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An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal and regulatory framework governing capital markets in protection of minority shareholders in Uganda
A dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Laws (LLM) of Makerere UniversityThe effectiveness of Uganda's legislative and regulatory framework in defending the interests of minority shareholders in capital markets was investigated in this study. Using a qualitative research approach with exploratory and descriptive study designs, the study collected insights from stakeholders, including officials from the National Insurance Company (NIC), legal advocates, representatives from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and scholars. The study's three primary objectives were to assess how successfully Ugandan laws protect the rights of minority owners, comprehend the experiences of minority shareholders in particular businesses, and draw lessons from other countries' legal systems to enhance Uganda's own procedures. The results demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of Uganda's legal system. While existing laws promote transparency and accountability, enforcement is inconsistent, and some laws are outdated in today’s fast-changing business environment. The legal framework has been effective in preventing major fraud, but minority shareholders still face challenges such as unresolved complaints, limited participation in Annual General Meetings (AGMs), and inadequate access to key information. These issues reduce the ability of minority shareholders to protect their interests and participate meaningfully in corporate decisionmaking. The study also highlighted the struggles minority shareholders face due to inadequate legal protection. They often experience marginalization, restricted access to information, and limited grievance resolution options. This lack of empowerment discourages investors, slows the growth of capital markets, and weakens the fairness of corporate governance. Learnings from other jurisdictions' legal systems, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the USA, the OECD Code, South Africa's King IV report, and the UK Corporate Governance Code demonstrate the importance of strong shareholder protection for improving corporate practices, attracting investments, and maintaining investor trust. Based on these findings, the study offers several recommendations to improve shareholder protection in Uganda. These include regularly updating laws, creating better grievance mechanisms, ensuring more inclusive AGMs, improving transparency, educating investors, and introducing fair exit opportunities for minority shareholders. Other suggestions include strengthening accountability measures, promoting legal reforms, and increasing stakeholder collaboration. By adopting these recommendations, Uganda can create a fairer and more transparent corporate environment, boosting investor confidence and encouraging financial market growth
Evaluating academic performance of midwifery students and its associated factors: a comparative case study of e-learning and full-time programs in Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing, Uganda.
A dissertation submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Award of Master of Public Health Degree of Makerere University.Background: Globally, there continues to be a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in midwifery. Uganda faces a notably high ratio of midwives to mothers. Despite numerous efforts aimed at addressing this gap, the effectiveness of midwifery education programs significantly influences the skills of healthcare providers yet nursing students encounter several challenges that hinder their academic success. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the academic performance of midwifery students at Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing. Methods: This study employed an explanatory mixed methods among 65 diploma midwifery students, including both full-time and e-learning students, alongside tutors, clinical instructors, and mentors. Quantitative data was gathered through self-administered questionnaires and academic record reviews, complemented by qualitative data from interviews to contextualize the quantitative findings. The students were sampled via a census, and qualitative participants were purposively selected. Descriptive data analysis was used, and performance between learner groups was compared using the Mann-Whitney test and fishers exact test. Linear regression identified performance factors, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Findings showed that, the full-time learners had a Mean age of 29.11 (SD=1.717), and e-learners had Mean age of 30.25 (SD=2.502) with significant differences in the marital status (X² = 7.19, p = 0.027). A majority 21 (47%) of the full-time learners worked in private organizations while the least 5(11%) were not employed. There were slightly more 8 (40%) civil servants among the e-learners while the rest were almost the same. Most, 20 (44%) full-timers had a longer (7-10 years) working experience than the e-learners 10(50%) and received financial support from their spouses while most 9 (45%) e-learners, paid tuition fees for themselves. The overall mean scores were similar for both full-time (70.7) and e-learners (72.3), with no significant difference in performance (U = 1.12, p = 0.265), except in the Midwifery I course, where e-learners outperformed full-time students (mean scores of 78.7 vs. 71.5, p = 0.001). Age was significantly associated with academic performance, with students aged 31-35 years scoring 3.199 marks lower on average than those aged 25-30 years. The tutor-student ratio was more than 1:50 for both groups. Full-time students received more frequent supervision, than e-learners. Availability of learning materials and supportive management positively impacted the academic performance of both groups. Tutors' qualifications, work experience, and computer use positively correlated with student performance, though students taught by diploma holders showed slightly lower performance. Conclusion Both full-time and e-learning approaches proved effective for midwifery training, with no significant overall performance difference. Tutor-student ratios and supportive supervision were beneficial, particularly for full-time students. Tutor and mentor attitudes significantly affected learner performance. Recommendations: Effective mentoring by experienced tutors is crucial for student academic performance. Blended learning should be encouraged and institutions should strengthen support supervision skills and academic outcomes
An investigation into the impact of collaboration on project performance during the construction phase; case study Suubi power project for Watoto childcare ministries
A project report submitted to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Master’s Degree in Construction Management of Makerere University.The main aim of the study was to investigate the impact of collaboration on project performance during the construction phase of the Suubi Power Project for Watoto Childcare Ministries.
