RESPECT International Blog

Refugees in Uganda

Uganda is a haven for refugees from the surrounding countries who are escaping wars in Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burindi, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kampala’s Urban Refugees

The word refugee often conjures up images of rural refugee camps however the city of Kampala has some 30,000 refugees living there. Some have moved from the rural camps whilst others go directly there from their country of origin. They are drawn there by the promise of better living standards and job opportunities but the reality of living as an urban refugee does not always offer descent living standards.

It is difficult for refugees to find permanent jobs either because they do not have a permit, they do not speak english or because they are discriminated against as foreigners. Without work they cannot afford medical care, or education and find it difficult to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

Our Work in Kampala

Since 2007 Joan McDonald has been working with RESPECT International as a field coordinator. She works to coordinate RESPECT university courses to refugee students in Kampala, communicating with tutors, downloading lessons and uploading completed assignments.

Refugee Law Project

Putting her certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language to good use Joan works with the Refugee Law Project: a Ugandan organisation whose aim is to protect and promote the human rights of refugees through Legal Aid and councelling, research and advocacy and education and training.

Learning English is a tool that people can use to improve their lives and the lives of their families. For those who cannot find work and therefore can’t afford the school fees the Refugee Law Project free adult literacy classes.

Further Information

For more information on Joan McDonald please click here.

To visit our website please click RESPECT International.

Or to visit the Refugee Law Project website click here.