Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
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Foreign direct investments (FDIs) and national development : contribution of MTN to Uganda’s national economy
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies of Makerere University, Kampala.The dominant literature indicates that foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important engine for promoting economic growth in developing economies. This study sought to understand this debate by asking a question. "Do foreign direct investments (FDIs) really benefit developing countries?" To interrogate this question, this study considered MTN Uganda Limited as one of the multinational corporations that operate in Uganda as one of the FDIs. To deeply understand how MTN as an FDI operates and contributes to Uganda’s economy, the study was further operationalized through three objectives. Specifically, the factors that determine FDI in developing economies, the benefits of FDI in developing economies, as well as the challenges and constraints affecting FDIs in host countries, these were investigated through the lens of neoliberal economic policy and deployed qualitative research methodologies such as key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, observations, and documentary reviews. The findings reveal that FDIs operate well in economies where there is a conducive policy environment that allows liberalization of the economy, political stability, good leadership, and political will in the country. It was also established that FDIs benefit developing countries through technological transfers, employment opportunities, and the generation of revenue through the transfer of taxes to host countries. Despite these benefits, the study established that much of the profits generated in Uganda are repatriated to multinational companies in the country of origin, while other companies tend to evade and avoid taxes. Based on these findings, it was concluded that FDIs such as MTN Uganda may benefit host countries, but this is dependent on the nature of the legal and policy frameworks in place to manage the way FDIs operate and ensure that profits generated equally benefit developing economies such as Uganda
Selected bacterial etiology of acute diarrhea in under five children at Mulago National Referral Hospital Kampala, Uganda.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Master’s of Science in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology of Makerere University.Background: Diarrhea is understood as the passing of three or more passages of loose or watery stools per day according to WHO and is considered among the major causes of childhood mortality and morbidity. Diarrhea kills close to 1500 children a day globally and is therefore responsible. Children under five experience a very high diarrheal burden which poses a severe public health risk as the second leading cause of infant death In Uganda. Objective: The study aimed to identify bacterial etiology of acute diarrhea in children under five years of age at Mulago Hospital. It also seeks to determine the prevalence of these bacterial pathogens and their susceptibility profiles to common antibiotics, providing critical insights for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Mulago Hospital, involving children under five years presenting with acute diarrhea. A total of 72 stool samples were collected and analyzed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect specific bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method to assess the resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS appropriate to determine prevalence rates and resistance patterns. Results: The results revealed that bacterial pathogens were detected in 11% of the stool samples analyzed. The most common pathogens identified were campylobacter spps (50%), followed by Shigella spp. (37%), Salmonella spp. (12.5%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing identified a high level of resistance particularly to ampicillin (6mm), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (06) and azithromycin (06) and conversely, the highest susceptibility was seen on ciprofloxacin (24mm) on salmonella species. Recommendation: This study provides valuable data on the bacterial etiology of acute diarrhea in children under five at Mulago Hospital, contributing to the limited body of literature on this critical public health issue in Uganda. The findings underscore the need for regular surveillance of bacterial pathogens and their susceptibility patterns to inform clinical practice and public health interventions effectivel
Psychological distress, social support and depression among caregivers of substance abusers in rehabilitation centers in Kampala Metropolitan District
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the School of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology of Makerere UniversitySubstance abuse greatly affects the individuals, but the repercussions extend beyond the user and have a significant impact on the caregiver's mental health (Groenewald & Bhana, 2018; Smith & Estefan, 2014). However, treatment and social support are prioritized for the substance users, leaving the caregivers ignored and unsupported. The lack of social support consequently causes psychological distress and depression to the care givers making it hard for them to provide care to the substance abusers. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between psychological distress, social support and depression among caregivers of substance abusers in rehabilitation centers in Kampala Metropolitan district. A correlational research design was employed. 138 caregivers were purposively sampled from across various rehabilitation centers in Kampala metropolitan district and were interviewed. Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS. There is was a significant relationship between psychological distress and depression, X2 (1, N = 137) = 42.50, p=p <.01. There was also a significant relationship between social support and psychological distress, X2 (2, N = 137) = 6.59, p= p <.05 and there was also a significant relationship between social support and depression, X2 (2, N = 137) = 12.40, p < .01. However, social support did not mediate the relationship between psychological distress and depression. Social support reduces the chances of getting psychological distress and depression among care givers of people struggling with substance use. There is therefore need for development and implementation of interventions for provision of supportive therapies to these caregivers to mitigate symptoms of psychological distress and depression