The study adopted an explanatory research design to allow for a comprehensive investigation of the impact of collaboration on project performance. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected on the levels of collaboration, project performance and other variables using questionnaires, semi structured interviews and focus group using purposive sampling.
Quantitative data analysis techniques like regression were used to examine the relationship between collaboration and project performance indicators while thematic analysis was used to identify patterns, themes and narratives within the qualitative data
The study population of 125 participants was selected from the different stakeholder groups involved in the Power Project, including project managers, contractors, architects, engineers, community representatives, and project sponsors.
The integrated findings of this study highlighted the interconnectedness of collaboration dynamics and project performance within the Suubi Power Project by triangulating quantitative analysis with qualitative insights, a holistic understanding of the mechanisms driving collaboration effectiveness and its implications for community development initiatives was created.
From the regression analysis, it was revealed that there was a significant relationship between collaboration level and project performance within the project. The findings suggested that higher levels of collaboration were predictive of greater cost efficiency, improved timeline adherence, and enhanced stakeholder satisfaction
Newborn care practices in Nakapiripirit District, North Eastern Uganda: A community-based cross-sectional study
A dissertation submitted to the School of Public Health in a fulfillment of the award of Masters Degree of Public Health of Makerere University.Introduction: Despite improved health facility deliveries in Uganda, the neonatal mortality rate has only improved marginally over the last three decades. Karamoja region in North-Eastern Uganda has one of the poorest health indicators. One of the drivers of these neonatal deaths is sub-optimal care for newborns in the community. This study was used to assess the status of Beneficial Newborn Care Practices (BNCP) at community level in Nakapiripirit District in Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study in rural Nakapiripirit, North-Eastern Uganda. A total of 181 mothers who had delivered in the last six months were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Quantitative data on household characteristics of BNCP were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. The BNCP was dichotomized and presented as a percentage, with Yes=1=adequately used, and No=0=inadequately used. Logistic regression (odds ratio) analysis was used to determine the factors associated with BNCP at a 5% significance level. Results: The mean age of mothers was 28 years (SD=7). A few 29 (16.02%) mothers adhered to dry safe cord care (did not apply any substance such as oil, ointment, herbs, and animal products like ghee, butter and cow dung). A total of 107 (59.12%) mothers practiced optimal thermal care (delayed first bath, wrapped in cloths, constantly bathed with warm water and kangaroo mother care) and only very few 16 (8.84%) mothers practiced early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. The factors that significantly influenced BNCP were the level of education of mother 3.56(3.0-91.42), and place of birth -3.44(-50- -2.86). Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of beneficial newborn care practices in Nakapiripirit was very low at 8.84%, with the level of education of the mother and place of birth highlighted as responsible factors. Refocus the need for adult education for mothers by strengthening adult basic education in the district as well as in the region. Improve demand creation through the strengthened and supported VHT system to promote early and complete ANC attendance, and facility delivery. Implement quality improvement learning sessions where community quality improvement health workers like VHTs are called upon on quarterly basis to improve and promote beneficial newborn care practices
Enablers and barriers to adoption of the recommended infant feeding practices among primary caregivers with infants and young children in BidiBidi Refugee Settlement, Yumbe District
A thesis submitted to the directorate of research and graduate training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Public Health of Makerere University.Introduction
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are vital for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Globally, only about 42 percent of women begin breastfeeding within the first one hour of birth, 41% of infants are exclusively breastfed, and only a third of breastfed infants 6–24 months of age meet the criteria of dietary diversity and feeding frequency that are appropriate for their age (Gupta, Holla et al. 2013). In Bidibidi refugee settlement, key IYCF indicators, such as timely breastfeeding initiation (70%), exclusive breastfeeding (60%), and complementary feeding (58%), fall short of optimal levels. This study investigated the enablers and barriers to the adoption of recommended IYCF practices among primary caregivers in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Yumbe district.
