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An analysis of the Ugandan media coverage of climate change stories: a case of Daily Monitor newspaper and Vision
Full text linkThe study analyzed how the Ugandan media covers climate change, focusing on the case of The New Vision and the Daily Monitor newspapers. Climate change remains one of the most global challenges of our time. Around the world, the environmental consequences of climate change are leading to more intense droughts in some regions while causing flooding in others. As mitigation efforts are being spearheaded at the international stage, the media is playing a very instrumental role in awareness creation. Despite the critical role of the mass media in shaping public opinion and driving policy, the Ugandan media suffers from the echo chamber effect as the Western media shape its climate change narratives. Themes such as framing techniques, frequency, sourcing, and tone were used to analyze how the media covers climate change stories. The study is significant as it provides insights and identifies opportunities and gaps that the media can use to mobilize and inform advocacy around climate change discourse and action. The study used agenda-setting and framing theory to analyze content and employed an explanatory sequential design approach. The findings of this study indicate the two newspapers use a framing technique that focuses on the ecological impacts of Climate Change and biodiversity loss, such as frequent and severe extreme weather events, like floods, droughts, and landslides, which are causing loss of life and property. The study findings indicate that climate change is covered only during extreme weather conditions such as flooding. Furthermore, the findings of this study indicate that climate change stories are dominated by quotes from government or official sources at 52.3 %, while scientists are cited a mere 7.2%
An examination of the phenomenon of celebrity journalism in the digital era
Full text linkAn outcome of the Internet is the widespread use of social media, which has been instrumental in creating a new breed of journalists who can bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly. The era of social media has provided celebrity journalists with additional platforms to reach audiences besides traditional mainstream media outlets. Therefore, the study sought to examine the phenomenon of celebrity journalism in the digital era. The specific objectives were to assess celebrity journalism in the content of modern journalistic practices, examine how it manifests itself, and determine how celebrity journalism affects public interest remit of the media. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 celebrity journalists in Kenya to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Key findings include the dual role of journalists as both entertainers and advocates, using their platforms to promote social causes while maintaining professional duties. However, this shift raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding misinformation and sensationalism as the demand for engaging content can compromise accuracy. The study also highlights the competitive force of citizen journalism, which, while democratizing news production and distribution, challenges professional standards of verification. Additionally, digital platforms offer journalists opportunities to monetize their content, which aids financial sustainability but may commercialize journalism. The findings emphasize the need for stronger ethical guidelines and institutional accountability to balance personal branding with public trust and journalistic integrity. This study underscores celebrity journalism\u27s complexities and opportunities in maintaining digital media\u27s credibility
Journalists perception of the effectiveness of wellness programs at Vision Group
Full text linkEmployee wellness is increasingly recognized as critical to organizational success. This study investigates employee perceptions of wellness programs at Vision Group, Uganda’s largest media house. With over 200 editorial staff, Vision Group operates in a high-pressure environment characterized by tight deadlines and financial constraints. Midst growing evidence linking wellness to productivity, this research evaluates the types, effectiveness and potential improvements for wellness initiatives at Vision Group. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design with mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection includes a survey of editorial staff, an interview with the Human Resources personnel and analysis of secondary data such as the 2022 Employee Satisfaction Survey. Wellness programs at Vision Group focus on physical and mental health, yet participation remains low, with limited emphasis on career, financial and social wellbeing. Findings from global and local contexts underscore the importance of comprehensive wellness programs. Studies highlight the connection between employee wellness and organizational outcomes such as reduced absenteeism and turnover, enhanced productivity and greater job satisfaction. However, challenges persist, including low engagement in existing initiatives like wellness talks and fitness programs. This research identifies key areas for improvement, including expanding wellness programmers to emphasize career development and recommendations to incorporate wellness into Vision Group’s culture, fostering management commitment and designing programmers tailored to employee needs. The study contributed to understanding wellness in media organizations, providing actionable insights for enhancing employee well-being in high-pressure companies. By addressing gaps in current wellness efforts, Vision Group can better support its workforce, ensuring sustained wellness
