Lasting Impact: Uganda’s Leadership on Refugee Self-Reliance and Cash Transfer

As part of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with GiveDirectly, and with the Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG/ODI) as a key partner, will convene a high-level side event to spotlight Uganda’s pioneering efforts in advancing refugee self-reliance through innovative cash transfer programming.

Uganda is globally recognized for its progressive refugee policies, which grant refugees freedom of movement, access to work, land, and essential services.  Building on this foundation, Uganda has pioneered large-scale Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs) to strengthen refugee self-reliance, stimulate local markets, and foster social cohesion between refugees and host communities.

This side event will convene governments, development partners, philanthropic actors, and civil society. The discussions will highlight new evidence, including the ODI brief “Make Aid Go Further: Supercharge the Impact of Cash,” and showcase Uganda’s experience as a replicable model for advancing the SDGs, African Union Agenda 2063, and humanitarian-development coherence.

Participants will explore how cash-first approaches can bridge humanitarian relief and long-term development, while mobilizing sustainable financing to scale up innovative refugee responses globally.

Express your interest to participate through: [email protected]