Malaria Illness and Accessing Healthcare in an African Indigenous Population: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Uganda’s Batwa in Kanungu District

Purpose: Malaria continues to be a public health threat, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. While Batwa Indigenous People (IPs) face a higher burden of malaria, there is limited understanding of their malaria-lived experiences. We assessed and characterized malaria illness and accessing healthcare lived experiences of the Batwa in Kanungu district to inform contextually and culturally appropriate public health interventions. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 5 Batwa settlements where 5 Focus Group Discussions (n = 36) and 13 Key Informant Interviews (n = 13) were held. Data were collected using printed guides and voice recorders in April 2018. Transcripts from the data that captured the lived experiences of the symptoms, prevention, treatment and barriers to accessing formal healthcare services were applied to Atlas.ti a qualitative data analysis software and condensed into codes, categories, and themes. Results: Many Batwa have experienced malaria in their households, and they know its causes and risk factors, like not sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), living near water bodies, prevention measures like the use of ITNs, and vector management. The lived experiences demonstrate malaria management by an Indigenous population in a rural setting and comprised detecting malaria symptoms, use of herbs as first line of treatment, buying medicines from drug shops, and village health teams (VHTs) treatment. For many Batwa accessing formal healthcare is normally a second option. Barriers for malaria treatment included: long distances to health facilities, geographically difficult terrain, economic constraints, irregular health outreaches, and stockouts of malaria medicines at health facilities. Conclusion: This study characterized Batwa’s malaria illness lived experiences and access to healthcare in rural remote settings. These experiences are essential in appreciating the ways in which Indigenous populations understand and manage common illnesses and how appropriate policies and interventions can be developed.

Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Batwa Indigenous People of Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda: Does “Place” Matter?

Introduction: Malaria is an important disease, causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring malaria prevalence using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), particularly among a vulnerable population sub-group, is a vital public health step in discovering effective methods of prevention and control. This study set out to examine the association between “place” and other risk factors with malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People (IP). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was implemented. Two surveys January 2014 (n = 572) and April 2014 (n = 541) involving interviews and testing for malaria using mRDTs were conducted in 10 Batwa settlements where a total of 1113 Batwa of all ages were surveyed and tested. The data were first compiled in MS Excel and then imported and analyzed using STATA ver.14. Descriptive statistics, were generated, followed by bivariable and multivariable regression model analysis to establish associations between the predictor and outcome variables with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence was 13.94% (n = 146). There is a significant relationship between settlement (place) and malaria prevalence AOR 11.7, 95% CI (1.38 - 98.93), p-value = 0.02. More males 16.97% (n = 84) tested positive compared to females 11.23% (n = 62) but there was no statistically significant association between gender and mRDT (p-value > 0.005). Children less than 5 years registered high prevalence and there was a significant relationship between age and mRDT (p-value ≤ 0.005). Wealth proxy indicators showed no association with prevalence p-value = 0.390. Season had no association with prevalence (p-value = 0.80). However, the proportion of the day spent in the forest/woodlands was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 12.83, 95% CI (1.14 - 143.73) p-value = 0.04. Low elevation was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 2.42, 95% CI (1.32 - 4.41), p = 0.004 but sleeping under a net and level of education did not show any association with malaria prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of place in predicting malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People a marginalized and remortely located sub-population. This study has shown that place matters in determining malaria prevalence. However, other factors like age, elevation and gender also contribute to malaria prevalence. Batwa have higher prevalence than the national and even non-indigenous populations in the same district. We recommend targeting hotspots intervention approach since it has proven reasonable impact on reducing malaria prevalence.