Performance evaluation of truenat test for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV symptomatic patients at Lira Regional Referral Hospital
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Science Degree in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology of Makerere University.Background: About a quarter of the world’s population has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in immune compromised people like in HIV- infected persons, the risk of developing tuberculosis is 22 times higher. With advancement in technology, a new molecular tuberculosis diagnostic tool named Truenat has been developed recently by Molbio Diagnostics, Bangalore, India. Objective: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Truenat test and the ease of use in the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV symptomatic patients attending ART clinic at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: It was a cross sectional study where 243 patients attending ART clinic at Lira Regional Referral Hospital who are asymptomatic of tuberculosis were consented and recruited into the study. Operating under a safety cabinet, the sample was divided into three portions. The first portion was used for Gene xpert, second portion referred for Truenat test in Amach H/C IV in Lira while the remaining portion was referred to National tuberculosis reference laboratory for Culture using Lowenstein Jensen and Drug Susceptibility Test. Lowenstein Jensen culture media was used as the referenced standards (gold standard). Operational feasibility assessment data through interview of the study laboratory personnel were also collected and presented as percentages. Results: In this study of 243 people who are HIV seropositive with symptoms of TB conducted in Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda, the Truenat MTB Plus assay had a sensitivity of 100%, (95%CI; 100%) to detect TB among those with culture-positive TB. In this evaluation, the overall specificity of the Truenat MTB Plus assay was 99.1%; (95% CI, 97.9 to 100%); 2 of 243 participants with culture-negative results for TB had a result of MTB detected on the Truenat MTB Plus assay. For the purpose of the diagnostic accuracy evaluation, these results are considered as false positives compared to the reference standard of culture. From end users; the Truenat is a simple molecular test which is an alternative for Genexpert that requires solar and electricity for charging and this makes it suitable for peripheral laboratory settings with limited resources. Conclusion: The findings reported provide support for the use of the Truenat as a test with acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis compared to Genexpert ultra and culture, including people living with HIV, as recently recommended by the WHO
Involvement of medical librarians in systematic reviews: the case of the Network of African Medical Librarians (NAML)
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Information Science of Makerere University.The study set out to examine the role of medical librarians in conducting systematic reviews in higher institutions of learning. The study was contextualized on 7 universities in Africa that are affiliated to the Network of African Medical Librarians (NAML). The study sought to: examine the ways in which the medical librarians support systematic reviews, the skills and competences required of medical librarians to conduct systematic reviews, the challenges facing medical librarians in conducting systematic reviews; and the strategies for improving the performance of medical librarians in conducting systematic reviews. The study was informed by the Neo-Institutional Theory developed by DiMaggio and Powell in 1983. An embedded mixed methods design was adopted. The main respondents were the medical librarians in NAML affiliated institutions. Their views were substantiated by inclusion of researchers as key informants. The medical librarians were selected using simple random sampling while both purposive and convenience sampling were used to select the researchers. The sample for this study was 64 respondents comprising 58 medical librarians and 6 researchers. Data were collected using focus interviews and questionnaires. Questionnaire data were analysed descriptively using charts, percentages, mean and standard deviation while interview data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results revealed that medical librarians supported researchers carrying out systematic reviews with refining of research questions, publishing the protocols, deduplication of the searched materials, development of the search strategy and in drawing the flow diagrams among others. However, the study established that the medical librarians were not proficient in all the activities that are involved in producing systematic reviews research outputs such as meta-analysis, working knowledge about in-text and end-of-text citations across all the citation systems and proficiency in the use of the systematic reviews guidelines such as PRISMA, among others. As a result, the medical librarians faced a number of challenges including the inability to handle the changing dynamics in systematic reviews and full participation in studies that were focusing on meta-analysis. Amidst these challenges, the study equally established that if leadership of NAML developed a framework to guide medical librarians on the better methods of conducting systematic reviews, organizing refresher training, sending medical librarians to vestibule training centres and encouraging the researchers to include the medical librarians as co-authors among others, systematic reviews would greatly improve as the medical librarians would be motivated to take an active part in the execution of systematic reviews research process. The study concluded that medical librarians have greatly supported systematic reviews and therefore, it recommended that efforts ought to be taken to improve their skills and competences in the area as well as improving the levels of motivation.Makerere University Staff Development Scheme
