Uganda Act or statute

Parliament of Uganda

Refugees Act, 2006

The Act is titled the Refugees Act, 2006 and comes into force on days appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument. This section provides definitions of terms used throughout the Act. The Gov…

Jurisdiction: Uganda
Structure: 49 provisions
Citation: Act 21 of 2006
Dates: As at 4 Aug 2006

More statute details

Dates: As at 4 Aug 2006

Source attribution: Source: Uganda Legal Information Institute

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“The Act is titled the Refugees Act, 2006 and comes into force on days appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.”

The Act is titled the Refugees Act, 2006 and comes into force on days appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument. This section provides definitions of terms used throughout the Act. The Government of Uganda has the sovereign right to grant or deny asylum or refugee status to any person. A person qualifies to be granted refugee status if they meet any of the listed conditions (e.g. well‑founded fear of persecution for listed grounds, statelessness with fear of persecution, fleeing events disturbing public order, fear related to gender discriminatory practices, treaty or declared-class recognition). A person does not qualify for refugee status if they meet any of the listed disqualifying conditions, including specified crimes, acts contrary to UN/OAU principles, or failure to seek protection of a second nationality without valid reasons.

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Preliminary - Short title and commencement

The Act is titled the Refugees Act, 2006 and comes into force on days appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.

Section 1

Administrative matters relating to refugees - Refugee Appeals Board

Establishes a Refugee Appeals Board of a Chairperson and four other members appointed by the Minister; members must be selected from persons with relevant knowledge or experience; Eligibility Committee members may not serve on the Appeals Board.

Section 16

Application for refugee status and related matters - Group recognition, mass influx and temporary protection

The Minister may declare groups refugees and may grant temporary group protection during a mass influx; declarations must be published and temporary protection lasts up to two years or until the cause ceases.

Section 25

Miscellaneous - Principles of international instruments to be followed

The Eligibility Committee and the Appeals Board must be guided by principles set out in relevant international conventions or instruments when exercising their functions under this Act.

Section 37

Miscellaneous - Repeal of Cap. 62 and transitional provisions

Cap. 62 (The Control of Alien Refugees Act) is repealed, and public officers or employees who held office under the repealed Act immediately before commencement shall continue to hold their office as if appointed under this Act.

Section 49

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Showing 49 of 49 provisions

Provision 42Commencement 3Offence 2Short title

Part I

Preliminary

§ 1Preliminary - Short title and commencementShort title

The Act is titled the Refugees Act, 2006 and comes into force on days appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument.

Section Short title and commencement Section This Act may be cited as the Refugees Act, 2006. This Act shall come into force on a day to be appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument, and different days may be appointed for the commencement of different provisions.

Section 1Verify source

§ 2Preliminary - InterpretationInterpretation

This section provides definitions of terms used throughout the Act.

Section Interpretation Section In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— " African Charter on Human and People’s Rights " means the charter adopted by the OAU at the Assembly of the heads of state and government held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 26th June, 1981; " African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child " means the charter adopted by the OAU at the 26th session of the Assembly of heads of state and government held in Addis Ababa on 11th July, 1990; " Appeals Board " means the Refugees Appeals Board established under section 16 of this Act; " alien " means a person who is not a citizen of Uganda; " authorised officer " means a person referred to or designated as such under section 43 of this Act; " asylum seeker " means a person who has made an application for the grant of refugee status under section 19 of this Act; " clearly abusive applications " or "manifestly unfounded applications" means those applications which are clearly fraudulent or do not satisfy the criteria for the granting of refugee status under the Geneva Convention , the OAU Convention and this Act; " Commissioner " means the Commissioner for Refugees appointed under section 9 of this Act; " Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women " means the Convention adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by the United Nations Resolution 34/180 of 18th December, 1979; " Convention on the Rights of the Child " means the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted on 20th November, 1989 by the United Nations Conference on the Rights of the Child; " country of nationality " in relation to a person with more than one nationality, means each of the countries of which that person is a national; " Eligibility Committee " means the Refugee Eligibility Committee established under section 11 of this Act; " elementary education " means basic primary education; " firearm " means a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which a shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged, or any prohibited weapon whether it is lethal or not and any component or part of that weapon designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon, and includes an air gun, air rifle or pistol; " fraudulent ", with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, means deceitful and dishonest; " frontier " means the land frontier, port of entry or any other point of entry into Uganda; " gender discriminating practices " includes strict and forced adherence to a dress code, obligatory pre-arranged marriages, physically harmful facial or genital mutilation, rape, domestic violence and other gender related negative activities; " Geneva Convention " means the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees done at Geneva on 28th July 1951 and includes the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees done at New York on 31st January 1967; " integration " means a process of interaction and peaceful co-existence and the sharing of available services between refugees and nationals; " member of family of a refugee " means— (a) a spouse or spouses of the refugee ; (b) a child of the refugee ; and (c) any person who is dependent on the refugee ; " Minister " means the Minister responsible for refugees; " Ministry " means the Ministry responsible refugees; " non-political crime " means a crime, which is not of a political character, or a crime, which does not involve opposition to the government of a country on an issue connected with the political control or government of that country; or a crime which is not incidental to, or forming part of, a political upheaval, committed as part of an organised political party or body contending for power or political control of a country; " OAU " means the Organisation of African Unity established by the Heads of State and Government of Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25th May, 1963, and renamed as "Africa Union" on 9th July, 2001; " OAU Convention " means the Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU at its Sixth Ordinary Session at Addis Ababa on 10th September 1969; " Office " means the Office of Refugees established under section 7 of this Act; " persecution " includes any threat to the life or freedom, or serious violation of the human rights of a person on account of that person ’s race, religion, nationality, sex, political opinion or membership of a particular social group; and as long as a person is threatened with any harm which can reasonably be seen as part of a course of systematic conduct directed against that person as an individual or as a member of a class of persons, on account of race, religion, nationality, sex, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, that person is being persecuted for the purposes of this Act; " person " includes any individual, firm, company, association, partnership or body of persons, whether incorporated or not; " refugee " or "recognised refugee" means a person who, having qualified to be granted refugee status under section 4 of this Act, has been granted refugee status by the Eligibility Committee under section 20 (2) of this Act, or is a member of class of persons declared to be refugees under section 25 of this Act; " travel document " means a travel document issued under or in accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Convention to a refugee lawfully staying in Uganda, for the purpose of travel outside Uganda; " UNHCR " means the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees referred to in the Geneva Convention , and includes his or her representative in Uganda.

