Urban refugees and host community relations in Kampala Capital City, Uganda

Abstract

The contemporary global landscape of refugee protection and integration is undergoing significant transformation, marked by the surging phenomenon of urban displacement driven by persistent conflicts, escalating persecution, and intensifying climate change impacts. Shifting focus to the African continent, a region experiencing significant forced displacement, the urban landscape of Kampala, Uganda, serves as a compelling case study. Uganda, renowned for its progressive refugee policies, hosts a substantial refugee population, with a significant proportion residing in its capital. Within Kampala, the interactions between urban refugees and the host community are shaped by a complex interplay of economic pressures, cultural differences, and disparities in access to essential services. This study examined the dynamics of the relationship between urban refugees and their host community in Kampala. Specifically, it examined the challenges and opportunities that arise from their shared urban space; thus, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of urban refugee integration within the Ugandan national context. The study conducted a secondary analysis of the existing literature, which suggests that refugees and host communities tend to compete for limited economic opportunities—especially in the informal sector. They also face linguistic barriers to accessing socio-economic opportunities in a host country, and this eventually impacts upon their social cohesion. A focus on Uganda indicates that while Uganda's progressive "opendoor" policy fosters a generally positive environment, significant strains exist due to intensified competition for scarce urban resources, particularly in the informal economy. Despite these challenges, urban refugees make substantial economic contributions through entrepreneurship, and social capital plays a crucial role in integration. However, systemic vulnerabilities persist due to limited access to formal support and xenophobia. The study recommends that governments and international organizations prioritize comprehensive, multi-sectoral integration frameworks; host governments invest in strengthening urban infrastructure; implementing agencies focus on community-based strategies; international donors address fragmented Global Compact implementation; and research institutions conduct nuanced, localized analyses of refugee experiences.