Resource allocation and refugee- host community conflicts in western Uganda
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Date
2023-05
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and social Science
Abstract
The study investigated how resource allocation contributes to conflicts among refugees and the host-communities in Western Uganda, specifically in Nakivale and Oruchinga. The study was guided by the following objectives: i) How land allocation leads to conflicts among refugees and the host-communities in Nakivale and Oruchinga. ii.) How access to water resources leads to conflicts between the refugees and host communities in Nakivale and Oruchinga. iii). The impact of cash-handouts initiative on conflicts among refugees and host communities of Nakivale and Oruchinga.The study was guided by two theories: conflict theory and the Socio-Identity theory of intergroup behavior. The theories were used to explain the casual factors that instigate conflicts between refugees and host communities. The study adopted descriptive research design and a mixed method approach where qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data collection. A sample size of 370 respondents was drawn from a population of 13,575 households using Slovin‘s formula. This comprised of refugees and host community members in Nakivale and Oruchinga. Also, 25 key informants were selected purposively for qualitative data. The study findings on objective one indicates that, most probable causes of land conflicts between refugees and host communities are inadequate consultation with the host communities prior to establishment of refugee camps and settlements, limited participation of host community during land allocation to the refugees, environmental degradation of resources such as trees, firewood by refugees. For objective two, water conflicts are majorly caused by insufficient water sources to meet the needs of the refugees and host communities for their livelihood enterprises, agriculture and livestock. Inappropriate strategies for allocation of water resources to the refugees that do not put into the needs of the host communities and failure to separate water points for the refugees/host-community and their livestock. Objective three, cash handout initiatives to refugees was seen as a way of creating classes that cause conflicts between refugees and host communities. The host communities refer to refugees as ―kings‖ who can afford basics of life compared to host community members who sometimes fail to get basic necessities of life. Still, when cash is not got on time refugees tend to get merchandise from local shops where at times they fail to pay and steers up conflicts with local shopkeepers in the host community. The study concludes that, resource allocation in settlement areas should not only focus on refugees but also consider the welfare of the hosting community if at all conflicts have to be minimized between refugees and host community. The study recommends that prior to establishment of refugee camps and/or settlements, Government needs to develop a comprehensive plan where host communities and refugees are involved in planning and also sensitizing them on how to share the available resources amicable to avoid conflicts.
Description
A thesis submitted to the college of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of doctor of philosophy in conflict Resolution and Peace Building of Kampala International University
Keywords
Resource allocation, Refugee- host community, Uganda