Legal Aid and Protection Program
Promoting Justice, Safety, and Human Rights for Refugee Communities
UAPD works closely with local authorities, legal experts, community leaders, and international partners to strengthen legal awareness and advocacy within refugee settlements and host communities. Through education, counseling, and mediation, we help refugees navigate legal systems with confidence and clarity.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Legal Aid and Protection Program is to empower refugees with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities while providing accessible legal assistance that prevents exploitation and promotes justice. We aim to create a protective environment where refugees feel secure, informed, and able to exercise their legal rights under Ugandan and international law.
Legal Awareness & Education
The Legal Aid and Protection Program prioritizes empowering refugees with clear and reliable legal knowledge. Through regular community workshops, information sessions, and outreach activities, refugees learn about the Uganda Refugee Act, UNHCR protection standards, and their rights and responsibilities under the law. These sessions help eliminate fear, confusion, and misinformation, enabling refugees to make informed decisions about employment, movement, property, and family matters. By strengthening legal awareness, the program lays the foundation for safety, confidence, and community stability.
Mediation & Case Referral
Many refugees face legal and personal challenges that require timely and sensitive intervention. The program offers confidential mediation services to help resolve issues such as domestic violence, land disputes, financial exploitation, and family conflicts. Where cases require specialized legal expertise or protection services, UAPD provides referrals to accredited legal partners, police units, and community support organizations. This approach ensures that survivors receive the appropriate help while promoting peaceful conflict resolution within refugee communities.
Documentation Support
Access to proper documentation is essential for refugees to secure services, employment, and legal protection. UAPD provides practical support to help refugees obtain and maintain the identification documents required by Ugandan authorities. This includes assistance with refugee IDs, replacement of lost documents, guidance on birth registration, and referrals for work permits. By helping refugees navigate complex administrative processes, the program ensures that individuals and families can access their rights and avoid vulnerabilities associated with being undocumented.
Advocacy & Community Protection
Beyond individual support, the program works to strengthen protection systems at the community level. UAPD advocates for the rights and inclusion of refugees—especially women, children, and persons with disabilities—within local governance structures. Through community dialogues, awareness campaigns, and partnership engagement, we promote non-discrimination, accountability, and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities. By championing justice and protection, the program contributes to safer, more inclusive, and cooperative living environments.