Uganda, co-convenor of the GRF 2023: the backstory

The 2016 New York Declaration laid out a vision for a more predictable and more comprehensive response to refugee situations. In 2017, the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) was rolled out to a dozen countries, including Uganda, with the lessons drawn from the application of the CRRF informing the Global Compact on Refugees, which was affirmed by all UN Member States in December 2018. Six years later, Uganda was one of the co-convenors of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2023. As a leading refugee-hosting country, Uganda set priorities for a Refugee Response Strategy for 2024-2027. This groundwork laid the foundations for the pledges announced by the Government of Uganda at the GRF. In addition to making pledges, it received 52 direct pledges and participated in 41 regional pledges, the highest in the region. Establishment and Strategic Direction of the GRF Taskforce To prepare for the Forum, Uganda established a GRF taskforce in January 2023. This taskforce was led by the Office of the Prime Minister and coordinated by the CRRF Secretariat. In February 2023, it launched the Roadmap to the GRF, setting clear objectives for the year. Consultative engagements through this taskforce, with focal points from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) in Uganda, led to five thematic areas to be prioritized in terms of pledges by the Government.

Thematic Roundtables for In-depth Discussion

A series of roundtables were convened to guide the stakeholder consultations on the thematic areas and priorities which formed the Government’s pledges. For each thematic area, an outcome document to summarize the discussion, challenges, opportunities, and partner’s recommendations was produced. Government-led, and funded by partners, the roundtables were presided over by relevant ministers. The role of these various ministries, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister, was crucial in the preparations for the GRF and the development and validation of pledges.

The thematic roundtables were organized as follows:

• Self-reliance and Resilience Roundtable held in May 2023 and focusing on economic empowerment and capacity building.
• The IGAD-EAC Ministerial Conference and Roundtable on Durable Solutions was held in June 2023 and resulted in a Ministerial Declaration on addressing root causes and drivers of forced displacement in the region that was signed by 11 countries.
• In July 2023, stakeholders discussed the integration of sustainable environmental and energy practices within refugee settings at the Environmental, Climate Change, and Energy Roundtable.
• The Localising the Refugee Response Roundtable took place in August 2023 and emphasized enhancing the role of local communities and national organisations including refugee- and women-led organisations in the refugee response to increase sustainability and effectiveness.
• Held in September 2023, the Roundtable on Transition Management was crucial for discussing transition management strategies, particularly how to create sustainable responsibility-sharing pathways between the Government of Uganda and key humanitarian and development partners.

High-level engagements

Significant regional and ministerial engagements were a key part in the preparations. Uganda’s pledges were further consolidated following the roundtables and two subsequent ministerial meetings organized by the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees.

The pre-GRF Conference held in November 2023 was a strategic meeting to finalize discussions and secure commitments, ensuring Uganda's priorities are well-supported and aligned for the upcoming GRF.

As a co-convenor State for the Forum, the Ugandan delegation was led by Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister, on behalf of H.E. Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda. The delegation was composed of six Ministers and thirty senior officials, including representatives of the Refugee District Host Communities and Refugees.

At the GRF, Uganda reiterated its commitment to provide a conducive environment for forcibly displaced people in the region and globally. In addition, Uganda presented its best practices in addressing the refugee crisis at various side-events.

Uganda’s proactive leadership and strategic engagement in throughout the GRF process underscores its vital role in shaping refugee response strategies. By establishing the GRF taskforce and hosting roundtables, Uganda not only solidified its national pledges but also fostered regional and international collaboration. Uganda’s significant contribution to the GRF was illustrated by it receiving the most pledges in the region and reinforcing its commitment to providing a sustainable and effective response to forced displacement.

Through its efforts, Uganda has set a precedent for how host countries can lead and influence international policies, ensuring that the needs of forcibly displaced people are met with resilience, inclusivity, and durable solutions.