DTM UGANDA: Mobility Tracking: Refugee movement from settlements to the host communities (28 May – 10 June 2024)

The baseline assessment was conducted in 2 Districts (Kisoro & Isingiro) and 1 City (Mbarara City) in Southwestern sub-region of Uganda at the sub county level (19 sub-counties/Admin 2). The baseline assessment was crucial for identifying the numbers and locations of target populations (refugees, returnees & the host community) and understanding the impact of refugees on the host community.

The findings reveal that economic factors (32%), food scarcity (30%), and family reunification (13%) are the top three reasons for most refugees movements out of the settlement. Mbarara City hosts a larger proportion of refugees within the community (51%) compared to Isingiro, hosting Nakivale settlement (42%), and Kisoro, which contains the transit center (7%). Additionally, a higher percentage of departing refugees are male (57%), predominantly aged between 18 and 45. 

Results showed that many refugees return to settlements mainly for family reunification (46%), with other reasons including economic factors (28%) and food shortages (23%). Refugees primarily find livelihoods in casual labor (78%), trade (75%), and farming (66%). Their presence has increased the labor supply (45%), provided economic benefits (28%), and improved access to social services (9%).