SPOTLIGHT KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT August 2022
SUMMARY Opportunity International implements the Refugee: Innovation, Self-reliance, and Empowerment (RISE) Project to drive financial inclusion among refugees in Uganda. Context: 1. There are increasing number of displaced people in the world. 2. Uganda has the highest number of refugees in Africa and third highest in the world. 3. The majority of refugees are from South Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi, Somalia, and Rwanda. 4. Refugees in Uganda have limited access to land and financial services. 5. Refugees fall into different market segments, with different needs. The Rise Project Goals: 1.
Increase income and promote self-reliance and resilience among refugees
2.
Drive financial inclusion among refugees
3.
Stimulate local economic activity in refugee settlements
4.
Extend financial products and services to various economic segments of refugees
5.
Empower women in refugee and host communities
Spotlight: Opportunity International RISE Project drives Financial Inclusion among Refugees in Uganda The global and Ugandan refugee context The world continues to witness high displacement of people as a result of persecution, conflict, or human rights violations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there were over 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide at end of 2021, of whom 27.1 million are refugees.1 About 9 out of 10 refugees are living in developing countries.2 With around 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, Uganda hosts the highest number of refugees in Africa and the third highest in the world.3 About 94% live in settlements alongside local communities. Over half (59%) are children.4 Uganda provides a conducive environment and policy for refugees. They allow for refugees to integrate into host communities and provide refugees with the same access to government services as nationals. Refugees also have the right to freedom of movement and to work and run businesses.5 The struggle for livelihoods and financial services among refugees Most are subsistence farmers but face the challenge of limited access to land for farming. Half live in extreme poverty, compared to 44% of host communities. Only 13% have access to financial services as compared to 78% of citizens.6 Only around 26% of young refugees between the ages of 18 to 25 are engaged in some form of economic activity.7 The Nakivale settlement in Uganda, where the RISE project is located, are plagued with poverty, land disagreements, and community conflict.8 Despite the challenges, many refugees have skills and entrepreneurial spirit.9 The refugee situation in Nakivale Established in 1959 and located in the Southwest Uganda, the Nakivale Refugee Settlement is the oldest refugee settlement in Uganda. The settlement currently hosts over 151,474 displaced people (142,544 are refugees, 8,930 are asylum seekers) in 42,379 households. Women make up over 75,538 (50%) and young people between 15-24 years are about 31,643 of the total number.10
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