دليل التوعية المجتمعية للحقوق القانونيةICLA Community Awareness Manual

1. Report to a Reception Centre or Refugee Desk for first registration.
2. Asylum-seeker registration is recorded and an appointment is given.
3. Interview before the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC) at OPM.
4. Family Attestation and Asylum Seeker Certificate are issued.
5. If recognised: a biometric Refugee ID Card is issued (age 16+).

The temporary document is valid for 90 days, then renewable every 2 months until status is decided. The Refugee ID and Attestation must be renewed before expiry — a lapsed document can block services, SIM-card registration and banking.

• Office of the Prime Minister — main office, Kampala: +256 417 770 500 · Toll-free: 0800 100 350
• Refugee settlement (camp) Directors
• Refugee settlement (camp) Managers
• Refugee community leaders

1. Go to the OPM Department of Refugees, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road, Old Kampala (outside Kampala: the nearest Refugee Desk or Reception Centre). Go early and carry any ID or travel document you have.
2. Give your name, nationality, family members and reasons for flight. Ask for your appointment date and keep the slip safely.
3. Return on the appointment date with every family member for registration and the interview before the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC).
4. Collect your Asylum Seeker Certificate and Family Attestation. Check every name and date of birth before leaving the counter.
5. If recognised, collect your biometric Refugee ID (age 16+). Photocopy everything and keep originals safe.
6. Diarise the expiry date and renew early. Report every change — birth, marriage, divorce, death, new address, lost card — to OPM.

• Any passport, ID, birth certificate, school or professional papers you have (originals and copies).
• For renewals: your current Asylum Seeker Certificate / Family Attestation / Refugee ID.
• For a lost card: a short written account of how it was lost; ask OPM what else it needs.

• Cost: registration with OPM and all services delivered by UNHCR and its partners are free. Never pay a "fixer".
• Missed appointment or long queue: return with your slip, explain, and ask for a new date in writing.
• Wrong names or dates: ask OPM to correct them and bring any supporting document.
• Lapsed document: go to OPM at once and carry a copy of the old one.
• Complaints or feedback: UNHCR free helpline 0800 32 32 32.

• OPM Headquarters: Plot 9–11 Apollo Kaggwa Road, P.O. Box 341, Kampala · +256 417 770 500 · Toll-free 0800 100 350 · ps@opm.go.ug · www.opm.go.ug
• OPM Department of Refugees: Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road, Old Kampala.
• Regional offices: Hoima Refugee Desk +256 465 440 544 · Gulu Regional Office +256 471 432 197.
• UNHCR Uganda: Plot 11/13 Mackenzie Close, Kololo, Kampala · P.O. Box 3813 · help.unhcr.org/uganda

1. Stay calm. Show your Asylum Seeker Certificate, Family Attestation or Refugee ID — keep the original in your hand and give photocopies if a document must be held.
2. Say clearly that you are registered with OPM and ask the officer to verify with OPM (+256 417 770 500).
3. Ask for the officer's name and number. Do not pay any "fine" or "facilitation".
4. If detained, ask to call a legal-aid provider (Refugee Law Project, NRC, or LASPNET 0800 100 155) and OPM.
5. Report mistreatment or demands for money to OPM or the UNHCR helpline 0800 32 32 32.

• An expired temporary document being mistaken for "illegal stay” renew early and keep a copy of the last valid document.
• Employers, banks or landlords demanding a passport, visa or work permit — show the Refugee ID and explain that refugees do not need a work permit.
• Checkpoints and spot checks — always carry a copy of your document.

• National Identification Card (National ID)
• Birth Certificate
• Ugandan Passport

• Register the business/company with URSB.
• Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) where applicable.
• Obtain the relevant trading licence.
• Register for applicable taxes.
• Comply with employment laws if workers are employed.
• Obtain sector-specific licences where the business is regulated.

1. Collect your birth certificate (or other proof of citizenship) and proof of residence such as an LC1 letter.
2. Go to the nearest NIRA office (NIRA HQ: Independence Grounds, Kololo, Kampala).
3. Complete the application and have your photo and fingerprints taken.
4. Keep the acknowledgement slip. For follow-up call NIRA toll-free 0800 211 700 or write to info@nira.go.ug.

