Youth refugees participation in socio-economic development of Bidi-bidi refugee settlement in Yumbe district, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Whereas studies indicate that much as Uganda’s policy on refugees is a progressive one, there is inadequate information on the participation of youth refugees in socio-economic aspects of the host communities. This study was aimed at exploring and understanding the participation of youth refugees in the socio-economic development of the host community- the case of Bidi-bidi refugee settlement in Northern Uganda.. The study was primarily qualitative and used a case study research design. Purposive sampling was used to select youth respondents and key informants, whereas simple random sampling was used select respondents from the host community. Data collection methods used included; in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews, observation as well document review. The study revealed that youth refugees had limited access to secondary and tertiary education. The study further established inadequate health services specifically sexual and reproductive health services. Further still, the study found that youth refugees had inadequate livelihood opportunities and by the time of data collection, the settlement had no single development partner taking on youth programs specifically on youth livelihood. It was concluded that the youth refugees were likely to remain a burden to their host communities, governments and development partners thus exposing them to the risk of getting involved in violent conflict.