Social service delivery to refugees in Uganda: A case of Congolese Refugees in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, Kamwenge District.

Abstract

Social Service delivery to refugees in Uganda is very crucial issues as it enables them enjoy full rights as other nationals in the country. Wars across the Great Lakes Region continue to be the main cause of refugees in Uganda as there is instability in their home countries. There has been continuous influx of Congolese Refugee population in Uganda due to its relative stability. During colonial times, refugees were usually welcomed and well treated in exile and returned willingly at the end of conflict. However, conflicts in Africa and the refugee inflow have become more complex. At the same time, pressures on host nations and communities have increased due to the huge numbers of refugee population making refugees much less welcome in exile. As UNHCR and NGOs are more involved in refugee issues thus pressured to ensure service delivery to them. Due to fear of straining the few available resources, refugees are given chance to return to their home countries at free will when peace prevails, this is all at the expense of UNHCR and other agencies. This research aims at examining the role of International and local organizations operating in the refugee settlement, investigating the causes of refugee influx in Uganda, examining the nature of social services refugees receive, analyzing challenge faced by hosting countries in providing social services and to explore the measures put in place to solve the challenges faced by the hosting countries in social service delivery. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has got much to offer to the refugees for this case, Congolese in Uganda and globally in terms of social service delivery. Uganda with implementing organizations have got to establish institutions to ensure ability to nurture and address the plight of refugees.