Uganda ReSET Project: A Major Funding Opportunity for Refugee Support
Organizations dedicated to improving the lives of refugees and host communities in Uganda have a significant chance to secure funding through the Uganda Refugee Support, Empowerment and Transformation (ReSET) Project. The British High Commission in Kampala, working with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has announced a call for proposals. This initiative aims to address urgent humanitarian needs while also building long-term resilience and self-reliance for refugee populations and the communities that host them.
With up to £20 million available over two and a half years, the ReSET Project represents a substantial funding opportunity focused on refugees in Uganda. The program is designed to support vulnerable refugees, strengthen host communities, and contribute to Uganda’s well-regarded refugee policies. Interested organizations must submit their concept notes by June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time.
Understanding the Uganda ReSET Programme
The Uganda ReSET Programme is a partnership between the United Kingdom and the Government of Uganda. It aims to help Uganda move from a primarily humanitarian approach to refugee support towards a more sustainable model focused on resilience, empowerment, and self-reliance. Uganda is known internationally for its progressive refugee policies, which offer rights and opportunities often not found elsewhere. However, rising numbers of refugees and limited resources present challenges that need creative and lasting solutions. The ReSET Programme seeks to help refugees become more self-sufficient while continuing to meet their essential humanitarian needs. The project’s business case was approved in March 2026, and funded activities will take place from August 2026 to March 2029.
Funding Details and Objectives
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), through the British High Commission Kampala, is providing up to £20 million for the ReSET Programme. This funding will be distributed over approximately 2.5 years, from August 2026 to March 2029, and is focused on Uganda. Eligible applicants include NGOs registered with the Uganda NGO Bureau.
The ReSET Programme has two main pillars, and organizations can choose to focus on one or both:
Pillar 1: Meeting Core Humanitarian Needs
This pillar focuses on providing critical humanitarian support to the most vulnerable refugees and affected host communities. Activities may include:
Food Security Support
Projects can aim to improve access to food for vulnerable groups, reduce food insecurity in refugee households, support nutrition programs, and address emergency food needs for new arrivals.
Protection Services
Interventions may cover child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, legal protection services, and community-based protection systems, with a focus on vulnerable individuals.
Multisectoral Humanitarian Assistance
Applicants are encouraged to develop integrated responses that combine various services to meet urgent humanitarian needs effectively. Special attention should be given to newly arrived refugees, vulnerable women and girls, persons with disabilities, youth, and host communities impacted by humanitarian crises.
Pillar 2: Building Self-Reliance and Resilience
This pillar aims to help refugees and host communities reduce their reliance on humanitarian aid. The goal is to enable economically vulnerable households to build sustainable livelihoods and become more resilient to future challenges. Potential areas for intervention include:
Economic Empowerment
Projects could support income generation, entrepreneurship, vocational training, financial inclusion, and skills development.
Livelihood Strengthening
This might involve initiatives in agricultural development, improving market access, developing value chains, business incubation, and creating employment opportunities.
Resilience Building
Organizations can propose activities that improve household resilience, strengthen community coping mechanisms, enhance disaster preparedness, and reduce vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.
Cross-Cutting Themes and Priorities
All projects funded by the ReSET Programme must align with several important cross-cutting priorities:
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Applicants need to show how their projects will promote gender equality, empower women and girls, increase opportunities for marginalized groups, and ensure inclusive participation.
Climate Resilience
Projects should incorporate climate-smart approaches and help communities adapt to environmental changes.
Social Cohesion
Successful proposals should aim to strengthen positive relationships between refugees and host communities.
Localization
Organizations are encouraged to include local leadership and community-driven solutions in their project designs and how they are carried out.
Alignment with Government Priorities
Proposals must demonstrate how they fit with the Government of Uganda’s policies, national refugee frameworks, International Financial Institution priorities, and existing development strategies.
Eligibility and Application Process
The ReSET call for proposals is open to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), National Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs). A key requirement is that all applicants must have valid registration with the Uganda NGO Bureau.
The British High Commission welcomes applications from individual organizations, partnerships, and consortia. Working in a consortium can help combine different expertise and increase the overall impact of proposed projects.
Organizations must submit an Expression of Interest through a concept note. This concept note should not exceed seven pages and must include a clear implementation strategy, expected outcomes, alignment with ReSET objectives, budget considerations, and information about the organization’s capacity. Applicants can propose activities under Pillar 1 only, Pillar 2 only, or both pillars.
Significance of the ReSET Funding
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa and is recognized for its inclusive policies. However, increasing humanitarian needs require innovative methods that not only address immediate needs but also create sustainable paths toward independence and resilience. The UK Government’s ReSET Programme aims to improve humanitarian outcomes, strengthen economic opportunities, enhance social cohesion, promote gender equality, build climate resilience, and support long-term development solutions. This initiative represents a significant investment in creating lasting solutions for refugees and host communities while reinforcing Uganda’s refugee response system.
Key Benefits for Applicants
Organizations selected for the ReSET funding may gain access to a pool of up to £20 million. The program offers a long-term implementation period of about 2.5 years, providing an opportunity to influence refugee policy and development outcomes. It supports both humanitarian and development programming, increases visibility through partnership with the UK Government, and offers the potential for large-scale impact. Consortium approaches also provide opportunities for collaboration.
Important Deadline
Organizations must submit their concept notes no later than 16 June 2026 at 11:59 PM East Africa Time (EAT). Late submissions may not be considered. For questions, applicants can contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uganda ReSET Project?
The Uganda ReSET Project is a funding initiative by the British High Commission in Kampala to support refugees and host communities in Uganda, aiming to improve humanitarian aid and build long-term resilience.
How much funding is available through the ReSET Project?
Up to £20 million is available through the ReSET Project, to be distributed over approximately two and a half years, from August 2026 to March 2029.
What are the main focus areas for the ReSET funding?
The funding has two main pillars: meeting core humanitarian needs (like food security and protection) and building self-reliance and resilience (through economic empowerment and livelihood strengthening).
What is the deadline to submit a concept note for the ReSET Project?
Concept notes must be submitted by June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time.
