Refugees in Kyangwali Settlement: Constraints on Economic Freedom

Refugees living in Kyangwali settlement in Hoima District are among the most self sufficient of Uganda's settlement refugees. Though the economy is diverse and complex, there are still a number of significant restrictions on the economic freedoms of these refugees.

Limitations on movement and employment exclude the refugees from external goods and labour markets. This paper argues that the isolation of the settlement contributes to a weak internal market and unfavourable terms of trade for the refugees. Furthermore, the refugees face welfare-reducing taxes, and are politically unable to lobby for more economic freedoms.