Using dialogic strategies in teaching argumentative composition : a case of selected secondary schools in Mukono Municipality
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Education in Language and Literature of Makerere University.The ability to write persuasive argumentative compositions is essential for students, but many struggle, resulting in unclear and unconvincing presentations of their ideas. Referring to the Sociocultural Theory (SCT) that recognizes learners’ active contribution to learning, and the role of social interaction, the study sought to find out how teachers use dialogic strategies in teaching argumentative composition in selected secondary schools in Mukono Municipality. The study sought to investigate how teachers implement dialogic strategies in their teaching and identify the challenges teachers encounter when using them to teach argumentative composition. The study adopted a case study research design and followed a qualitative approach. It was conducted in two selected secondary schools. Five secondary school teachers were purposively selected due to their English language teaching experience. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, observation, document analysis and the data was analysed thematically. Dialogic strategies promote a collaborative learning atmosphere, exploration of perspectives, and critical thinking development. To achieve the above, teachers used Socratic questioning, Fishbowl discussions and articulation. The study found that environmental constraints, attitude and scheduling hampered teachers’ implementation of the dialogic strategies to teach argumentative composition. The study recommends the application of classroom control strategies to curb learner distractions during teaching
Antinociceptive activity and acute toxicity profile of Leucus calostachys olive in animal models
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Pharmacology of Makerere UniversityPain remains a cardinal sign and symptom for most diseases and a major reason for patients visiting healthcare providers. Conventional treatment modalities do not adequately address pain, and as a result, most local communities globally resort to natural remedies, including medicinal plants. Leucus calostachys oliv is one of the many medicinal plants used by the many local communities in East Africa to treat various medical conditions, including pain however, there is limited scientific evidence for its efficacy and toxicity. An experimental study evaluated the antinociceptive and acute toxicity profile of Leucus calostachys oliv using the formalin-induced pain and the acetic acid-induced writhing models of antinociceptive activity and the up-and-down method for median lethal dose estimation (LD50) in Wistar albino rats.
In the formalin-induced pain model, the total crude extract groups exhibited the greatest antinociceptive activity followed by aqueous and methanol extracts with mean time spent licking and biting of 5.2 ± 1.1, 3.2 ± 0.7, 8.6 ± 1.5, 3.8 ± 0.8, 19.7±1.4 and 10.8±1.1 seconds respectively at 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight doses. In the Acetic acid-induced writhing method, similar trends were observed and the total crude extracts showed the lowest mean number of writhes followed by aqueous and methanol extracts with the mean number of writhes of 8.4 ± 1.2, 3.8 ± 0.8, 8.6 ± 1.5 and 3.8 ± 0.8, 19.7 ± 1.4 and 10.8 ± 1.1 at same doses. The LD50 was estimated to be above 5000mg/kg the limit test dose as no death was recorded.Fogarty, MITHU Training Grant #D43TW010319 (NIH Fogarty, Case Western, and Makerere University
Measurement of production rates for manual trenching on construction projects
No full textA dissertation submitted to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master’s Degree in Construction Management of Makerere University.Trenches,a preliminary activity in construction for foundations, road drainage, laying utilities etc in most developing countries, particularly Uganda is done manually using tools such as hoes, pick axes, and spades. Production rates for various manual trenching techniques are essential for effective planning before commencement, however, there is still a lack of proper benchmarks. In response to this, a field measurement study was conducted with the main aim of finding factors affecting production rates for manual trench excavation in construction work and developing a simulation model to compute overall production rates.
The study implemented factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis to develop a relative importance ranking of factor relevance using Minitab and provides a benchmark production rate for excavating trenches generated using Monte Carlo Simulation run in Wolfram Mathematica.PCA-factor analysis revealed three principal factors significantly affecting production rates: crew configuration, as the most significant, followed by weather conditions, and ground type with Euclidean distances of 0.845, 0.750, and 0.689 respectively. The less significant factors were soil type at the fourth position followed by the horizontal alignment, and the longitudinal slope category with Euclidean distances of 0.682, 0.626, and 0.624. The findings emphasize the importance of considering these factors to perfect manual trenching operations. The highest average production rate of 0.860 m3/hour/person was achieved by a 2-man crew under straight-flat alignment, with soft sandy-clay soils and a skilled crew. On the other hand, the lowest average production rate of 0.447 m3/hour/Person was seen for a crew working under straight-steep alignment, with hard gravel soils and dry weather conditions. The results from the Monte Carlo simulation identified the most probable production rate as 0.738 m3/hr/Person, with a standard deviation of 0.032 m3/hr/Person, kurtosis of 2.983 m3/hr/Person, and skewness of 0.379 m3/hr/Person.This study contributes to improving trenching processes, resource allocation, and decision-making in construction projects. On the business perspective, production rates are a key performance indicator andtracking them enables the business owners to analyse their performances, establish targets while setting standards for success and identifying areas of improvement
Laboratory mix design experiment to achieve high-performance cement concrete (CLASS C50) for Pagada bridge deck using locally sourced materials.
