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Ugali, meat, and the bullet: a philosophical reflection on survival, power, and human will in Africa
No full textA bookIn Ugali, Meat, and the Bullet, Isaac Christopher Lubogo and Agatha Mulungi Lubogo masterfully weave a deeply philosophical and politically incisive narrative about survival, power, and human agency on the African continent. The title itself reflects the raw realities of life in Africa—Ugali symbolizing the daily quest for sustenance, meat representing aspirations of prosperity and dignity, and the bullet embodying the everlooming forces of power, violence, and control that have shaped both colonial and post-colonial histories. The book journeys through the philosophical corridors of endurance and authority, examining the forces that bind or liberate the African spirit. It challenges readers to confront difficult truths about poverty, oppression, and the cyclical nature of political violence. Yet it does not merely dwell on problems; it offers a visionary discourse on reclaiming agency and reimagining power structures to favor justice and collective progres
Evaluation of Pedo transfer functions for predicting soil water retention in Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for award of the Degree of Master of Science in Soil Science of Makerere University.Water use efficiency in most irrigation schemes in Uganda remains low (<50%). This is partly due to insufficient integration of soil information into irrigation planning. However, obtaining soil information especially on soil hydraulic properties remains a challenge because direct estimation of these properties is time-consuming, expensive and not feasible over large areas. Therefore, indirect estimation using pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) that use easily measurable soil properties is preferred. However, the performance of PTFs may vary from soil type to soil type depending on the sensitivity to different soil parameters. Consequently, PTFs must first be evaluated for site-specific performance. The aim of the study was to (i) identify input parameters that have the greatest influence on the performance of selected PTFs for the main soil types and (ii) assess the performance of selected PTFs in predicting soil water retention across the major soil types in the Mubuku irrigation system. Soil hydraulic properties including field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), saturated water content (ϴs), plant available water (PAW), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and infiltration capacity (Ic) were determined and were found to vary significantly across the major soil types. Fluvisols had significantly higher Ic and Ksat compared to Anthrosols and Cambisols, indicating higher irrigation demands and higher rates of nutrient leaching compared to Anthrosols and Cambisols. Some of the sensitivity coefficients of the input parameters of the selected PTFs were within the range of -0.1 to + 0.1 when predicting soil water content at either FC or PWP whereas others were not. Aina & Periaswamy (1985) was not sensitive to sand and clay in predicting soil water content at FC and PWP respectively and Adhikary (2008) was also not sensitive to sand when predicting soil water content at FC. Adhikary (2008) was negatively sensitive to silt in predicting soil water content at FC. Minasny & Hartemink (2011) and Adhikary (2008) were positively sensitive to clay in predicting soil water content at PWP. Minasny & Hartemink (2011) were positively sensitive to soil organic carbon in predicting soil water content at PWP and negatively sensitive to sand when predicting soil water content at FC. Botula (2013) was negatively sensitive to sand when predicting soil water content at FC and PWP and was also negatively sensitive to clay in predicting soil water content at PWP. Among the evaluated PTFs, Aina & Periaswamy (1985), Minasny & Hartemink (2011) and Botula (2013) PTF models were good predictors of volumetric water content in Anthrosols while all the PTFs were the good predictors in Cambisols. In Fluvisols, all the PTFs performed fairly in predicting volumetric water content.Royal Society - United Kingdom through the Future Leaders African Independent Research (FLAIR) fellowshi
Postpartum care in Uganda: facility readiness, midwives perspectives, individualized care planning and patient outcomes
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate training in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University.Background: Globally, a woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth. Two-thirds of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period and in Sub-Saharan Africa due to preventable causes such as sepsis, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and eclampsia. These deaths may reflect the care provided by the health workers. While individualized care has been slowly integrated into practice in Uganda, there is minimal documentation regarding provision of postpartum care and the implementation of individualized care plans (ICPs) for women after birth.
Objectives: To assess the facilities’ readiness for the provision of Postpartum care (PPC), explore the midwives’ perspectives about the postpartum care guidelines and individualized care planning (ICP), and determine the factors associated with postpartum complications among women in the greater Mpigi region.
Methods: The studies were conducted in three districts in central Uganda (Mpigi, Butambala, Gomba); in 2 hospitals, 3 health centre (HC) IVs, and 35 HC IIIs. Sub-study I utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design, involving 40 health facilities and employed an adapted facility assessment tool. Descriptive statistics were computed. Sub-studies II and III employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design, involving 50 in-depth interviews with midwives in 37 HCs. Thematic analysis was done for Sub-study II. The Capability-Motivation-Opportunity for Behaviour change model (COM-B) guided the deductive content analysis for Sub-study III. Sub-study III was a cross-sectional study, involving 263 observations of postpartum women in three health facilities before discharge. Data collection employed an observation checklist and a data abstraction form. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was done.
