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Factors associated with child labour in the Busoga Region, 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 Master of Science in Quantitative Economics of Makerere UniversityChild labour continues to be a pressing social and economic issue affecting millions of children globally, hindering their physical, emotional, and mental development. The main objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with child labour in Busoga region. To achieve this, the study utilized secondary data obtained from the Uganda National Household Survey 2019/2020.The researcher employed chi-square distribution, binary, and multinomial logistic regressions to gain insights into the causes of child labour and the different variables that explain it, using a sample size of 2,440 children aged 5 – 17 years, in Busoga region. Findings from the binary logistic regression showed that children from large household sizes of 11 members and above were less likely to engage in child labour compared to their counterparts in small household sizes (OR = 0.265, CI 0.142 – 0.495). The study also shows that older children aged 14 – 17 years were less likely to engage in child labour compared to those 5 – 13 years (OR = 0473, CI 0.355 – 1.008). Conversely, the likelihood of child labour increased in tandem with household incomes (OR = 1.416, CI 1.081 -1.855). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that children across various age groups (5-11 years, 12-13 years, and 14-17 years) were compelled by distinct factors to engage in child labour. Specifically, among children aged 12-13 years, the primary influencing factor for their involvement in child labour compared to the reference group of 5-11 years, was their place of residence (RRR = 0.342, CI 0.143 – 0.818). In contrast, children aged 14-17 years were more likely to be driven into child labour compared to children aged 5-11 years’ due factors such high household incomes (RRR =1.937, CI 1.082 - 3.466), not being related to the household head (RRR = 0.193, 0.057 – 1.652), paternal orphan hood (RRR = 5.490, CI 1.610 – 18.730), and the absence of the mother in the household (RRR = 2.747, CI 1.093 – 6.905). Derived from the study outcomes, it is apparent that child labour within the Busoga region is influenced by a combination of individual child-level and household-level factors. Consequently, strengthening labour laws, extension of social services such as education and financial services, and monitoring of sectors highly prone to child labour can collectively work towards mitigating this pressing issue
Analysis of human EMF exposure in close proximity scenarios to cellular system transmitters
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment for the award of a Degree of Master of Science in Telecommunications Engineering of Makerere University.Wireless communication systems, particularly cellular network system, are the primary
sources of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) due to their radiofrequency electromagnetic
fields (RF-EMF) emission. Excessive exposure of human body to the RF-EMF
has been associated with various potential health risks, including nerve stimulation,
skin cancer, and alterations in cell membrane permeability. To safeguard human health
and the environment, international regulatory bodies such as the International Commission
on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have established guidelines
that define the maximum permissible levels of RF-EMF exposure. These guidelines
are essential for ensuring that radiation levels remain within safe limits.
This study references the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines to evaluate the whole-body exposure
compliance of cellular system deployments in Kampala against the permissible levels.
Uganda’s telecommunications landscape has experienced rapid growth, marked by the
introduction of 5G technology, a 64% internet penetration rate, 34.9 million mobile
subscriptions, and over 4,963 base transceiver stations (BTSs). For this assessment,
points of investigation (POIs) were strategically selected near radiating antennas at
each identified cellular deployment site.
The goal of this study was to characterize the RF-EMF exposure from cellular system
transmitters in close proximity scenarios. This was achieved by measuring the
Power Density (PD) from all the frequency bands in use today. At each POI, PD
measurements were taken by directly aligning a spectrum analyzer with the radiating
sector antenna. The study utilized an Aaronia AG spectrum analyzer (Spectran HF
60105, 700MHz - 2.5GHz) paired with an omnidirectional antenna (Omni log 90200)
to accurately measure PD levels.
Across 46 sites, a total of 639 measurements were taken across 8 different frequency
bands at 127 POIs. The results indicated an average overall exposure level of only
0.19% of the ICNIRP threshold, demonstrating minimal exposure. Notably, 5G technology
contributed 37.56% to the total RF-EMF measured in Kampala. This translates
to an overall average exposure of just 0.244% from 5G deployments, further
emphasizing its low impact on overall exposure levels. However, the study also identified
a few isolated sites with slightly elevated exposure levels, highlighting the need
for ongoing monitoring to ensure they remain within safe limits.
