Factors affecting the integration of Sudanese refugees in Uganda : the case of Kiryandongo Refugees’ Settlement, Kibanda County, Masindi District

Abstract

The study set out to investigate factors affecting the integration of Sudanese refugees in Uganda: the case of Kiryandongo Refugees Settlement (KRS) in Kibanda County, Masindi District. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of encampment, access to income and refugees-host relation on self-reliance and integration of Sudanese refugees. The study utilized a descriptive research design, qualitative quantitative methods, in-depth interviews, documentary and observation for information gathering. Content analysis and rule of thump employed to establish the correlation coefficient. Contrary to the UNHCR rhetoric that the withdrawal of international food aid would be precursor to refugees’ self-sufficiency and integration, the study established that neither the settlement nor its inhabitants are yet incorporated into the administration of the various offices of the local government. The political integration of refugees is constrained by bureaucratic restrictions, centripetal management and continuous UNHCR financial commitment. The economic integration is undermined by the low financial ventures and inauspicious business environment. The different sources of refugees’ income were significantly weak to enhance self-sufficiency and economic integration. The social integration of refugees is prejudiced by state restriction on association. Based on the above findings, the study recommends that policy-makers should: re-examine the temporariness of asylum clause and encampment to promote RI; lift the current tactical restrictions on access to income generating activities; and the gradual decentralization of refugees’ affairs to the district to improve refugees-host social interaction.