Factors contributing to resilience among refugees in Rwamwaja refugee settlement in Kamwengye district
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the factors contributing to resilience among refugees in the Rwamwaja refugee settlement, the Kamwengye district. The study also sought to establish the individual factors contributing to resilience among refugees, determine the social, community, and external factors contributing to resilience, explore challenges associated with resilience among refugees and establish the strategies to strengthen the resilience and quality of life of refugees in the Rwamwaja refugee settlement
The study involved a sample of 30 respondents who are the selected men and women from the different households in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement. Data was collected using an interview guide and analyzed using thematic analysis.
The findings showed that the main challenges of some refugees after resettlement in Rwamwanja refugee settlement were the lack of support and guidance from professionals, the language barrier, the cultural contrasts and cultural shock. Refugees’ resilience of refugees in Rwamwanja can be promoted through provision of resources in meaningful ways. The findings reveal a need for provision of community support services such as free education, and provision of basic need that can help refugees cope with the challenging life in a refugee settlement. There is vital need for the refugees’ psychological adjustment in the new environment since it can empower them to cope with the new life challenges and enhance their resilience. If communities provide support through intervention programmes then refugees will and build on their abilities and be adeptly acculturate. As a result, refugees will have the opportunity to flourish and then they can give back in the community in different ways. Social cohesion policies should be designed and implemented. Policy making process should be more inclusive and considerable towards needs of refugees in Uganda to prevent their social exclusion.