Section 2Verify source

§ 3Preliminary - Granting of refugee status a humanitarian actProvision

The Government of Uganda has the sovereign right to grant or deny asylum or refugee status to any person.

Section Granting of refugee status a humanitarian act Section Subject to subsection 2 of this section, and for the avoidance doubt, the granting of refugee status to any person under this Act does not imply any judgment of, or may not be construed as an unfriendly act towards, the country of origin of the person granted refugee status, but must be regarded as a peaceful and humanitarian act extended to that person as part of his or her human rights. The Government of Uganda has the sovereign right to grant or deny asylum or refugee status to any person .

Section 3Verify source

Part II

Determination of refugee status

§ 4Determination of refugee status - Qualifications for refugee statusCommencement

A person qualifies to be granted refugee status if they meet any of the listed conditions (e.g. well‑founded fear of persecution for listed grounds, statelessness with fear of persecution, fleeing events disturbing public order, fear related to gender discriminatory practices, treaty or declared-class recognition).

Section Qualifications for refugee status Section A person qualifies to be granted refugee status under this Act if— owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, sex, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, that person is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable, or owing to that fear, is unwilling to return to or avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; not having a nationality and being outside the country of his or her former habitual residence owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, sex, religion, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, that person is unwilling or unable to return to the country of his or her former habitual residence; owing to external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order in either a part or the whole of his or her country of origin or nationality, that person is compelled to leave his or her place of habitual residence in order to seek refuge in another place outside his or her country of origin or nationality; owing to a well-founded fear of persecution for failing to conform to gender discriminating practices , that person is compelled to leave his or her place of habitual residence in order to seek refuge in another place outside the country of origin or nationality; that person is considered a refugee under any treaty obligation to which Uganda is a party, or any law in force at the commencement of this Act; or that person is a member of a class of persons declared to be refugees under section 25 of this Act.

Section 4Verify source

§ 5Determination of refugee status - Disqualification for refugee statusProvision

A person does not qualify for refugee status if they meet any of the listed disqualifying conditions, including specified crimes, acts contrary to UN/OAU principles, or failure to seek protection of a second nationality without valid reasons.

Section Disqualification for refugee status Section A person does not qualify to be granted refugee status if— that person has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity as defined in any international instrument to which Uganda is a party; that person has committed a serious non-political crime outside Uganda prior to his or her admission to Uganda as a refugee ; that person has been guilty of acts contrary to the purpose or principles of the United Nations Organisation or the OAU ; or having more than one nationality, that person has not availed himself or herself of the protection of the second country of which he or she is a national and has no valid reason, based on a well founded fear of persecution or on a reason referred to in section 4 (c) of this Act, for not having availed himself or herself of that second country’s protection.

Section 5Verify source

§ 6Determination of refugee status - Cessation of refugee statusProvision

A person must cease to be a refugee when specified conditions occur (for example, circumstances giving rise to recognition cease, voluntary re‑availment of protection of nationality, surrender of status, reacquisition of nationality, acquisition of new nationality and protection, commission of serious non-political crime after admission, or serious infringement of the Geneva or OAU Conventions).

Section Cessation of refugee status Section A person shall cease to be a refugee if— the circumstances in connection with which that person was recognised as a refugee have ceased to exist, but he or she without compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution — being of a class of persons declared to be refugees in accordance with section 25 of this Act— that person voluntarily re-avails himself or herself of the protection of the country of his or her nationality, or voluntarily re-establishes himself or herself in the country of origin; that person surrenders his or her refugee status; having lost his or her nationality, he or she acquires it again; that person becomes a citizen of Uganda or acquires the nationality of some other country and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality; or continues to refuse to avail himself or herself of the protection of the country of origin or nationality; or continues to refuse to return to the country of former habitual residence or to take on another available nationality; that person has committed a serious non-political crime outside Uganda after admission into Uganda as a refugee ; or that person has seriously infringed the purposes and objectives of the Geneva Convention or the OAU Convention . The procedure laid down in section 39 of this Act shall apply in relation to a person who ceases to be a refugee in terms of this section.

Section 6Verify source

Part III

Administrative matters relating to refugees

§ 10Administrative matters relating to refugees - Other officers and employeesProvision

The Public Service Commission must appoint other officers and employees of the Office as necessary to carry this Act into effect.

Section Other officers and employees Section There shall be such other officers and employees of the Office as may be necessary for carrying this Act into effect, who shall be appointed by the Public Service Commission.

Section 10Verify source

§ 11Administrative matters relating to refugees - Refugee Eligibility CommitteeProvision

Establishes the Refugee Eligibility Committee and lists its membership; states that UNHCR may attend meetings in an advisory capacity.

Section Refugee Eligibility Committee Section There is established a Committee to be known as the Refugee Eligibility Committee consisting of— The Commissioner for Refugees, or his or her representative, shall be— the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for refugees, who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee, or his or her representative; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Internal Affairs or his or her representative; the Solicitor General or his or her representative; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Foreign Affairs or his or her representative; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Local Governments or his or her representative; the Director General of the Internal Security Organisation or his or her representative; the Director General of the External Security Organisation or his or her representative; the Director, Special Branch, Uganda Police Force, or his or her representative; the Commissioner for Immigration, or his or her representative. an ex officio member of the Eligibility Committee without power to vote on any matter before the Committee, and Secretary to the Committee. The UNHCR may attend meetings of the Eligibility Committee in an advisory capacity.

Section 11Verify source

§ 12Administrative matters relating to refugees - Functions of Eligibility CommitteeProvision

Lists the functions of the Eligibility Committee, including recommending to the Minister, considering and deciding refugee status applications (per section 20(2)), reviewing past cases, and advising the Minister on refugee-related matters including expulsion, extradition, cessation and alternative asylum assistance.

Section Functions of Eligibility Committee Section The functions of the Eligibility Committee are— to recommend to the Minister for his or her action— to consider and deal with applications for refugee status in accordance with section 20 (2) of this Act; where necessary, to review or revise cases previously dealt with by it; to advise the Minister on matters relating to refugee status; cases of expulsion or extradition; cases of cessation of refugee status; and cases where a person requires assistance to find an alternative country of asylum.

