About NORRU
A refugee-led organisation advancing research, advocacy and support for refugees and host communities in Uganda.
Our Journey
NORRU’s journey began in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in 2017, born from a vision to empower refugees through research. This idea evolved into a formally registered organisation in January 2024.
Today we actively operate in Oruchinga, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali and Kampala, with continuous plans to expand our reach across Uganda.
NORRU was established to bridge the gap between research and refugee realities, promote ethical practices, and empower refugees (children, youth and families) and host communities through participatory research.
Read Our Full History
Our Identity
The Network of Refugee Researchers of Uganda (NORRU) is a refugee-led organisation dedicated to advancing research, advocacy and comprehensive support for refugees and host communities in Uganda. We focus on both urban and settlement settings, ensuring communities thrive through evidence-based interventions.
We promote ethical, participatory and context-sensitive practices, empowering refugees as researchers and knowledge producers. We collaborate with academic institutions, legal organisations and humanitarian agencies to safeguard rights, enhance well-being, and decolonize research by centering refugee voices in policy and programming.
Vision
A world where refugees (children, youth and families) and host communities live with equal rights, dignity and opportunities, free from discrimination, able to fulfil their full potential and thrive together.
Mission
To advance the well-being and rights of refugees and host communities in Uganda through dedicated research, advocacy for ethical practices, and collaboration. We aim to influence evidence-based policies and enhance research capabilities.
Goal
To become a leading catalyst in transforming refugee and host community support across Uganda and beyond, fostering a future where both thrive through informed, evidence-based interventions and collaborative empowerment.
Our Key Objectives
Five pillars that guide our research, advocacy and capacity-building work.
High-Quality Research
Conduct rigorous, participatory research in collaboration with refugee and host communities and key stakeholders.
Participant Protection
Ensure the safety, rights and protection of all research participants at every stage.
Evidence-Based Advocacy
Advocate for policies and practices that address the real challenges faced by refugee and host community children, youth and families.
Capacity Enhancement
Strengthen the skills of refugee researchers and organisations working with refugees.
Foster Collaboration
Build strong partnerships with academic institutions, government, NGOs and international agencies.
Why This Work Matters
Refugee children, youth and families in Uganda face complex challenges — limited access to services, overcrowded living conditions, food insecurity, restricted employment and psychosocial trauma.
Research that is locally informed and refugee-led is essential for generating evidence that truly informs programming, improves policy and ensures accountability.
Host communities, who often share limited resources, also require greater inclusion. Research that uplifts both refugees and host populations is vital to a future where dignity and opportunity are shared.