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Prevalence of false negative HIV results and associated factors among patients on antiretroviral therapy with a non-detectable viral load at Kisenyi Health Center IV
No full textIntroduction: Studies in Sub Saharan Africa have found decreasing sensitivities of HIV
diagnostic tests among people living with HIV (PLHIV) that have an undetectable viral load. This
has often led to inappropriate antiretroviral therapy (ART)| discontinuation and discharge from
care of false negative HIV-infected individuals.
Study Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of false negative HIV results and associated
factors among patients on antiretroviral therapy with a non-detectable viral load at Kisenyi health
center IV.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1121 PLHIV with undetectable viral load.
Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling and data on socio-demographics and
clinical characteristics was collected using an electronic questionnaire. And laboratory testing
methods of serial rapid testing using an ELISA test as a gold standard. Logistic regression analysis
was done using STATA version 14.0. Ethical approval was obtained from SOMREC.
Results: The median age of the participants was 35 years [IQR 29, 43]. The prevalence of falsenegative rapid test results was 3.21% [95% CI; 2.18-4.24]. Time between a positive test and the
start of treatment [aOR 0.75 95% CI; 0.57, 0.96] and most recent CD4 count [aOR 1.39
95%CI;1.12, 2.29] were significant.
Conclusion: False-negative results occur in 3 persons for every 100 PLHIV on ART with an
undetectable viral load. The time between a positive test and ART initiation and CD4 count were
significantly associated with false negative results
Records security and privacy practices: A case study of 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 Science in Records and Archives Management of Makerere University.This study assessed records security and privacy practices at Makerere University. Three objectives guided the study to include: i) to identifying the various types of records generated and maintained at Makerere University, ii) examine records security and privacy practices at Makerere university, iii) identify challenges facing record security and privacy and propose possible solutions. The study adopted a mixed method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data, the study employed convenience and survey sampling techniques. Primary data was collected from 22 respondents using close ended questionnaires who were randomly selected, and 12 respondents were interviewed. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS Version 20 software, while qualitative data was analysed using ATLAS.ti software allowing triangulation and enhancing the credibility of the results. The findings established that Makerere university has records such as grants, finance, academic, administrative, security and safety, research, halls and library materials. These records are stored in different formats including paper, electronic, and audio-visual, photography supporting governance, accountability and transparency. The study findings revealed that records security and privacy practices is used to ensure the security of the records, however the security and privacy of the records was affected by outdated technology, insufficient infrastructure, environmental threats, inadequate knowledge about records security and privacy measures, malware attacks significantly hinder effective records security and privacy. The study recommends the university to invest in staff training, policy awareness, and access control protocols for protecting the records. The implementation of security measures such as computer technology controls of alarms, ensure installation of security locks, passwords, and encryption among others to protect the records is also recorded.Staff Development, Welfare and Retirement Benefits Committee (SDWRBC
Health profession students' awareness and perspectives on patients' rights
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Department of Anatomy in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master's of Health Sciences in Bioethics Degree of Makerere University.Introduction: The concept of human rights in patient care refers to the theoretical and practical application of general human rights. It is universally acknowledged that all human beings possess individual and social rights, certain groups within society are deemed to be particularly vulnerable and therefore require additional protections. Among these groups, patients stand out as one of the most vulnerable, facing physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges. One of the most important issues in healthcare is awareness of and adherence to patients' rights which include but are not limited to patients' physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs. Patients’ right should be treated as if they are standards and regulations that medical teams should know about and observe. The study aimed to investigate health professions students' awareness and perspectives of patients' rights so as to enhance the education and training of future healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 294 undergraduate students from three academic programs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising of three sections. The data were entered in Microsoft excel and then exported to Stata Version 15 for statistical analysis. Results: Two hundred and ninety-four students participated in the study, a majority of which was male 168/294, 57%). The mean age was 24 years (SD 4, range 20-40). The results indicated significant differences in the perspective on patients' right to participate in care decision and choosing treatment plans across the three groups of students offering the different academic programs (mean rank =1.98, 1.81, and 1.92). The findings of the study showed that 88% of the health profession students had great knowledge towards patient's right to confidentiality compared to others students.
The key findings indicate that most of the students were aware of the patients' bill of rights (PBR), the main means through which most students got to know about the PBR was class, religion was significantly associated with awareness, there was high awareness about the specific patient rights of PBR in Uganda's context, and there was more divergence in the students' perspective on the view that a health provider may administer medical treatment without the informed consent of the patient.
