Effects of Social Services on Migration Trends among Somali Migrants in Uganda: A Case of Somali Community in Kampala City
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Date
2024
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Abstract
The study assessed the impact of social services on Somali migrants' rights in Kampala district, Uganda, with a focus on three key areas: education, healthcare, and shelter. The primary objectives were to examine the effects of education on Somali migrants’ rights, evaluate the impact of healthcare services on their rights, and investigate how access to shelter influences the realization of these rights. The study was rooted in the Welfare Theory, which emphasizes the role of social services in promoting individual well-being and rights protection. With a significant population of Somali migrants in Kampala, the study aimed to identify the challenges they face in accessing basic services and how these challenges affect their overall rights and quality of life. A descriptive correlational research design was employed for this study, involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population was 2,000 Somali migrants in Kampala, with a sample size of 395 respondents determined using Slovene’s formula. Data collection tools included questionnaires and interview guides, ensuring a mix of numeric and thematic data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation) and inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation and regression analysis to determine relationships between variables. Qualitative data were processed through thematic and content analysis to provide a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of the migrants. The study found out that the findings show that public and international organizations providing school services indicated a Mean of 4.09, and S.D. 1.023, the mean score of 4.09 indicates a high level of agreement among respondents that there are public and international organizations providing school services for migrants in Kampala district. The study findings show that health care negatively affects the Somali migrants’ rights in Kampala district, Uganda. The study indicated that the increase in health care led to reduction in Somali migrants’ rights for the families. The study findings shown that shelter providers support the establishment of security facilities in migrants this had a mean of 4.14, and S.D. 1.005. The high mean score indicates strong agreement among respondents that shelter providers support the establishment of security facilities for migrants. The results of the study revealed that all three social services (education, healthcare, and shelter) significantly affect the rights of Somali migrants in Kampala. Access to education was found to play a critical role in enhancing migrants' rights, with a positive correlation between educational access and the overall empowerment of migrants. Healthcare services were also vital, as difficulties in accessing quality care hindered their ability to live healthy lives and enjoy their full rights. Lastly, shelter was crucial for migrant families, as inadequate housing directly affected their access to food, security, and overall well-being. The regression model confirmed that improvements in these services significantly enhance the rights of Somali migrants. In conclusion, the study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize investments in improving access to education, healthcare, and housing for Somali migrants in Kampala. Comprehensive strategies should be developed to address the barriers identified, particularly in education and healthcare sectors, which are fundamental to empowering migrants and ensuring the protection of their rights. Additionally, interventions targeting housing security are necessary to promote the overall well-being of migrant families, which is crucial for fostering social integration. This study contributes to the existing literature on migrant rights by providing empirical evidence on the significance of social services in the context of urban migrants. It highlights the importance of addressing gaps in education, healthcare, and shelter for Somali migrants, offering policymakers insight into strategies that can xiii promote the rights and integration of migrant communities. These findings can inform future research on migrant welfare and guide policy reforms in Uganda and similar contexts.