In celebration of World Refugee Day on June 20, 2024, IPA’s Displaced Livelihood Initiative highlights the stories of refugees who are using research to respond to the unique challenges and opportunities that displaced populations face.

Refugees and their host communities bring with them invaluable firsthand knowledge about their lives, challenges, opportunities, and rich cultures. Wisdom Karungu's journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to seeking asylum in Uganda has fueled his passion for identifying solutions to the issues faced by many refugees in their host countries.

As a research field manager, Karungu is not only focused on improving outcomes for displaced populations but also advocating for policies and programs that truly benefit refugees. He emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience in informing this work: "Having physically experienced an event gives a deeper understanding than simply hearing about it secondhand."

On World Refugee Day, stories like Karungu’s serve as powerful examples of resilience and strength among displaced individuals. They underscore the significant impact that thoughtful, inclusive research can have in enhancing the lives of displaced populations.