This study investigated the socio-economic effects of migration on
places of origin in rural Ankole, Western Uganda in 1990-2000. The study
was carried out in the migrants area of origin not migrants area of
destination. A sample of 300 households comprised of 2024 people was
drawn from two counties (Igara and Ruhinda) of Bushenyi District,
Western Uganda. Households with or without people who have migrated were
compared to ascertain socio-economic differences in their status. A
total of 148 households who have had out migrants and 152 households
that have had migrants were compared. The independent variable was
migration status of the household (migrant or non migrant) and the
dependent variables were education, health, possessions in form of fixed
assets, type of housing and affordability of certain food assets. A
socio-economic index was computed to analyze expenditure patterns and
well-being of the households. This was done because it is difficult to
establish income levels of rural people. The socio-economic index shows
the socio-economic status between households of migrants and non
migrants.