Characterisation of Smallholder Multiple Livestock Species Production Systems in Parts of Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional study of 150 purposively selected multiple livestock species farmers was conducted in Central Uganda aimed at distinguishing between mixed and integrated livestock systems. Performance and operational-based challenges misconstrued to cause incorrect comparison between the two systems were considered. Ten multiple-livestock species system with five ruminant species-based and five monogastric species-based combinations were categorised. Poultry, pig, fish, goats and sheep kept in both the 3 and 4-species combinations were considered. Over 80% of the families are male dominated, smallholder and occupying > 1.0 Ha of land. Exotic and crossbred breeds were adopted away from less productive and noncommercial local species. Mixed monogastric-fish systems with monogastric species dominated (P 1000) stock per farm. Stalls dominate pig management systems with 15% of the farmers upgraded to commercial level with (>50) stock per farm. Ineffective livestock policies contribute to inefficient performance of 55% of livestock farmers. In conclusion, mixed livestock systems should be upgraded to integrated livestock systems with input resource synergy for improved production and sustainability.

An Assessment of the Projected Future Intra-Seasonal Rainfall Characteristics in Uganda

Rainfall is a key climate parameter that affects most operations that affect human life, especially in the tropics. Therefore, understanding the various factors that affect the distribution and intensity of this rainfall is important for effective planning among the different stakeholders in the weather and climate sectors. This study aimed at understanding how intra seasonal rainfall characteristics, especially Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) and Consecutive Wet Days (CWD), in the two major rainfall seasons will change under two future climate scenarios of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in Uganda, covering two future periods of 2021-2050 and 2051-2080. The results indicate a high likelihood of reduced consecutive rainfall days, especially over the Northeastern regions of the country, for both 2021-2050 and 2051-2080. However, the trends in the entire country for the two major rainfall seasons, March to May and September to November, are not significant. Nonetheless, the distribution of these days is important for most agricultural activities during different stages of crop growth. The consecutive dry days show a fairly increasing trend in the eastern part of the country, particularly in the second season of September to November. An increase in consecutive dry days implies more frequent dry spells in the midst of the growing season, potentially affecting some crops during critical growth stages.

Utilisation of Non-Conventional Animal Waste as Feeds by Multiple Livestock Species Farmers in Lake Victoria Crescent of Central Uganda

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to establish the utilisation of non-conventional animal waste in multiple livestock species systems. Farmers (150) were selected from four out of ten districts of Central Uganda in Lake Victoria Crescent. A structured questionnaire was used and descriptive analysis showed that over 80% are smallholder farmers on 3.0) years. Household husbands (80%) significantly (P 1.0) as they cause poor livestock health due to pathogens, parasites and toxins which are associated (OD > 1.0) with poor growth, mortality and condemnation of livestock products. The remedy to unsafe non-conventional feeds is to apply effective solar-heating (75%), chemical and ensiling treatment methods. The study showed that there are no significant (P < 0.001) public health risks associated with utilising treated non-conventional feeds instead it improves production and sustainability of multiple livestock species systems.

Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors amongmothers receiving antenatal care in Lira district, Uganda

Background:Prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation is an economical strategy for reducing iron and folic acid deficiency anemia among expectant mothers in resource-limited countries like Uganda.This study aimed to assess the level of compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation(IFAS)and identify associated factors among mothers receiving prenatal services in Lira district,Uganda.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of Lira Regional Referral Hospital,involving 252 pregnant mothers.Adherence levels to IFAS were evaluated using a visual analogue scale,and associated factors were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire.The data were analyzed using SPSS software,and the results were presented in tables.Results:Only 46%of the mothers attending the antenatal clinic adhered to IFAS during the 30 days preceding the study.Participants who had good knowledge of IFAS before recruitment(odds ratio(OR)1.49,95%confidence interval(CI)1.12–1.97),utilized reminder techniques(OR 1.05,95%CI 1.02–1.09),and received support from their partners or relatives(OR 1.56,95%CI 1.07–2.29)were more likely to have good adherence.The main reasons for missing IFAS were forgetfulness and fear of taking too many tablets.Conclusions:There was a low adherence rate to IFAS among mothers attending antenatal clinics in Lira district.Further investigations are recommended to identify barriers to adherence,and comprehensive health education programs should be provided to pregnant mothers.