Section 12Verify source

§ 13Administrative matters relating to refugees - Meetings of Eligibility CommitteeProvision

Sets meeting frequency, presiding arrangements, quorum, and minute-keeping and forwarding duties for the Eligibility Committee.

Section Meetings of Eligibility Committee Section The Eligibility Committee shall meet as often as is necessary to discharge its functions but shall in any case meet at least once in every month. The Chairperson of the Committee shall preside at all meetings of the Committee and in his or her absence, the members present shall select one of their number to preside. The quorum at a meeting of the Committee shall be five members, including the presiding member. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the meetings of the Eligibility Committee . The Secretary shall forward copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Eligibility Committee to the Minister .

Section 13Verify source

§ 14Administrative matters relating to refugees - Power to co-optProvision

The Eligibility Committee may co-opt any person to assist in a matter if satisfied of their relevant experience; a co-opted person may participate in proceedings but may not vote on decisions.

Section Power to co-opt Section The Eligibility Committee may co-opt any person to assist it in dealing with any matter if the Committee is satisfied that the person ’s experience or qualifications are likely to help it deal with any such matter. A person co-opted under subsection (1) is entitled to take part in the proceedings of the Eligibility Committee concerning that matter, but is not entitled to vote on any matter coming for decision before the Eligibility Committee .

Section 14Verify source

§ 15Administrative matters relating to refugees - Subcommittees of Eligibility CommitteeProvision

The Eligibility Committee may appoint subcommittees, which must have a chair who is a member of the Eligibility Committee; subcommittees are subject to the Committee's control and may regulate their own procedure subject to directions from the Committee.

Section Subcommittees of Eligibility Committee Section The Eligibility Committee may appoint one or more subcommittees to— inquire into and advise the Eligibility Committee on any matters within the scope of its functions as the Committee may refer to the subcommittee; to exercise such powers and perform such duties of the Eligibility Committee as the Committee may delegate or refer to the subcommittee. A subcommittee shall consist of a chairperson who shall be a member of the Eligibility Committee and such other persons, whether members of the Eligibility Committee or not, as the Eligibility Committee shall determine. A subcommittee is subject to the control of the Eligibility Committee and may be discharged or reconstituted by the Eligibility Committee at any time. Subject to any directions that may be given to it by the Eligibility Committee , a subcommittee may regulate its own procedure.

Section 15Verify source

§ 16Administrative matters relating to refugees - Refugee Appeals BoardProvision

Section Refugee Appeals Board Section There is established a Refugee Appeals Board consisting of a Chairperson and four other members appointed by the Minister on such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine. The members of the Appeals Board shall be appointed from among persons having knowledge of or experience in refugee law or matters relating to immigration, foreign affairs, national security, local administration, human rights and refugees generally. A member of the Eligibility Committee shall not be a member of the Appeals Board .

Section 16Verify source

§ 17Administrative matters relating to refugees - Functions and powers of Appeals BoardProvision

The Appeals Board may receive and decide appeals from the Eligibility Committee, must decide appeals expeditiously and within 60 days of receipt, must not grant refugee status, and the Minister must assign Ministry staff to support the Board.

Section Functions and powers of Appeals Board Section In any appeal before it, the Appeals Board may— The Appeals Board may receive and hear appeals from the decisions of the Eligibility Committee on questions of law and procedure. confirm the decision of the Eligibility Committee ; set aside the decision of the Eligibility Committee and refer the matter back to the Committee for further consideration and decision; order a rehearing of the application; or dismiss the appeal. The Appeals Board shall expeditiously hear and determine any appeal referred to it and, in any case, shall make a decision within sixty days after the date of receipt of the appeal. For the avoidance of doubt, the Appeals Board shall not make a decision granting the status of refugee to an applicant. An applicant shall be notified of the decision of the Appeals Board in writing within fourteen days after the date of the decision. Subject to this Act, the Appeals Board may decide its own procedure except so far as its procedures are prescribed by regulations made under this Act. The Minister shall assign specific persons employed in the Ministry to carry out the administrative functions of the Appeals Board as may be necessary for the functioning of the Board.

Section 17Verify source

§ 18Administrative matters relating to refugees - UNHCR may attend proceedingsProvision

The UNHCR may attend Appeals Board proceedings; a UNHCR representative may make oral or written representations on behalf of the appellant while attending those proceedings.

Section UNHCR may attend proceedings Section The UNHCR may attend proceedings of the Appeals Board . A representative of the UNHCR may, while attending any proceedings under subsection (1), make oral or written representation on behalf of the person whose appeal is being heard.

Section 18Verify source

§ 7Administrative matters relating to refugees - Establishment of OfficeProvision

Establishes an Office of Refugees and states it shall be a public office.

Section Establishment of Office Section There is established an Office of Refugees, which shall be a public office.

Section 7Verify source

§ 8Administrative matters relating to refugees - Functions of OfficeProvision

The Office must carry out a set of administrative functions for refugees in Uganda, including coordination, advisory roles, protection and welfare services, project initiation, liaison with UNHCR, implementing plans, promoting repatriation and cooperation, obtaining origin information, custodianship of properties, issuing identity/travel recommendations, and maintaining law and order in settlements.

Section Functions of Office Section Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Office shall— The Office shall be responsible for all administrative matters concerning refugees in Uganda and shall, in that capacity, co-ordinate inter-ministerial and non-Governmental activities and programmes relating to refugees. be the Secretariat of the Eligibility Committee ; advise the Government and the Eligibility Committee on policy and other matters relating to refugees; advise the Government on international and regional conventions and Government’s obligations relating to refugees; protect refugees and coordinate the provision of services for their welfare; identify and initiate projects for refugees and refugee -affected areas; advise and work in liaison with the UNHCR and other organisations on refugee programmes and their implementation; implement national and regional development plans relating to refugees, in line with current international refugee practices; promote and participate in inter-state and regional initiatives for voluntary repatriation of refugees; promote Uganda’s regional and international cooperation on refugee matters with other countries and international organisations; obtain country of origin information about applications of asylum seekers; be the custodian of government properties in refugee settlements; issue identity cards and recommendations for travel documents to refugees; and ensure the maintenance of law and order in refugee settlements.

Section 8Verify source

§ 9Administrative matters relating to refugees - Commissioner for RefugeesProvision

Establishes a Commissioner for Refugees as head of the Office with specified duties including managing staff, receiving applications, liaising with UNHCR, advising relevant bodies, reporting half-yearly, and complying with Ministerial directions.

