In this paper, I explore the notions of ‘community’ and ‘trust’ with
regard to Congolese refugees living in the city Kampala, Uganda. I
collected the primary data from individual refugees and refugee
communities in 2010–2011. Jabareen and Carmon’s [2010.
“Community of Trust: A Socio-cultural Approach for Community
Planning and the Case of Gaza.” Habitat International 34: 446–453]
analytical framework on ‘communities of trust’ is applied in this
paper. I analyse refugees’ five distinct types of ‘communities of
trust’ here by examining three mutually reinforcing communityelements:
daily life practices, basic beliefs and attitudes, and
shared space. I conclude that certain communities identified by
the refugees form an important informal ‘space of protection’ for
them. Participation in community activities does not, however,
automatically signify a strong sense of belonging. Shared beliefs
and attitudes bring refugees together and act as reinforcing
factors in community building. Inter-community mistrust also
strengthens intra-community trust. Urban refugee communities
occupy various micro-spaces in their city of exile, and engage
both in acts of resistance and cooperation when it comes to their
spatial practices. These main findings have implications for
refugee communities and for agencies and authorities working
with these communities.