Conclusions: The findings of this survey highlight the need for medical schools to review and evaluate their curricula to ensure that students receive comprehensive education and training on patient's rights.SUSTAIN Progra
Blast (magnaporthe oryzae) response and genomic regions associated with resistance in finger millet
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems Degree of Makerere UniversityBlast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most destructive disease affecting finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. subsp. coracana], productivity in the world, however, genomic resources for elucidating on finger millet’s resistance to blast are not yet developed in Uganda. This study therefore assessed a selected panel of 190 diverse finger millet accessions comprising of landraces, introductions, breeding lines, and released varieties for responses to blast. Genomic regions associated with blast resistance were also identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
The 190 accessions were screened at NaSARRI-Serere for three seasons under natural infection conditions out of which 129 accessions were genotyped using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) sequencing platform. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in GenStat version 22 determined phenotypic variability among accessions and across seasons for blast and selected agronomic traits. Broad sense heritability and correlations between pairs of traits were also computed in R statistical packages; whereas for GWAS analyses, Best Linear Unbiased Predictors (BLUPs) for individual seasons and combined seasons were derived using Meta-R version 6 statistical software and marker-trait associations were analyzed using TASSEL version 5.2.9 and a suite of R packages. Prior to GWAS analyses, Principal component analysis (PCA) and neighbor-joining (NJ) dendrograms to show relatedness among the 129 accessions were done in R packages using the 1,211 resultant high-quality SNPs.
GBK 029674A, Ikhululwe, and Okhale-1 were all resistant to leaf, neck, and finger blast. Ten (10) accessions were moderately resistant to blast with consistent higher yields across the three seasons. Both PCA and NJ dendrogram grouped the 129 accessions into three (3) clusters with the first three (3) PCs explaining 41.08% of observed genetic variation. Association mapping identified four (4) significant and thirteen (13) suggestive marker-trait associations (MTAs) located on chromosomes 1A, 4B, and 9B. Several candidate genes that are known to code for disease resistance proteins were identified in tight linkage disequilibrium with the significant SNPs including NB-ARC domain-containing proteins, Leucine rich repeats, Protein Tyrosine Kinases (PTKs) and Serine/Threonine Kinases (STKs), Chitinase class I enzymes; and Neprosin and Xylanase-containing proteins. The proteins identified above are variously constituents of pathogen recognition, signal transduction, biosynthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell wall and membrane constituents such as cuticular waxes, triacylglycerols, phytoalexins, which are popular in biochemical and physical plant defense mechanisms against pathogens such as induced localized cell death and systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Since the for (4) significant SNPs identified in the current study are located on chromosomes previously reported to harbour blast resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) and genes, these markers when converted into Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers can be useful in routine applications for finger millet breeding against blast. The nine high yielding accessions with moderate resistance to blast (ACC 310, FMS 13-20, FMS 13-8, P 236, ABAO F, IE 6013, F7 SEC 220 x DR 33, FMS 13-12, and FMS 72) are potential variety releases after multi-locational and multi-seasonal trials for adaptability and market preferences. Robust KASP markers could also be developed based on SNPs identified, and validated for routine use in finger millet breeding program
Farmers’ perceptions towards involvement of soldiers in agricultural input and extension services delivery in Uganda : A case of Nakaseke District
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 Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Rural Innovation of Makerere University.Delivery of agricultural inputs and extension are two complementary services essential for agricultural transformation in developing countries, however the institutional arrangements and modalities for providing the two services is still problematic. The Uganda government has undertaken several reforms since the 1920s aimed at streamlining and coordinating the two services that are mandates of different agencies, the most radical one in recent times (2013) being the involvement of the soldiers in delivery of agricultural inputs under the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) program– inevitably creating some overlaps with extension services delivery. Involving the soldiers in agricultural services delivery is a new phenomenon that triggered different reactions from a wide range of stakeholders including the farmers who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the services. There are documented incidences where farmers have rejected the inputs supplied for various reasons. This study explored farmers’ perceptions towards involvement of soldiers in the delivery of agricultural inputs and extension services and as rooted in the historical trends of reforms for improving input and extension services delivery in Uganda. Specifically, the study aimed at: (i) describing the evolution of reforms targeting improvement of input and extension services delivery in the past century (1922-2022) leading into OWC; (ii) assessing the level of farmers’ satisfaction with the roles and performance of the soldiers and, (iii) determining the factors influencing farmers’ perceptions and access to agricultural inputs supplied under OWC. