Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
Not a member yet
9127 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessment of government efforts to protect rights against domestic violence in Kabarole And Fortportal City
No full textDissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts Degree In Human Rights Of Makerere UniversityThe study focused on assessing government efforts to protect women's rights against domestic violence in order to determine the level of implementation and enforcement of women's rights against domestic violence in Uganda. It is motivated by the fact that, despite of the Uganda government initiatives to eradicate domestic violence in the country, these have been impeded by accusations that it is a Western concept with no relevance to African societies making these provisions too silent and incidents of violence have been increasing in Uganda especially Kabarole and Fortportal City.
The study is primarily based on interviews conducted in the field with CSO representatives from various parts of Fortportal city and Kabarole districts. This study adopted a cross-section design because the intention was to pick adult members of the households among the many individuals who might have experienced domestic violence
Gender and sexual based violence was found to be rampant in the rural areas of Kabarole and Fortportal City mainly because of the low levels of awareness coupled with strong cultural belief and traditions that portray men as a superior gender. Therefore, this is not easy practice that has existed for time immemorial as a normal way of living life.
From the civil society organizations, interview responses some common lessons emerged. These include addressing the causes instead of the symptoms of violence against women, in particular, addressing gender inequality and consequently involving men and other community members in violence prevention efforts. The organizations also emphasize the importance of appropriate methods and communication strategies when dealing with sensitive issues.
The study concludes that it is true there is existing legal framework but its scarcity renders awareness, implementation, enforcement a shame making it difficult to embrace equality between men and women to secure justice. Therefore, the study recommends a review of the current law and increased civic education especially in the rural areas
Assessing the impact of management planning and controlling on construction project success in Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfilment for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management of Makerere University.The construction industry is vital for Uganda's economic development, contributing over 12% to GDP and employing 4.6% of the labor force. However, it faces challenges such as time and cost overruns, leading to high project failure rates. This research focused on the impact of management planning and control on the success of the Kiwoko Hospital Nursing School hostel project. The construction project exhibited mixed results, with timely completion of initial phases but significant budget overruns and delays in later stages. Notable issues included soaring material costs, totaling 82,729,941 against an initial estimate of 58,142,857, and a 63-day delay in brickwork and finishes, raising costs to 49,842,108. The total project expenditure reached 422,928,734, exceeding the budget of 371,868,880 by 51,059,854. While plumbing and electrical installations stayed within budget, delays in door installations and increased painting costs at 7,137,000 strained resources. Positive aspects included adherence to quality standards and effective health and safety measures. Key success factors encompassed effective project management, active client involvement, and comprehensive planning tools. However, challenges persisted, such as poor decision-making and insufficient stakeholder engagement, highlighting the need for improved strategies to address unforeseen adjustments and enhance overall project execution in the future. To enhance project success, organizations should implement accurate cost estimation and robust project management practices, ensuring regular reviews of material requirements and scope changes to mitigate delays. Effective communication among stakeholders and strong risk management strategies are essential. Additionally, prioritizing skilled project manager assignments, utilizing comprehensive planning tools, fostering client engagement, and conducting regular health and safety training will contribute significantly to achieving project goals
Late initiation of antenatal care, associated factors, and drivers among pregnant women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV, Wakiso District
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Public Health of Makerere University.Background: Late initiation of ANC services is not only associated with negative health outcomes such as premature births, still births, low birth weight and increased complications during pregnancy and childbirth, but it also leads to the poor use of other services such as delivering in health facilities and using skilled attendants during delivery. In Uganda, a big number of pregnant women still initiate their ANC visits at a late stage, leading to increased rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, stillbirths, miscarriages, and neonatal deaths. Therefore, this study sought to determine late initiation of antenatal care, associated factors, and drivers among pregnant women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV. Methods: This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study that used mixed methods. Data was collected using quantitative methods to assess the prevalence and factors together with qualitative methods to assess the drivers. Quantitative data was analyzed using EPI Info version 7.0 for statistical analysis where bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out to determine the independent factors effect of the predictor variables on the dependent variable by adjusting the effect of potential confounding variables at 95% Confidence Interval and statistical significance declared at a p≤0.05. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: The prevalence of late initiation of ANC attendance among pregnant women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV was 59.4% (82/138). Late ANC initiation was affected by residing at a distance of over 5 Km from the health facility [AOR=3.8, CI= (1.57-9.09)] and being escorted by the partner to the health facility to initiate ANC [AOR= 0.4, CI= (0.15-0.94)]. The drivers of late initiation of ANC attendance included; self-examination and medication among mothers, limited knowledge about ANC attendance and its benefits, health facility challenges, poor attitude towards ANC, and reliance on partner support. Conclusion: A prevalence of 59.4% of late initiation of ANC attendance among pregnant women attending Buwambo Health Centre IV was affected by longer distance of over 5km to the health facility and being escorted to the health facility by the partner. Late ANC initiation drivers included; individual drivers, interpersonal drivers and health facility drivers