Methodology
A qualitative descriptive study design was employed for data collection. The study participants were identified purposively. Data from primary caregivers on enablers and barriers to IYCF practices was collected through nine conducted FGDs and in total 89 primary caregivers participated, utilizing structured FGD guides. Data were audio recorded, transcribed and manually analysed using thematic analysis techniques.
Results
The primary facilitators of IYCF adoption within the community were associated with health facility-related factors. These included the presence of IYCF-trained health workers, the translation of informational materials into local languages, the availability of IYCF guidelines, and the existence of breastfeeding support corners within maternity wards, offering assistance and close monitoring to mothers facing breastfeeding-related challenges. Conversely, several factors negatively influenced the adoption of IYCF practices among primary caregivers. The foremost factor was the lack of knowledge about IYCF, compounded by time constraints arising from competing activities like long journeys in search of firewood and lengthy queues at food distribution points. Cultural influences also played a significant role, with deeply rooted myths, misconceptions, and beliefs passed down through generations by influential and highly respected community figures. Household factors such as poverty and large family sizes, a limited variety of available complementary foods, lack of support from spouses (men), and the health status of primary caregivers or infants/young children further complicated IYCF adoption. The enablers and barriers to adoption of the recommended IYCF practices were grouped around six themes namely: (i) Primary caregivers’ knowledge about breastfeeding & IYCF (ii) influence of culture custodians (iii) household factors (iv) burden from other responsibilities (v) health facility related factors and (vi) health condition of primary caregiver & infant or young child.
Conclusion
In Bidibidi refugee settlement, inadequate knowledge about IYCF among primary caregivers poses a major obstacle to the adoption of recommended IYCF practices. Consequently, primary caregivers struggle to apply appropriate IYCF practices for the nutritional well-being of their children aged 0-24 months. Other hindrances to IYCF adoption among primary caregivers encompass the demands from additional responsibilities, influence from cultural norms, and the health status of both primary caregivers and the infants or young children. A crucial facilitator for IYCF adoption is linked to health facilities, particularly the presence of IYCF-trained health workers.
