Uganda: immigration

How many refugees are in Uganda?

Uganda hosted 1,961,518 refugees and asylum seekers in 529,083 households on 31 October 2025, according to the Office of the Prime Minister's Department of Refugees. That was 1,921,017 refugees and 40,501 asylum seekers.

The office says 91% live in settlements and 9% in urban areas, mainly around Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono, and that Kampala hosts 157,803 refugees and asylum seekers. 55.1% come from South Sudan and 30.9% from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR's figures for the end of 2025 are 1,936,719 refugees and 35,249 asylum seekers.

Official sources: Office of the Prime Minister: Refugee Management · UNHCR population data: in Uganda

Where do refugees in Uganda come from?

1,033,579 of the refugees in Uganda at the end of 2025 came from South Sudan and 644,537 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to UNHCR population data by country of origin, read on 15 October 2026. Next came Sudan (92,692), Somalia (48,253) and Burundi (43,677).

Eritrea had 38,347 refugees and 17,954 asylum seekers in Uganda. The Office of the Prime Minister says refugees in Uganda come from 34 countries, and that women and children make up 78% of the refugee population. The two sources count at slightly different dates.

Official sources: UNHCR population data: refugees in Uganda by origin, 2025 · Office of the Prime Minister: Refugee Management

How much is a Uganda tourist visa?

A single-entry Uganda tourist visa costs US$50, according to the National Citizenship and Immigration Control. It can be granted for up to 3 months and is applied for online.

Visa fees are not refundable, and bank charges apply. An approval must be used within 90 days or it is cancelled and a new application is needed. Applicants need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a photograph and documents for the purpose of the trip. Since 2 October 2026, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer required for entry, according to NCIC.

Official sources: NCIC: Uganda tourist visa · NCIC: yellow fever notice, 2 October 2026

How much is a Ugandan passport?

An ordinary Ugandan passport costs Shs 250,000, according to the National Citizenship and Immigration Control. Express processing costs an extra Shs 150,000, paid separately at a bank.

Applications are made online through the passport portal, with a National ID or National Identification Number and a recommendation letter. After paying at a bank, applicants book an appointment and attend a passport centre for enrolment. Children need a birth certificate and their parents' IDs and consent.

Official sources: NCIC: ordinary passport

Does Uganda allow dual citizenship?

Yes. A Ugandan applying for dual citizenship pays an application fee of US$200, according to the National Citizenship and Immigration Control. A non-Ugandan pays a non-refundable US$200 and, if approved, US$5,000.

Applications are made online through the e-Immigration portal. Citizenship by naturalisation is a separate route: NCIC lists evidence of 20 years' residence in Uganda, including 24 months of continuous stay before applying, and an application fee of Shs 100,000. The rules come from the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act.

Official sources: NCIC: dual citizenship · NCIC: citizenship by naturalisation

What share of Uganda's population are immigrants?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Uganda was 4.1% in 2024. That compares with 2.2% in 2015. It is 11th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.2%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 101st highest.

How many people move to Uganda each year?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -119,059. Since 2005 it has ranged from -176,579 (2013) to 123,379 (2016). It is 47th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -5,646. World rank, highest first: 180th of 193.

How many refugees are in Uganda?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 1.94 million. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Uganda placed 1st highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 169.

How many refugees come from Uganda?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 12,792. The peak was 34,208 in 2005 and the low 5,588 in 2012. It is 24th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 12,726. Worldwide: 58th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Uganda?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Uganda was 4.5% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 5.0% of GDP; its low point was 2024, at 2.7% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.6% of GDP; Uganda is 6th highest of 20. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 37th highest.