Struggling Without the Camp

                                                                                                                                                   28/8/2013

One of the biggest issues with other camps around the world is that they restrict the lives and the movement of the refugees to the camp perimeter. In 1993, the Ugandan government allowed organizations to implement a new revolutionary way to establish refugee camps in the country. Instead of forming traditional camps, a new ‘settlement plan’ was implemented, which was pioneered by Action Africa Help. While in other countries, refugees are placed into camps and are not provided with land that they can use and call their own, nor are they given tools or support that they can use to build a comfortable life with.

Here in Uganda, they do not restrict the lives or the movement of the refugees; they are able to sell and trade with local communities and live the lives that other nationals here in Uganda are able to. On top of that, the refugees have other perks and advantages that they are provided with for being a part of the settlement camp (medical, education, sanitation, etc.). Settlement camps within Uganda give the refugees a chance to make a comfortable living for themselves, which many here in Kyangwali are able to do. Once integrated into the camp, the refugees wait until they are informed on what the next option is for them. The time in these camps can last for years or in some cases even decades.

There are two solutions for reintegrating refugees back into a normal life outside the camp.   

1.      Durable Solutions:

-        Once intergraded into the camp, refugees can decided if they want to become citizens of Uganda.

-        For refugees who do not wish to become Ugandan citizens or be repatriated back into their home countries, assistance is provided to help refugees immigrate to new countries, most commonly the United States or in Europe.  

2.      "Succession Close":

-        If the Congo (or whichever country they flee from) is free from conflict and is peaceful, they are encouraged to return and be repatriated (return to their home countries).

However many refugees get used to the life they live inside the camp and find it difficult to leave. Fortunately and unfortunately there is a lot of protection and support for the refugees within the camp. Refugees feel safe and comfortable here because much of the medical, education, sanitation, etc. is provided to them. Once they leave the camp and either become repatriated or naturalized into their host country, this assistance is no longer provided for them.