Formal Social Support Influence on Socio-Economic Rights of Refugees in Uganda’s Refugee Settlements

This study investigated the impact of formal social support systems on refugees' access to socio-economic rights in Rhinocamp and Imvepi refugee settlements in Uganda. The study was guided by three primary objectives: (i) to assess the level of formal support available to refugees in the two settlements; (ii) to evaluate the level of access refugees have to socio-economic rights; and (iii) to examine the relationship between formal social support systems and access to these rights. A triangulation convergence mixed methods design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 400 refugees was drawn from a total refugee population of 220,331 using Slovin’s formula. Data collection methods included structured surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. The findings revealed a robust formal support system with a mean score of 4.0 and a high level of access to socio-economic rights, with a mean score of 3.7. Furthermore, the study found a statistically significant positive relationship between the presence of formal support systems and refugees’ access to socio-economic rights. This study adds to the new empirical evidence from two major refugee settlements undergoing a transition from humanitarian relief to long-term development. The study uniquely underscored the shifting focus in academic discourse from informal to formal support mechanisms and linking them directly to socio-economic rights. The results have practical implications for policymakers, development actors, and humanitarian agencies, highlighting the need for context-specific, well-structured formal support systems to promote balanced access to socioeconomic rights for refugees.