Section Commissioner for Refugees Section Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2) of this section, the Commissioner shall— There shall be a Commissioner for Refugees whose office shall be a public office and shall be appointed by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission. The Commissioner shall be the head of the Office and shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Office and for the administration, organisation and control of the staff of the Office . advise the accounting officer on the soliciting of funds for the care and welfare of refugees and the rehabilitation of refugee affected areas; liaise with the UNHCR and other agencies for the protection of refugees and the formulation of programmes for ensuring that adequate facilities and services for reception of refugees, settlement and integration are available; inform and advise the Eligibility Committee on matters relating to refugees and refugee status; receive and process applications for refugee status or other related applications for submission to the Eligibility Committee for consideration and decision; report to and advise the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for refugees on matters relating to refugees; advise the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry on technical matters relating to refugees; and perform any other duties that may be assigned to him or her under this Act. The Commissioner shall, in the performance of his or her functions under this Act, be responsible to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry . The Commissioner shall make half-yearly reports on matters and activities relating to refugees to the Minister , The Minister may give directions of a specific or general nature to the Commissioner and the Commissioner shall comply with those directions.

Section 9Verify source

Part IV

Application for refugee status and related matters

§ 19Application for refugee status and related matters - Application for refugee statusProvision

People entering Uganda who wish to remain as refugees must apply in writing to the Eligibility Committee within thirty days of entry; authorised officers or UNHCR representatives who receive such applications must forward them to the Commissioner as soon as practicable.

Section Application for refugee status Section Any person who enters Uganda and wishes to remain in Uganda as a refugee shall make a written application to the Eligibility Committee for the grant of refugee status within thirty days after the date of his or her entry into Uganda. An application made under subsection (1) of this section may be submitted to the Commissioner through an authorised officer or to the UNHCR representative. An authorised officer or UNHCR representative to whom an application is submitted under subsection (2) of this section shall, as soon as is practicable, forward the application to the Commissioner .

Section 19Verify source

§ 20Application for refugee status and related matters - Grant of refugee statusCommencement

The Commissioner must promptly process asylum applications for presentation to the Eligibility Committee; the Committee must decide within 90 days and may investigate, require further information, reject or grant status; the Commissioner must notify applicants within 14 days of the Committee decision; the Committee must state reasons in writing when rejecting and may order deportation for clearly abusive or manifestly unfounded applications.

Section Grant of refugee status Section The Commissioner shall, as soon as is practicable, process the application for presentation before the Eligibility Committee and may— The Eligibility Committee shall, within ninety days after the date of receipt of the application by the Commissioner , consider and determine the refugee status of the applicant and may, after making any inquiry or investigations as the Committee may consider necessary— For the avoidance of doubt, the period of ninety days referred to in subsection (2) of this section shall commence on the day following the date on which the applicant submitted the application to— require such further information from the applicant as may be necessary to support the application; and carry out any inquiry or investigations as he or she may think fit. reject the application; or grant refugee status to the applicant. The Commissioner shall, within fourteen days after the date of the decision of the Eligibility Committee , inform the applicant in writing of the decision of the Committee. Where an application is rejected under subsection (2) of this section, the Eligibility Committee shall state the reasons for its decision in writing and the applicant shall be provided with a copy of the statement. the Commissioner ; the authorised officer ; or the UNHCR representative. Where the Eligibility Committee finds that an application before it is a clearly abusive or manifestly unfounded application, the Committee shall take appropriate measures for deportation of the applicant in accordance with the applicable law.

Section 20Verify source

§ 21Application for refugee status and related matters - Appeal by aggrieved partyProvision

An applicant aggrieved by the Eligibility Committee's decision may appeal to the Appeals Board within thirty days; the Appeals Board may hear late appeals for justifiable cause; the appellant may appear in person or be represented at their expense; the Appeals Board's decision is final.

Section Appeal by aggrieved party Section An applicant aggrieved by the decision of the Eligibility Committee may appeal to the Appeals Board within thirty days after receipt of the notice of the decision of the Eligibility Committee . Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the Appeals Board may hear an appeal filed after the expiry of thirty days if the appellant has justifiable cause for having filed a late appeal. At the hearing of an appeal under this section, the appellant may appear before the Appeals Board in person or may be represented by an advocate at his or her expense. A decision of the Appeals Board shall be final.

Section 21Verify source

§ 22Application for refugee status and related matters - Applications requiring urgent and special attentionProvision

The Commissioner must promptly handle certain urgent or special refugee applications: (1) applications considered clearly abusive or manifestly unfounded using accelerated procedures under regulations; and (2) applications from specified vulnerable groups using special procedures under regulations.

Section Applications requiring urgent and special attention Section The Commissioner shall deal with applications of— Without prejudice to the requirement for a just and equitable procedure for the determination of refugee status, the Commissioner shall deal in an expeditious manner with applications, which are considered to be clearly abusive or manifestly unfounded, in accordance with accelerated procedures prescribed by regulations under this Act. persons with disabilities; trauma victims, detained persons and victims of torture; minors and vulnerable persons; and other persons requiring urgent attention, in accordance with special procedures prescribed by regulations under this Act.

Section 22Verify source

§ 23Application for refugee status and related matters - Residence pending decision of Eligibility CommitteeProvision

Applicants for refugee status and their family members must remain in Uganda until the application is decided and appeals are addressed; if appeals are exhausted and status not granted the applicant may remain for up to ninety days to seek asylum or admission elsewhere; the Minister may extend that ninety-day period on application with reasonable grounds.

Section Residence pending decision of Eligibility Committee Section Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, a person who has applied for refugee status and every member of that person ’s family shall remain in Uganda— until his or her application is granted or rejected, and no appeal has been filed with the Refugee Appeals Board ; where the application is rejected, until that person has exhausted his or her right of appeal under this Act. Where a person has exhausted the right of appeal in relation to an application and refugee status has not been granted, that applicant shall be allowed to stay in Uganda for a period not exceeding ninety days to enable him or her to seek asylum or admission to a country of his or her choice. At the expiry of the ninety days referred to in subsection (2) of this section, the person whose application has been rejected shall be subject to expulsion or deportation from Uganda or other appropriate action under the applicable laws. The Minister may, on application by the person concerned, extend the period of ninety days referred to in subsection (2) of this section if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the person concerned is likely to be given asylum in, or to be admitted to, the country of his or her choice within the extended period.

