The study asserts that heightened humanitarian aid, coupled with inclusive hosting policies, fosters a mutually beneficial environment for both host and refugee communities. Against a backdrop of growing forced displacement, the inquiry delves into refugee dynamics, often overlooked in high-income settings. Uganda’s inclusive policies, accommodating 1.5 million refugees, provide a compelling case study. Analysis reveals significant improvements in public services, challenging assumptions of anti-refugee backlash. The findings underscore the imperative to sustain inclusive policies amidst funding uncertainties. Lessons gleaned advocate for further research on refugee welfare impacts and a dual focus on host community support, crucial for nurturing cohesive host-refugee relations in an increasingly uncertain landscape.