Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
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The effect of budget deficit on inflation in Uganda
No full textResearch report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of a Master of Arts Degree in Economic Policy and Planning of Makerere UniversityThis study investigates the effect of budget deficits on inflation in Uganda, analyzing the period from 1990 to 2023. The research employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to explore both the short-run and long-run dynamics among budget deficits, inflation, lending rates, money supply, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exchange rates. The Bounds test for cointegration confirmed the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables. In the short run, the study utilized the Error Correction Model (ECM) to assess the speed of adjustment back to equilibrium following a shock. The empirical findings revealed a significant and positive relationship between budget deficits and inflation, suggesting that persistent fiscal imbalances exert upward pressure on prices. This relationship held true in both the short and long run, reinforcing concerns about the inflationary impact of deficit financing. Moreover, the study identified a significant role of lending rates in shaping inflation dynamics, with higher lending rates correlating with reduced inflation. However, the effect of exchange rates on inflation was found to be more complex, with varying impacts depending on the time horizon and external conditions. These results imply that fiscal discipline is essential for maintaining price stability in Uganda. The study recommends that policymakers prioritize measures to contain budget deficits, such as enhancing revenue collection, curbing unnecessary expenditures, and fostering a conducive environment for economic growth. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment, which could help in managing inflation expectations and promoting sustainable economic development
Understanding the facilitators and barriers to dog mass vaccination campaigns in Uganda, A case of Kyegegwa District
No full textBackground:
Despite the annual commitment to procure 500,000 rabies vaccine doses and
distributing them to districts freely on request, Uganda still grapples with a low dog vaccination
coverage of about 10%. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing dog vaccination
in Kyegegwa, a rural district in Uganda.
Methods:
A mixed methods approach was used in this study. Four different vaccination
strategies namely; static point, school-based, integrated dog vaccination with human health
services, and integrated dog with livestock vaccination strategies were rolled out in twelve
selected parishes. Each of the strategies was conducted in the three parishes of the same sub- county. Vaccination coverage was estimated using transect and household surveys, analyzed
with a Bayesian model. Eight key informant interviews and twelve pre/post-vaccination focus
group discussions were conducted with opinion leaders, farmers, and dog owners from 12
randomly selected parishes. Transcribed audios were managed using Nvivo version 12 data
management software. Insights on barriers, facilitators, and feasibility of dog vaccination
campaigns were gathered and analyzed thematically.
Results:
Barriers to dog vaccination included inconsiderate ownership, difficulty managing
aggressive dogs, long distances, poor campaign and mobilization planning, and limited
resources. Facilitators were free vaccination and veterinary team commitment. School-based
vaccination strategy achieved a coverage at 40.3% [CrI: 38.4-41.6], integrated dog with human
health services at 62.6% [CrI:48.8-72.6], static point at 35.6% [CrI: 26.3-43.9] and integrated
dog with livestock strategy at 44.6% [CrI: 33.3-54.1].
Conclusion:
The integrated dog and human health services achieved the highest vaccination
coverage overall and consistent across the 3 parishes. Barriers like difficulty to handle
aggressive dogs, many roaming dogs, poor mobilization, competing activities, long distances
and logistical challenges hindered broader coverage, while free vaccination and committed
veterinary teams facilitated success. Pilot campaign strategies proved feasible, but the study
yielded inconclusive evidence regarding strategy effectiveness. Free of charge campaigns, active
community involvement and integrating mobilization efforts between human and animal
healthcare workers hold promise for improving coverage. Replicating the study under similar
conditions is necessary to identify consistency of effectiveness of vaccination strategies
Innovative approaches to managing livestock diseases in Uganda: A case of African swine fever.