Realising women’s property rights through the Kitawuluzi of Buganda : a case study of Busiro, Bulemeezi and Kyaggwe Counties
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfilment for the award of Master of Arts in Human Rights Degree of Makerere University.This study delved into the realization of women’s property rights through traditional justice mechanisms, focusing on the kitawuluzi system within the context of Buganda, Uganda. Despite Uganda's ratification of international and regional instruments safeguarding women's rights, persistent discrimination and inequality between genders continue to manifest, particularly in the realm of property rights. The Uganda Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Report 2015 underscores this ongoing challenge, highlighting the prevalence of restrictions on women's property rights due to weak statutory and customary laws that often favor men. Consequently, many Ugandan women, particularly in rural areas, turn to traditional justice mechanisms seeking redress for property rights violations. However, traditional justice systems remain largely understudied and undervalued, partly due to perceptions of their incompatibility with the modern nation-state. Consequently, they are often overlooked or discouraged rather than strengthened or engaged with, limiting understanding of their role in human rights realization. This nine-month mini-ethnographic study aimed to address this gap by exploring the role of the kitawuluzi traditional justice system in advancing women’s property rights. Conducted in three randomly selected counties of Buganda—Busiro, Bulemeezi and Kyaggwe—the study employed various qualitative methods including life history profiles, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observation, and document reviews. The findings revealed that traditional justice mechanisms, such as kitawuluzi, are significant actors in promoting and protecting women’s property rights. They share fundamental human rights principles and values akin to the Western notion of human rights. Therefore, the study recommended recognizing and leveraging the capacity of traditional justice mechanisms to address contemporary human rights challenges, particularly violations of women’s property rights. This acknowledgment can foster greater collaboration between traditional and statutory justice systems, ultimately enhancing access to justice and gender equality in Uganda
Analysis of cost and time overruns on government funded road projects in Uganda; a case of UNRA’s in-house construction supervision road projects
No full textA research report submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Master of Public Infrastructure Management of Makerere UniversityThe study analyzed cost and time overruns in government-funded road projects in Uganda, with a focus on those supervised by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Despite significant investments by the Government of Uganda (GoU) in road infrastructure, persistent delays and budget overruns were evident. These challenges reflected broader concerns about infrastructure projects failing to meet planned schedules and budgets, particularly in developing countries like Uganda.
The research utilized a descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through surveys and interviews. A sample size of 138 participants was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan method, ensuring accurate and representative results. This approach provided valuable insights into the factors contributing to project inefficiencies.
Key findings indicated that inadequate planning was the primary cause of cost overruns, with scope changes, resource constraints, and contractual issues also contributing significantly. Time overruns were mainly attributed to scope changes and poor planning, with scope changes having the most substantial impact on delays. These results underscored the need for enhanced project management practices.
Effective practices highlighted included detailed project planning, budget monitoring, and risk management. Clear scope definition and improved resource allocation were essential for addressing the inefficiencies observed in UNRA’s projects. The research recommended several strategies for improvement, such as enhanced planning and budgeting, better scope management, and clearer contractual agreements. Ongoing staff training was also suggested to improve project execution and reduce overruns.
Additionally, the study advocated for the adoption of advanced technologies, including project management software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to improve monitoring and decision-making. Future research should explore the impact of technological advancements, political and regulatory factors, and sustainability on infrastructure projects to provide further insights and contribute to more effective project delivery in Uganda
A semantic interoperability framework for contextualising common standards supporting health information exchange in Uganda's healthcare ecosystem
No full textIntroduction: Uganda’s healthcare system faces challenges of fragmented data systems, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources, hindering effective information exchange and care coordination. More than 50 digital health solutions have been piloted in the last decade but have not scaled up, forming fragmented Electronic Health Information Systems. Recommendations including the need for Semantic interoperability standards, and adapting the international standards to the national context have been advanced. This research provides a framework that would provide a structured approach to data exchange, ensuring accurate interpretation and understanding across different systems and settings.
Objectives: The study aimed to document semantic interoperability standards and common elements in Uganda's Health Information System (HIS) for Health Information Exchange (HIE) and develop a semantic interoperability framework for contextualizing common standards supporting health HIE in Uganda’s Digital e-health ecosystem.
