Uganda has introduced Education Qualification Passports to allow refugees without academic documents to access higher education.
This initiative, launched in collaboration with international education bodies and Uganda’s Ministry of Education, seeks to bridge the academic gap for thousands of displaced learners who have fled conflict and instability in their home countries.
For years, refugees in Uganda have struggled to prove their academic qualifications, making it nearly impossible to enroll in universities and vocational training institutions.
With the new system, candidates will undergo a standardized assessment process to determine their level of education and issue them an Education Qualification Passport, which serves as a recognized document for further studies.
Uganda, which hosts over 1.5 million refugees, has been praised for its progressive refugee policies, allowing displaced persons to live freely, work, and access public services.
However, education has remained a major challenge, with many refugees unable to present formal transcripts due to war, displacement, or lost documents.
Higher education Minister John Chrysestom Muyingo emphasized that the new qualification system aligns with Uganda’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The program will open doors for skilled refugees to contribute meaningfully to society, whether in Uganda or upon returning to their home countries.
However, the initiative has sparked debate, with some netizens questioning how academic credibility will be maintained and whether this could lead to misuse of the system.
Others argue that it could create tension between refugees and Ugandan students competing for limited education opportunities.
Despite the concerns, human rights groups and education advocates have hailed the move as a game-changer, calling on other African nations to adopt similar frameworks.
The success of this initiative could set a precedent for refugee education worldwide, reinforcing Uganda’s reputation as a leader in progressive refugee policies.