Keywords: RF-EMF, NIR, INCNIRP, Exposur
Burden of pain, perceived social support and depression among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): a case study of Kiswa Health Centre IV
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Degree of Makerere UniversityHIV/AIDS remains a significant public health issue, affecting millions and is often accompanied by a range of severe physical and psychological symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. The virus undermines the immune system, leading to chronic health issues and frequent infections, including opportunistic infections. These exacerbate emotional distress, thereby heightening the psychological impact of the diagnosis, marked by depression, and concerns about transmission, further amplifying the emotional burden of living with HIV. This study aimed to examine the relationships between burden of pain, perceived social support and depression among persons living with HIV/AIDS. The study used a quantitative approach, participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. A sample of 150 participants living with HIV/AIDS receiving treatment for more than 18 years were involved in the study. Results from the study revealed that burden of pain and perceived social support weren’t significantly related r(148) =.030, p>.01. The study also revealed that burden of pain and depression r(148) =.327, p0.05 respectively. Results from the study also revealed that Perceived social support did not mediate the relationship between Pain Burden and depression. Collectively these findings imply that the burden of pain, perceived social support and depression should be assessed and targeted for management among PLWH because they can exacerbate the HIV condition and reduce the patients’ quality of life. Interventions that cater for pain management, assessing and treating depression as well as enhancing perceived social support should be integrated into the management of people living with HIV/AIDS
Adherence to anti-diabetic medication and associated factors among Type 2 Diabetic patients in Nsambya, Lubaga and Mengo Hospitals in Kampala
No full textIntroduction: Over 4.6 % of the Ugandan population aged 20-70 is living with diabetes with majority living in urban areas like Kampala. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and cancers if not managed or treated. Preventing these complications and having better treatment outcomes requires good adherence to treatment. However, there is limited information on adherence to anti-diabetic treatment among patients in private health facilities yet majority of the patients in urban areas access treatment in private facilities.
Main Objective: To assess adherence to anti-diabetic treatment and associated factors among diabetic patients in Mengo, Lubaga and Nsambya hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods: The study employed a cross sectional quantitative study design. Data was collected among 459 consecutively sampled type 2 diabetic patients receiving care in Mengo, Lubaga and Nsambya hospitals using semi structured questionnaires embedded on the kobo collect app on android phones. The collected data was cleaned in excel 2016, and analyzed in STATA version 15 statistical software. Descriptive analyses were conducted and presented as percentages in tables. Association between the adherence to anti-diabetic medication and independent factors was determined using modified Poisson regression at bivariate and multivariate analysis.
Results: About 54.5% (95% CI: 26.7-79.7) of the patients adhered to antidiabetic treatment. Using insulin as type of medication (PR-0.53, 95%CI: 0.45-0.81), being reminded by family to take medicines (PR-0.67, 95%CI: 0.48-0.94), was negatively associated with adherence to anti diabetic medication. Additionally, not experiencing side effects while using anti diabetic medication (PR-1.34, 95%CI: 1.03-2.05), was associated to anti-diabetic medication.
