| dc.description.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. | en_US |
