Strengthening Refugee Leadership Through Knowledge, Advocacy, and Collective Action
On 19th -21st hashtag#GNH was honored to participate in the Refugee Rights Training for Leaders organized by in South West Uganda.
The training brought together 45 refugee leaders from hashtag#Nakivale, Kyangwali, Kyaka II, Rwamwanja, and Oruchinga refugee settlements, creating a powerful space for learning, dialogue, and shared experiences around refugee protection and leadership.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored key refugee rights frameworks, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the African Union Convention, and Uganda’s refugee governance system. The discussions helped deepen our understanding of the rights and protections available to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, while also highlighting the importance of accountability and advocacy through mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for advocacy and community engagement..
Beyond policy discussions, the training focused heavily on practical action. Leaders were equipped with skills in community-driven protection, documentation of rights concerns, engagement with authorities, and digital advocacy. We also explored how social media and storytelling can be used to amplify refugee voices and bring attention to the realities faced within refugee communities.
What stood out most was the shared commitment among refugee leaders to continue advocating for dignity, inclusion, protection, and peaceful coexistence within our communities. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions reminded us that informed leadership remains one of the strongest tools for community transformation