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University.In the absence of a viable cure or universal vaccine for African swine fever (ASF), rapid diagnosis and implementation of effective biosecurity measures, and selection for resistant pig breeds is crucial for ASF control, given the complex epidemiology of the disease. To achieve this goal, interconnected studies were conducted to investigate the role and importance of key stakeholders in
ASF control, the relevance of locally led initiatives for ASF control, the role of free-ranging pigs in ASF spread, and the potential use of molecular markers in the selection of ASF survivor pigs for breeding. Results showed that all of the identified stakeholders in the pig value chain were either drivers (60%) or supporters (40%) of the ASF control intervention implementation. The implementation of community-led initiatives significantly reduced the annual frequency of ASF outbreaks (Wilcoxon signed rank test: Z = 5.412, p = 0.000) in the sub-counties of Kasawo and Namuganga. The free-ranging domestic pig home ranges were larger during the dry season than during the rainy season (Wilcoxon test, W = 22, p = 0.04), with mean full-day distances also longer during the dry season (Student test, t = 2.7, p = 0.03). Adaptive qualities such as disease tolerance and resistance were found to be more important than productive qualities in pig breeding selection in Masaka and Tororo districts. Farmers cited diseases as a major barrier to pig production. Genome-wide association studies showed significant evidence (ph2 = 0.71± 0.22) of heritability of
ASFV resistance among survivor pigs. Enhanced community involvement directly raises public awareness about animal diseases, improving the effectiveness of animal disease control methods. The stakeholder analysis and the implementation of community-led biosecurity measures demonstrate this correlation. The success of pig production in Uganda requires changes in stakeholders'
will, management, and animal husbandry techniques throughout the value chain. Smallholder pig producers face significant risks from free-ranging pig production systems and wildlife-livestock interactions. The discovery of 48 significant SNPs and 28 putative candidate genes may imply the possibility of heritability for resistance to ASFV. To effectively control ASF, a multidisciplinary
approach involving community engagement during policy formulation and implementation, along with the use of genetically engineered pigs resistant to ASFV, is necessary.The US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wellcome Trust, the French Embassy in Uganda, and the African Union
Assessing the spatiotemporal impact of land use and land cover change on urban heat island: a case study Gulu City
No full textA research proposal submitted to School of the Built Environment as a requirement for the award of a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology of Makerere UniversityThis study examined the relationship between land-use/land-cover (LUCC) changes and land surface temperature (LST) in Gulu, Uganda, focusing on the period 2005-2040. The analysis employed a combination of random and stratified random sampling to collect LST data across the study area. Key findings reveal a significant positive correlation between increasing built-up areas and LST, particularly from 2010 to 2020. This suggests that urbanization is a major driver of rising LST in Gulu, potentially contributing to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Seasonal variations were investigated, revealing higher LST values during dry seasons compared to wet seasons. This finding highlights the influence of factors beyond just urbanization on LST fluctuations.
The research underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices for Gulu's future. The identification of UHI hotspots provides valuable insights for urban planning strategies. Incorporating green infrastructure projects, such as parks, trees, and green roofs, can help create cooler and more sustainable urban environments in rapidly growing cities. These findings can inform policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate LST rise and promote a greener, cooler Gulu
Internet addiction, depression and sleep quality among Makerere University students
No full textA dissertation submitted to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Masters in Clinical Psychology in Makerere UniversityThe objectives of this study were to assess the relationship between: internet addiction and depression among students of Makerere university; internet addiction and sleep quality among students of Makerere university; depression and sleep quality among students of Makerere university; and lastly, internet addiction, depression, and sleep quality among students of Makerere university. A correlational, questionnaire-based study was carried out in Makerere university and a total random sample of 385 students from all colleges enrolled during the time of the study were sampled. Internet addiction, depression and sleep quality in these students was assessed using Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between internet addiction and depression among the students (r = .205, p < .001). There was also a significant positive correlation between depression and sleep quality among the students (r = .334, p < .001). Similarly, there was a significant positive correlation between internet addiction and sleep quality among the students (r = .268, p < .001). With depression as the mediator (direct effect: b = 0.0452; indirect effect: b = 0.0093) at 95% confidence interval, analysis showed that the proportion of indirect effect of internet addiction on sleep quality significantly mediated by depression was 17.1%. The study concluded a positive significant correlation between Internet addiction and depression. There was also a positive significant association between depression and sleep quality. Also, there was a positive significant association between Internet addiction and sleep quality. Depression significantly mediated the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality. Thus, internet addiction and depressive symptoms should also be assessed during counseling sessions for sleep quality among undergraduate students
Modelling of agricultural land use changes under different development scenarios in greater Kampala Metropolitan Area
No full textA final year project report submitted to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Master of Science in Geo-information Science and Technology of Makerere University.It is imperative to have a retrospective comprehension of the scale and speed at which
agricultural lands are being converted in metropolitan areas in order to ensure the future of
local food production. This study aimed at understanding agricultural land use changes under
different development scenarios in Greater Kampala Metropolitan Areas (GKMA). The
analysis employed remote sensing and GIS technologies. Landsat data from 6 distinct years
from 1995 to 2020 was used for analysis. The application of remote sensing techniques
encompassed image pre- processing and processing operations. Subsequently, a supervised
classification methodology using maximum likelihood method was executed. Land change
Modeler was utilized for change analysis. The study utilized a combination of Cellular
Automata (CA) and Markov Chain to forecast the future of Agricultural lands by the year 2050.
