Refugee entrepreneurs and vocational trainees will have an opportunity to market their products and build commercial partnerships during the inaugural Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Uganda Open Days in Kampala.
The exhibition, scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2026, will connect participants from refugee and host communities with prospective customers, financial institutions, private companies and development organisations.
The event will be held at the JRS Kampala offices, Nsambya and will be open to the public at no cost.
Former trainees who have used skills acquired through JRS programmes to establish businesses will exhibit their products and explain how their enterprises have developed. Current trainees will conduct practical demonstrations.
The exhibitors will represent fashion and design, arts and crafts, catering and other businesses. The programme will also feature African cuisine, music and cultural performances.
JRS says the initiative is intended to improve the visibility of refugee-led enterprises and create connections that can continue beyond the two-day exhibition.
Ami-Adolphe Mudekereza, the JRS Communications Officer for Eastern and Southern Africa, said the event will show how livelihood programmes are supporting refugees and vulnerable members of host communities.
“We want the Open Day to help people better understand who we are, what we do and the difference our programmes make,” Mudekereza said.
“It will also showcase the skills, talents, resilience and initiatives of refugees and host communities, while strengthening partnerships and connections.”
Entrepreneurs, companies, community initiatives and other organisations have also been invited to register as exhibitors and showcase their products, services and innovations.
The Open Days will provide a platform for conversations about expanding livelihood opportunities for displaced people, including access to customers, business networks and potential sources of financial support.
JRS Uganda runs education, livelihood and socioeconomic-integration programmes in Kampala and Adjumani. It also provides mental health and psychosocial support, basic-needs assistance, pastoral care and interventions in peacebuilding and reconciliation.
The organisation has operated in Uganda since 1993. It is led by Country Director Fr Paul Kalenzi, SJ, whose family experienced displacement during Idi Amin’s rule and spent time living in Nairobi.
JRS was established in 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
Activities will run from 9am to 5pm on September 25 and from 11am to 5pm on September 26.