Methods: This research was a case study that used qualitative and quantitative research approaches, with gap analysis to develop a Semantic interoperability framework for contextualizing common standards for health information exchange. A purposive sampling procedure was used, and data collection was done using semi-structured key informant interviews, document analysis, and gap analysis. Data management involved transcription, cleaning, and thematic analysis using Atlas ti software for qualitative data and Excel for quantitative data analysis.
Key Findings: The ICD10 and ICD11 are the most adopted semantic standards, other semantic standards adopted vary from system to system, and yet many lack key semantic standards. Notably, developers are adapting to include terminology, ontology, and vocabulary standards. The developers’ and regulators’ ignorance of semantic interoperability standards is making it difficult to develop HIS with semantic interoperability to support data sharing. Conclusion and recommendations: Uganda's digital health sector is making initial progress towards HIE, but interoperability remains limited. Ministry of Health is working on a cohesive multi-electronic medical record systems’ using proprietary and open-source solutions approach. A semantic interoperability framework, data-sharing policies, and stakeholder engagement could enhance Uganda's digital ecosystem, address key issues, and optimize healthcare outcomes
Levels of heavy metal concentration in leachate, borehole, and spring water in areas surrounding Kiteezi Landfill, Wakiso District, Uganda
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master's Degree in Public Health of Makerere UniversityRapid urbanization in developing countries has led to challenges in municipal solid waste management, including inadequate disposal in overflowing landfills lacking modern containment infrastructure. This results in uncontrolled leachate discharges that can pollute surrounding water resources by infiltrating shallow aquifers and surface waters. The Kiteezi landfill in Wakiso, Uganda exemplifies this issue. With increasing waste loads andan aged and defunct drainage system, heavy metal contamination of nearby springs and boreholes now poses major public health risks for villagers who depend on these supplies. This study aimed to provide a rigorous quantitative assessment of heavy metal concentrations in water sources in the Kiteezi region to guide mitigation strategies. Methods: We carried out sampling and laboratory analysis for heavy metals of 10landfill leachates, 15 boreholes, and 28 spring waters across six nearby villages (Lusanja, Kiteezi, Kabaga, Kabwoke, Kitetika, Nameere) within a 5 km radius. Concentrations of 10 heavy metals (lead, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, zinc, and arsenic) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of heavy metals in leachate samples was compared against NEMA effluent discharge guidelines. Concentrations of heavy metals in water samples were compared to WHO, USEPA, and Ugandan/ East African portable water quality standards. The spatial analysis examined distance trends indicative of leachate contamination gradients. Results: The leachate contained a median concentration of copper of 0.02mg/L (IQR: 0.01-0.03 mg/L), iron 1.73 mg/L (IQR: 1.17-3.48mg/L), manganese 0.81 Mg/L (IQR: 0.79-0.85 mg/L), nickel 0.08 (IQR: 0.08-0.12mg/L) and zinc 0.17 (IQR: 0.13-0.19mg/L) with concentrations within the NEMA regulatory standard for effluent discharge. The median lead concentration in leachate (0.12mg/L (IQR: 0.08-0.31mg/L) exceeded regulatory limits of 0.1mg/L. In the water samples, the median concentration of heavy metals was: cobalt 0.01mg/L (IQR: 0.005-0.007mg/L), copper 0.042mg/L (IQR: 0.009-0.067mg/L), iron 0.072mg/L (IQR: 0.028-0.190mg/L) and zinc 0.008mg/L (IQR: 0.003-0.018mg/L). However, their concentrations were within the acceptable limits of the WHO and Uganda/ East African standards (US EAS 12:2014) for portable water. Chromium and manganese had the highest concentrations; 0.36mg/L (IQR: 0.32-0.61mg/L), 0.278mg/L (IQR: 0.126-0.565mg/L), and 0.072mg/L (IQR: 0.028-0.19mg/L), respectively, with both above drinking water standards. Cadmium, lead, cobalt, and arsenic were neither detected in the borehole nor spring water and their concentrations were below the detectable limit. The average concentrations of chromium, copper, manganese, and nickel were higher in spring water than in borehole water while the average concentration of zinc and iron were higher in borehole water than in spring water. Approximately, 86% and 72% of the water samples had concentrations exceeding the safe levels of the WHO and EAS standards for chromium and manganese respectively. The concentration of zinc and iron was higher in borehole water than in spring water (p<0.001 and P=0.014, respectively) while the chromium concentration was higher in spring water than in borehole water (P= 0.047).
