Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
Not a member yet
9127 research outputs found
Sort by
Information resources management at Uganda Registration Services Bureau
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 Science in Information Science of Makerere University.The study examined the way information resources are managed and proposed strategies for improvement against the challenges identified at URSB's head office in Kampala. In achieving the purpose of the study, the following objectives were set up to; identify the types of information resources at URSB, examine the information resources management practices at URSB, identify the challenges of managing information resources at URSB, and propose strategies for improved management of information resources against the identified challenges at URSB. This study employed qualitative and quantitative methods adopting a descriptive qualitative research design. The population of 310 was identified according to the URSB Human Resource Staff Manual of 2021. A sample size of 175 was determined using Yamane-Taro's (1967) simple formula for determining sample size and those who participated in the study were 156 respondents. Interviewees were 6 and 150 questionnaires were collected, and also document review technique was used. Quantitative data was analyzed using MS excel for summation of figures in the tables and qualitative data was analyzed using the content analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of the information resources were non-print (digital), with a few in print (paper-based) and some micro-forms. The study shows that paper-based information resources were being managed off-site. The classified and highly sensitive information was being managed in print within the premises by the departmental heads. The departmental information specialists provided information management services to the users in the departments. The findings revealed that the information resources management practices included identifying what information needs to be managed, acquiring information, organizing the information, storing and disseminating the information, protecting the information, and archiving it. The results indicated challenges in information resources management at URSB. The finding revealed that the strategies put in place to address the challenges associated with print information resources include digitization and digitalization. The results revealed that the management of information resources is not at its full potential and is faced with some limitations, though according to the monthly reports ICTs adoption has been recommended to manage the digital information resources at URSB. The findings show that challenges of digital information security issues have risen. The study concluded that URSB‟s information resources management strategies be implemented, and best information management practices benchmarked. The results from this study paved the way for synthesis of recommendations such as improving information infrastructure, recruitment of relevant staff, training and mentorship program, financing (ICTs) in automation and computerization of information management processes, establishing information management policies and procedures
Fostering environmental harmony Uganda's path to future safeguards amidst climate change
No full textA bookIn the face of an ever-changing global climate, "Fostering Environmental Harmony: Uganda's Path to Future Safeguards Amidst Climate Change" delves into the intricate relationship between Uganda's diverse ecosystems and the challenges posed by climate change. This insightful and forward-looking book embarks on a journey through the intricate tapestry of Uganda's environment, shedding light on the nation's efforts to achieve harmony and sustainability. Uganda, with its rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage, is at a crossroads where the imperative to address climate change intersects with the need to preserve its natural resources for generations to come. This book uncovers the intricate web of interdependencies that bind the country's ecosystems and communities together, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by both in the wake of climate-related disruptions. Drawing on a blend of scientific research, policy analysis, and local perspectives, "Fostering Environmental Harmony" presents a comprehensive view of Uganda's endeavors to navigate these challenges. It showcases the innovative strategies being implemented to safeguard the environment while promoting sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Through a series of compelling narratives and case studies, readers will gain a deep understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of climate change impacts in Uganda. From agriculture and water resources to wildlife conservation and urban planning, this book paints a holistic picture of the issues at hand and the solutions being pursued. It also underscores the role of community engagement, technology, and international collaboration in shaping Uganda's path toward a harmonious coexistence with its environment. As Uganda stands on the brink of transformation, "Fostering Environmental Harmony" serves as a guiding compass, illuminating the way forward for policymakers, environmentalists, researchers, and concerned citizens alike. By exploring the nexus of climate change, environmental harmony, and future safeguards, this book ignites a dialogue that transcends borders and inspires collective action to secure a sustainable and resilient future for Uganda and the planet
MONUSCO and right to security in the Democratic Republic of Congo : A case of Ituri Province
