Our History
From a vision in Nakivale to a registered refugee-led research network across Uganda.
How NORRU Began
NORRU’s journey began in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in 2017, born from a simple but powerful idea: refugees should not only be subjects of research — they should be researchers, knowledge producers and decision-makers.
What started as informal conversations among refugee researchers and community leaders grew into a structured network committed to ethical, participatory and decolonized research practices.
In January 2024, NORRU was formally registered as an organisation, marking a major step in our mission to bridge the gap between research and refugee realities.
“Research for us without us is not for us.”
— Guiding principle of NORRU
Our Journey
Vision takes root
Conversations begin in Nakivale Refugee Settlement around refugee-led research and ethical knowledge production.
Network grows
Researchers from Oruchinga, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali and Kampala join. Early research and advocacy initiatives take shape.
Formal registration
NORRU is formally registered as an organisation, strengthening governance, partnerships and the ability to lead larger programmes.
Flagship RLIF programme
Launch of the 18-month Building Refugee Research Capacity programme with support from the UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Fund — 25 researchers across five hubs.
Where We Work Today
Active hubs across settlements and urban Uganda, with plans to expand further.
Where it began
Settlement hub
Settlement hub
Settlement hub
Urban refugees