Entrepreneurial Orientation and Innovation Ecosystems in the Industrial Sector, Central Region, Kampala, Uganda: A Review

This review explores entrepreneurial orientation and innovation ecosystems in the industrial sector of the Central Region, Kampala, Uganda, through an analysis of ten scholarly articles. The study contextualizes the research within the regional landscape and establishes a theoretical framework through a focused literature review. Key findings highlight the intersection of entrepreneurial activities and innovation dynamics, emphasizing the region’s unique contributions to the broader field. Discussions on discrepancies and unexplored territories within the articles offer insights into limitations and research gaps. The manuscript concludes by identifying future research avenues, providing a roadmap for ongoing inquiry into the entrepreneurial and innovative dimensions of the Central Region’s industrial sector. This synthesis underscores the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative innovation strategies for sustainable industrial development in the region.

Geological Conditions and Petroleum Exploration Potential of the Albertine Graben of Uganda

The Albertine Graben in western Uganda is a Mesozoic-Cenozoic rift basin with petroleum exploration potential. A fundamental evaluation of petroleum potential of the graben is given based on field research, data processing of gravity and magnetism, analysis of graben structure, geochemistry, reservoir and composition research. The basin has a double-layered framework and a large thickness of sediments. Gravity highs shown in a residual anomaly map might indicate central uplift zones. There exist at least two sets of mature or low-maturity source rocks corresponding to a certain source rock in the Cretaceous or Paleogene and Neogene strata. The graben has basement rock with potential reservoirs and Tertiary sandstone reservoirs and thus has petroleum exploration potential.

A Limited Dependent Variable Analysis of Integrated Pest Management Adoption in Uganda

Integrated Pest Management （IPM） technologies can reduce pest damage to crops by emphasizing non-chemical control methods thereby reducing potential negative effects of chemicals on the environment while preserving profitability. This study investigates the adoption of eight IPM practices including intercropping, crop rotation, two improved varieties, incorporating a ＂striga chaser＂ in sorghum production, changing planting dates, altering planting density and fertilizer use. Explanatory variables include economic factors, social factors, management factors, and institutional factors. Results were consistent across logit and ordered logit analyses. Most factors affecting adoption across all crops and technologies are economic factors, including labor availability, technology resource requirements, technology complexity, and the level of expected benefits. Social factors are generally less associated with IPM technology adoption than either market or institutional factors. Results indicate that the evaluated technologies were scale-neutral and that farmer age and education level did not affect technology adoption.

Assessment of Cadmium and Lead in Dried Sewage Sludge from Lubigi Feacal Sludge and Wastewater Treatment Plant in Uganda

Sludge contains organic and inorganic compounds including traces of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and others. These metals restrict the use of sludge in agriculture because their accumulation is harmful to the environment and particularly the food chain. Cadmium and lead are among the most common heavy metals found in municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge. They are capable of bioaccumulation in plant tissues like roots and leaves and are non-biodegradable and therefore they remain in the sludge which is disposed on land or used as fertilizers on farms. The presence of heavy metal pollutants serves as a great threat to soils and also makes plants grown on such soils unfit for animal and human consumption as they may have detrimental effects to animal and human life. For instance, Pb and Cd are known to be human carcinogens. This study therefore aimed to investigate the levels of Cd and Pb in the treated dry sludge from Lubigi Feacal Sludge and Wastewater treatment plant located in Kawempe division, Kampala city, Uganda so as to ascertain its safety for use on agricultural lands. Two batches of samples were collected and analyzed at Government Analytical laboratory in Wandegeya, Uganda. The acid digested sludge samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. The average concentrations of Pb found in collected sludge samples, batch 1 (11.912 mg/kg dm) and batch 2 (5.304 mg/kg dm) were far below the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) maximum permissible concentration (840 mg/kg) for any land application. Cadmium was not detected in all the sludge samples collected;there is an implication that it is either completely absent in the sludge generated by the plant or present but far below detectable levels. The sludge generated from Lubigi fecal sludge and wastewater treatment plant is therefore safe for application on agricultural lands as far as Pb and Cd concentrations are concerned.

