Access and Barriers to Financial Assets and Resources for Refugees in Swinga, Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe District, Uganda

The study was conducted in Swinga, Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe district and analysed how refugees access financial assets and resources, the degree to which refugees utilize available financial services, as well as insights into the barriers that inhibit uptake and utilization of financial services across Swinga. The study employed a qualitative research paradigm and thirty key informant interviews, eleven individual interviews, and six focus group discussions were held with participants purposefully selected. The data and insights obtained were analysed using Atlas.ti 25 software version and in accordance with the guidelines established by Creswell and Creswell (2024).Findings revealed that there is a significant demand for financial services and resources among refugees in Swinga. This creates a potential market, particularly for formal Financial Service Providers, Microfinance Institutions, and Digital Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) especially Mobile Transmission network (MTN) and Airtel. The recent decrease in funding stream from key donors and humanitarian actors affected financial sustainability among refugees. To enhance economic empowerment and reduce dependence on unsustainable donations, the study recommends that it is essential to deepen financial inclusion for refugees especially those hosted in the entire Bidibidi settlement. To accomplish this, collaboration among Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), humanitarian actors, and investors is essential to create blended finance initiatives that focus on a comprehensive understanding of the socioeconomic conditions in the refugees' context.