Results: Facility readiness for the provision of PPC was low (median score 24% (IQR: 18.7, 26.7). Availability and use of up-to-date policies, guidelines and written clinical protocols for identifying, monitoring, and managing PPC were inconsistent across all levels of care. Frequent stock-outs of essential drugs and supplies, particularly hydralazine (52.5%), adult resuscitation equipment (60%), oxygen, and examination gloves (17,5%)/ gynecologic gloves (27.5%), were more common at HCs compared to hospitals. Overall, private not for profit HCs (26.7%, IQR 20.0-30.0) had higher facility readiness scores compared to public facilities (21.93, IQR 17.3-26.7). Three themes emerged regarding the midwives’ perspectives towards the MoH guidelines including; awareness and use of guidelines, drivers of guideline use, and perceived barriers to provision of immediate PPC. Midwives reported mixed perceptions about the PPC guidelines, variations in PPC practices, disparities in preparedness to manage postpartum complications, and no continuing midwifery education. Of the 263 women observed in Sub Study IV, only 3/263(1.14%) were assessed within the first 2 hours, 29/263 (11.02%) at three hours and 10/263 (3.8%) at the fourth hour after delivery as per the MoH guidelines. The prevalence of postpartum complications was at 14.1% of which 68% had PPH. Regarding ICP use, midwives were aware and used critical thinking and reasoning in drawing up ICPs (capability) which they used for high-risk women, HIV positive women, and first-time mothers (automatic motivation). A good midwife-patient relationship, privacy, and ample time to care for women were noted as reflective motivators for ICP use. Social opportunities and barriers for use of ICP were; poor documentation of care, high patient load, and perceived patients’ lack of understanding of the complexities of illness in the immediate postpartum period. Other challenges were lack of training, materials for documentation, high patient load and poor documentation culture (Capability).
Conclusion: There are still gaps in the facility readiness, use of the MoH guidelines and ICPs in the provision of PPC. Increased financing, staff recruitment, training, and harmonization of the documentation forms may improve the use of care plans in the postpartum period. Furthermore, wide dissemination of the guidelines, mentorship, and support supervision could facilitate the use of ICPs and the MoH guidelines in the provision of PPC.DAAD, NURTURE Fellowshi
Exploring challenges and opportunities of Revenue-Based Financing (RBF) for small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda: a case study of the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) purpose pool in Mpigi district
No full textA research paper submitted to the School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences, for the award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration of Makerere UniversityThe study explored the challenges and opportunities of RBF for SMEs in Uganda, focusing on the SINA Purpose Pool (SPP) as a case study. The purpose was to analyse RBF as an alternative financing option, evaluate its mechanism, and assess recipient SMEs' experiences to provide insights for broader application. The study was guided by the research objectives of assessing RBF’s applicability, identifying challenges, and proposing recommendations for its enhancement. The research used qualitative design using structured questionnaires targeting SME owners within the SINA community. Findings reveal key opportunities, as businesses exhibit traits favourable for RBF uptake, including formalization, possession of active bank accounts, and financial record-keeping, which enhance credibility with investors. Many SMEs demonstrated repayment capacity through strong revenue growth projections and operational discipline. Additionally, RBF funds were expected to support revenue-generating activities such as technology upgrades and production scaling, strengthening repayment ability. Despite limited awareness, interest in RBF is growing, with many SMEs willing to recommend it to peers. However, adoption faces barriers, including high repayment costs, limited awareness, and concerns over revenue-sharing mechanisms. Cash flow constraints and misaligned RBF terms further reduce viability for certain SMEs, while investor concerns over financial transparency create monitoring challenges.
The study recommends targeted education campaigns, flexible repayment terms, and trust-building mechanisms to foster transparency. Expanding RBF availability and positioning it as an alternative to grant funding could amplify its adoption. Further research should examine RBF’s long-term impact on SME performance, sector-specific applicability, risk management by providers, and policy frameworks to enhance its viability as a financing model
Indications, early complications, and the associated factors following open surgical gastrostomy in patients admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital
No full textA research dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Medicine in Surgery at Makerere University.Background: Feeding gastrostomy, whether performed surgically or via percutaneous endoscopic or radiological methods, is the preferred approach for long-term enteral feeding in patients who are unable to swallow but possess a normally functioning gastrointestinal tract. However, there is limited data regarding open surgical gastrostomy, particularly concerning the indications, early complications, and factors associated with these complications in Uganda.
