Paper short abstract:

The study aims to investigate kinship networks and destination selection. Using sequential mixed method design, the study seeks to examine the demographic characteristics of the urban refugees in Kampala, Uganda and how the selection of destination was negotiated through social connections.

Paper long abstract:

Kinship networks have gained significance in the context of new forms of migration to cities in Sub Saharan Africa. In particular, among forced migrants in African cities, ties formed through family, kinship, friendship and ethnic networks have been instrumental in access to livelihood opportunities in cities (Omata, 2012; Crush and Tawodzera, 2017). Migration decisions have also been shaped by connections through kinship ties (Shaffer, Ferrato and Jinnah, 2018).

In spite of the interest in kinship ties in migration systems in Sub Saharan Africa, little is known on the role of these network ties and the selection of destinations in the context of forced migration. Taking the case of urban refugees in Kampala, the proposed study aims to understand the ways in which family, friendship, kinship or ethnic ties influence the agency of the refugees in selecting the cities of their destinations. The study will investigate the demographic characteristics of the urban refugees, their patterns of migration, the configuration of their social networks and the ways in which the selection of Kampala was negotiated through social connections.

I propose that access to kinship networks in city of destination may enhance individual agency in deciding where to reside and may disrupt the camp system of refugee accommodation practiced in many Sub Saharan African countries. The proposed study will employ sequential mixed method design, drawing on secondary data and primary data. The study will contribute to a better understanding of the linkages between social networks and destination selection.