Section 23Verify source

§ 24Application for refugee status and related matters - Entitlement of refugee after submission of applicationProvision

After submitting an application for refugee status the applicant is entitled to a temporary document (valid ninety days and renewable every two months), to be informed of UNHCR presence and to a hearing with interpreter services where necessary; the applicant may be represented or assisted by a person of their choice.

Section Entitlement of refugee after submission of application Section After an applicant has submitted an application for refugee status to the Eligibility Committee under section 19 of this Act, the applicant shall— be issued with a temporary document valid for a period of ninety days from the date it is issued, and thereafter the document is renewable every two months until all rights connected with or incidental to applications for refugee status are exhausted; and be informed of the presence of the UNHCR representative in Uganda and given the opportunity to contact him or her. The applicant is entitled, to a hearing during the consideration of his or her application and where necessary the State shall provide the services of a competent interpreter to the applicant. In the exercise of his or her rights under subsection (2) of this section, the applicant may be represented or assisted by a person of his or her own choice, including an advocate at his or her own expense.

Section 24Verify source

§ 25Application for refugee status and related matters - Group recognition, mass influx and temporary protectionProvision

Section Group recognition, mass influx and temporary protection Section The Minister may, if it is evident that a class of persons qualifies to be refugees under section 4 of this Act, declare that class of persons to be refugees. The Minister shall cause a declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be published in the Gazette and in any other manner that will best ensure that the declaration is brought to the attention of the authorised officers and persons to whom it relates. The Minister may, where there is a mass influx of asylum seekers into Uganda, in consultation with the Minister responsible for internal affairs, issue an order permitting the asylum seekers to reside in Uganda without requiring their individual status to be determined under section 4 of this Act. A declaration made under subsection (3) of this section is valid for a period of two years from the date of the declaration or until the cause of the influx into Uganda from the country of origin or habitual residence ceases to exist, whichever is sooner. Where asylum seekers are permitted to reside in Uganda under subsection (3) of this section, they shall be subject to the general treatment and rights accorded to refugees under this Act. The exclusion of a specified person from a declaration made under subsection (1) of this section shall not preclude that person from applying to the Eligibility Committee for the grant of refugee status under this Act. The termination of temporary protection granted by the Minister under sub-section (3) of this section shall not preclude any individual of the group of asylum seekers from applying to the Eligibility Committee for the grant of refugee status under this Act.

Section 25Verify source

§ 26Application for refugee status and related matters - Family of recognised refugeeProvision

Family members of a recognised refugee who enter Uganda are entitled to the same protection as that refugee, may enter and remain for as long as the refugee may remain, will be issued necessary documents, and may apply for refugee status; on the refugee's death family members in Uganda continue to enjoy that protection and remain until otherwise disqualified.

Section Family of recognised refugee Section Every member of the family of a recognised refugee who enters Uganda shall enjoy the same protection as that recognised refugee and shall— be permitted to enter and remain in Uganda for as long as the recognised refugee is permitted to remain; and be issued with all necessary documents relevant to his or her status. On the death of a recognised refugee , any member of the family of the recognised refugee in Uganda shall continue to enjoy the protection referred to in subsection (1) of this section and shall remain in Uganda until otherwise disqualified. Nothing in this section shall prevent a member of the family of a recognised refugee from applying for the grant of refugee status in accordance with this Act.

Section 26Verify source

§ 27Application for refugee status and related matters - Reunion of family of recognised refugeeProvision

The Eligibility Committee may permit family members of a recognised refugee to enter and reside in Uganda; recognised refugees may apply for such reunion, the Commissioner must investigate and report on applications and must investigate unaccompanied child cases (and may recommend adoption), and the Minister may revoke permission in the interest of national security or the public interest; "child" means a person below eighteen years.

Section Reunion of family of recognised refugee Section The Eligibility Committee may grant permission to enter and reside in Uganda under this section to— A recognised refugee may apply to the Eligibility Committee for permission for a member of his or her family to enter and reside in Uganda for purposes of reunion. Regulations made under this Act shall prescribe the procedure for applying for a family reunion under subsection (1) of this section, taking into account the principle of family unity. Where an application is made to the Eligibility Committee under subsection (1) of this section, the Commissioner shall make investigations regarding the application and submit a report in writing to the Committee, specifying the relationship between the refugee and the person to whom the application relates. any member of the family of a recognised refugee ; and any dependant of a member of the family of a recognised refugee . The Commissioner shall investigate and ascertain the family situation of an unaccompanied child who enters Uganda and wishes to remain in Uganda as a refugee , and may make recommendations regarding the adoption of the child under the Children Act, Cap. 59 , or any other applicable law. The Minister may, in writing, revoke the permission of a person to enter and reside in Uganda under this section in the interest of national security or in the public interest. For the purposes of subsection 5 of this section, "child" means a person below the age of eighteen years.

Section 27Verify source

Part V

Rights and obligations of refugees

§ 28Rights and obligations of refugees - Refugee entitlements under international conventionsProvision

Every refugee is entitled to rights and must comply with obligations set out in the Geneva Convention, the OAU Convention, and any other refugee-related conventions to which Uganda is a party, subject to this Act and any reservations entered by Uganda.

Section Refugee entitlements under international conventions Section Subject to this Act and any reservations entered by Uganda to any international or regional convention or instrument, every refugee is entitled to the rights and shall be subject to obligations provided for or specified in— the Geneva Convention ; the OAU Convention ; and any other convention or instrument relating to the rights and obligations of refugees to which Uganda is a party.

Section 28Verify source

§ 29Rights and obligations of refugees - Rights of refugees while in UgandaProvision

Recognised refugees in Uganda are entitled to a range of rights while in Uganda, including identity documentation, permission to remain, non-discrimination, property and transfer rights, access to education and employment, the ability to establish businesses, practice recognised professions, religious freedom, association rights (non-political), access to courts and protection of intellectual property.

