Forced to flee their homes, refugees and displaced persons often leave behind more than just memories - they may also leave behind evidence of the qualifications that once gave them hope for the future. For many refugees and displaced individuals in Uganda, the loss or lack of recognition of their qualifications and learning can be a significant barrier to rebuilding their lives and integrating in host communities.
With the introduction of the UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP), refugees in the country are being given a second chance to carve out a pathway to higher education and employment. The UQP provides a universal tool to recognize skills and qualifications, using a standardized methodology, providing successful applicants with a universally recognized document to support them to access education and employment, leading to a brighter future in Uganda and, for some, abroad.
On 13 February 2025, 49 individuals were awarded the UNESCO Qualifications Passport at a ceremony in Kampala, officiated by the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo and attended by other key education partners.
"Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in Uganda's journey towards inclusive education,” stated Minister Muyingo, reaffirming the government's commitment to making education, including higher and tertiary education, accessible to all, with a special focus on those who have been forcibly displaced.
"Refugees worldwide are confronted with numerous barriers to higher education," said Ms. Louise Haxthausen, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa and Representative to Uganda.
That only 7% of refugees globally are enrolled in tertiary education is an alarming statistic that reflects systemic challenges, including financial, administrative, and social obstacles, that disproportionately affect vulnerable youth and hinder their access to lifelong learning.
Louise stated that UNESCO’s Qualifications Passport stands as a vital tool, helping refugees and other vulnerable groups overcome barriers to education and employment.
Since the launch of the UQP initiative in late 2022, Uganda has made progress in promoting inclusive higher education for vulnerable youth, aligning with the country's legal and policy frameworks. The Ministry of Education and Sports has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward, with the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO playing a role in coordinating efforts.
The UQP initiative has served as a driver for the introduction of the Uganda Qualifications Framework, which will act as a standardized framework for recognition of qualifications, learning and skills for refugees and displaced individuals.
Renewed hope for the future
Refugees and displaced persons in Uganda currently face many obstacles that hinder their ability to access education, employment, and social services, including language barriers, stigma and discrimination, and social and financial exclusion.
Mr. Elizie Baguma, a former primary school teacher from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, shared his story of displacement, leading to him seeking refuge in Uganda in 2016. He recounted the loss of his belongings and loved ones amidst the protracted conflict in the region. “When war broke out, I had to leave everything behind and the nearest country where I felt safe was Uganda. When I arrived, I faced many challenges including because I couldn’t speak English. I had to rebuild my life from scratch, taking computer courses to enhance my skills. However, securing employment proved difficult.”
Mr. Baguma highlighted the positive impact of the UQP: “The UQP will empower refugees like me to integrate into the Ugandan job market and explore further education opportunities. This has granted us hope to rebuild our lives and contribute to our community.”
Looking to the future
Participants at the event were united in their call for the adoption, widespread promotion and integration of the UNESCO Qualification Passport into government policy and frameworks in Uganda and the region.
I would like to encourage all recipients of the UQP to work towards upgrading your standards and qualification to fit into labour market.”
The UNESCO Qualification Passport is our project and a government position because it is good for the socio-economic transformation and integration of the East African Region.
