Exhibition panel from the ‘From Migration to Resilience: The Welsh Ugandan Asian Story’ exhibition, displayed at the Senedd Oriel, Cardiff between 16 November – 19 December 2024.

The UK created 16 resettlement camps to receive Ugandan Asians, including one in Tonfanau, north Wales, which housed 1,700 refugees. Arriving in harsh winter, many faced poor living conditions and racism. Yet, voluntary organisations and local people provided vital support, forging bonds of friendship. Within the camp, families supported one another, adapting recipes, celebrating festivals, and maintaining cultural traditions. Baby showers, Eid, Navratri, and Baisakhi helped keep spirits alive. After several months, families were relocated to housing and employment in designated “green zones” across the UK, while they were discouraged from joining already-settled Asian communities.