Section Rights of refugees while in Uganda Section A recognised refugee shall, subject to this Act, the OAU Convention and the Geneva Convention — receive at least the same treatment accorded to aliens generally in similar circumstances relating to— be issued with an identity card in a prescribed form stating the refugee status of the holder for purposes of identification and protection; be permitted to remain in Uganda; be entitled to fair and just treatment without discrimination on grounds of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic identity, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; receive at least the same treatment as is generally accorded to aliens under the Constitution and any other law in force in Uganda; and be entitled to privileges that may be granted under the laws of Uganda by any administrative agency or organ of the Government; movable and immovable property and other rights pertaining to property and to leases and other contracts relating to movable and immovable property; the right to transfer assets held and declared by a refugee at the time of entry into Uganda, including those lawfully acquired in Uganda; education, other than elementary education for which refugees must receive the same treatment as nationals, and in particular, regarding access to particular studies, the recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees and the remission of fees and charges; the right to engage in agriculture, industry, handicrafts, and commerce and establish commercial and industrial companies in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations in force in Uganda; the right to practice the profession of the refugee who holds qualifications recognised by the competent authorities in Uganda and who wishes to practise that profession; the right to have access to employment opportunities and engage in gainful employment; any other right that may legally be accorded to a refugee ; have the same rights as the nationals of Uganda with respect to practising their religion and the religious education of their children; have a right of association as regards non-political and non-profit making associations and trade unions; have free access to courts of law, including legal assistance under applicable laws of Uganda. A refugee shall be accorded the same protection as is accorded to the nationals of Uganda in respect of the protection of intellectual property rights, including industrial inventions, patents, designs, trade names, copyrights and other artistic and scientific works.

Section 29Verify source

§ 30Rights and obligations of refugees - Freedom of movementProvision

A recognised refugee is entitled to free movement in Uganda, subject to specified restrictions.

Section Freedom of movement Section Subject to subsection (2) of this section, a recognised refugee is entitled to free movement in Uganda The free movement of a recognised refugees in Uganda is subject to reasonable restrictions specified in the laws of Uganda, or directions issued by the Commissioner , which apply to aliens generally in the same circumstances, especially on grounds of national security, public order, public health, public morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others;

Section 30Verify source

§ 31Rights and obligations of refugees - Right to travel documentProvision

Recognised refugees in Uganda are entitled to a travel document for travel outside Uganda, subject to national security or public order exceptions; travel documents are not valid for the refugee's country of origin; refugees with passports from their country of origin must surrender them before receiving a travel document; persons who cease to be refugees must not be issued a travel document and must surrender any travel document to the immigration office.

Section Right to travel document Section A recognised refugee staying in Uganda is entitled to a travel document for the purpose of travel outside Uganda, unless compelling reasons of national security or public order require otherwise. A travel document issued to a recognised refugee shall be valid for all countries except the refugee ’s country of origin and those countries with respect to which Uganda has restrictions. A recognised refugee in possession of a valid passport issued by the country of origin shall surrender that passport to the issuing officer before acquiring a travel document . A person who has ceased to be a recognised refugee under this Act shall not be issued with a travel document , and if such person is in possession of a travel document , he or she shall surrender it to the immigration office. For the purposes of this section, " travel document " means a travel document issued under or in accordance with article 28 of the Geneva Convention .

Section 31Verify source

§ 32Rights and obligations of refugees - Rights of refugee childrenProvision

Refugee children are entitled to enjoy rights and freedoms; they are to receive the same treatment as nationals for elementary education; children and unaccompanied minors shall be issued identification documents according to principles for recognised refugees.

Section Rights of refugee children Section Every refugee child is entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms contained in— Refugee children shall be accorded the same treatment as nationals with respect to elementary education . the Children Act, Cap. 59 ; the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child , 1981; the Convention on the Rights of the Child , 1989; and the Geneva Convention , Identification documents for children and unaccompanied minors shall be issued in accordance with the principles applicable to a recognised refugee .

Section 32Verify source

§ 33Rights and obligations of refugees - Rights of women refugeesProvision

A woman refugee is entitled to equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms across economic, social, cultural, civil and other fields, as provided in the Constitution, relevant Ugandan laws, and international and regional instruments to which Uganda is a party.

Section Rights of women refugees Section A woman refugee is entitled to equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in economic, social, cultural, civil or any other fields as provided for in the Constitution and other relevant laws in force in Uganda and international and regional instruments to which Uganda is a party, and in particular the following— A woman refugee shall have equal opportunities and access to procedures relating to refugee status; and affirmative action shall be taken to protect women refugees from gender discriminating practices . the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979; and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights , 1981.

Section 33Verify source

§ 34Rights and obligations of refugees - Personal statusProvision

A recognised refugee's personal status is governed by the law of their domicile or, if none, by the law in force in Uganda; rights previously acquired that depend on personal status, especially marriage rights, shall be respected subject to Uganda law.

Section Personal status Section The personal status of a recognised refugee shall be governed by the law of the country of his or her domicile or, if he or she has no domicile, by the law currently in force in Uganda. All rights previously acquired by a refugee and dependent on personal status, particularly rights attaching to marriage, shall be respected, subject to the laws of Uganda.

Section 34Verify source

§ 35Rights and obligations of refugees - Duties and obligations of refugeeProvision

A recognised refugee must follow Uganda's laws and public order measures, refrain from political activities and actions harming state security or public interests, and must pay taxes if employed or otherwise earning income.

Section Duties and obligations of refugee Section Subject to this Act, a recognised refugee shall— be bound by and conform to all laws and regulations currently in force in Uganda; conform to measures taken for the maintenance of public order; not engage in activities which may endanger state security, harm public interests or disrupt public order; not engage in any political activities within Uganda, whether at local or national level; not engage in any activity contrary to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Statute of the African Union, and in particular, shall not undertake any political activities within Uganda against any country, including his or her country of origin; and if engaged in gainful employment or fully integrated and has a source of income, pay taxes in accordance with the applicable tax laws of Uganda.

Section 35Verify source

§ 36Rights and obligations of refugees - Rights of family member of refugeeProvision

A member of the family of a recognised refugee is entitled to the same rights and subject to the same obligations as the recognised refugee.

Section Rights of family member of refugee Section A member of the family of a recognised refugee is entitled to the same rights and subject to the same obligations as the recognised refugee .

Section 36Verify source

Part VI

Miscellaneous

§ 37Miscellaneous - Principles of international instruments to be followedProvision

The Eligibility Committee and the Appeals Board must be guided by principles set out in relevant international conventions or instruments when exercising their functions under this Act.

