A synthesis of key aspects of health systems and policy design affecting the refugee populations in Uganda

Uganda has been host to many refugees and asylum seekers from within Africa, and beyond, since colonial times, most of these fleeing political instability and conflict in their countries of origin or residence. This is attributed to Uganda’s long-standing open-door refugee policy and relatively stable political situation. Within Africa, the majority of refugees in Uganda initially came from Rwanda and Burundi, and more recently from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Other countries that contribute to the refuge population in Uganda include Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, among others.