Evolving patterns of migration to Southern Sudan
Ronald Kalyango
The paper is based on an exploratory study set out to examine the current movement of people to Southern Sudan from Uganda and the extent to which such movements are a result of historical, political, economic and social inter-linkages between the people of Uganda and southern Sudan. In particular, the study explored movements of Ugandans to southern Sudan after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005. The study was based on three research questions that is, what historical, political, economic or social factors bind the people of Southern Sudan and Uganda; to what extent do these inter-linkages offer an explanation for the current movement of people? What factors facilitate the movement of people between the two countries? A desk review of available literature and field visits were carried out as part of the data collection process. Field research, using a qualitative approaches, was carried out in Southern Sudan in the towns of Yei and Kajo Keji; in Uganda, Koboko, Moyo and Adjumani. Data analysis was based on emerging themes using ATLAS software. The findings of the study revealed that South Sudan as a country emerging out of conflict has attracted a wide array of migrants. This has been facilitated in part by prior linkages between south Sudan and Uganda. However, it is difficult to measure the extent to which prior linkages contribute to population movements.