1. Register the business name or company with URSB (www.ursb.go.ug).
2. Get a Tax Identification Number (TIN) — free at URA or on www.ura.go.ug.
3. Obtain the trading licence from the local authority and any sector licence.
4. Register for taxes with URA and, if you employ staff, register them with NSSF.

• Note for refugees: your Refugee ID / Family Attestation is your identity document; a Ugandan National ID is not required to prove refugee status.

• Movement: carry valid documents; tell OPM when you change address.
• Work and business: refugees do not need a work permit. Show your Refugee ID and ask for a written contract and payslips.
• Education: enrol children at public schools; ask in writing if refused.
• Courts and legal aid: you have the same access to courts as nationals (see Section 14).
• Property and contracts: put leases, loans and business deals in writing and keep copies.
• Protection from forced return: if threatened with deportation, contact OPM and a legal-aid provider immediately.

• Employer or bank refuses the Refugee ID → ask for the policy in writing, show an OPM letter, contact legal aid.
• Informal payments demanded for free services → refuse, ask for a receipt and report.
• Discrimination by a landlord or neighbours → record dates and witnesses, involve the LC1, then legal aid.
• Language barrier → ask for an interpreter at the service point or legal-aid office.

Refugee status is not necessarily permanent. Under section 6 of the Refugees Act, it may cease when a person: voluntarily re-avails themselves of the protection of their country of nationality; voluntarily re-establishes themselves there; acquires another nationality and receives its protection; or when the circumstances that gave rise to refugee status have fundamentally ceased — subject to the statutory requirements.

• Renew your documents before they expire.
• Report births, marriages, divorces, deaths and address changes to OPM.
• Keep originals safe and carry copies; report a lost card to OPM — do not buy a "replacement".
• Pay tax on your income and keep payslips and receipts.
• Register every child born in Uganda.
• Respect your tenancy agreement and your neighbours.
• Ask legal aid before joining any political group or activity.

• Not knowing which duties apply → ask OPM or a facilitator before acting.
• Missing renewal deadlines → set phone reminders a month before expiry.
• Paying brokers → all OPM and UNHCR services are free.

• Data protection covers photos, videos, trademarks, documents and information — seek consent first.
• Community visits: seek permission from local leaders first.

1. Identify the event (birth, marriage or death) and get the proof of it: health-facility notification, sub-county record, or notice of marriage.
2. Collect the checklist documents for that event (Sections 07, 08 and 13).
3. Apply at a NIRA office (marriages: marriages.nira.go.ug).
4. Pay only through the official payment channel and keep the receipt.
5. Check spellings on the certificate before leaving; make copies.

• NIRA Headquarters: Independence Grounds (Kololo Airstrip), Kampala · Toll-free 0800 211 700 · info@nira.go.ug · www.nira.go.ug
• Marriage registration moved from URSB to NIRA in 2025 — ask which office or portal handles your case.

1. The health facility records the birth.
2. The health facility issues a Birth Notification Record.
3. The parent takes the notification and the child to the OPM/UNHCR registration desk.
4. The child is added to the family's refugee registration/attestation.
5. The parent goes to the relevant sub-county for the short birth certificate.
6. The parent presents the short certificate and birth notification to NIRA for the long birth certificate.

• Valid Refugee IDs; two adult witnesses with valid identification.
• Recent passport-size photographs of the bride and groom.
• An LC1 letter confirming residence in the marriage district and the period of residence.
• Registered affidavits by the intending spouses.
• Where applicable, original or certified divorce decrees or death certificates.
• A Letter of Confirmation of Declared Marital Status from OPM.
• Certified English translations of documents written in another language.

• Birth Notification Record from the health facility.
• Parents' IDs (Refugee ID / Family Attestation or National ID).
• Updated Family Attestation showing the child.
• Short birth certificate from the sub-county (for the long certificate at NIRA).
• Cost: birth registration is free and compulsory.

