Shaping the future: Our strategy for research and innovation in humanitarian response.
Principal Investigators: Dr Gloria Seruwagi, PI (Makerere University) and Prof. Stephen Lawoko, Co-PI (Gulu University)
The Refugee Lived Experiences, Compliance and Thinking (REFLECT) study assessed community knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and implementation of Uganda’s national response to COVID-19 among refugee communities.
This study sought to understand the extent to which refugee communities were aware of COVID-19 and compliant with related measures and guidelines. It prioritised the lived experience of refugees, while also analysing the processes and outcomes of COVID-19 policy and guidelines in Uganda. Critical issues, actions, intentions and experiences were explored at the individual, community and national levels.
The study assessed awareness and behavioural shifts in Uganda’s diverse refugee settings, with more than five different nationalities participating. It looked to establish whether contextual specificities of urban and rural-based refugees have a bearing on awareness, feasibility, enforcement and compliance to policy and guidelines from Uganda’s national response to COVID-19. Embedded in this research was a policy analysis strand – assessing policy formulation, feasibility, implementation and outcome.
The study recommended that the government of Uganda review not only its approach but also related outcomes in addressing COVID-19 in humanitarian settings, considering what is feasible for refugees. For example, focusing more on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) preventive measures, instead of social distancing may be better for refugees in crowded settlements or homes. The team also suggested that the Government and partners address the barriers of non-compliance and consider implementing a robust socioeconomic response interlinked with other key sectors and actors. They noted that active community involvement and engagement would foster an acceptable, effective, inclusive and sustainable approach.
Humanitarian actors focused on health (including WASH), protection, livelihoods and other sectors could use the findings of this research to improve interventions, or design more responsive interventions that are guided by local partnerships.
A series of resources are available on the Chase-I REFLECT website page that share the team’s experience of conducting this research. The resources include blogs that reflect on the perspectives of all the partners in the study; policy briefs, such as guidance on how communities can be empowered to steer sustained COVID-19 compliance measures; and community engagement activities.
You are seeing this because you are using a browser that is not supported. The Elrha website is built using modern technology and standards. We recommend upgrading your browser with one of the following to properly view our website:
Windows MacPlease note that this is not an exhaustive list of browsers. We also do not intend to recommend a particular manufacturer's browser over another's; only to suggest upgrading to a browser version that is compliant with current standards to give you the best and most secure browsing experience.