Analysis Of The Role Of Technology And Its Impact On Refugee Management In Uganda

Abstract

Uganda, renowned as Africa’s most refugee-friendly nation and third globally, hosts over 1.5 million refugees, primarily from Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. Its inclusive policies grant access to land, healthcare, and education, yet managing this influx remains challenging amid limited technological integration. While ICT tools like biometric identification, KoBoToolbox, and UNHCR’s PRIME system enhance registration and resource allocation, Uganda lags in leveraging advanced technologies for holistic refugee management. Pre-arrival, refugees rely on ICT for navigation and communication, but post-arrival challenges such as high internet costs, data privacy concerns, and interoperability gaps impede effective service delivery. Digital literacy deficits and infrastructure limitations further hinder equitable access. This study identifies critical gaps in the role of ICT Uganda’s refugee management, emphasizing the need for scalable ICT solutions to improve decision-making and integration. Recommendations include expanding digital literacy programs, enhancing network coverage, and fostering partnerships to deploy AI, blockchain, and IoT for predictive analytics and secure identity management. Future advancements, such as AI-driven chatbots, VR for relocation planning, and smart camps with IoT-enabled resource optimization, promise transformative potential. By prioritizing ICT infrastructure, Uganda can model sustainable refugee integration, shifting from crisis response to empowerment. Collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and the private sector are vital to harness emerging technologies, ensuring refugees’ access to education, healthcare, and socioeconomic opportunities, ultimately fostering a more humane and efficient global migration framework.