Media viability in resource-constrained newsrooms: The Case of the Observer Newspaper in Uganda
Full text linkThe Observer newspaper in Uganda has built a solid reputation as an impartial, independent, and analytical publication that adheres to the ethical principles of good journalism. Founded and run by a small team of journalists, the newspaper has weathered many storms, including financial crises, political intimidation, newsroom equipment seizure, and the early death of the vision carrier, Kevin Aliro. This study analyzes and records the approaches used by The Observer\u27s editorial staff to keep the newspaper afloat during two turbulent decades of financial, political, and economic difficulties. In contrast to other newsrooms that are frequently defined by strict hierarchies between reporters and editors, the founding editors established an informal, open-door culture at The Observer. This culture is recognized for fostering a sense of camaraderie among employees, akin to a close-knit family that has persevered through the most difficult financial periods. For instance, The Observer\u27s journalists are free to work for multiple employers to augment their pay. The study concluded that The Observer has missed some opportunities to innovate, increase revenue, and engage audiences as per the shifting media trends. The Observer, thus, faces an urgent need to make more prudent financial investments if the publication is to survive and maintain its independence for the ensuing years
Strategy for establishment of a Swahili creative economy and innovation ecosystem: Kiwandeo Kreative District, Lamu, Kenya
Full text linkThis capstone explores the strategic establishment of the Kiwandeo Kreative District, a focal point of Swahili creative economy and innovation ecosystem in Lamu, Kenya. It examines how Lamu’s rich Swahili cultural heritage, coupled with global trends in creative economies, can drive economic transformation through the establishment of a creative district. A comprehensive literature review explores concepts such as creative districts, media leadership, partnerships, infrastructure and capacity development, highlighting best practices and identifying gaps addressed by this study. This study highlights key challenges, including lack of networking opportunities, weak policy frameworks, limited capacity development and infrastructure deficits while uncovering opportunities in film production, recording industry, arts, media innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. These opportunities position Lamu as a potential hub for creative industries with global appeal. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating digital infrastructure, developing strategic partnerships and protecting intellectual property to build a sustainable creative economy and innovation ecosystem. Recommendations focus on infrastructure investments, strategic partnerships, policy reforms and capacity development initiatives designed to meet local needs and align with global best practices. Drawing inspiration from successful models like South Korea’s Hallyu, this study outlines a detailed roadmap for implementing the Kiwandeo Kreative District. Through a holistic approach combining tradition with innovation, the Kiwandeo Kreative District seeks to transform Lamu into a vibrant center for Swahili creative industries. This project envisions positioning Kenya as a leader in Africa’s creative economy, with mechanisms for accountability and adaptability to ensure long-term success
Elevated supar levels, organ dysfunction and death in children hospitalized with malaria: considerations for use as a risk stratification tool
No full textSoluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is an emerging critical illness biomarker. Circulating suPAR levels are elevated in severe malaria and are associated with mortality. The present study evaluated clinical predictors of elevated plasma suPAR (≥15ng/mL). Elevated suPAR occurred in 22.1% of 1226 Ugandan children with severe malaria, and was independently associated with severe acute kidney injury, hyperlactatemia, and coma as well as biomarkers of immune and endothelial activation. An optimized clinical decision algorithm that prioritizes suPAR testing for children with clinical danger signs, including coma and kidney injury could improve the identification of children at highest risk of mortality
Born too soon: every story counts: lessons in ethical, inclusive storytelling from born too soon
Full text linkStorytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in public health communication, particularly for addressing complex and stigmatized health issues. In the context of pregnancy and childbirth, personal narratives have proven effective in shaping perceptions, empowering women, complementing health education, and driving policy and legal reforms. Preterm birth remains a significant global challenge, and lived experiences of affected families offer critical insights that illuminate systemic gaps and advocate for the rights of babies, mothers, families, and healthcare workers. The Born Too Soon 2023 campaign placed people—especially women, families, communities, and healthcare workers—at the core of its advocacy efforts. This commentary explores selected stories from the Born Too Soon report, emphasizing the value of ethical, inclusive, and people-centred storytelling. It highlights the importance of authenticity, representation, and informed consent in narrative practices, underscoring the role of storytelling as both a form of advocacy and a means of advancing equitable and responsive public health systems