• Many children hold only a birth notification and never get a certificate — complete all six steps above.
• Late registration → ask NIRA what extra proof is needed; legal aid can help if refused.
• Marriage requirements vary by office → confirm with NIRA; some offices also ask for a Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) letter.
• For full guidance on marriage and divorce see Section 13.

The medical facility records the death, notifies the relevant registration officer and issues a Death Notification Record. A medical cause-of-death document is also required. Then apply to NIRA for the death certificate.

Where the death occurs outside a medical facility, the sub-county chief / town clerk records the death, notifies the registration officer and issues a Death Notification Record.

• Death Notification Record.
• Medical cause of death from the attending doctor, or a post-mortem report where applicable.
• Identification documents as required by NIRA.
• Proof of refugee status.

1. Inform the family, a community leader and the health facility or sub-county chief at once.
2. Obtain the Death Notification Record and the medical cause-of-death document.
3. Take them with IDs of the deceased and next of kin, and proof of refugee status, to NIRA — the certificate is free.
4. Report the death to OPM/UNHCR with the certificate so the household record is updated.
5. Keep the certificate for inheritance, banking and other claims.

• Burial arranged before any notification is issued → ask the sub-county chief or facility for the notification first.
• Family disagreement over property → use LC1 mediation, then legal aid.

• Give a written tenancy agreement & rent receipts.
• Keep the premises habitable and in repair.
• Ensure the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the property.
• Pay property taxes & rates (reimburse the tenant if the tenant paid).
• Give 60 days' written notice before any rent increase (max 10% per year).
• Refund the deposit (capped at 1 month's rent) within 45 days of exit.
• No unlawful eviction — penalty up to 3 months' rent.

• Pay rent on the agreed date; keep proof of payment.
• Keep the premises reasonably clean.
• No alterations, subletting or assignment without written consent.
• Report damage to the landlord promptly.
• Pay utility bills unless otherwise agreed.

• A tenant cannot be asked for more than 3 months' rent in advance.
• Agreements worth 25+ currency points must be in writing.

1. Check the owner (ask to see the title, sale agreement or an LC1 introduction) and inspect the property.
2. Agree the rent, due date, deposit, notice period and who pays utilities — in writing.
3. Pay by mobile money or bank where possible and get a receipt every time.
4. On move-in, take dated photos and list existing damage; both sign.
5. If a problem arises, write to the landlord (keep a copy), then ask the LC1 chairperson to mediate.
6. If unresolved, contact legal aid (Section 14) before leaving or withholding rent.

• ID or Refugee ID; signed agreement (two copies); rent receipts.
• Move-in photos / inventory; landlord's contact and proof of ownership.

• Verbal agreements → insist on writing.
• Demands for a passport, work permit or a higher "refugee rent" → refuse; the Act protects all tenants.
• Sudden eviction or lock-out → this is unlawful; call legal aid at once.
• Deposit not returned within 45 days → write a demand letter, then legal aid.

5% employee contribution, deducted before PAYE, held for the employee's pension.

Always ask for a payslip and confirm deductions were actually remitted to URA/NSSF.

1. Get a TIN (free) at URA or on www.ura.go.ug; bring your Refugee ID or other valid ID.
2. Give your TIN to your employer and ask for a monthly payslip.
3. Check that PAYE and NSSF deductions match the payslip.
4. If self-employed, register with URA and file returns through its online services.
5. Keep payslips and receipts as proof of income and compliance.

• URA, Plot M193/4 Nakawa Industrial Area, Kampala · Toll-free 0800 117 000 / 0800 217 000 · 0417 444 602 · WhatsApp 0772 140 000 · services@ura.go.ug · www.ura.go.ug
• Employer deducts but does not remit → keep payslips and report to URA / NSSF.
• Informal workers unsure of their duties → ask URA or a facilitator before filing.

• Free treatment at public health centres, clinics & hospitals.
• Same basis of access as Ugandan nationals.
• Carry your attestation / refugee ID or National ID to the facility.

• Refugee children enrol in public primary & secondary schools alongside host-community children, on the Ugandan curriculum.
• University access via standard admission plus scholarship schemes (e.g. DAFI).