Conclusion: The study revealed that adherence to antidiabetic medication was suboptimal in private health facilities in Kampala. This low adherence level is associated to insulin use, experiencing side effects, drug unavailability, having a family member with diabetes and reliance on a family member for reminders. Therefore, strategies such as improved stock taking in health facilities and health education of both patients and caretakers on diabetes should be strengthened at these facilities to improve adherence
Morpho-syntactic analysis of Runyankore Folk Songs
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 Arts in Linguistics of Makerere UniversityThis dissertation reports on the research that analyzed morho-syntactic aspects embedded in Runyankore folk songs. The features in the study were grammatical, that is, morphological and phrase structures. It was earlier established that morphological and phrase structure analysis of folk songs in Runyankore had not been carried out. Specifically the study compiled folk songs, analyzed morphological features and the phrases embedded in them. A descriptive study design and the qualitative approach were used. Item and Arrangement Morphology, the Phrase Structure Grammar and Theory of Constraints to Derivation were the analytical frameworks that guided the study.The study revealed that: Runyankore folk songs, like other folk songs in the world belong to overly linguistic systems as opposed to ordinary linguistic systems such as narratives. Runyankore folk songs have morphological features some of which had not been added to the body of knowledge. They include: simple and complex words, derivations, cliticization, compounding, and reduplication. Uniqueness of these structures is in the way they are presented in the folk songs. Phrases such as verb phrases, noun phrases, adjective phrases, adverb phrases and prepositional phrases were f-ound, most of them similar to ordinary linguistic structures, but there are unique phrases which can not occur in ordinary linguistic systems. According to the findings, morphological aspects and phrases that existed in the data to a large extent contain unique features from that of ordinary linguistic systems
Immunomodulatory activity and safety profile of prunus Africana in an animal model: a common medicinal plant used in management of respiratory virus infections in local communities in Mpigi District, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science and Management of The Makerere UniversityPrunus africana is a common medicinal plant used in modulating the immune system in the treatment of respiratory infections by the local communities and herbalists in Mpigi district. However, limited scientific information exists on the immunomodulatory properties of the plant extracts in animal models. To achieve this, immunomodulatory activities and safety profiles of P. africana extracts were undertaken in Wistar albino rats and Swiss albino mice respectively. Experimental laboratory-based study was conducted to determine the effects of aqueous extracts (AQ) and total crude extracts (TC) of P. africana on the cell-mediated and humoral-mediated immune responses and their safety in animal models. Low dose (200 mg/Kg bwt) and high dose (1000 mg/Kg bwt) were used as test substances of both extracts and 0.2 mL of distilled water as a control. Healthy Wistar albino rats (8 weeks, 100-150 g) and Swiss mice of either sex were used in the experiments. The study was carried out in accordance to ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0 for reporting animal research. Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) and neutrophil adhesion response of Witstar albino rats were determined for 14 days following daily dosing of 200 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of respective extracts. Whole blood sampling was done on day 0, 7 and 14. Complete Blood Cell Count was analyzed using an automated coulter machine with standard methods and procedures. Neutrophil adhesion was determined by incubating whole blood with 80 mg nylon fibers /mL for 15 minutes at 37oC and then analyzed like for CBC. Phagocytic index was determined using carbon clearance in Wistar albino rats. Hemagglutination antibody titer assay was determined using sheep red blood cells as antigens. The oral acute toxicity study was carried out using the “up and down” method of testing in eleven Swiss mice. Single doses ranging from 50mg/kg-5000 mg/kg were administered orally in three stages. The general behavioral effects and mortality rates were monitored for a period of 24 hours. For sub-acute test study, the TC (most active) was administered orally to adult Wistar albino rats at a dose rate of 1000mg/kg on a daily basis for 28 days. Selected biochemical and hematological parameters were measured, and histological examinations of the kidney, liver and heart were conducted to assess any signs of organ damage at the end of the treatment period. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test were used to statistically compare the treatment groups. