Leaving behind homes, livelihoods and loved ones, refugees must navigate the difficult task of building a future in an unfamiliar place.
In Uganda, refugees face increasing pressures as humanitarian aid declines and opportunities to earn a sustainable income remain limited. Starting over in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming, with families often having to make difficult choices about food, healthcare and education.
That's why Opportunity International works alongside refugee communities to create pathways to self-reliance and long-term stability. Through access to financial services, business and agricultural training, and community support, we help refugees strengthen their livelihoods, build resilience and create opportunities for their families. We also work with financial institutions and other partners to expand access to services that meet the needs of refugees, helping to create more inclusive systems that support lasting change.
Our refugee programmes in Uganda currently support more than 30,000 refugee families across two refugee settlements. Uganda is home to approximately 2 million refugees, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Refugees in Uganda mostly come from neighbouring countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. They arrive with diverse skills, experiences and aspirations, but often have few opportunities to rebuild their lives. They are farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, health workers, parents and young people, all seeking the chance to create secure and productive futures for themselves and their families.