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to unravel the evolutionary processes and their implications and establishment of farmer perceptions on various dimensions of services delivered by the soldiers respectively. In addition to documentary review, 43 key informants in the policy domain were interviewed to help elucidate the history and trends of reforms over the past century. A cross-sectional survey was used to generate data that relates to farmer perceptions. The study was conducted in Nakaseke district – the pioneer district for the OWC program located in Central Uganda. The results indicate that despite the numerous reforms, the dilemma of separation of the two closely related services basing on mandates of agencies responsible, and avoiding conflicts and or compromises of either by integrating the two services persisted throughout all the reforms. This dilemma is due to structural and functional challenges, the missing link being effective coordination. Whereas involvement of the soldiers improved the delivery of inputs to targeted farmers, the quality of such inputs was a matter of contention and the lack of sufficient accompanying extension services constrained proper utilization of the inputs. Specific findings showed that, although soldiers were involved in all the roles including planning, delivery, supervision and monitoring of input distribution, they were glaringly absent in actual input distribution roles to farmers. This is contrary to the provisions of the Standing Order of Procedures (SOP) for OWC that required soldiers to monitor input distribution processes until it reaches the final beneficiaries. Consequently, 51% of the farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the roles of soldiers in inputs distribution under the program. On a positive note, however, farmers were satisfied with the good mobilisation skills of the soldiers in input distribution under the program, as they bring on board valuable communication, organization and social skills. Finally, findings revealed discrepancies between inputs being prioritized by farmers and those delivered by the program -a persistent challenge in agricultural inputs and extension programs over the last century. Results of the econometric modelling indicated that group membership was a key predictor of farmer’s willingness to continue participating in inputs delivery under OWC program. The findings contribute new knowledge and are important in guiding policy decisions on how best to improve inputs and extension services delivery to farmers
Factors influencing livelihood restoration post-resettlement: a case study of Kyenjojo-Kabwoya road project in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate training in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology of Makerere UniversityThis study examines the factors influencing livelihood restoration among individuals displaced by the 100 km Kyenjojo-Kabwoya road project in western Uganda, focusing on the economic, physical, and social impacts post-resettlement. Utilizing a mixed research design, data were collected from 129 respondents through structured interviews and analysed using SPSS for quantitative analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. The findings reveal that economic impacts, particularly loss of land, crops, and income, were most pronounced among the project affected people. Despite compensation efforts, significant discrepancies in compensation adequacy were identified, echoing concerns from previous studies about undervaluation and inadequate compensation for permanent crops and trees. Physical impacts included substantial damage to residential and business structures, albeit with high rates of restoration post-compensation. Socially, minimal disruption to social networks was observed due to the partial displacement nature of the project, enabling continued community ties. However, challenges persisted in the valuation and compensation processes, undermining effective livelihood restoration efforts. It is there recommended that there is need for enhancement compensation policies to reflect true asset values, improving community engagement strategies, and providing comprehensive post-compensation support to ensure sustainable livelihoods. It is also recommended that future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impacts of resettlement, evaluate different compensation models, and explore the role of social networks in enhancing resilience among displaced populations
Unravelling the value engineering practices on the Kampala industrial business park development project, Namanve.
No full textA project report submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master of Science in Construction Management of Makerere University.The Kampala Industrial Business Park Development Project in Namanve, Uganda was established with the aim of creating a world-class industrial hub, promoting economic growth and industrialization. The project commenced on the 6th July 2020 with an original project duration of 42 calendar months ending on 05th January 2024. The project faced challenges in delivering optimal value to stakeholders, including cost overruns, and delays therefore the construction time was extended with a period of 20months ending on 4th September 2025.
This interested the researcher to dig deep into the cause by investigating the value engineering practices adopted on the project, seeking to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of value engineering practices employed during the design and construction stages of project development, analyze their impact on project performance, identify gaps in value engineering methods, and assess the level of awareness of value engineering practices among project stakeholders.
Using a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and document analysis, we evaluated the value engineering practices and their impact on the project, conducted gap analysis and assessed the level of awareness of the value engineering practices among project stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients.
The study reveals that value engineering practices, such as design optimization and material selection, led to cost savings by 11.57%, reduced construction time, and improved project efficiency. The findings revealed a moderate level of awareness, with varying degrees of understanding and application among different stakeholder groups. While some stakeholders demonstrated a good understanding of value engineering principles, others showed limited knowledge and application. Also, the study identified underutilized value engineering practices and a need for increased awareness and understanding among project stakeholders.