Objective: To evaluate the indications, early complications, and associated factors following open surgical gastrostomy at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods: A six-month prospective cohort study was conducted in multiple hospital wards, including Accident and Emergency, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Intensive Care Unit, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic wards, as well as the Uganda Cancer Institute. A total of 142 adult patients (≥18 years) scheduled for feeding gastrostomy tubes were operated on. Data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, surgical indications, and operative details were collected. Patients were reviewed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively on days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 25–30 to document complications. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15.0. Results: Of the 142 participants, 130 were followed up (median age: 60 years, IQR: 50.5–64),72.3% were male. The mean weight was 50.7 kg (SD = 7.7), and 33.1% were underweight. Esophageal cancer (60%) was the most common indication for gastrostomy. Peristomal wound infection was the most frequent early complication, influenced by poor feeding tube handling, malnutrition, low immunity, and comorbidities. Regional anesthesia was used in 86.9% of cases. 6 died along the follow-up, and 6 were lost to follow-up.
Conclusion: Stage IV esophageal cancer was the primary indication for open surgical gastrostomy. The main early complications, including peristomal infection and wound leakage, were associated with poor feeding tube handling and patient-related factors. Most complications appeared after day 15 postoperatively. Improving caregiver education on feeding tube care may
help reduce complications
The Y-Chromosomal haplotype diversity of the Sabiny, Jopadhola and Samia of Eastern Uganda
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 Science in Biochemistry of Makerere University.The Y-Chromosome genetic relatedness among and between the Sabiny, Jopadhola, and Samia populations from Eastern Uganda was investigated in this study. Y-Chromosome haplogroups of 117 individuals (35 Sabiny, 40 Jopadhola, and 42 Samia) were genotyped. Prior to this research, genetic studies on these populations were limited, particularly for those in remote areas.
Six bi-allelic haplogroups were identified: A3-M32, B-M181, F-M89, E3a-M2, E3b2-M81, and E3b3-M123. Haplogroups E3a-M2 and E3b3-M123 were most prevalent, while E3b2-M81 and A-M32 showed moderate frequencies. B-181 and F-M89 were observed at very low frequencies. A low mean pairwise FST value (0.13588) between the three populations suggested a relatively recent common ancestor. Phylogeographic analysis, including data from other African populations, revealed that the study groups were more closely related to East African Nilo-Saharan, Afro-Asiatic, and Khoisan populations than to Central African Niger-Congo groups. This finding may reflect geographical barriers to gene flow between East African non-Bantu and Central African Bantu speakers. The study demonstrated that Eastern Uganda is an important source of Y-Chromosome diversity, with potential implications for understanding population history and migration patterns in the African Great Lakes region. These Y-Chromosome data from Sabiny, Jopadhola, and Samia individuals have potential applications in forensics, population genetics, and serve as valuable references for assessing Y-Chromosome diversity in other Ugandan and East African populations
Quantitative expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and their correlation with immunohistochemistry in breast cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute
No full textThe detection of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is important for the stratification of breast cancer and the selection of therapeutic modalities. This study aimed to determine the quantitative expression of ER, PR and HER-2 using Immunohistochemistry and their correlation with quantitative baseline Ct values measured using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This study also assessed the use of fresh breast tissue biopsies preserved in RNAlater solution in the quantitative detection of these receptors using PCR technique. The study evaluated 20 matched formalin fixed paraffin embedded and RNAlater preserved samples for ER, PR, and HER-2 using IHC and quantitative PCR technique. One portion of the breast tissue biopsy was fixed immediately in 10% neutral buffered formalin and another was preserved in RNAlater. After the histological confirmation of breast cancer by the H&E technique, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues (FFPE)—positive cases were matched with their corresponding RNAlater samples for IHC and qPCR. The extracted RNA was quantified using Nanodrop technology, resulting into complementary DNA. ER and PR using IHC were expressed in 60% (n = 12) of the study samples and were negative in 40% (n = 8) of samples. HER-2 was negative in 70% (n = 14) of study samples, 25% (n = 5) positive, and 5% (n = 1) equivocal. With the quantitative expression of ER, PR, and HER-2 being reported in the IHC triple—negative breast cancer cases. The mean Ct values for the hormonal receptors correlated with what has been previously studied with ER at 19.631, PR at 25.410 and HER-2 at 25.695. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean Ctvalues of RNAlater and FFPE with their P-values being 0.9919, 0.0896 and<0.0001 for ER, PR, and HER-2 respectively. P-values; 0.9919 and 0.0896 for ER and PR respectively being greater than 0.05 it’s a borderline significance although HER-2 had a statistical significance. With a concordance in the detection of these breast cancer hormonal receptors, qPCR can be used in our setting considering the delays that may be associated in following the samples through IHC processing.African Development Bank; The World Academy of Science (TWAS
The influence of tropical cyclones on intraseasonal rainfall variability over Uganda: case study of the Lake Victoria basin
