Challenges to security enforcement in East Africa: case study of the impact of refugees’ influx in Uganda (2010-2017).

Abstract

This research study assesses the effects of refugees’ influx to security enforcement primarily in Kampala City, Uganda. The study specifically assesses transnational crime as an emerging threat and thus analyzes the current security enforcement system and institutional frameworks in Uganda. The study also assesses the physical security, protection and practice of refugee legal security for refugees among refugees and defines how the influx of refugees has impeded the enforcement of national and human security. The study also used case study research design. This design allowed exploration and understanding complex issues from past study studies. This particular study was considered because examination of enforcement requires systematic and in-depth research. This research explored the impact of urban refugees’ influx and evaluated current security enforcement policy and institutional frameworks in Uganda. The study found that the influx of refugees in Kampala City was impacting security enforcement. The study findings revealed that the present policy and institutional framework mechanisms in Uganda are drawn from domestic legislation and international norms. It was further found that the influx of refugees impeded security enforcement at their respective locations differently, enthusiastic about the contextual approach and dealing with each of the refugee groups working in accordance with their nationalities. The findings from the study revealed that refugees knew their rights specifically to; life, food, health, jobs and education. This was found that people's rights to life, protection and equality, nondiscrimination and asylum were still violated because of the prohibition of forced repatriation. We are aware of the position and obligations of the host state and UNHCR. The assessment focused on Uganda's security enforcement mechanism and institutional frameworks. The findings established that the existing policy and institutional framework mechanisms in Uganda were anchored on both domestic legislation and international norms. The purpose of the research has been attained based on findings and recommendations to policy and academic contribution made by the study.