Government and partners.
Activities also featured football and netball matches between refugees and host communities in Kiryandongo, aimed at promoting social cohesion through sports.
The exchange created an opportunity for refugee leaders at the national level and local leaders to discuss shared concerns and develop on joint actions. These included collaborations on the Global Refugee Forum pledges, such as environmental protection and climate resilience, as well as promoting peaceful coexistence and collaboration between the two communities.
The meeting brought together members of the Refugee Engagement Forum (REF), district officials from the District Engagement Forum (DEF) including chairpersons, mayors, commissioners, and technical officers, as well as representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Trade. Also in attendance were officials from various ministries, departments, and agencies, the UNHCR Deputy Representative and staff, the IGAD technical team, and other humanitarian, development, and private sector partners.
The DEF–REF interface serves as an important space to amplify the voices of both refugees and host communities, while ensuring that refugee response efforts are coordinated and effective. Regular reviews and feedback help translate discussions into concrete actions, strengthen collaboration, and support the broader goals of refugee integration and self-reliance in Uganda.
Participants agreed to next steps which include, enhancing social cohesion between refugee and host community leaders in settlements to address challenges related to service delivery and ensure accountability, promoting ongoing dialogue between refugees and host communities to build mutual understanding, strengthen social cohesion, and prevent conflict over shared services. On duty bearers, participants recommended to enhance support refugee livelihood initiatives to help them become more self-reliant and resilient.
