INTEGRATING REFUGEES INTO HOST COMMUNITIES

After receiving asylum, refugees often struggle to integrate and rebuild their lives in new countries. Fortunately, Keith Mark Nyande, a Ugandan humanitarian and expert on refugee issues, has taken the initiative to bridge the gap between refugees and host communities. Below, he shares his inspiring journey with us:

In frame above is Keith Mark Nyande 

Did you know that as of May 2024, Uganda hosts Africa’s largest refugee population, with 1.7 million refugees? The majority, 57%, are from South Sudan, followed by 32% from the Congo, and smaller numbers from Somalia and Burundi. These refugees live in camps alongside local communities. The Ugandan government, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), strives to provide basic needs, safety, freedom of movement, and opportunities for interaction with host communities. However, like in many other host countries, Uganda faces significant challenges in fully integrating refugees and upholding their rights as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention.

The situation worsened during the July 2016 Sudanese war, when Uganda hosted 40% of the refugees, totaling one million. This caused a dramatic 120% increase in Uganda’s refugee population. At the same time, Europe was experiencing its own ‘refugee crisis,’ with 1.3 million people seeking asylum due to the Arab Spring.

During this period, Keith Mark Nyande was in Sweden, pursuing his studies at a Swedish university. Witnessing the European refugee crisis mirrored the situation back home, compelling him to act. He felt a strong urge to help refugees integrate and gain equal opportunities in host countries, and he realized he could achieve this through creative means.

Keith Mark Nyande, through his organization The Cultural Avenue, collaborated with Maria Brelic from The Regina Theater in Sweden and a group of Ugandan creatives to visit refugee camps in Uganda. Their goal was to help refugees access the creative economy, empowering them through artistic expression and fostering connections between refugees and host communities.

One of the camps they visited was Nakivale. Here, the artists encouraged refugees to open up and showcase their talents in poetry, music, and sports. They also introduced platforms like Alliance Française that refugees could use to explore opportunities in the creative economy. Among those who benefited greatly was Songa Bahati Manasse, known by his stage name Lesmo. A talented poet and migrant from Congo, Lesmo had been living in Nakivale camp since 2014, where he used his talent to entertain fellow refugees.

Songa Bahati Manasse, known by his stage name Lesmo

Lesmo’s potential remained untapped within the camp until The Cultural Avenue’s visit. One of the facilitators introduced him to Alliance Française Kampala, a platform for French-speaking residents in Uganda to showcase their talents. His performances were well-received, leading to invitations for paid performances in Kampala. This marked his first source of income, allowing him to support his family in the camp where resources were often insufficient.

This platform opened more doors for Lesmo. The French Embassy in Uganda noticed him, offering contracts for larger events such as the Kampala Geo-Politics Conference at Makerere University. “I would participate as an artist, not as a refugee, and it made me feel good,” he says. Being recognized for his talent rather than his refugee status made him feel more at home and integrated.

one of Lesmo’s moments on stage

Lesmo sheds light on the invisible challenges that migrants face in the settlements, such as depression, stagnation, and the uncertainty of life without full control over their futures and with very limited access to tertiary education.

One organization provided a few scholarships each year, but these were never enough for everyone. Lesmo applied for a scholarship to attend Makerere University but was unsuccessful. However, he eventually won a Canadian scholarship. After seven years in the camp, he was finally able to return to school. Currently, Lesmo is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in project management in Canada, where his art is also appreciated. He actively participates in several competitions, and life is beginning to feel normal again.

Keith Nyande therefore urges young people to join the call for refugee integration. He encourages immigrants to boldly step out of their cocoons and build relationships with host communities, emphasizing that change begins with one person taking a step. Nyande suggests that camp schools could participate in general school activities, such as inter-school tournaments with host schools, to help refugees familiarize themselves with the outside world.

He also proposes that the government could explore ways for refugee students to attend the same schools as native students. “Instead of creating separate facilities, funds could be allocated to existing schools to accommodate both refugees and host community students,” he says. This would promote integration and advance the equal opportunities agenda. “When integration starts from the root, refugees will not be stereotyped as outsiders, even in the job market,” Nyande added.

He commends the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda for ensuring the well-being of refugees and upholding human rights as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, which states that “everyone has a right to seek asylum and should not be sent back to a country where their life is in danger or conflict.” Uganda’s free reception for refugees at the entry level exemplifies this commitment.

However, Nyande highlights a critical issue with the convention: a person is only recognized as a refugee once they are granted refugee status. This leaves out those whose lives are in danger but who cannot easily access entry to safer countries, particularly in Europe and the USA. Nyande challenges governments to consider more practical policies regarding humanitarian assistance to address this gap.

In conclusion, the disconnect between policy and practice poses significant challenges in implementing refugee integration policies. These policies often operate at a macro level, overlooking the micro-level realities faced by refugees on the ground. Limited resources tend to focus only on basic needs, but there is a need for more creative approaches to refugee integration rather than relying solely on funds to address every issue.

Keith Mark Nyande emphasizes the importance of providing safe spaces for dialogue and peacebuilding, continuously working towards equal opportunities for refugees, and fostering a resilient climate for agricultural production. Adequate resources and food security are crucial for achieving lasting peace.

In essence, therefore, by addressing these areas and bridging the gap between policy and practice, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for refugees, ensuring their successful integration into host communities.