Uganda has been praised by the United Nations and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for its progressive approach to migration, with experts saying the country sets a benchmark for the region.
Speaking during the celebration of International Migrants’ Day under the theme ‘My Great Story: Cultures and Development,’ UN agencies highlighted Uganda’s efforts in ensuring migrants are protected, treated with dignity, and integrated into society.
‘Uganda’s new National Migration Policy and the launch of the Global Compact for Migration Implementation Plan (2024-2028) are landmark achievements, aligning national priorities with global commitments,’ said Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator for Uganda.
‘Uganda’s commitment to safe, regular, and dignified migration sets a regional example through robust policies and collaborative efforts, which uphold the rights and dignity of every migrant,’ Zulu added.
He noted that migration, when managed with care, enriches societies, fuels innovation, and drives sustainable development. ‘This starts with challenging the narratives that dehumanize migrants and replacing them with stories of solidarity,’ he said.
Sanusi Tejan Savage, IOM Uganda Chief of Mission, emphasized the economic and social value of well-managed migration. ‘We all know that well-managed migration is a strategic asset: it strengthens resilience, fuels prosperity, and supports social cohesion,’ he said.
Uganda has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having approved its first-ever National Migration Policy and launched the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Implementation Plan. ‘IOM Uganda is proud to support Uganda in building systems that ensure migrants can find stability, support their families, and build new futures, while helping communities adapt and thrive,’ Savage said.
Patrick Okello, Commissioner for Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister, said migration is central to Uganda’s socioeconomic development and regional integration. Uganda hosts nearly two million refugees, the largest population in Africa.
‘Uganda recognizes migration as a catalyst for growth and continues to adopt policies that maximize its benefits while mitigating associated challenges,’ he said, citing economic opportunities, climate change, environmental degradation, and post-displacement as key drivers of movement.
Okello further noted that the country has strengthened efforts to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling, ensuring that migration is orderly, systematic, and well-coordinated.
‘Through the national coordination mechanism, Uganda has made significant progress in migration governance and management,’ he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to policies that protect migrants while safeguarding national interests.