This prediction considered two growth scenarios, the planned growth scenario and the
Business-As-Usual (BAU) growth scenario. The modelling technique integrated land use and
land cover (LULC) maps along with four explanatory factors, namely slope, proximity to roads,
proximity to built-up areas, and elevation. The results indicate that, by 2050, agricultural lands
are projected to increase by 3.6% under the BAU scenario covering northwestern part of
GKMA in the districts of Mpigi and Wakiso. Under the planned growth scenario Agricultural
lands are expected to increase by 7.2% covering the northern part of GKMA but evenly
distributed across the areas of Kawanda, Namulonge, Nakagere in the districts of Mukono,
Wakiso and Mpigi. Ultimately, based this comprehensive evaluation of the results, planned
growth scenario is crucial for ensuring preservation of Agricultural lands across the Greater
Kampala Metropolitan Area
Barriers and facilitators to adherence to Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia management guidelines among health workers at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Master of Nursing (Midwifery and Women’s Health) of Makerere University.Background: pre-eclampsia /eclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Uganda. WHO developed recommendations to guide health workers’ practice when managing patients with PE/E; these guidelines were incorporated into the essential Maternal and Newborn Clinical Care Guidelines for Uganda. MOH Uganda and other development partners put effort into training health Workers. Despite these efforts, MMR for Uganda has remained high at 189 /per 100,000 live births, with PE/E accounting for 11 per cent of these deaths. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to adherence to pre-eclampsia management guidelines among health workers at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Method: This research employed exploratory qualitative descriptive studies which examined health workers’ experiences of barriers and facilitators to adherence to pre-eclampsia management guidelines through the descriptions provided by the people involved. It involved collecting data using in-depth interviews with health workers at a single point in time. Results: Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted, and observations were made for 16 health workers. The results were presented in two categories: demographic characteristics and themes that describe the barriers and facilitators to adherence to pre-eclampsia management guidelines. This research revealed that different demographic characteristics contribute to different barriers and facilitators to adherence to preeclampsia management guidelines among health workers. For example, barriers like poor documentation, knowledge gaps, poor referral systems, and poor attitudes toward health were noted more commonly among the young, less experienced and health workers of low education levels. Conclusion: The study showed that the care provided to preeclampsia mothers was not according to the prescribed standards of care. These were mainly influenced by inadequate resources, especially human resource and material resources, inadequate knowledge and a poor referral system. Recommendation: The study suggests enhancing adherence to preeclampsia management guidelines by addressing resource limitations, conducting research, exploring innovative approaches like checklists, reminders, or technology-based solutions, recording and running audios on preeclampsia, and promoting education on various media platforms. Key words: Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Adherence to preeclampsia management guideline
Effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere in Kabale District
No full textA research report submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Master of Business Administration of Makerere University.This study examined the effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College
Butobere in Kabale District. The study was guided by three objectives which included
assessing the decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere, the factors affecting the
effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere and suggesting
strategies that can be employed to improve the effectiveness of decision-making process at
Kigezi College Butobere. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and considered both
quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from 89 respondents where 13
provided qualitative data and 76 provided quantitative data. Data from the field was collected
using a questionnaire survey and interview guide. The study findings revealed that decision making at the school was predominantly centralized among top administrators, with limited
involvement of teachers, students, non-teaching staff, and other stakeholders. While parents
are more frequently engaged, community leaders remain largely excluded from the process.
There were significant challenges in the decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere,
highlighting the limited practice of participative decision-making, over-reliance on top-down
directives, and a lack of shared values and norms guiding decision-making. This underscored
the presence of communication barriers, excessive formalities slowing down the process, and
technological inadequacies that hinder real-time data analysis for informed decisions. There
is critical role that effective communication, stakeholder involvement, data-driven strategies,
and continuous improvement play in enhancing decision-making processes within the school.