Section Principles of international instruments to be followed Section In the exercise of their functions under this Act, the Eligibility Committee and the Appeals Board shall be guided by the principles laid down in relevant or applicable international conventions or instruments.

Section 37Verify source

§ 38Miscellaneous - Prosecution for unlawful entry or presence in UgandaProvision

Proceedings must not be instituted or continued against any person (or their family member) for unlawful entry or presence in Uganda if they intend to apply for refugee status under this Act or have been granted refugee status.

Section Prosecution for unlawful entry or presence in Uganda Section Notwithstanding the provisions of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, Cap. 66 , proceedings shall not be instituted or continued against any person or any member of the family of any such person in respect of his or her unlawful entry or presence in Uganda if that person— intends to make an application to be recognised as a refugee under this Act; or has been granted refugee status. Any person who, having applied and exhausted all rights for the grant of refugee status under this Act, fails to be recognised as a refugee and unlawfully continues to stay in Uganda, shall be dealt with under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, Cap. 66 , or any other applicable law.

Section 38Verify source

§ 39Miscellaneous - Procedure for withdrawal of recognition of refugee statusProvision

The Eligibility Committee may withdraw recognition of a person as a refugee for material misrepresentation; the Committee must serve written notice, invite written representations within fourteen days, and the person may appeal to the Appeals Board within seven days.

Section Procedure for withdrawal of recognition of refugee status Section Where the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe that a person who has been recognised as a refugee under this Act— Where a case has been referred to the Eligibility Committee under subsection (1) of this section, the Committee shall cause a written notice to be served upon the person whose refugee status is under consideration— The Eligibility Committee — may withdraw the recognition of that person as a refugee on the grounds of misrepresentation of facts of a material or substantial nature regarding— In any appeal under subsection (5) of this section, the Appeals Board may— should not have been so recognised; or has ceased to be a refugee under this Act, informing that person of the fact that his or her refugee status is under consideration for withdrawal; and inviting that person to make written representations regarding his or her refugee status to the Eligibility Committee within fourteen days after the date of service of the notice on him or her. shall consider a case referred to it under subsection (1) of this section; may make such inquiries or investigations as it may consider necessary concerning the case; and thereafter his or her nationality, or his or her qualification for refugee status under this Act. The Eligibility Committee shall notify the person concerned in writing of its decision under this section. Any person who is aggrieved by the decision of the Eligibility Committee under this section may, within seven days of being notified of the decision, appeal to the Appeals Board . confirm or set aside the decision of the Eligibility Committee and recommend that the person should still be recognised as a refugee and notify the Eligibility Committee of its decision; refer the matter to the Eligibility Committee for further investigation and advice or recommendations; or make such further enquiries and investigations into the matter as the Board thinks fit.

Section 39Verify source

§ 40Miscellaneous - Expulsion of refugeesProvision

The Minister may order the expulsion of a recognised refugee from Uganda after consulting the Minister responsible for internal affairs and if the Minister considers it necessary or desirable for national security or public order; before doing so the Minister must give due consideration to any representation by the refugee or their representative or the UNHCR representative.

Section Expulsion of refugees Section The Minister may, after consultation with the Minister responsible for internal affairs, order the expulsion of any recognised refugee from Uganda, if the Minister considers the expulsion to be necessary or desirable in the interest of national security or public order. Before ordering the expulsion of a recognised refugee under subsection (1) of this section, the Minister shall give due consideration to any representation made by the refugee concerned or his or her representative or the representative of the UNHCR .

Section 40Verify source

§ 41Miscellaneous - Extradition of refugeesOffence

Extradition requests for recognised refugees may be granted only if the offence was committed in the requesting country; the Minister may deny extradition (subject to any written law) if the offence can be tried in Uganda or if granting it would not be in the public interest.

Section Extradition of refugees Section Where— a country with which Uganda has extradition arrangements or treaty; or an international tribunal, makes a request to Uganda for the extradition of a recognised refugee on the ground that such refugee — is required to answer criminal charges; or has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a serious criminal offence, which is a non-political offence, A request for an extradition under subsection (1) of this section may be granted only if the offence that gave rise to the extradition request was committed in the territory of the requesting country. Subject to the provisions of any written law, the Minister may deny a request for extradition under this section, if the offence for which extradition has been sought can be tried under the laws of Uganda, or if the Minister is of the opinion that it will not be in the public interest to grant the request.

Section 41Verify source

§ 42Miscellaneous - Extradition, return of refugee, etcProvision

No person may be refused entry into, expelled, extradited or returned from Uganda if that person would face persecution or a threat to life or liberty in the destination; where necessary the Minister must take steps to secure admission of such a person into another country of their choice.

Section Extradition, return of refugee, etc Section Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no person shall be refused entry into Uganda, expelled, extradited or returned from Uganda to any other country or subjected to any similar measures if, as a result of such refusal, expulsion, return or other measure, that person is compelled to return to or remain in a country where— he or she may be subjected to persecution on account of race, religion, sex, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; or his or her life, person or liberty would be threatened on account of external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order in a part of or in the whole of that country. Where necessary, the Minister shall take such steps as he or she considers appropriate to ensure that a person referred to in subsection (1) of this section gets admission into another country of his or her choice.

Section 42Verify source

§ 43Miscellaneous - Authorised officersProvision

Authorised officers may search, photograph and question refugees or persons claiming to be refugees, subject to privacy and reasonable-ground limits; certain named officers are authorised and the Minister may designate others; authorised officers must consult the Refugee Eligibility Committee and the office responsible for refugees.

Section Authorised officers Section An authorised officer may, for the purposes of exercising the powers and carrying out his or her duties under this Act, and bearing in mind an individual’s right to privacy of person , home, correspondence, communication and other property— A search of any person or property under subsection (3)(a) of this section shall not be conducted unless the authorised officer concerned has reasonable grounds to believe that the search is necessary for the prevention, investigation or detection of— The officers of the Office , Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, Immigration Officers, District Internal Security Officers and police officers not below the rank of inspector, shall be authorised officers for the purpose of this Act. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette , designate any other public officer or any class of public officers to be authorised officers for the purposes of this Act. An authorised officer shall in the implementation of any provision of this Act consult the Refugee Eligibility Committee and the office responsible for refugees. subject to subsections (5) and (6) of this section, search any person or property; take the photograph of any recognised refugee or asylum seeker or any person who claims to be a refugee under this Act or any member of the family of that person ; and question any recognised refugee or asylum seeker or any person who claims to be a refugee under this Act or any member of the family of that person . a contravention of this Act; or a fraudulent misstatement or concealment by a recognised refugee , asylum seeker or person claiming to be a refugee under this Act or any member of the family of that person , of any fact relevant to his or her identity or status. Where a woman is to be searched under subsection (3) (a), the search shall only be done by an authorised woman officer and shall be conducted with strict regard for decency, and where there is no authorised woman officer available, the search shall be done by a woman specially named for the purpose by an authorised officer .