The challenges encountered also underscore the potential for exploring various opportunities to bolster the execution of healthcare and community interventions, aimed at enhancing Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices as a preventive measure against malnutrition. These opportunities span across the national, healthcare facility, community, and household levels, and as such I strongly recommend the need for further scientific research into the field of IYCF practice adoption in Uganda especially in the refugee setting
Quantification of electronic/electric waste and the associated environmental risks: a case of Kampala City
A 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 Civil Engineering of Makerere UniversityThe rapid increase in e-waste has become a critical environmental and public health concern in Uganda. According to NITA-U, 2020, e-waste management systems in Uganda remain inadequate, leading to improper disposal and recycling practices that worsen environmental pollution and health risks. This study investigated the quantification of e-waste and the associated environmental risks in Kampala City. Specifically, the study aimed at; characterizing the e-waste generated, determining its rate of generation, and assessing the environmental risks associated with e-waste management practices in Kampala. A mixed- methods research design was employed. Primary data was collected in two ways. The first part involved the survey method in the five divisions of Kampala: Central, Rubaga, Nakawa, Rubaga, Makindye, and Kawempe. The second part of the primary data involved collecting soil samples from areas deemed to be highly contaminated such as Kalerwe/Bwaise, Kisenyi, and Usafi market. Secondary data was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) between 1995 and 2020, a period of 25 years. This study used exploratory data analysis particularly, bar charts to visually analyze the classification of e-waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions. The study employed a multiple linear regression model to quantify the e-waste while the multinomial logistic regression was utilized to determine the environmental risks associated with e-waste management practices in Kampala. Results indicated that the e-waste generated in Kampala City predominantly consists of mobile phones (including smart and simple phones), followed by TV and media devices (such as DVD players, VCRs, MP3, and CD players), computers (including cameras, printers, and desktop computers), water heating equipment (such as kettles and percolators), cooking and lighting equipment (such as cookers, gas cylinders, and bulbs), refrigerators and washing machines (including microwaves and air conditioning units), and other miscellaneous items. Consumers were the primary generators followed by collectors, recyclers, manufacturers, and importers. Over the 25 years, the regression model revealed that 75 metric tons were generated in Kampala city, and other factors held constant. Among the classifications of e-waste, temperature exchange equipment, screens/monitors, large equipment (excluding photo equipment), and small equipment significantly predicted growth in the total quantities of e-waste generated. Soil samples from three Kampala areas show significant lead contamination, at Usafi Market, the lead concentration is 2.7 mg/kg, at Kisenyi it is 1.8 mg/kg, and at Kalerwe it is 7.4 mg/kg indicating that Kalerwe poses environmental risk 3 times that of Usafi market and 4 times that of Kisenyi market. This poses serious environmental and health risks, including neurological damage, developmental issues, and water contamination, indicating a potential threat to public health. Findings from this study revealed that Kalerwe is a critical hotspot for lead contamination, necessitating urgent interventions to mitigate environmental risks. Therefore, targeted restoration efforts, stricter environmental monitoring, and public awareness campaigns should be prioritized in Kalerwe to reduce lead exposure and safeguard public health
The United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and peace-building in Central Equatoria state, Republic of South Sudan
An extended essay submitted to the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (MAIRDS) of Makerere UniversityThis study examines the role of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in fostering peace-building initiatives in the Central Equatoria State of South Sudan. Utilizing a conflict transformation approach, the research relies on secondary data to analyse the various dimensions of UNMISS‟s interventions, and their impact on the peace-building process in this particular region. Central Equatorial State, marked by historical tensions and multifaceted conflicts, serves as a crucial case study for understanding the challenges and successes of UNMISS operations. The study systematically examines the strategies employed by UNMISS in addressing underlying causes of conflict, mitigating violence, and promoting sustainable peace in Central Equatoria State. Through a comprehensive review of available literature, the research provides insights into the effectiveness of UNMISS initiatives, shedding light on the nuances of their engagement with local communities, government structures, and other stakeholders involved in the peace-building process. By adopting the theory of liberal interventionism, the study highlights the dynamic processes through which UNMISS contributes to altering the root causes of conflict, and facilitating the emergence of a more stable and harmonious environment in Central Equatoria State. This research not only contributes to the academic understanding of UNMISS operations but also offers practical implications for policymakers, peacekeeping practitioners, and organizations involved in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in post-conflict regions
Periodontal disease in patients with diabetes mellitus attending Kiruddu National referral Hospital: Prevalence, risk factors, association with glycemic control and insulin resistance