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 Arts in Human Rights of Makerere University.This study investigated the successes, challenges and failures in the protection of the right to security by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). The objectives of the study were: 1) to examine the MONUSCO’s mandate in enhancing the right to security; 2) to assess the MONUSCO’s achievements in protecting the right to security; 3) to explore the respondent’s MONUSCO perceptions on the right to security; and 4) to identify challenges faced by MONUSCO in the protection of the right to security. The study utilized a case study design: it provides an in-depth analysis of a particular contextual setting and a greater explanatory power of quantitative data. This research was qualitative the researcher wanted to analyse the respondents’ perception on MONUSCO, and acknowledge the opinion leaders point of view, and that of scholars, civil society chairpersons, plus the MONUSCO’s officials, especially in regarded to the human rights departments. When analysing the findings, the researcher evaluated the change that happened MONUSCO’s arrival right up to the time of this study. This study was conducted in the Ituri Province. A total of 64 respondents including participants from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) participated in the study. The study findings indicate that MONUSCO has been instrumental in supporting the DRC government in the capacity building of the national army, and enforcement of peace in the Ituri region addressing the root causes of conflicts, and promoting mitigation effort, and the resolution of inter and intra community conflicts. Through its civil affairs department, MONUSCO promotes constructive dialogue and peaceful cohabitation. Furthermore, MONUSCO reinforces the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) operational capacities in the context of the fight against armed groups in Ituri. The study concludes that insecurity in the Ituri Province was perceived to be more aligned to concepts on ‘mining’ and ‘conflict financing, which have been closely linked to the DRC conflict analyses over the past 20 years. However, the conflicts and conflict financing have changed considerably in the region over the past twenty years. Most armed groups in eastern DRC arose due to ideological or security reasons: leaning about often ‘self-defence’ from other armed groups or ethnic communities that are perceived as a threat. Exploitation of natural resources, especially gold, provides economic sustenance opportunities for many armed groups. The MONUSCO should, thus support the government to resume dialogue with militias in the Ituri province that have already expressed willingness to surrender under the right conditions; and more importantly, MONUSCO must prepare a peaceful hand over to FARDC
Perspectives of local government stakeholders on disaster risk reduction and management: a case study of Bududa District, Uganda
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 Social Sector Planning and Management of Makerere University.There have been continuous reports of destruction of life, property and environment causing great suffering and misery of the people in Bududa District in Eastern Uganda despite the presence of Disaster Management Committees (DMCs), availability of some resources and the involvement of communities in planning, response and recovery programmes. This study examined perceptions of local government stakeholders on disaster management in Bududa district. The study was guided by the following objectives; to investigate the perspectives of local government stakeholders on the role of disaster management committees in disaster management, to examine the perceptions of local government stakeholders on community participation in disaster management and to examine the perceptions of local government stakeholders on resource availability for disaster management in Bududa district. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The study population was composed of 132 people from which a sample of 109 was obtained. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Findings reveal that while DMCs have formal plans and train members, critical gaps exist in emergency communication and community alerting. The community shows a willingness to participate, but their involvement, particularly in planning, is limited. Resource scarcity is a major challenge, with a lack of funds for proactive measures and a reliance on often-delayed government funding. It was concluded that there was a need to enhance the capacity of District Management Committees, improve community participation and find more resources if disaster risk reduction is to be effective in Bududa district. The study recommended enhancing the capacity of District Management Committees through skills training, improving community participation through sensitization and awareness programs and finding more resources by lobbying from the Government of Uganda and other partners such as civil society organisations and development partners
VEGF protein expression in oesophageal cancer and associated clinicopathological and demographic features as seen at the Department of Pathology, Makerere University
No full textIn 2020, esophageal cancer was the 10th most common cancer worldwide with an estimated 604,100 new cases and the sixth leading cause of cancer death with 544,076 deaths associated with it. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of esophageal cancer worldwide. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common type in developed countries. According to GLOBCAN 2020, the incidence of esophageal cancer in Uganda among males and females was 8.9% and 4.2%, respectively. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the process of angiogenesis, has been shown to be expressed in esophageal carcinoma tumor tissue. Studies in developed countries have found it to be associated with a poor prognosis. Currently, no study has described the expression of VEGF in esophageal cancer in Uganda.