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. No significant changes among the mean WBC counts, mean lymphocytes and mean LIC (Large Immature Cell) counts in all doses of plant extracts was observed throughout test period (p =0.05). However, eosinophil and neutrophils significantly increased (p=001) on D7 and D14, respectively, for AQ1000 compared to the control. Similarly, AQ1000 demonstrated a rise in basophils values. Total crude extracts significantly reduced neutrophil levels on D14 as well as eosinophil on D7 compared to AQ1000 extract. The TC200 extracts produced a low mean % hematocrit count throughout the study period, whereas the AQ1000 had a marginal reduction of the same. Significantly low mean MCV and MCH values were demonstrated by AQ1000 extracts on D7-D12, and D14, respectively. The TC1000 produced a reduction of the same values but increasing RDW-CV on D7 and D14. The AQ200 exhibited an increase in platelets on D7-D14, and TC1000 on D14. A statistically significant increase in mean % neutrophil adhesion was observed with TC1000 extracts on D7 compared to the control and much higher than TC200. Although, the phagocytic index significantly increased for both total crude extracts, the value was quite below 1. The test plant samples exhibited comparable antibody titers to levamisole and the negative control. The results of the acute toxicity study demonstrated that the LD50 value following oral administration of TC1000 of P. africana was greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub -acute toxicity study, TC1000 compared to the control, a statistically significant decrease in WBC counts and monocytes was observed on D28. Similarly, a reduction on neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils was observed. Reductions were also demonstrated in MCH, haematocrit and MCV D28. No changes in biochemical parameters were observed. Microscopic examination of vital organs such as the liver, heart and kidney revealed no significant injuries except that the kidney had mild multifocal mononuclear inflammatory cells in the interstitium. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrated that the aqueous extracts P. africana stimulated the innate immune response by increasing neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophil and basophil. The extracts may as well cause blood clots due to increasing levels of platelet counts. The total crude extracts caused a reduction in the inflammatory cells and a less than 1 phagocytic index was observed, hence acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicinal plant. The study findings also showed that P. africana was safe at an LD50 of 5000mg/kg. Unfortunately, long- term use of this medicinal plant may induce toxicities as supported by the hematological parameters. The extracts demonstrated an immunosuppressive (anti-inflammatory) effect and a strong support on innate immune response and offers prospects in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and infectious conditions. Therefore, there is a need to isolate and elucidate the bioactive compounds and to find out their mode of action. The communities should be advised on the use P. africana cautiously to avoid the adverse effects exhibited by the plant
Intellectual property management mechanisms and commercialisation of graduate students’ research outputs in College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University
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 Higher Education of Makerere UniversityThis study aimed at examining the effects of IPM mechanisms on the commercialisation of graduate students’ research outputs at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES). It was prompted by the low commercialisation of graduate students’ research outputs. This study was guided by three specific objectives namely, to examine the effect of IP (1) Generation, (2) Protection (3) Enforcement on the commercialisation of graduate students’ research outputs. It was a cross-sectional survey design and majorly quantitative. The population size was 243 graduate students of CEES and the sample size was 151 respondents selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a survey method and its corresponding tool was a self-administered questionnaire. At the univariate level each dimension of the independent and dependent variables were analysed descriptively whereas at a bivariate level inferential statistics were determined using the Chi-square test of independence. Results revealed that IP generation, protection, and enforcement have no effect on commercialisation of graduate students’ outputs. From the findings, it was recommended that to increase commercialisation of graduate students’ research outputs, CEES should make the Makerere University intellectual property management policy available to all graduate students; ensure that intellectual property education and training is made mandatory in all graduate programs; it was also recommended that there should be quarterly and annual releases about what intellectual property has been protected in the university in order to minimise on IP infringement, and finally legal education on IP enforcement should be provided to graduate students in create awareness and minimise infringement of graduate students’ IP rights
Litigating in defence of nature: an assessment of the effectiveness of public interest litigation in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Laws of Makerere UniversityRecognising the rights of nature is seen by many as the paradigm shift needed to truly embed ecology and the environment into nature-based policy and management solutions to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development. The idea of recognising the rights of nature (RoN), grounded in many Indigenous peoples’ ontologies and worldviews, has emerged in philosophical and legal theories supporting a less anthropocentric approach to nature and is often hailed as being a legal revolution that could significantly help to protect the environment or at least lead to reforming legal, governance, and economic systems of natural resource management. This sense of urgency is gaining traction in the context of human-made climate change and the idea that the ‘Anthropocene’ requires a body of environmental laws that does not centre human beings as the main actor in, or beneficiary of, environmental legislation. In 2019, Uganda joined over 30 countries in recognising the rights of nature. However, nature or elements of nature such as rivers, swamps, forests, trees, lakes, and wetlands do not have the ability to defend their rights in courts yet section 4 of the National Environment Act envisions a situation where public-spirited individuals or organisations represent nature in courts of law through PIL. Traditionally, litigation, if not taking the