Conclusion: This study confirmed the presence of heavy metals in the leachate at the Kiteezi landfill and the water sources in areas surrounding the landfill. Lead had the highest concentration in the leachate and was above the recommended NEMA acceptable limits. Chromium and manganese had the highest concentrations in the water and their average concentration was above the acceptable limits. Although the median iron concentration in water was within the stipulated limits, the concentration in borehole water was above the standards and there were sporadic occurrences of concentrations above the acceptable limits
The form and function of symbolism in the Lango proverbial expressions about morals
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Literature in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Arts with Education of Makerere UniversityThis study aimed at assessing the form and function of symbolism in Lango proverbial expressions about morals in the Lango speech through these objectives; i) To educate the Lango about the value of their proverbs basing on its form and function symbolically., ii) ii) To examine the meaning and function of the symbolic expressions among the Lango proverbs., iii) To identify the context under which those symbolic expression is used in the proverbs., iv) To compile in lango language and translate to English ....... proverbs about morals. The study was descriptive and used both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data was obtained from questionnaires and Focused Group Discussions while quantitative data was obtained from questionnaires, analyzed and presented numerically in form of figures. Research findings revealed that Lango proverbs promote morals; they are the pillar of virtues and they correspond to different aspects of life like sounding a caution or warning, giving knowledge and experiences, cooperation, domestic affairs, and characters. The challenge is that these proverbs are not documented and are not being used. Recommendations were provided that the parents, cultural leaders and the Government of Uganda must see to it that teaching and learning of Leblango (proverbs) must be emphasized in all institutions of the society like homes, early child development centers, primary schools, social clubs including documentation of these proverbs with their meanings and usage. The young generation should take it upon themselves to value and preserve Lango proverbs for the future generation of the lango cultural heritage
Drivers of spatial and temporal mangrove forest change in Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties in Kenya
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 Environment and Natural Resources of Makerere UniversityThis study assessed mangrove forest cover change and their associated drivers on the Kenyan
coast. Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing including Machine Learning
techniques were used to map the extent and change of mangrove forests for the years 2001, 2011
and 2021 in Mombasa, Tana River and Lamu Counties of Kenya. Binary Logistic Regression was
applied together with the results of mangrove forest dynamics to model the drivers of mangrove
dynamics in the three respective counties. The results showed that there was a significant
difference in mangrove forest coverage in the three respective counties (P < 0.05). Mombasa
County had the least average mangrove coverage (1,138 ha) and the highest mangrove loss (65%)
which was attributed to the influence of anthropogenic activities. Lamu County had the highest
mean mangrove coverage (32,119 ha) in addition to being more stable in terms of mangrove
dynamics whereas Tana River County exhibited a tremendous gain in mangrove coverage (28%)
from 2001 to 2021. The drivers of mangrove dynamics in Kenya included population density,
coastal developments, proximity to protected areas, proximity to major roads and surface
temperature although these factors varied from one county to the other. It is therefore
recommended that mangrove conservation and protection efforts be tailor-made to specific areas
as the drivers of the dynamics are site-specific for example in Mombasa County where
anthropogenic factors are responsible for mangrove loss, the community should be involved in the
conservation and restoration of mangroves, whereas in Tana River County, more research should
be carried out to identify how the erosion of riverbanks can be addressed to reduce mortality of
mangroves
Impact of natural ventilation and outdoor environment on indoor air quality and occupant health in low-income tropical housing
No full textVentilation is pivotal in mitigating indoor pollutants and ensuring comfortable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) levels globally. The outdoor environment and ventilation mechanisms significantly impact indoor air quality and occupant health. This research investigated the impact of natural ventilation (NV) and outdoor environment (OE) on indoor air quality (AQ) and occupant health (HI) in low-income housing in Kampala City, Uganda. The study followed a mixed methodology approach by employing self-administered questionnaires and statistical modeling using IBM® SPSS® Amos V24 to analyze the relationships between Natural Ventilation (NV), indoor Air Quality (AQ), Outdoor Environment (OE), and occupant health (HI). The research reveals a strong correlation (0.76) between NV and AQ. In contrast, correlations between AQ and OE (0.16) and NV and OE (0.08) are weak. Model comparative fit indices (CFI: 0.984, SRMR: 0.029, RMSEA: 0.053) indicate an excellent fit. Reliability is high with Cronbach's alpha (NV: 0.800, AQ: 0.862, OE: 0.782) and AVE values (NV: 0.832, AQ: 0.869, OE: 0.786). Significant positive relationships were found between NV and AQ and AQ and HI, highlighting the importance of natural ventilation in improving indoor air quality and occupant health. The study supports SDGs 3, 11, and 13, promoting sustainable building practices and promoting health, enhanced living conditions, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.Embassy of Sweden in Uganda under the Inclusive Markets for Energy Efficiency in Uganda Project under SIDA Contribution No 1298