The socio-economic and political effects of refugees in northern Uganda 1986.2020

Abstract

With the number of displaced people increasing worldwide, there is a need for robust approaches to coping with displacement. This study analyses the implication of protracted refugee presence in Northem Uganda and how their presence has affected the socio-economic and political fabric of the region. Uganda has a progressive refugee policy that promotes freedom of movement and the socioeconomic rights of the refugees. Refugees are often allocated land to settle and cultivate rural settlements, and the integrated social service provision facilitates interaction with host communities. Though, there remain challenges in creating sustainable livelihoods for refugees in rural settlements. There exist substantial tensions over shared resources such as laad, water, woodlots, and grazing areas. Based on a literature review, the research paper highlights the implications of protracted presence of south Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda, and how they influence the socio-economic and political spaces, as critical pathways towards sustainable livelihoods and integration. Despite the fact that Uganda,s progressive policy expands ones' opportunity space; refugees stil1 encounter significant barriers in achieving self-reliance. The reality that the current situation in Uganda is equally likely to become a protracted refugee crisis needs to transform into a fearless and more robust discussion around durable solutions. This will involve dismantling the current status quo, where repatriation is the only serious option on the table, to a genuine discussion about other solutions. This cannot be done purely at a national level but rather has to take place within an international context.