The Effectiveness of Social Inclusion of Refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement Community of Mid Western Uganda

Abstract

This study addressed the effectiveness of social inclusion of refugees in Uganda. Kiryandongo refugee settlement area was considered to investigate the nature of social inclusion of refugees in the settlement community, the factors influencing social inclusion of refugees in the settlement community and the possible strategies for achieving effective social inclusion of refugees. A case study design was adopted and data were collected using qualitative approach. The outcomes suggest that refugee social inclusion has gained momentum in the settlement communities. Refugee influx into the country is growing and refugees have gained a sense of belonging with their lives being rebuilt away from their mother countries. However, issues of land for settlement, access to clean water, inadequate housing, food scarcity, and family reunion remain critical to realizing greater inclusion of the refugee population in the settlement areas of Uganda. This study recommends that particular attention be given to the institutional capacity and the future of refugee social inclusion in Uganda