In the international conversations regarding immigration , most emphasis is on the migration crisis in Europe , the United States and migrant labour in the middle East . However , not much is said on the intra- African migration . Uganda found in East Africa, has positioned herself , in the the previous 30 years as a migration hub in the East and Central African region . For context , Uganda finds herself in a volatile region surrounded by conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo , South Sudan and Somalia with previously having provided sanctuary to the fleeing Rwandans during the 1959 revolution and 1994 genocide .
Many Ugandan societies have a great sense of warm hospitality to foreigners and a high degree of xenophilia . This has facilitated the Ugandan government’s open door immigration policy . One key factor aiding cross -border migration , is Uganda’s relatively peaceful environment . However , this hasn’t always been the case , as between 1971 – 1986 Uganda experienced one of the violent eras of her history . The NRM regime of post 1986 Uganda , under their pan africanist agenda has pushed the open door policy with the president once re affirming this in a statement “ During the days of our struggle against Idd Amin , we were refugees , its therefore our right to accommodate those who are in the same position as we were , years ago .’’
For a deeper context , Uganda has the largest refugee and migrant populations in sub Saharan Africa of approximately 1.7 million as per 2021 figures . This is aided by the 250,000 new arrivals into the country in 2022 according to UNHCR. Overtime , Uganda’s open door policy has received a lot of praise from the international community with funding inclusive . This has led to Uganda becoming a top destination choice for asylum seeker rejects by the increasingly far right governments in western Europe . In October 2024 , it was reported that the Dutch government was considering sending asylum seekers to Uganda , building on the previous trend of the afghan refugees sent by the U.S in 2021 and Israel in 2018.
In an increasing politicized world environment , where anti – immigration policies are on the rise even on the African continent I.e South Africa , Uganda provides the perfect beacon of hope and how migrant populations can positively contribute to society.
Migrant contributions to Uganda .
Hindu temple located in the outskirts of kampala city.
When it comes to migrant labour in Uganda ,the first incidence of its occurrence was in the late 19th century when the British hired migrant Indian workers to construct the Ugandan railway . Decades later , the British hired the Nubians to act as soldiers in the colonial army . In all these cases , migrant labour was used to facilitate the British colonial government . Fast forward to 1970, and more than 60% of the economic development of post independence Uganda was by the descendants of the migrant Indians of the 19th century . At that time , Uganda was the among the biggest economies in eastern Africa. Presently, there contribution to the Ugandan economy is very much evident with the best known example being the Ruparelia group that has investments in real estate , education etc.
Another migrant community hardly mentioned , is the Chinese community. Due to Uganda’s rapid economic growth and the government’s need for large scale infrastructure projects , their population has increased with most of their compatriots arriving as labour force for the local construction works. Their population has increased to include those participating in the industrial and service industry , where they have become a key engine of industrial growth in the country . It is believed that the number inclusive of undocumented migrants could be as high as 50,000.
Of the approximately 1.7 million refugees in Uganda , 60% are from South Sudan , 30% from Democratic Republic of Congo and the rest from the horn of Africa. However , in the suburbs of Kampala such as Kansanga , Najjanankumbi , the migrant population has turned the area into the ‘little horn of Africa.” According to one of the locals interviewed , he states that 5/6 of the businesses in the area are all foreign owned . The ripple effect in the micro economy is that these communities creature business that pay taxes , employ the local population and increase the domestic consumption of goods ad services .
During our investigations , we discovered that the Somali-Eritrean migrant community has setup a chain of successful business across the capital . Case in point cafe Javas , that is considered one of Uganda’s premier local brands that is quickly expanding in the region . This brand is part of the mighty Mandela group of companies owned by Mr. Omar Ahmed Mandela , a Ugandan of Somali origin . Additionally , the Eritrean, Somali and Ethiopian community has created a chain of restaurants and bars . They have emerged as the strongest business community in the capital after the Indian community . A key example of this investment is the Canaan group that has a chain of real estate , hospitality etc ,such as Golden tulip hotel Kampala . When it comes to the financial remittance from the family members of the migrant diaspora to Uganda , its estimated to account for about $73 million , a much needed investment into the country.
With the on going war in the Sudan , Sudanese migrants have flocked to Uganda , with many of them being qualified university graduates with work experiencing in the Sudanese public sector. This is a valuable tool of talent that the local entrepreneurs can harness to spur Ugandan business productivity.
In conclusion , much as there are key challenges facing the migrant communities in Uganda such as lack of essential services like healthcare , accommodation etc , their contribution to the development of the country is impressive. With Uganda’s open door policy , Uganda is the perfect case study of how migrant labour can spur economic development of their host communities whilst creating thousands of jobs. A sharp contrast to the highly publicized anti immigrant rhetoric in the west.
Written by Rugaba John Paul
Sangyin Journals