Refugee Led Organization Network

Statistics of Refugees in Uganda

As per this year 2016, Uganda hosts an estimated number of more than 520,000 refugees from different countries while the majority of these refugees come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea among others. More than 90,000 refugees are in urban areas especially in Kampala where they are expected to live on their own but we have observed that they are confronted with many challenges and that in the reasons why we created this network in order to respond to these needs.

Vision

“A better and safer world for refugees”

Mission

“We exist to unite organizations working with refugees in Uganda, especially smaller and less established organizations, so that they might benefit from each other and therefore have a positive impact on the refugee community”

Objectives

1. Capacity building by sharing of experiences, knowledge, data and opportunities with Refugee led organizations

2. Advocacy and lobbying on behalf of Refugee led organizations

3. Contribute to policy making affecting refugees

4. Fundraising and resource mobilization both locally and internationally

5. Outreach to refugees in the communities through various programs.

Activities

Activities in support of Objective 1: Capacity building by sharing of experiences, knowledge, data and opportunities with Refugee led organizations.

Long term and overall:

- Identify and mapping emerging Refugee led organizations and leaders

- Collaborative problem solving, dialogue, mentorship and developing best practices

Within next six months:

- Identify and mapping existing Refugee led organizations and leaders

- Establish Internet presence through developing website and social medial platform

Activities in support of Objective 2: Advocacy and lobbying on behalf of Refugee led organizations

Long term and overall:

- Contribute to Universal Periodic Review and other reports when possible

- Represent refugees and refugee led organizations in various forum

- Establish mechanisms to identify new challenges faced by refugee led organizations

Within next six months:

- Enhance visibility of the Refugee led Organization Network by communicating with stakeholders,

- Request participation in quarterly stakeholder meeting,

- Partner with other organizations,

Activities in support of Objective 3: Contribute to policy making affecting refugees.

- Analyze existing policies affecting refugees in Uganda and propose alternatives

- Disseminate information about policies that affect refugees to refugee led organizations, refugees, and to refugee host communities

- Propose new policies and challenge policy proposals that violate refugee rights.

Activities in support of Objective 4: Fundraising and resource mobilization both locally and internationally.

- Create international partnerships with universities for study abroad and internship opportunities for students.

- Organize fundraising events locally and internationally.

- Identify grant and funding opportunities

- Write proposals for funding

Activities in support of Objective 5: Outreach to refugees in the communities through various programs.

- Monitor for new arrival refugees and help direct them to the available resources

- Host community events for refugees

- Strengthen relationships with refugee minority groups.

Structure Defined

1. General Assembly (Every organization prescribed and able to pay an annual fee will be allowed one member with one vote, they can elect and can be elected)

2. Board of Directors (With a total of 5-7 members, including a Chairperson, Finance, Secretary, Audit Committee)

3. Executive Committee Members (Executive Director, Treasure, Secretary, Project Manager)

Values

Team work

Accountability

Timely

Integrity