While the importance of clear communication channels, structured reporting, and expert
consultation were largely pointed out, the inconsistent application of certain strategies, such
as decision support systems and stakeholder inclusion may continuously hinder decision
making process. It was recommended that the school management should actively involve
various stakeholders, including teachers, students, non-teaching staff, and parents, in key
decisions. Additionally, the school management should shift towards a more collaborative
leadership style that empowers others to contribute to decision-making. Lastly, the school
management should work to establish a cohesive set of shared values and norms that guide
decision-making processes
Analyzing diagnostic infrastructure and capacity building needs for effective rabies control strategies in selected districts of Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Science in Veterinary Preventive Medicine of Makerere UniversityRabies remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly in rural districts where the disease is often underreported and inadequately managed. This study aims to assess the management and control strategies of rabies in selected districts of Uganda, with a specific focus on evaluating the diagnostic infrastructure and identifying capacity-building needs within district veterinary laboratories. Through a comprehensive analysis involving 42 key informant interviews with veterinary practitioners, laboratory technologists and nurses; 8 focus group discussions with veterinary para-professionals and a direct observation of laboratory facilities, the findings reveal significant disparities in the availability and functionality of veterinary laboratories, with Masaka and Arua exhibiting relatively well-established facilities, while Kyegegwa lacks any veterinary laboratories entirely. Soroti has a partially functional laboratory. The study also identifies key challenges, including gaps in diagnostic capabilities, resource limitations, and the need for enhanced training programs elaborated by participants with quotes such as “Inadequate facilities…”, “Limited understanding of procedures..”, “Collecting samples is risky...”, “More training is needed..”. The study underscores the critical importance of strengthening diagnostic infrastructure and capacity building in district veterinary laboratories to improve rabies management and control efforts. The findings advocate for Implementing comprehensive on job training programs for veterinary personnel in all districts, with a focus on proper sample collection techniques, testing procedures, and improvement and maintenance of diagnostic equipment including creating awareness among the community and increasing their level of knowledge about rabies in order to increase reporting and improve the management of rabies
Differential gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni infected children along Lake Albert in uganda
No full textOver 290 million people are infected by schistosomes worldwide. A third of Uganda’s population is infected and these are along freshwater bodies. Knowing the prevalence of schistosomiasis is key to informing national control programs with the goal of eliminating the disease as a public health problem. Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection is known to modulate immune responses and has been shown to influence response to coinfections, their treatment as well as to vaccination. Coinfections of Schistosoma and plasmodium are not uncommon in areas endemic to both parasites. S. mansoni infection has been shown to influence malaria clinical presentation.
A survey to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school aged children in villages along the Albert-Nile shoreline in the district of Pakwach, Northwestern Uganda was conducted.Point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) and Kato Katz (KK) technique were used for screening children 10 -15 years. Additionally, RNA extracted from peripheral blood collected from 44 S. mansoni infected (34 high and 10 low by CAA level) and 20 uninfected children was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq S4 and the reads aligned to the GRCh38 human genome. Differential gene expression analysis was done using DESeq2. Finally, the CAA test and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to test for S. mansoni infection intensity and the latter used to test for presence and intensity P. falciparum infection. DESeq2 analysis to identify differentially expressed genes among these children.
The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis using the Antigen POC-CCA diagnostic test was estimated at 85% (95% CI: 83 - 87), being highest amongst children living closer to the Albert-Nile shoreline. Fourteen (14) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between S. mansoni infected and uninfected individuals. Fifteen (15) differentially expressed genes were significant of which 13 were upregulated and 2 were downregulated. The DEGs identified were associated with inflammation and fibrosis.
There was a high prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the region which calls for more frequent mass drug administration with Praziquantel. The RNAseq data suggest expression of fibrosis associated genes as well as genes that regulate fibrosis in S. mansoni infection, as a possible adaptation to infection.
Molecular testing by quantitative PCR demonstrated a high prevalence of P. falciparum among the school age children (10 - 15 years) living in the S. mansoni endemic hotspots along the Albert-Nile region of Pakwach District, northwestern Uganda. The study also showed differential expression of genes associated with inflammation and fibrosis among children with P. falciparum and S. mansoni coinfection.This work was facilitated by institutional, financial, and material support from TrypanoGEN+ project through the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa, grant number H3A-18-004) which is managed by the Science for Africa Foundation in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health and the African Society of Human Genetics