No full textThe thesis is submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of a Degree of Masters of Science in Applied Meteorology of Makerere UniversityThis study investigated the influence of tropical cyclones (TCs) on intra-seasonal rainfall variability over the Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda. The region experiences significant rainfall fluctuations especially during the March-April-May (MAM) season, impacting agriculture, water resources, and socioeconomic development. This research aimed at (1) assessing trends in intraseasonal rainfall characteristics during MAM; (2) analyzing tropical cyclone climatology over the Southwest Tropical Indian Ocean (SWTIO); and (3) examining the relationship between the intraseasonal rainfall characteristics and TC activity. The study employed a mixed-method approach using observational and reanalysis datasets. Daily rainfall data from meteorological stations within the Lake Victoria Basin (1991–2020) were analyzed using the Pentad approach to identify trends in onset, cessation, and dry spell lengths. Tropical cyclone data (1990–2020) were sourced from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) and analyzed for frequency, intensity, and spatial distribution during the MAM season. Results show that the northern, western and southern parts of Lake Victoria basin had a decreasing trend on the onset dates while the Eastern part had an increasing trend in the onset dates. The southern and northern parts had an increasing trend while the western had a decreasing trend in the cessation dates. There was a decreasing trend in dry spell over the northern and southern parts. The dry spell frequency and the Tc distance land showed positive correlation in the southern, eastern and northern areas respectively. There is need of investing in advanced weather stations and modeling systems to improve rainfall predictions and early warning systems for extreme weather events for example tropical cyclones
Discourse, gender, and power : a critical discourse analysis of Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs among the Bakiga
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.This study examines how gender relations are represented in Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs. Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs contain messages that have inherent gender constructions in their lyrics, embedded in various linguistic devices. The study explores linguistic devices in Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs and how they influence gender power relations. In addition, the study examines the way specific linguistic devices construct gender identity. The study further explicates how Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs subvert gender power relations among the Bakiga. I applied Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a theoretical framework and methodological approach to study the relationship between discourse, gender, and power as depicted in these marriage songs. The majority of the songs analysed in the study were recorded during give-away ceremonies, while some audio songs were obtained from music studios in Kabale Municipality. Recorded video songs were obtained from individuals, and additional songs were got from YouTube. I purposively selected 36 songs that contained gendered discourses for analysis out of 56 songs collected. The study findings show that through the application of different linguistic devices, Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs act as a tool which complicates gender power relations. On one hand, the study reveals that linguistic items and choices used in Runyankore-Rukiga marriage songs largely depict or represent the feminine gender as having less power, which is mostly attributed to a woman‟s beauty and character. The findings further show that marriage songs construct women and men differently along the binary division of positive and negative, and superior and inferior, focusing on corporeal styles. On the other hand, the study shows that marriage songs possess subversive power to overturn the assumed and dominant way they construct gender, and if ingeniously used, they can go a long way in changing patriarchal discourses and power. The study points to the need for Runyankore-Rukiga marriage song composers and singers, both male and female, to work together in composing and promoting counter-power and counter-ideology songs that are intended to subvert patriarchal discourses and advocate gender equality among the Bakiga
Stakeholder analysis of the business incubator ecosystem in Uganda
No full textThe study conducted a stakeholder analysis of the business incubator ecosystem in Uganda. It examined the business incubator policy framework in Uganda and identified the stakeholders in the business incubator ecosystem. Additionally, the study explored the challenges faced by stakeholders in the ecosystem and proposed strategies to address them.
A cross-sectional descriptive survey design with a qualitative approach, was used. The target population comprised government representatives, non governmental organizations, incubator managers, and private business owners, from whom a stratified purposive sample was drawn.
Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, while secondary sources included reports, policies, and academic literature. Data was analyzed thematically using content analysis, and trustworthiness was ensured through techniques such as member checks and reflexive journaling.
The findings revealed the absence of a dedicated national policy for business incubators, with existing frameworks being fragmented and lacking targeted incentives such as tax exemptions and funding support. Stakeholder coordination is inadequate, with government agencies, private sector investors, NGOs, universities, and incubators operating in isolation. Limited funding, insufficient specialized mentorship, high production costs, and poor infrastructure were identified as key challenges.
The study recommends developing a cohesive national policy on business incubation to provide regulatory clarity and targeted incentives, expanding funding through public-private partnerships, decentralizing resource access, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration. Capacity-building for incubator staff is also essential to strengthen service delivery and support sustainable start-up
growth