Sudanese Refugees Discuss Livelihood Opportunities at Kyangwali Camp

Sudanese refugees in Biały, Uganda, organized a forum on “Livelihood Opportunities for Sudanese Refugees at Kyangwali Camp,” with the participation of researchers, entrepreneurs and refugee community members. The forum aimed to explore available economic opportunities and the challenges facing refugees.

Development researcher Mohamed Adam gave a presentation on economic activities available to refugees both inside the camp and across Uganda more broadly. He also discussed the economic, cultural, linguistic and legal challenges refugees may face when seeking to establish businesses or find employment.

Researcher Nasr al-Din al-Nour shared his personal experience managing a business, highlighting the opportunities the experience provided as well as the challenges he encountered throughout his journey in the business sector.

The forum featured a number of contributions and discussions focusing on the importance of encouraging economic partnerships between refugees and the host community, making use of financing opportunities available to refugees, and directing such funding toward projects that can improve livelihoods.

Sudanese refugee in Biały, Saleh Bakhit, told Mashaweer that discussing livelihood opportunities is highly important for refugees, particularly given the need to find sources of income that can help families cope with the cost of living and strengthen their self-reliance.

He added that “supporting small businesses and exchanging expertise between refugees and the host community can open new opportunities for refugees.”

He called for greater awareness of available financing and training opportunities and for simplifying access to them, helping people with business ideas and existing projects develop their economic activities.