Urban areas in low- and middle-income countries have become home for the majority of the world's refugee population, challenging the conventional narrative of refugee assistance that has traditionally focused on camps and settlements. UNHCR estimates that more than half world displaced persons live in urban areas. The bustling cities of Kampala, Uganda, and Nairobi, Kenya, stand as critical hubs for refugees and asylum seekers, presenting complex opportunities and challenges that starkly contrast with the lives of those in more controlled environments. This policy brief, born from a collaborative effort between the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Center for Global Development (CGD), delves into the nuanced realities of urban refugees in these cities, debunking the myth of inherent self-reliance attributed to this group. By casting a spotlight on the specific needs of urban refugees and examining the extent of support provided by key bilateral donors and multilateral development banks (MDBs).