The effects of conflicts between refugees and host communities on depression in Kiryandongo refugee settlement, Bweyale Sub County, Uganda

Based on phenomenological fieldwork and fifteen participant interviews, the research paper addresses effects of conflicts between refugees and host communities on depression in Kiryandongo refugee settlement in Bweyale Sub County. This paper reveals that the prevalence of moderate depression to severe depression is high among the refugees and their hosts. This was found to be a result of the challenges they encounter as evidence shows that there is a divide of classes between the two groups – refugees and host community. Hence, conflicts between refugees and host community are a contributing factor to depression symptoms among these two groups. This research reveals the causes of conflicts between refugees and host communities stemming from land eviction by the host community because the refugees were settled on the local community’s land with minimal to no compensation for such land. These issues together with inadequate water sources, limited provision of firewood and limited job opportunities - all exacerbate the conflict situation between refugees and the host community.