Oneka, Samuel2026-11-032026-11-032026http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/1128This study examined the influence of urban planning on the integration of urban refugees in Gulu City, Uganda. The study was motivated by persistent challenges affecting refugees' access to housing, healthcare, education, employment and social inclusion despite Uganda's supportive refugee policy framework. It was guided by four objectives: to explore urban planning strategies adopted by Gulu City, assess the extent of urban refugees' integration, determine the relationship between urban planning strategies and refugee integration, and examine the policies governing refugee integration. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews. The study involved urban refugees, host-community members and key informants to obtain complementary perspectives on urban planning and refugee integration. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings identified capacity building, participation and social equity as the major urban planning strategies adopted by Gulu City, with social equity emerging as the strongest area. Refugee integration was evident in housing, healthcare, education, economic activities and community interaction, although challenges related to affordability, discrimination, documentation, employment and social exclusion persisted. The study further established positive relationships between urban planning strategies and refugee integration, while policies governing refugee integration made an important contribution to integration outcomes. Qualitative findings showed that the effectiveness of these policies depends largely on implementation, institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination and community attitudes. The study concludes that inclusive urban planning provides an important foundation for refugee integration, but gaps in participation, capacity and policy implementation continue to limit its effectiveness. It recommends strengthening institutional capacity, meaningful refugee participation, affordable and nondiscriminatory access to services, livelihood opportunities, policy monitoring, stakeholder collaboration and community sensitization to promote sustainable refugee integration in Gulu City.enUrban planningUrban refugeesRefugee integrationSocial equityParticipatory planningCapacity buildingGulu CityUganda.Thesis