Image: Taplin used in housing in the refugee camp at Rhino Camp. Photo: Muwanguzi Samuel (2024)
This report investigates the impact of housing patterns on community dynamics within the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Uganda. The research explores how the camp's organization, driven by diverse settlement structures such as gated and open communities, influences the social, economic, and cultural experiences of refugees. Key findings reveal that gated communities, despite offering security, often result in social isolation and limited access to communal resources. Conversely, open communities foster greater social interaction and resource sharing but face challenges like overcrowding and resource scarcity.
The study highlights the lack of formal legal frameworks governing housing within the camp, leading to inconsistencies in land allocation and housing quality. It underscores the necessity for clear, written regulations to enhance camp management and improve living conditions. Additionally, the report discusses the implications of settlement patterns on quality of life, social cohesion, and community integration, advocating for the development of formal housing regulations, enhanced social infrastructure, and strategic placement of essential services. The challenges encountered during the research, including language barriers, transportation costs, and administrative hurdles, are also outlined, with recommendations provided to facilitate future studies. This report aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve refugee housing policies and the overall quality of life in refugee settlements.
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Houses in the refugee settlement at Rhino Camp. Photos: Samuel Muwanguzi (2024)
Author: Samuel Muwanguzi, 2024.
Muwanguzi Samuel, a 5th year architecture student at Kyambogo University, is passionate about solving people's problems through innovative design. His enthusiasm drives him to explore new technologies and methods in and through architecture.
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