form of criminal prosecution, was brought by an individual or group seeking to enforce or protect private rights. However, as the courts became instruments of social transformation, new forms of litigation started to emerge. Among these forms is Public Interest Litigation (PIL): litigation that seeks to use the legal system to prompt social change and, in some cases, pursue social justice and human rights. This form of litigation seeks court orders and directives that go beyond individual problems and rather aim to promote or protect the public interest. Often, PIL may, through individual cases, highlight a larger problem of public interest. In investigating the effectiveness of PIL in defending nature in Uganda, this thesis discussed issues regarding whether nature has rights, how those rights can be protected, the requisite legal frameworks required to entrench those rights and how PIL has been used or can be used to defend nature. The thesis also offers a comparative analysis of four countries (USA, India, Ecuador and New Zealand). These countries have been very progressive in recognising rights of nature in their law books and the use of PIL in defending nature. It is the position of this thesis that even before 2019, PIL was a great ally in defending nature rights in Uganda, though from an anthropocentric perspective
Reviewing the efficacy of the East African Community in regulating bilateral trade: a case study of Uganda and Rwanda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfilment of the award of a Master’s Degree in Law of Makerere UniversityThere is evidence to show that international trade including regional trade is important in stimulating and developing economies of many countries (Lwin, 2009). As a result, many regional block nations have increasingly adopted regional economic integration initiatives like Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost intra-regional trade. Free Trade Agreements are forms of trade pacts between countries which eliminate tariffs, quotas and other barriers on some or all traded goods between state parties. The aim is to increase bilateral trade between state parties by relaxing or removing institutional and economic barriers to trade. Trade agreements are instruments that have been widely implemented to enhance trade between countries like the North American FTA (NAFTA) between the USA, Canada and Mexico. Integration in the East African Community (EAC) was re-established in 1999 with the signing of the EAC Protocol. Over the years, the EAC party states have established economic links through an FTA (2001), a Customs Union (2005), and a Common Market (2010) with Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Given the progress with intra-regional trade, the objective of the EAC countries is the establishment of the East African Monetary Union which will adopt a single currency projected by 2024. As trade is expected to flourish, it is important to examine factors that determine bi-lateral trade flows (Lwin, 2009), especially between Uganda and Rwanda which have motivated this study
Factors associated with uptake of community-led total sanitation practices and behavior among triggered and followed-up households and communities in Agorigiroi Sub County, Rural Ngora District
No full textA research dissertation submitted to College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master of Public Health Degree of Makerere University, Kampala.Background: Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) practices and behaviors have been emphasized and promoted during community wide mobilizations to improve sanitation, enforced through non-coercive efforts for households to achieve and sustain lasting open defecation free (ODF) practices and behavior in the triggered villages in rural Ngora district. Although approaches have been implemented to improve uptake of CLTS practices, certain indicators such as provision of; improved latrines, hand washing facilities and squat hole covering have remained low. This is as a result of people’s lack of access to affordable durable latrine construction materials and labour force, worst in rural settings and environments to enhance prolonged behavior and mind set change to sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 385 households from 8 of 16 villages in 8 parishes was employed. Simple random sampling using a household list was used in the selection of respondents. Quantitative data was collected using a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire; while qualitative data was collected using key informant interview (KII) guides. Quantitative data was coded and summarized in Excel then imported into the STATA version 14.0 software for analysis. Logistic regression was used to obtain Odds ratios as a measure of association where statistical significance of p<0.05 was used for statistical inference. Qualitative data were collected using 21 key informant interviews which were analyzed through thematic analysis using Nvivo software. Was arranged as per summary notes on the subject matter, using operational saturation. Results: Only 9.1% (35/385) of the participants practiced complete CLTS. Factors associated with the uptake of community led total sanitation practices included; having over 50 years [AOR=4.03, CI-2.82-7.81, P=0.007], having attained tertiary education [AOR=10.54, CI=5.43-13.54, P<0.001], having permanent housing [AOR=5.64, CI=1.80-8.76, P=0.02], having over 5 children in the household [AOR=0.05, CI-0.004-0.80, P=0.03], and not being ashamed with open defecation [AOR=0.002, CI=0.0001-0.15, P=0.005]. Conclusion: Generally, latrine ownership among sampled households was high. However, a number of gaps remain in key CLTS practices such as squat hole covers and hand washing facilities with soap and water provision and use. Therefore, interventions to increase the uptake and sustainability of CLTS practices and behavior should therefore focus on these indicators