Objective:
To describe VEGF protein expression in esophageal cancer and associated clinicopathological features as seen at the department of Pathology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Method:
The study was a cross sectional laboratory-based study. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the department of Pathology, Makerere University, from January 2011 to December 2021 were used. Convenient sampling was used to include tissue blocks in the study, and a sample size of 110 FFPE blocks meeting the inclusion criteria was used. Sections from each case were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for VEGF in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
Data extraction forms were used to capture variables, that is, age, sex, tumor histological subtype, grade, and VEGF protein expression, and then analysis was done using STATA version 14. For measures of association, Chi square tests with 95% confidence interval was used, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The mean age of patients from whom specimens had been collected was 59 years, with a standard deviation of 11 years. Most of the patients were males, 71 (64.6%). The majority of the specimens were of conventional squamous cell histological type, 101 (91.8%) and of moderately differentiated histological grade, 58 (52.7%).
The prevalence of VEGF expression was 51.8% (57/110). There was no statistically significant association between VEGF expression and age, histological type, or grade of esophageal carcinoma.
Conclusion
There is a 51.8% expression of VEGF among tissue blocks of esophageal cancer archived at the Department of Pathology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. There is no association between VEGF protein expression and demographic factors, histopathological features of esophageal carcinoma such as age, sex, histological grade, or histological type in the sample
Mathematical Models for the Transmission Dynamics of FowlPox Disease with Seasonality and Control Measures.
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 in Mathematics of Makerere University.Fowlpox disease poses a real threat to domestic birds, especially the chicken and turkeys in Uganda and the world, despite the tremendous efforts put in place to avert the transmission. The disease prevalence varies depending on climate change, vector dynamics, vaccination, good management, and hygienic practices. This is primarily due to seasonal variations that affect mosquito population and fowlpox virus concentration in the environment. However, the effects of seasonality on disease dynamics are not fully understood. Therefore, a deterministic mathematical model is formulated and used to determine the impact of seasonality. In addition, the stochastic model derived from the deterministic model was developed and used to estimate the probability of fowlpox disease outbreak, and optimal control strategies for disease extinction was explored. The next generation method was used to compute the basic reproduction number . The model exhibits backward bifurcation when , a Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC) was formulated and used to determine the probability of disease outbreak. Results showed that the probability of disease extinction increases when infected mosquitoes introduce the infection, and the probability of disease outbreak increases with infection originating from infected chicken and the concentration of the virus in the environment. Results also showed that host-vector and environmental transmission routes have a high probability of disease outbreaks. The results also showed that time-average approach overestimates the disease risk and underestimates the disease risk as the amplitude of the mosquito seasonal oscillation was varied from 0.3 to 0.8. In addition, results show that with the linear operator approach, when fowlpox virus decay rate, is varied. In addition, results demonstrated that environmental decontamination yields better control results than insecticide spraying, though the measure does not eliminate fowl pox disease in chicken. On the other hand, the application of both control measures produces much better results
Health workers' knowledge, attitude and practices regarding guidelines for misoprostol use during induction of labor at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
No full textBackground: Globally, up to 33% of deliveries involve induction of labor, with misoprostol being used in 14.5-15.8% of these cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of misoprostol for this purpose, and Uganda has incorporated its use into the Essential Maternal and Newborn Clinical Care Guidelines (EMNCG) following WHO recommendations. However, improper use of misoprostol has led to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, including 11.5% of uterine rupture cases attributed to its misuse. Despite the availability of guidelines, issues of morbidity and mortality associated with incorrect use of misoprostol persist. This study aimed to assess health workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of misoprostol for labor induction as outlined in the EMNCG.
Objectives:
To determine health workers’ level of knowledge concerning EMNCG for misoprostol use during induction of labor.
To describe the attitude of health workers towards EMNCG for misoprostol use during induction of labor.
