Cavendish University Uganda Champions Refugee Inclusion Through Higher Education Dialogue

In a significant step towards advancing inclusive higher education, Cavendish University Uganda convened students, academics, and stakeholders to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the educational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda.

Held on June 11th, 2026, through the Faculty of Socio-Economic Sciences in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung under the Regional Program Security Dialogue for East Africa, the workshop titled “Refugees in Uganda’s Universities: Asylum Status, Protection Challenges, and the Right to Education” provided a platform for critical dialogue on one of the most pressing issues facing displaced learners today.

The engagement brought together refugee and foreign students from universities across Uganda, including Makerere University, Nkumba University, Victoria University, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kampala International University (KIU), St. Lawrence University, ISBAT University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Cavendish University Uganda, among others.

Against the backdrop of Uganda’s progressive refugee policy framework and its position as one of Africa’s leading refugee-hosting countries, participants explored the realities of accessing higher education while navigating asylum-related and protection challenges. The discussions highlighted both the resilience of refugee students and the need for stronger institutional and policy interventions to support their academic success.

Throughout the workshop, participants shared lived experiences, identified barriers affecting access and participation in higher education, and generated recommendations aimed at strengthening inclusion, protection, and support systems within universities. The dialogue underscored the transformative power of education as a tool for empowerment, social mobility, and sustainable development. It also reaffirmed the responsibility of higher education institutions to create learning environments where all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, can thrive.

As a university committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact, Cavendish University Uganda continues to provide platforms that foster meaningful dialogue, encourage knowledge exchange, and contribute to solutions that address contemporary societal challenges. The workshop concluded with a collective call for stronger collaboration among universities, policymakers, development partners, and communities to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are not only able to access higher education but are also supported to complete their studies and realise their full potential.