Tensions and coexistence: host narratives of refugee presence in Nakivale, Uganda

Abstract

Whether refugees are met with resistance or acceptance by the host population is critical to the trajectory of refugee adaptations. This article analyses the narratives of members of the Ugandan host community living in and around the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, exploring key elements in positive and negative narratives of refugee presence. We show that members of the host population often recognize the economic and social benefits of refugee presence and take pride in Uganda’s reputation as a hospitable country offering refugee protections. However, the same respondents also expressed concerns about resource competition, perceived inequalities in policies, and the need for greater fairness. This study challenges narratives that attribute host resistance solely to misinformation or xenophobia and highlights the importance of addressing structural inequities. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with host community members, conducted in 2022. These findings contribute to debates on sustainable refugee governance and refugee–host coexistence.