However due to limited time, the researcher recommends that value engineering be extended to the whole life cycle of the project to exhaust its applicability.
Based on the findings, the researcher proposed strategies for enhancing value engineering implementation, including:
- Tailored training programs for stakeholders
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Integration of value engineering into project management frameworks
- Development of value engineering guidelines and standards
This study contributes to the body of knowledge on value engineering in construction projects, providing insights for project managers, policymakers, and industry practitioners to optimize project outcomes and enhance sustainability
Trade liberalization and economic growth in the East African community: evidence from dynamic panel analytical methods
No full textA research report submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning of Makerere UniversityThis study examines the effect of trade liberalization on economic growth in the East African Community using panel data obtained from World Development Indicators between 1990 and 2020. The Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) was adopted to analyze the short-run and long-run effects of trade liberalization on economic growth in the East African Community. The results divulged that trade liberalization has a strong positive and significant effect on economic growth in the long run but with an insignificant effect in the short run. Furthermore, the results revealed that gross fixed capital formation has a strong negative and significant effect on economic growth in the long run but with an insignificant effect in the short run while gross domestic saving was found with a strong positive and significant effect on economic growth in the long run but with insignificant effect in the short run. Based on the aforementioned findings, aggressive diversification policies aimed at increasing trade benefits by putting in place policies and incentives that will boost trade in the areas of the manufacturing sector and industrial growth so that the exportation of goods and services outweigh the importation of goods and services are highly recommended. Finally, the East African Community governments are argued to promote export-led growth policies by supporting domestic production for exports which is known for attracting foreign exchange earnings and hence a push for achieving significant economic growth and development
Gender dynamics in commercial sugarcane farming among Kinyara Sugarcane Outgrowers in Masindi District, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate training in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology of Makerere UniversitySugarcane growing is an important economic activity in Uganda and across Africa. However,
participation in sugarcane cultivation manifests gender variations. The purpose of this study was to
explore the gender dynamics in commercial sugarcane farming among the sugarcane out-growers in
Masindi District. The study employed an exploratory sequential design to collect data from a
sample size of 265 sugarcane farmers using questionnaires. The study used three Focus Group
Discussions to collect data from sugarcane out-grower farmer leaders and Key informant interviews
to collect data from 12 key district officials and Kinyara sugar management members in selected
villages. The findings revealed that; most of the sugarcane commercial out growing activities are
dominated by men that included; Pre-planting, Planting, Crop Maintenance, Harvesting,
Transporting, Tallying and Revenue Collection. Findings further revealed that sugarcane
outgrowing is associated with both social and economic benefits that are uniquely distributed
between men and women that were; access to credit facilities, access to inputs, extension services
and opportunities to membership to organizations. The major challenges affecting sugarcane out
growing were; price fluctuations of sugarcane and limited access to finance that impedes expansion
of acreage of their sugarcane plantations. Ultimately, the study advances knowledge on the gender
ramifications of the out-grower scheme which complicates sugarcane marketing and the pre existing social structural inequalities that prevent the people from undergoing transformation
Tourism and household welfare in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the directorate of graduate research training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning of Makerere UniversityEnhancing household welfare is a key priority in Uganda’s development agenda, as highlighted both in Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan. Similarly, the tourism sector is recognized as one of the key growth sectors with the potential to significantly improve household welfare. However, empirical research on the effect of tourism on household welfare has received limited attention. Thus, this study empirically examines the relationship between tourism and household welfare using the pro-poor growth theory and trickle-down effect. The study used a nationally representative data extracted from the Uganda Harmonized Integrated Survey (UHIS), undertaken between 2020 and 2021 by Uganda Bureau of Statistics, categorised as cross-sectional data within the new panel household survey. A total sample of 4,208 households was analysed using STATA software version 18. Tourism is conceptualized in terms of engagement in tourism wage employment and tourism-related enterprise, while household welfare is measured in terms of average household consumption expenditure.
The findings of the study show a significant and positive association between tourism and household welfare. Disaggregated analysis shows that both tourism wage employment and tourism-related enterprise positively affect household welfare, with engagement in tourism enterprise having a relatively greater effect. Based on these findings, the study recommends continued government investment in the tourism sub-sector to create job opportunities and targeted policies supporting local households to start and grow tourism-related enterprises which ultimately generate income and enhance welfare. In addition, addressing barriers to entry into the tourism sub-sector, such as access to credit, will expand income generation opportunities for the local people and enhance household welfare.
Keywords: Tourism, household welfare, tourism wage jobs, tourism enterprise, OLS