Detailed data and information about the scale and magnitude of the social disruptions caused by development-induced displacement in Uganda are still scanty and not readily available, unlike the case of refugee situations and displacements as a result of natural disasters. Subsequently, well-synthesized analyses of the broader and uneven socio-cultural and economic impacts (loss of cultural identity, social networks, cohesion and continuity, emotional and psychological trauma, vulnerability, destitution and depravation, economic destabilisation) on effected groups (in relation to critical aspects such as gender, economic status, etc.) remain insufficient, particularly on aspects of habitat and home.

The gap is especially pronounced in the rural and newly urbanising areas outside the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) and the rest of the urban belt along the shores of Lake Victoria. Critically addressing this gap should be prioritised by the Government of Uganda, development partners and other actors for the country to meet its international development commitments and her own development goals, objectives and targets.

The case covered by this study is found in the municipality of Tororo District, in Eastern Uganda. Tororo District is bordered by Mbale District to the north, Manafwa District to the north-east, Kenya to the east, Busia District to the south, Bugiri District to the southwest, and Butaleja District to the northwest. Tororo, the largest town in the district and the location of the district headquarters, is approximately 230 kilometres (140 mi), east of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda.