Informal places of protection: Congolese refugees’ ‘communities of trust’ in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the notions of ‘community’ and ‘trust’ with regard to Congolese refugees living in the city Kampala, Uganda. I collected the primary data from individual refugees and refugee communities in 2010–2011. Jabareen and Carmon’s [2010. “Community of Trust: A Socio-cultural Approach for Community Planning and the Case of Gaza.” Habitat International 34: 446–453] analytical framework on ‘communities of trust’ is applied in this paper. I analyse refugees’ five distinct types of ‘communities of trust’ here by examining three mutually reinforcing community-elements: daily life practices, basic beliefs and attitudes, and shared space. I conclude that certain communities identified by the refugees form an important informal ‘space of protection’ for them. Participation in community activities does not, however, automatically signify a strong sense of belonging. Shared beliefs and attitudes bring refugees together and act as reinforcing factors in community building. Inter-community mistrust also strengthens intra-community trust. Urban refugee communities occupy various micro-spaces in their city of exile, and engage both in acts of resistance and cooperation when it comes to their spatial practices. These main findings have implications for refugee communities and for agencies and authorities working with these communities.