Integration of Congolese urban refugees in Kampala: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Owing to Uganda’s open policy to refugees, some refugees who can sustain themselves are free to live in urban areas. Consequently, Kampala and indeed several other urban areas in Uganda are hosts to what is generally referred to as urban refugees. While this population of refugees is increasing in urban areas in Uganda, little is known about their integration with the wider community. Particularly, little is known of the opportunities and challenges for the integration of urban refugees in Kampala. Therefore, using Ager and Strang (2008) theoretical framework, this study sought to investigate the opportunities and challenges for integration of Congolese urban refugees. Specifically, it aimed at investigating the social support systems for refugee integration among Congolese; explore opportunities for access to services that support integration of Congolese Urban refugees and the challenges faced by Congolese urban refugees in the process of integration in Kampala. The study was exploratory in nature drawing from the case study design taking Congolese refugees as (a) case(s) to explore integration opportunities and challenges for refugees through the use of qualitative approaches of data collection. The study results indicated a range of opportunities for refugee integration; access to language training services, access to formal education as well as vocational training. These were seen to be critical as they enabled the refugees to learn and be integrated. In addition, social networks of friends, having membership in village savings and credit associations or strong connection in churches, intermarriages among Congolese refugees and Ugandans were also cited as effective sources of support for integration. However, some participants said that they still faced discrimination, unemployment and housing challenges which appear to disrupt efforts for integration. In conclusion, while there are steps in the right direction, integration requires much more than just language training, and access to education. It requires full access to employment and other social services. There is need to increase the employability of Congolese urban refugees through intensifying on vocational training, for integration to take effect fast. Finally, efforts by actors in the Ugandan refugee question should move beyond information on peaceful coexistence to incorporate promotion of access to social services.