No full textA Thesis submitted to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master’s Degree in Construction Management of Makerere University.The current state of cement concrete practice in Uganda is limited to low (< 20 MPa) and medium (20 – 40 MPa) classes of concrete for small to medium structures such as those on district roads. This study centred on determining the optimal mix proportions of the constituent cement concrete materials that would achieve a concrete strength class of 50MPa based on locally sourced construction materials. The study was conducted at Pagada Bridge site along Palabek Kal – Pangira road link in Ayuu Alali parish, Lamwo district. The objectives of the study were to characterise the proposed materials based on their physical and mechanical properties, to determine the optimal material proportions in the mix to achieve class C50 concrete, and lastly, to conduct laboratory trial mixing based on the optimised mixes to produce concrete specimens meeting the specified class of concrete.
The materials used in this study were Ordinary Portland and Pozzolana Portland Cements of grades 42.5N from Tororo Cement Factory, sand from Kalongo quarry, coarse aggregate from Ngetta quarry, water from Pagada stream, and superplasticizer (Conplast SP431R) manufactured by Fosroc (Kenya) Limited. Samples from the cements, sand, water, and coarse aggregate were drawn and taken to the laboratory to determine their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The results obtained in all cases showed that these materials were meeting the minimum requirements for use in high performance concrete works. These material properties were then used as inputs into the ACI 211.4R to obtain material mix proportions for use in the trial mixing operation.
During trial mixing, the fresh and hardened properties of concrete were investigated by varying the percentage of fine aggregate in total aggregate were set as 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45%, admixture dosage; 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1,5%, and 2.0%, and for each cement type (Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolana Portland Cement). The aim was to obtain a combination that would achieve an optimal performance characteristic in fresh and hardened state. The study indicated that a combination of 40% fine aggregate content, 1% admixture dosage, and Ordinary Portland Cement gave the best (optimal) results concrete having good workability and a 28-day cube compressive target mean strength of 61.9MPa. The study, therefore, recommended 40% fine aggregate content, 1% admixture dosage, and Ordinary Portland Cement, grade 42,5N, to be used for the construction of the Pagada Bridge deck
Role of collaborative learning in climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Kiboga District
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources of Makerere UniversityDespite collaborative learning playing a significant role in climate change adaptation process, few studies have documented collaborative learning forms, practices, motivating factors for collaborative learning and its benefits in climate change adaptation. The aim of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of collaborative learning and its role in climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers. Across-sectional survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 265 randomly selected small-holder farming households followed by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to map the existing collaborative learning networks for climate change adaptation. Binary logistic regression, Principal component analysis, Chi-square test of association, descriptive statistics and Ordinal logistic regression were applied for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that informal collaborative learning was the most dominant form among smallholder farmers in the study area. The most collaborative learning practices included peer to peer engagements (91.1%), field visits (79.5%) and agricultural trainings (97.1). Surprisingly, a small number of smallholder farmers were involved in formal collaborative learning practices such as agricultural symposia (0.7%), agricultural workshops (2.2%), seminars (2.2%) and public meetings (2.9%). The study revealed five collaborative learning networks including; water and pasture management practices, soil and water conservation practices, improved animal breeds, indigenous pest and diseases management practices, and indigenous animal breeding. The motivating factors to participate in collaborative learning for climate change adaptation from this study were; acquiring knowledge and information about adaptation strategies, accessing agricultural services and resources, awareness of climate change impacts and desire to adapt, social networks, trust and transparency of participants. The study established that collaborative learning has improved understanding of climate change and its impacts however, there is an insignificant improvement in adaptation planning and implementation of adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers. Further studies should explore strategies and approaches to strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing among academic institutions, researchers and smallholder farmers in collaborative learning for climate change adaptation. Government should develop policies and plans that support institutions to participate in collaborative learning for climate change adaptation with smallholder farmers