The Livelihood Problems of Somali Refugees in Western Uganda, (Nakivale Refugee Settlements)

ABSTRACT The study was conducted in Nakivale Refugee Settlements in Western Uganda; the purpose of the study was to identify the livelihood problems of Somali refugees in Western Uganda (Nakivale Settlement). In the world today, millions of people endure war, genocide, famine and natural disasters. Often, they are forced to flee in search of safety, seeking temporary shelter until they can return home and rebuild their lives. But for many refugees and other displaced people, the homes they loved are gone forever the crowded camps where refugees live are designed to be temporary, but many of the world’s displaced people become permanent residents in the camps.Thousands of Somali refugees live in Nakivale of refugee camp in Western Uganda, therefore, the study considered their livelihood in the camp.. On the other hand livelihood refers to the ways in which people access and mobilize resources that enable them to increase their economic security and thereby reduce the vulnerability created and exacerbated by conflict, and pursue goals necessary for their survival and possible return. According to this definition, the pursuit of livelihoods in conflict situations thus bases on three different elements (Jacobsen, 2002).The research carried out through cross-sectional survey, data was conducted on January 2010 using questionnaires, Interviews, and Observation the sample size was 230 derived from 4000 Somali refugees living in Nakivale refugee Camp. 230 questionnaires were accepted by the respondents and were used in the data analysis while some questionnaires were rejected by the respondents. In addition 12 community leaders, headmasters and hospital officers were also interviewed. According to research study findings Somali refugees face many problems in the oamp including; shortage of food, lack of proper health care, and lack of clean water as well as lack of proper education. Therefore, study recommends the situations of the refugees should be improved by all stakeholders of the refugees both internationally and locally.