Impact of refugee cultures on community based activities in Uganda

Abstract

The study explores the impact of refugee cultures on community based activities in Uganda. The study is guided by the research objectives as follows: to examine the relationship between refugee culture and community based activities, to find out what has enabled refugees to retain their culture and to investigate the role of UNHCR and the government on the involment of refugees in community based activities. The study was largely quantitative and qualitative to a small extent. The host community, United High Commission for Refugees and Office of The Prime Minister Department of Refugees officials were interviewed. Other data were collected by giving questionnaires and interview guides to the refugees, natives in kisenyi suburb and humanitarian workers giving services to the refugees in Uganda. The findings of the study revealed that Cultural practices of the Somali people have impacted on the host community with more positive impact than the negative impact. The study noted socio – economic impact whereby opportunities have been opened to the host community, increased markets and improvement in health and education services since humanitarian agencies are offering quality health and education services free of charge and Somalis have also contributed to the macro-economic practices as they engage in most of the business activities in Kisenyi. The study noted that the refugees and the host community were living peacefully though natives were not accepted to intermarry with refugees. It was affirmed that refugees are law abiding citizens thus living freely with natives. The study concluded that although Somali Culture has positively impacted on the host community, more effort to be done by the United High Commission for Refugees and the host Government should ensure integration as one of the durable solutions to the refugee crisis: This will enable them assimilate and embrace the Cultural practices of the host communities.