In Kampala, the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC) is responsible for receiving and processing refugee status applications with UNHCR’s support.
1 Go to the Refugee Desk office
If you arrive in Kampala and wish to seek asylum in Uganda, you must go to the Refugee Desk office, Plot 302 Sentema Road (click here to open the map), Mengo Kampala, and inform the Refugee Eligibility Committee.
Once your request is registered, the REC will issue you a card with your reference number.
2 Register at the OPM and request an appointment
Immediately after receiving your card, report to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to secure an appointment for registration.
At the OPM, your card will be stamped, and the date and time for the registration appointment will be indicated on the back of the card and in the appointment book at OPM.
3 Attend your registration appointment
On the scheduled date, report to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with all family members, including dependents, for registration.
Bring all documents related to family members, such as passports, IDs, birth and marriage certificates and others.
- Individuals who are 18 years and above will be registered separately
Each registered household will be issued with a Temporary Asylum Seeker Attestation bearing the file and case number.
- The asylum seeker attestation will be renewable after 3 months from the date of issue and thereafter every month until a decision on the asylum application is made by the REC.
After registration at OPM, you will be given an appointment for an Eligibility interview for refugee status determination at the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC).
4 Attend your interview with the REC
On your interview appointment at the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC), you will be asked for information about you and your family, about the reason why you left your country of origin or previous residence, and why you believe you could not return.
After the interview, your applications for asylum will be determined by the REC, which will decide if your request for refugee status is approved or rejected.
- It may take 3 months or more for you to receive a decision from REC through OPM.
5 Receive the decision
If the REC accepts your application, you will be granted refugee status in Uganda and can settle in the country:
- If you choose to settle in Kampala, you have the responsibility to present yourself to the Local Council of the area you choose to live in to make yourself known to the authorities.
- If the OPM refers you to a refugee settlement, they will issue a referral letter to a specified settlement, and the African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) will organize the travel arrangements for you and your family.
If the REC rejects your application and if you disagree with their decision, you have the right to appeal to the Refugee Appeals Board.
- If you choose to appeal, you must do so within 30 days of receiving the REC’s notification letter. Delayed appeals require justification and may not be accepted.
How to appeal the decision of the REC?
a. Initiate the process within 30 days
- Get Form E:
- To initiate the appeal process, you must fill in Form E
- Contact OPM, UNHCR, or NRC to get form E. This a link to Uganda: The Refugees Regulations, 2010. which includes the form in page 30.
- Fill out Form E:
- Complete form E and clearly state why you’re appealing.
- UNHCR and NRC can help you fill out the form.
- Submit the Form:
- Send the completed form to the Secretary of the Appeals Board via OPM within 30 days of receiving the REC’s notification letter.
b. Go throught the process
- Wait for the Appeal Date:
- Expect to know your appeal date within 14 days of submitting the form.
- The appeal should be resolved within 60 days of filing.
- Prepare for the Hearing:
- You might need to attend the hearing in person or provide a written statement.
- You can appoint someone to advocate for you at your own cost.
b. Receive the decision
- Receive Decision:
- Anticipate a written decision within 14 days after the hearing.
- Consider Judicial Review:
- If you disagree with the Appeals Board decision, you can apply for judicial review in court.
- UNHCR might be asked to present on your behalf during the appeal process.
- Optional UNHCR Presentation:
Remember, this is a general guide, and it’s crucial to follow any specific instructions provided by the authorities involved in your case.
Please note that ALL services delivered by UNHCR and partners, including registration, are provided for FREE.