Nursing education research in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis
Full text linkNursing education is pivotal for ensuring competent healthcare professionals, and its improvement is essential for enhancing the quality of health care systems globally. This study focuses on nursing education research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last decade, employing both bibliometric analysis and systematic review methodologies. The bibliometric analysis reveals an evolving landscape of nursing education research in SSA, offering insights into trends, key countries, journals, and predominant research themes. Notably, the study identifies a scarcity of literature using bibliometric approaches in nursing research, addressing this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the field.The systematic review, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, explores 1359 articles published in the last ten years, focusing on nursing education in SSA. The analysis of 1288 selected articles emphasize experiences and challenges faced by nursing and midwifery students during their education and clinical training. The emerging themes cuts across classroom teaching, clinical learning environments, and overall clinical practice. The findings highlight the need for attention to educational support, effective communication, professionalism, inclusivity, and innovative teaching methods. Limitations include the exclusive focus on SSA, restricting generalizability to other regions. Nonetheless, the study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and institutions to enhance the quality of nursing education. By addressing identified challenges, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, stakeholders can better prepare students to meet the dynamic demands of the healthcare profession in SSA and potentially other regions, especially Low- and Middle-income Countries. The research contributes to the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between nursing education theory and practice, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes in the region
Hidden scars-the alarming reality of elder abuse in Pakistan: A narrative review
No full textObjective: This review critically examines elder abuse in Pakistan, exploring its risk factors, types, consequences, and interventions through an ecological framework, while identifying gaps to guide effective prevention and management strategies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect, focusing on full-text articles published from 2014 to 2024 in English. Keywords related to elder abuse and prevention were used alongside Boolean operators. Screening of 12,282 articles yielded 24 relevant studies included in the final synthesis.Results: Elder abuse in Pakistan affects one in six individuals aged 60 and above, with significant underreporting due to stigma and limited awareness. Key risk factors include advanced age, female gender, poverty, cognitive decline, and caregiver stress. Abuse occurs in various forms including financial, physical, psychological, sexual, and neglect, leading to severe mental and physical health impacts like depression, anxiety, and increased healthcare utilization. Interventions identified include family support, early detection by healthcare providers, community support systems, caregiver assistance, and legal mechanisms. Multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive approaches are vital, incorporating legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities.Conclusion: Tackling elder abuse in Pakistan demands coordinated, multi-level strategies integrating healthcare, legal reform, ethical practice, and public education. Strengthening policy implementation and cross-sector collaboration is crucial to safeguarding older adults
Sustaining and scaling up community managed water: WASEP in Pakistan
No full textCommunity-based water management (CBWM) remains the leading model for implementing and sustaining rural water supply services in low- and middle-income countries despite the lack of sustainability. Moreover, measures centred on providing external support to communities directly and through a wider policy and institutional framework have not improved sustainability. This book examines the key features, performance and limitations of the CBWM model through the case study of the Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP), a successful community-managed scheme that has delivered clean piped drinking water to over 450 mainly rural settlements in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan.This case study draws on the findings of a 2019–2022 research project to assess the sustainability of WASEP and its scalability to urban centres funded by the British Academy’s Urban Infrastructures of Well-Being Programme. The research was undertaken by an inter-disciplinary team of UK- and Pakistan-based researchers from the social, engineering, and environmental sciences, along with development practitioners. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through a review of WASEP schemes, a large-scale household survey, interviews, focus group discussions, and an engineering audit, based on a random sample of WASEP schemes and control sites. The chapters examine different aspects of the CBWM model and WASEP and illustrate how community participation and engineering best practices can deliver and sustain clean drinking water up to a point, and the constraints of the CBWM model on long-term sustainability that is relevant to practitioners, communities, governments and donors.https://ecommons.aku.edu/books/1192/thumbnail.jp