A thesis was submitted to the Directorate of Research and graduate training (drgt) in fulfillment of the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Makerere University.Background: Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease establish a relationship where one if poorly managed complicates the management of the other. This study set out to describe the association between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus among adults in Uganda. Methods: This study was conducted under four sub-studies. 1) A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with periodontal diseases. 2) a prospective cohort to determine the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control. 3) A case-control study to describe the oral microbiome associated with periodontal diseases and 4) A cross sectional study to describe the association between periodontitis and insulin resistance in adults attending Kiruddu hospital. The data were analyzed using R studio. Significance for the statistical tests was set at 0.05. Results: The study identified the following: 1) There was a high prevalence of periodontal diseases (85.2%) in patients with diabetes mellitus in Uganda especially in participants with no formal education (p=.04). 2) The diabetic status was significantly associated with a change in the oral microbiome of the periodontal pockets (p=.001). 3) Non-surgical periodontal treatment was not associated with a decrease in HbA1c levels three months after this intervention. 4) Periodontitis was significantly associated with a high triglyceride glucose index (p=.03). Conclusion: Periodontal diseases complicate the management and prognosis of diabetes mellitus through its effects on glycemic control and insulin resistance while diabetes mellitus may predispose patients to more prevalent and severe forms of periodontal diseases by altering the sub gingival microbiome. Recommendation: Oral health education and care should be considered in the management all patients with diabetes mellitus in Uganda. There is a need to conduct further studies to determine the effect of periodontal treatment on insulin resistance and glycemic control.Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
The military and environmental protection: a case study of Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
A research report submitted to Makerere University as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Defence and Security Studies of Makerere UniversityThe purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of the military in environmental protection and particularly the UPDF in Uganda. It was guided by the general objective of examining the contributions of UPDF to environmental Protection in Uganda, through which specific objectives were established. These included investigating the role of environmental institutional frame works in protecting the environment in Uganda, establishing UPDF interventions in protecting the environment in Uganda and the challenges encountered by UPDF in environmental Protection in Uganda. The research deployed qualitative desk review approach to establish the findings. It was revealed that environmental institutional frameworks are the backbone for implementing and enforcing policies, regulations, and guidelines for safeguarding the environment. This was possible through effective coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Moreover, it was established that through its various activities and initiatives, UPDF has demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding the country's natural resources and promoting sustainable development by combating illegal environmental activities, promoting environmental education and awareness campaigns. However, it was established that limited resources and inadequate training posed substantial challenges to UPDF effort towards environmental protection. The study therefore, recommended that government allocates more funding and resources to the UPDF towards environmental protection initiatives and enhances training programs and collaboration with other stakeholders to enable the UPDF play even more roles of environmental protection in Uganda
Human rights in times of crisis: the case of COVID 19 in Uganda
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Laws (LLM) of Makerere University, KampalaIn crisis situations, states can limit rights without declaring a state of emergency or derogate from human rights after declaring a state of emergency. Agamben traces the practice of electing a temporary dictator to offer ad hoc leadership in a national emergency to the Roman Empire.14 Following the Second World War, Clinton preconized the advent of a dictator of a constitutional nature that is limited in time, with the mission to preserve the constitutional order and who remains within constitutional boundaries.15 He argued for a de facto normalization of emergencies, in the sense that states of emergency have become 'the dominant paradigm of government in the 20th century' where, the state of emergency is not a state where law continues to be created, although without democratic methods, but a true state of anomie, or space without law. Scott P. Sheeran notes that the state of emergency is now a frequent practice in all parts of the world.17 Modern constitutions provide in overwhelming numbers the possibility to declare a state of emergency and do so by equipping the constitutional architecture of the state with certain boundaries and built-in safeguards with parliamentary oversight. This prohibition seems to confirm the conservative nature of states of emergency which derives from the Roman archetype,18 whereby in cases of emergency the senate could entrust the consul to appoint a dictator with the power to enact the necessary actions (suspend rights, engage military action or suppress insurrection). The conservative aspect of emergency powers in the Roman experience was inherent like the emergency dictator's office, which was limited to six months, after which the dictator was expected to step down and the status quo ante to be restored. Posner and Vermeule revisited the issue of emergency powers,19 claiming that the exercise of emergency powers by the executive became unbound, especially after the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States of America. The executive is the only state organ that has the resources, power, and flexibility to tackle an emergency while balancing it with civil liberties. The executive seems therefore to be the best and perhaps the only institutional actor that can manage emergencies of a security character. They therefore advocate for an 'unbound executive' power in times of crisi