Section 43Verify source

§ 44Miscellaneous - Settlements and transit centresProvision

The Minister may designate public land as transit centres or refugee settlements; the Commissioner must collaborate with UNHCR, NGOs and others to accommodate and settle refugees; applicants/refugees may apply to the Commissioner to live outside designated areas; authorised refugees may be required to report locally.

Section Settlements and transit centres Section The Minister may, in accordance with the Constitution and any other law, by notice published in the Gazette , designate places or areas on public land to be transit centres or refugee settlements for the purposes of— The Commissioner shall, in collaboration with and the support of non-governmental organisations, the UNHCR , international organisations and the international community— temporarily accommodating persons who have applied for grant of refugee status pending the processing and consideration of their applications by the Eligibility Committee ; and local settlement and integration of refugees whose applications for refugee status have been granted. An applicant or refugee who may wish to stay in a place other than the designated places or areas may apply to the Commissioner for permission to reside in any other part of Uganda. A refugee who is authorised to stay in a place other than a designated place or area under subsection (2) of this section, may be required to report to the local or urban council of the area or to an authorised officer from time to time. where there is need, give relief and assistance to persons whose applications are pending before the Eligibility Committee ; and promote self-reliance among refugees and sustainable development in the affected areas.

Section 44Verify source

§ 45Miscellaneous - Naturalisation of recognised refugeeProvision

The Constitution and other laws on naturalisation apply to recognised refugees.

Section Naturalisation of recognised refugee Section The Constitution and any other law in force in Uganda regulating naturalisation shall apply to the naturalisation of a recognised refugee .

Section 45Verify source

§ 46Miscellaneous - Voluntary repatriation of refugeeProvision

A recognised refugee who wishes to be repatriated must write to the Commissioner; the Commissioner must, consulting UNHCR, arrange repatriation; UNHCR must inform the Commissioner if it receives an application.

Section Voluntary repatriation of refugee Section A recognised refugee who voluntarily wishes to be repatriated shall express his or her wish in writing to the Commissioner who shall, in consultation with UNHCR cause arrangements to be made for the repatriation of that refugee . Where an application for voluntary repatriation is received by the UNHCR , it shall inform the Commissioner accordingly.

Section 46Verify source

§ 47Miscellaneous - Penalty against certain carriersOffence

Carriers who knowingly bring into Uganda a person without a valid travel document are liable to immigration punishment and must carry that person out of Uganda at their own expense; carriers may bring refugees they reasonably believe are seeking asylum.

Section Penalty against certain carriers Section Subject to subsection (2) of this section, any carrier who knowingly carries or transports into Uganda a person without a valid travel document is liable to the punishment prescribed under the law in force in Uganda relating to immigration and is, in addition, responsible for carrying that person out of Uganda at his or her expense. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing a carrier from carrying or transporting into Uganda a refugee whom he or she has reasonable grounds to believe is genuinely seeking asylum. For the purposes of this section, "carrier" means a person who is in charge of a ship, aircraft, train or vehicle arriving from any place outside Uganda;

Section 47Verify source

§ 48Miscellaneous - RegulationsProvision

The Minister may make regulations by statutory instrument; regulations made under subsection (1) shall provide for the listed matters.

Section Regulations Section The Minister may, by statutory instrument, make regulations prescribing matters— Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, regulations made under subsection (1) shall provide for— required or permitted to be prescribed by or under this Act; and necessary or convenient to be prescribed for giving effect to this Act. the exercise of the right of appeal conferred by this Act; procedures at meetings of the Eligibility Committee and the Appeals Board , including the participation at those meetings of the representative in Uganda of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and particular voluntary organisations which are engaged in refugee assistance in Uganda; the procedure for the consideration of applications for the grant of refugee status and the form in which the applications shall be made; quick and accelerated procedure for dealing with applications that are considered to be clearly abusive or manifestly unfounded; the form and issuance of identification and travel documents to refugees and members of their families; the assignment to subcommittees of the Eligibility Committee or to other persons, of the functions relating to the investigation, country of origin information and determination of refugee status; the form of any order or notice required to be served on a refugee under this Act; the surrender of firearms by refugees; the procedure for extradition of refugees; the procedure for affirmative action in the integration of refugee women, refugee children and refugees with disabilities; the procedure for the protection and integration of refugees in host communities for the purpose of self-reliance and sufficiency of the refugees; support by the Government to refugee affected areas to enable them to cope with the impact of the refugees; the integration of refugee concerns in local, national and regional development plans; the procedure for the conduct of voluntary organisations dealing with the Office on matters concerning the activities and welfare of refugees; and the procedure for the meetings and conduct of other organisations or bodies involved in refugee activities; the regulation of user rights of refugees with respect to lands on which they are settled.

Section 48Verify source

§ 49Miscellaneous - Repeal of Cap. 62 and transitional provisionsCommencement

Section Repeal of Cap. 62 and transitional provisions Section Notwithstanding the repeal under subsection (1) of this section— The Control of Alien Refugees Act, Cap. 62, is repealed. any public officer or employee holding office or employment under the repealed Act immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall continue to hold such office or employment as if he or she was appointed or employed under this Act; and any regulations made under the repealed Act shall, in so far as they are consistent with the provisions of this Act, continue in force as if they were made under this Act.

Section 49Verify source

Legislative relationships

6 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

2 instruments

Appeals Board in writing within fourteen days after the date of the decision. Subject to this Act
Section 17
Cap. 62 and transitional provisions Cap. 62 (The Control of Alien Refugees Act
Section 49

G–M

1 instrument

Geneva Convention or the OAU Convention . The procedure laid down in section 39 of this Act
Section 6

N–S

2 instruments

Office as necessary to carry this Act
Section 10
Refugees established under section 7 of this Act
Section 2

T–Z

1 instrument

Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act
Section 38

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