To describe the health workers’ practice of use of EMNCG for misoprostol use during induction of labor.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. We used proportionate sampling followed by simple random sampling to enroll 253 health workers including 144 midwives, 36 Junior House Officers, 61 Senior House Officers and 12 Specialists. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire with sections on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude and practices and then analysed with STATA version 16.
Results: Most participants were female (162, 64%). The majority had practiced for over 5 years (148, 58.5%). The proportion of knowledgeable health workers was low at 15%. Knowledgeable doctors were more common than knowledgeable midwives, with approximately 3 in 10 doctors (29.4%) being knowledgeable compared to about 1 in 24 midwives (4.2%). Among specialists, 66.7% were knowledgeable, which was higher than the proportion among Senior House Officers (SHOs) at 32.8%, and Junior House Officers (JHOs) at 11.1%. Additionally, 22% of health workers had a positive attitude, and 87% demonstrated good practice.
Conclusion: Health workers had low level of knowledge on EMNCG concerning use of misoprostol during induction of labor. However, having a copy of the guidelines, specialization and having worked for less than 5 years increased the level of knowledge. Although most health workers agreed that using guidelines is preferred to use of experience, many preferred international guidelines to local guidelines. Generally health workers had good practice although this could not be assessed by observation in this study
Investigating the occurrence and sources of Microplastic contaminants discharged into Nakivubo Channel, Kampala City
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering of Makerere University.Microplastics (MPs) are microscopic and ubiquitous emerging organic contaminants with marked potential to bind, concentrate and act as carriers of other toxic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms. Whereas Microplastics (MPs) (i.e., plastic particles or fragments less than 5 mm in size) have been extensively studied in the marine environment, reliable data on their sources and pathways in freshwater ecosystems are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, characteristics and sources of MPs in Nakivubo channel that drains into L. Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Surface water was sampled from thirteen (13) different points (S1 to S13; n = 117) along Nakivubo channel and its tributaries during the dry and wet seasons as well as on the onset of the rains. The samples were extracted and subjected to microscopic and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The obtained results showed that all the samples had MPs ranging from 1568.6 ± 1473.8 particles/m3 during dry period to 2140.39 ± 3670.07 particles/m3 during the wet season. The concentration of MPs was higher in upstream reaches compared to downstream possibly due to flow dilution effects along the channel. The mean output of MPs (microplastic fluxes) from Nakivubo channel into Lake Victoria was approximately 293.96 million particles/day. The highest mean abundance of MPs (5,466.7 ± 6441.70 particles/m3) was for samples from site S3, which is characterized by poor waste management within the market area i.e., Owino market, Kisenyi bus park, car washing bay, direct discharge of wastewater and domestic water from hotels and presence of plastic collection/dumping sites. Filaments (79.7%) and fragments (17.9%) were the most common form of MPs and majorly originated from domestic effluents and surface runoff, while polyethylene (75.4%) and polyethylene-polypropylene (16.0%) were the major polymer types in the sample, explainable by its low density and wide usage in various consumer products. We found that spatial distribution of MPs was significantly different (P<0.05) for tributaries with poor waste management, within markets, bus park, car washing bay, informal settlements or waste collection and dumping sites. Our results further showed that microplastic abundances are highest during the wet season in Nakivubo channel, plausibly due to the remobilisation of plastic debris in the catchment during rain events. The results suggest, more efforts are required to improve on existing plastic waste management strategies within the hotspot areas such as markets, informal settlement areas and areas close to channels and tributaries. The waste management strategies should geared towards mitigation of MPs bioaccumulation, possible trophic transfer and biomagnification in biota and sedimentary phase of the receiving L. Victoria.This study was funded by the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR) through its academic partnership project 249: Environmental Chemistry for Sustainable Development (ECSDevelop) hosted at Makerere University, Uganda. APPEAR is a Programme of the Austrian Development Cooperation and is implemented by Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) under OEZA Project number: 0894-01/2020
Uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in 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 Population and Reproductive Health of Makerere UniversityThe aim of study was to identify the factors that influenced uptake of sexual and reproductive health services during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. This study used data from a crosssectional survey which was conducted in December, 2020, under the auspices of Forum for African Women Educationalist Uganda Chapter (FAWEU). The study interviewed 6394 boys and girls aged 10-24 years. A sample size of 5,731 adolescents aged 10-19 years were included for analysis. A logistic regression model was used to examine the factors that influenced uptake of sexual and reproductive health services during COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. The findings of the study show that the prevalence of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services utilization among the female and male adolescents was 7% and 5% respectively. The findings of the study show that female adolescents were more likely to uptake Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services during COVID-19 lockdown compared to their male counterparts (OR= 1.34; P=0.018), adolescents who lived with either a single parent or guardian had increased odds of SRH uptake compared to those who lived with both parents (OR=1.39; P= 0.014; OR=1.49; P=0.23), adolescents who were in secondary schools before their closure were 3 times more likely to uptake SRH services (OR =3.40; P=0.000), adolescents aged 15-19 were 2 times more likely to uptake SRH services (OR= 2.43; P= 0.000), Born again/Pentecostal and Muslim adolescents had reduced odds of SRH services uptake compared to the Catholics (OR =0.61; P=0.027; OR=0.62; P=0.039), Adolescents from households whose main source of income was non-farm activities were more likely to uptake SRH services compared to those whose source of income was farm activities (OR= 1.36; P=0.011),adolescents who knew about the presence of a friendly health facility in their community were two times more likely to uptake SRH services (OR=2.36; P=0.000), adolescents with no confidence to visit the nearby healthy facility during schools closure were less likely to utilize SRH services compared to their counterparts (OR= 0.68; P=0.020). The study recommends that in case of a future emergency, the government should rollout or redirect the implementation of national programs formulated with the aim of increasing uptake of SRH services among the adolescents. Furthermore, religious leaders should also be vital to encourage their followers to embrace SRH services. To enhance uptake of SRH services in emergencies, the government and its partners should avail adolescents with more affordable or free SRH services
Survival rate and determinants among extremely low birth weight Preterms at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in the partial fulfillment of Award of Masters of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health.Introduction: The magnitude of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm survival is unknown in Uganda and yet preterm related complications are a major contributor to neonatal mortality in the country. The neonatal period greatly determines the survival of a child during their first 28 days of life. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia registered the highest rates of neonatal mortality in the world in 2020. Understanding the determinants of extremely low birth weight preterm survival is pivotal in the improvement of neonatal care and reduction of both short- and long-term complications. Previous studies have indicated that birth weight, gestational age, mode and place of delivery are some of the factors that influence survival of preterm babies within their first 28 days of life. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the survival rate, median time at death and associated factors among preterm babies with extremely low birth weight at Kawempe National Referral Hospital at 28 days of life. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted among 200 preterm neonates with extremely low birth weight at Kawempe National Referral Hospital from November 2023 to March 2024. They were followed up to 28 days of life and the data collected was entered into KOBO collect while data analysis was done using Stata Version 16. Study results: A total of 200 ELBW preterm babies were enrolled into this study of whom 124 (62%) were girls. The median weight of the babies was 820 grams (IQR 750, 900). Only 5 of the 200 preterm neonates were still alive by their 28th day of life thus 2.5 survive per 100 live births. Their median time at death was 3 days (IQR 2,4). Hypothermia on the last day of observation of the neonates (aHR 1.66 CI [1.17 - 2.36], pvalue 0.007) and medication for Apnea (aHR 0.54 CI [0.33 - 0.90], pvalue 0.019) influenced survival of the preterm neonates with ELBW.
Conclusion: This study denotes that the survival of ELBW preterm babies is extremely low at KNRH with an estimated 50% dying by day 3 of life. Not having hypothermia at the time of death and being on Medication for Apnea treatment and prophylaxis were crucial factors for survival. Recommendation: temperature monitoring, use of medication for Apnea and incubator use.HEPI-SSHU
Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health
U.S Department of State’s Office of the U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (S/GAC)
Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS’ Relief (PEPFAR) under award number 1R25TW011213