The 2006 refugees act at 15 in Uganda- an Appraisal

Abstract

The Refugees Act was passed in 2006. It has been praised as a progressive law that meets international protection standards. However, after fifteen years, a number of gaps still exist. These gaps have existed since its enactment while others have come as a result of the changing nature and dynamics of the refugee problem. This article argues that after fifteen years, the Act has loopholes like the question of environmental refugees, emphasis on traditional durable solutions, the issue of urban refugees, weak appeals mechanism and the absence of role of local governments among others. These gaps need to be addressed for it to be fully progressive and consistent with Uganda's international obligations. Certain sections of the Actneed to adapt to the new realities of the refugee problem