Uganda ReSET Project: £20 Million Funding for Refugee and Host Community Support

Uganda ReSET Project Offers £20 Million for Refugee and Host Community Support

Organizations focused on improving the lives of refugees and host communities in Uganda have a significant funding opportunity 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), is seeking experienced partners to address humanitarian needs and build long-term resilience. This initiative provides up to £20 million over two and a half years, aiming to support vulnerable refugee populations, strengthen host communities, and contribute to Uganda’s recognized refugee policies. Concept notes are due by June 16, 2026.

About the Uganda ReSET Programme

The ReSET Programme is a partnership between the United Kingdom and the Government of Uganda. It aims to shift from a humanitarian-only approach to one that emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and self-reliance for refugees. Uganda is known for its progressive refugee policies, offering rights and opportunities to refugees. However, rising numbers of refugees and limited resources present challenges that require new, sustainable solutions. The ReSET Programme seeks to help refugees become more self-reliant while still meeting their immediate humanitarian needs. The project’s business case was approved in March 2026, with funded activities planned from August 2026 to March 2029.

Funding Overview

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), via the British High Commission Kampala, is providing the funding. The total available amount is up to £20 million, intended for use between August 2026 and March 2029, a period of about 2.5 years. The program’s geographic focus is Uganda. Eligible applicants are NGOs registered with the Uganda NGO Bureau. The deadline for submitting concept notes is June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time (EAT).

Objectives of the ReSET Programme

The ReSET Programme is designed to create lasting positive change by supporting both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term development. The initiative is structured around two main pillars, which organizations can choose to address separately or together.

Pillar 1: Meeting Core Humanitarian Needs

This pillar focuses on providing critical humanitarian support to the most vulnerable refugees and affected host communities.

Food Security Support

Interventions may aim to:

• Improve access to food for vulnerable groups.
• Reduce food insecurity within refugee households.
• Support programs focused on nutrition.
• Address emergency food needs for newly arrived refugees.

Protection Services

Projects can concentrate on:

• Child protection measures.
• Preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
• Providing legal protection services.
• Establishing community-based protection systems.
• Protecting vulnerable individuals.

Multisectoral Humanitarian Assistance

Applicants are encouraged to develop integrated responses that combine various services to effectively meet urgent humanitarian needs. Special attention should be given to newly arrived refugees, vulnerable women and girls, people 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.

Economic Empowerment

Projects could support:

• Income generation activities.
• Entrepreneurship development.
• Vocational training programs.
• Financial inclusion initiatives.
• Skills development for better employment.

Livelihood Strengthening

Potential interventions include:

• Developing agricultural practices.
• Improving access to markets for products.
• Strengthening value chains for goods.
• Supporting business incubation.
• Creating employment opportunities.

Resilience Building

Organizations may propose activities to:

• Improve household resilience to shocks.
• Strengthen community coping mechanisms.
• Enhance preparedness for disasters.
• Reduce vulnerability to economic and environmental changes.

Cross-Cutting Themes and Priorities

The British High Commission and FCDO emphasize that all projects must align with several key cross-cutting priorities.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Applicants should explain 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 challenges.

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 implementation.

Alignment with Government Priorities

Proposals must show how they align with the Government of Uganda’s policies, national refugee frameworks, International Financial Institution (IFI) priorities, and existing development strategies.

Who Can Apply?

The ReSET call for proposals is open to organizations that meet specific requirements.

Eligible Organizations

• International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
• National Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs)

Registration Requirement

All applicants must have valid registration with the Uganda NGO Bureau.

Consortium Applications Encouraged

The British High Commission welcomes applications from individual organizations, partnerships, and consortia. Working in consortia can help combine expertise across different sectors and improve the overall impact of proposed projects.

How to Apply

Organizations must submit an Expression of Interest in the form of a concept note.

Concept Note Requirements

Applicants need to submit:

• A concept note, no longer than seven pages.
• A clear plan for implementation.
• Details on expected outcomes and impacts.
• Information showing alignment with ReSET objectives.
• Budget considerations.
• Details about the organization’s capacity.

Applicants can propose activities for Pillar 1 only, Pillar 2 only, or both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2. They should clearly state which pillar(s) their proposal addresses.

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations 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 to independence and resilience. The UK Government’s ReSET Programme aims to improve humanitarian results, strengthen economic opportunities, enhance social cohesion, promote gender equality, build climate resilience, and support long-term development solutions. This program represents a significant investment in creating lasting solutions for refugees and host communities while improving Uganda’s refugee response system.

Key Benefits of the ReSET Funding Opportunity

Organizations chosen for this initiative may benefit from:

• Access to a funding pool of up to £20 million.
• A long-term implementation period of approximately 2.5 years.
• The chance to influence refugee policy and development outcomes.
• Support for both humanitarian and development projects.
• Increased visibility through partnership with the UK Government.
• Potential for large-scale impact on refugee and host populations.
• Opportunities for collaboration through consortium approaches.

Important Deadline

Organizations must submit their concept notes no later than June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time (EAT). Late submissions may not be considered.

Contact Information

For questions or clarifications about the ReSET call for proposals, applicants can contact [email protected]. Interested organizations should start preparing their concept notes soon to ensure they have enough time before the deadline.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS

Frequently Asked Questions