How Has Uganda Become 'The Most Refugee-Friendly Country In The World'?

How come a small country in the middle of Africa has come to be defined as the most friendly haven for refugees? People, with no possessions or hope, flee to Uganda to be given a permanent work and residence permit and nearly 1000 square meters of land soon after their arrival.

The country's borders are always open. In 2016, no other country took in more migrants than Uganda, a small nation located almost exactly in the middle of Africa. The refugees' journey leads them to an initial reception facility and then, just days later, to land ownership. Each family receives a plot measuring 30 by 30 meters on which they are allowed to build a house and an outhouse. The message is clear: You are welcome to stay — forever if you want.

This is a state policy, generously backed by a large number of international aid organisations. The aim is to prove that such a model works. The Ugandan example also shows a crucial element for such a project to work:

Uganda's refugee policy, which has resulted in the acceptance of almost 1 million South Sudanese war refugees thus far, is informed by their shared culture. Furthermore, many Ugandans are fully aware that there are good reasons to flee to a neighboring country.

But, all is not that rosy in the picture. There have been concerns that some of the aid funds end up in the state coffers and, despite rapid growth, the country may face some deep troubles ahead. 

This story tells us all about the pros and cons of the refugee project.