Information access portal for refugees in Palabek Settlement, Lamwo District

Abstract

Access to timely, relevant, and reliable information remains a critical challenge for refugee populations, particularly in resource-constrained environments such as the Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District, Uganda. Refugees in such settings often lack structured platforms through which they can obtain accurate and up-to-date information concerning essential services, rights, and opportunities. In response to this pressing need, this study aimed to design an information access portal tailored to the unique needs of refugees residing in Palabek Camp. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including refugees, local leaders, and humanitarian service providers. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore how refugees currently access information, the challenges they encounter, and the most appropriate content formats and delivery mechanisms. The findings informed the conceptualization and development of a prototype digital platform that is secure, culturally sensitive, scalable, and responsive to the local context. Regarding the study objectives, it was found that most refugees primarily relied on informal sources of information, such as word of mouth, peer communication, local leaders, and occasional NGO announcements. These sources, however, were often unreliable, inconsistent, and inaccessible to vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied minors. Barriers such as language differences, lack of digital literacy, limited access to smartphones and internet services, and the absence of centralized information hubs further complicate access to critical information. Additionally, the study identified and compiled key categories of essential information that refugees need. These included updates on food and non-food item distribution, health services, education programs, legal assistance, vocational training opportunities, resettlement procedures, and psychosocial support. These domains were prioritized and structured into the prototype information access portal to ensure its practical relevance. The development of the portal offers a practical and sustainable solution to bridge the digital divide within refugee communities.