Strengthening Mechanisms for Receiving, Managing, and Integrating Involuntary Migrants Within the Municipal Council
Arua City
Mayor
Lawrence Alonji
Start of Project
05/02/2019
End of Project
2021
Overview
The project seeks to enhance the representation of urban migrants and refugees at the Arua City Development Forum. It aims to achieve the following goals:
Representation of migrants and refugees on school management committees, and provision of internships for Refugee Students.
Capturing the needs of refugees in the City Development Plan and Budget
Incorporating refugees into the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of City Schools, both primary and secondary, since City education services are non-discriminatory.
Providing internship opportunities to refugees in tertiary and other higher institutions of learning to obtain practical skills and experience in various fields.
Expected Impact
Inclusion of migrants and refugees residing in Arua city in urban planning, to enable participatory governance.
Enhanced representation of parents (of approximately 5000 refugee learners, both public and private, as of 2021) on the PTA executive committee.
Successful completion of tertiary and higher education among refugees, and ensuing internships for exposure and confidence development in preparation for employment.
Lessons Learnt
Migrants and refugees should be included in the local census to plan to best meet all neighbours’ needs.
Reported Impact [as of November 2025]
Key achievements include the establishment of a market space, the Tondeka micro-finance facility, representation into City Development Plans III and IV, and facilitating access to dignified livelihood opportunities for migrants, refugees and host communities.
Despite funding gaps and policy constraints limiting formal recognition of urban refugees beyond Kampala, Arua’s approach demonstrates how locally led planning and partnerships can advance self-reliance, social cohesion, and inclusive urban development.
Call to Local Action - Priority Objectives
Improving migration governance and forced displacement protection
Providing access to urban infrastructure, social services, and education regardless of status
Realising socio-economic inclusion
“Refugee participation to the discussion is very well valued in the City Development Forum”