Relationship between refugees and host communities in western Uganda: a case study of Nakivale refugee camp

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Date
2010-10
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Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between refugees and host communities in western. The study was set to investigate the relationship between refugees and host community in Nakivale, the strategies that may be applied to manage the conflict between refugees and host communities, and the challenges faced by refugees a result of restriction to Camps. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires and interview guide. Secondary data was obtained through analyzing related literature from books, newspapers, reports and journals. The study composed of 120 respondents selected using stratified random sampling technique. The respondents included refugees, local council leaders, community members and NGO/CBO. The study established that social amenities, decision making, donations and representation in local councils were cited issues that relate refugees and host communities. Community dialogue, community peace advocacy associations, and community workers were some of the strategies to control conflicts between refugees and host communities. Increased crime rate, inadequate social amenities, and child mortality were found to be the challenges faced by refugees in concentrated camps in Nalcivale. The study concluded that one needs to understand that the environment in which refugees live is an important aspect for their social well being and the community that hosts them. It is important that refugees be empowered, fully facilitated if they are to produce desirable results and control conflicts between refugees and host communities. The researcher recommends that that there should be measures to reduce child death by providing health and education facilities to the refugees. This will help to reduce on school dropout and high moralities. It is also recommended that sensitization and mobilization of the communities should be emphasized so that they can come to understand and appreciate the programs offered by the government to refugees.
Description
A research dissertation submitted to the institute of open and distance learning Kampala International University for the award of Masters in Conflict Resolution and Decision Making of Kampala International University
Keywords
Relationship, refugees, Host communities, Nakivale refugee
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