1. Go to the nearest government health centre or hospital with your Refugee ID / attestation or National ID.
2. Register at reception and state your status if asked.
3. If asked to pay for a free service, request an official receipt and speak to the in-charge.
4. Report repeated refusals to the UNHCR helpline 0800 32 32 32 or to legal aid.

1. Visit the head teacher of the nearest public school.
2. Bring the birth notification or certificate, Family Attestation and previous school reports.
3. If refused, ask for the reason in writing and contact legal aid.
4. For university, apply through standard admission and ask UNHCR partners about scholarships such as DAFI.

Free drafting of tenancy agreements and contracts.

Reviewing agreements/contracts made by landlords and advising accordingly and adequately.

1. Write a short summary with dates and bring every document you have.
2. Call LASPNET toll-free 0800 100 155 (Mon–Sat) for a referral, or visit the Refugee Law Project in Old Kampala.
3. Do not pay for services that are offered free.
4. Full contacts are in Section 14.

1. Both parties collect the documents in the checklist below.
2. Register the marriage affidavits (URSB) and file the Notice of Marriage with NIRA (marriages.nira.go.ug).
3. The notice is displayed for 21 days; a special licence can waive the wait.
4. The ceremony takes place before the registrar, Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, with two adult witnesses.
5. Collect the certificate and check every spelling.
6. Report the marriage to OPM so the Family Attestation is updated.

• Refugee ID and Family Attestation (refugee party); National ID or passport (Ugandan party).
• OPM Letter of Confirmation of Declared Marital Status for the refugee party.
• Registered marriage affidavits for both parties.
• LC1 letters confirming residence in the district (at least 15 days).
• One passport photo each; valid IDs of two adult witnesses.
• Divorce decree or death certificate of any former spouse; parental consent where a party is under 21.
• Certified English translations of Arabic or other-language documents.

• Civil marriage: UGX 260,000 where at least one party is Ugandan or a refugee (celebration 200,000 + notice 10,000 + certificate 25,000 + registration 25,000).
• Special licence waiving the 21 days: an additional UGX 300,000.
• Customary marriage registration: UGX 20,000 within six months; UGX 40,000 after.
• Muslim marriage or divorce returns: reported UGX 35,000 per copy.

• The Marriage and Divorce of Mohammedans Act applies when both parties profess Islam and neither is already married to someone else under another law.
• The marriage is celebrated under Islamic rites and the mosque issues its certificate.
• Apply to register the marriage — and any later divorce — within one month, with the mosque cover letter and IDs.
• An unregistered Muslim marriage is not automatically invalid, but registration is needed to prove it to OPM, courts and schools.
• A person in a subsisting Muslim marriage cannot validly contract a civil or church marriage; if one party is not Muslim, use a civil or customary marriage.

1. Choose the route: Islamic rites (both Muslim), or civil, church or customary marriage.
2. The refugee party gets the OPM marital-status letter; do not contact the Sudanese authorities.
3. Translate Arabic documents into English and have them certified; make names match across all documents.
4. Customary marriage: complete the customs, then register with the sub-county chief or town clerk within six months.
5. If either party is already married (customary, Muslim or civil), get legal advice first — a second marriage can be invalid.
6. Marriage does not automatically end refugee status or give citizenship; seek advice before applying for either.

• Civil and church marriages: dissolved by a court; start with mediation or legal aid.
• Customary marriages: family or clan processes, with courts for children and property.
• Muslim marriages: divorce through the religious authority, then register it within one month.
• Report any divorce to OPM and keep the decree or certificate — you need it to remarry.
• Custody and maintenance follow the best interests of the child; for domestic violence contact the police or legal aid.

• Religious-only weddings never registered → register within the deadline.
• Documents lost at home → use OPM attestation records and sworn affidavits.
• Fixers charging extra → pay only through official channels.
• Verbal divorce is not recognised for civil marriages.

1. Summarise the problem in a few lines with dates and names.
2. Bring your Refugee ID, attestation and every related document (agreement, receipts, certificates).
3. Call the toll-free LASPNET line first if you do not know which organisation to approach.
4. Ask for an interpreter if you need one and keep a note of who advised you and when.