Water Resources of Uganda: An Assessment and Review

Water resources of a country constitute one of its vital assets that significantly contribute to the socio-economic development and poverty eradication. However, this resource is unevenly distributed in both time and space. The major source of water for these resources is direct rainfall, which is recently experiencing variability that threatens the distribution of resources and water availability in Uganda. The annual rainfall received in Uganda varies from 500 mm to 2800 mm, with an average of 1180 mm received in two main seasons. The spatial distribution of rainfall has resulted into a network of great rivers and lakes that possess big potential for development. These resources are being developed and depleted at a fast rate, a situation that requires assessment to establish present status of water resources in the country. The paper reviews the characteristics, availability, demand and importance of present day water resources in Uganda as well as describing the various issues, challenges and management of water resources of the country.

Contractor Monitoring and Performance of Road Infrastructure Projects in Uganda: A Management Model

An understanding of the influence of contractor monitoring on performance of road infrastructural projects in Uganda provided an impetus for this study. The objectives of the study were to: assess the relationship between contractors monitoring and performance of national road infrastructure projects and the relationship between contractor monitoring components and performance of national road infrastructure projects in Uganda. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the procurement professionals, engineers and simple random sampling was adopted in selecting private consultants, members of parliament and respondents from the civil society organizations. Data for this study were collected using a closed ended questionnaire and interviews. Some of the major finding from this study include: weak procurement rules which lead to awarding road projects to incompetent contractors;contractor monitoring being handled by unqualified, incompetent and inexperienced professionals;lack of contractors and contract supervisors appraisal system;delay of contractors payments which affects timelines in services delivery;lack of a strong internal project monitoring and evaluation mechanism at the Uganda National Roads Agency (UNRA). The research therefore recommends the establishment of an Independent Public Infrastructure Development and Monitoring Unit by government and adoption of systems that appraise both contractors and contract supervisors with clear disciplinary actions for unsatisfactory performance by the UNRA.

Coping with Firewood Scarcity in Soroti District of Eastern Uganda

This study investigated how rural households cope with firewood scarcity in dryland areas of Eastern Uganda. A household survey was conducted in December 2008 to January 2009, where 490 respondents were randomly interviewed. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also held with community elders and women. Responses were analyzed both descriptively and qualitatively. Findings indicated that 99% of the households used firewood for cooking with a per capita consumption of 542.32 Kilograms. Commonly used tree species included Combretnum molle (42.7%) and Acacia polyacantha willd (18.2%). Over 78% of the households have a preference for acacia tree species for firewood. In particular, Acacia polyacantha willd (60.3%), Acacia hockii (16.9%) and Combretum collinum (9.6%) were the most preferred tree species. The scarcity of firewood supply was eminent from the average distance (2 ± 7 Km) traveled by collectors in search of them. Firewood collectors spent 1 to 10 hours with an average of 3 hours weekly in firewood collection activities. This resulted in per annum estimated opportunity cost of Shillings 432,000 (US 232 dollars) for those who collected on weekly basis and Shillings 1,080,000 shillings (US 580 dollars) for those who collected on daily basis. The frequency of collection decreased as distance increased among 89% of the households. Minority of households (1%) have resorted to deliberately planting trees on their own farms to ease problems of firewood shortage, and to modification of biomass stove so as to use less firewood. Households in their endeavour to circumvent the problem of continued scarcity have resorted to poorer quality tree/bushes for firewood (71.2%), alongside other coping strategies such as cooking meals once a day, avoidance of cooking some food types (70%), and using crop residues as fuel source (60%). There is a need for scaling-up on-farm tree planting as well as the use of improved biomass cook stoves in the region.

An Appraisal of Adaptation Measures to Climate Variability by Smallholder Irish Potato Farmers in South Western Uganda

Climate change and variability are a reality and have had marked effects on both human and ecological systems. Adaptation to such effects either directly or indirectly is viewed as a novel way of reducing the spread of the associated risks. The study was conducted in Rubanda District with a general aim of evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation measures to climate variability used by smallholder Irish potatoes farmers. Specifically, we sought to appraise small-holder Irish potato farmers’ perceptions about the effectiveness of climate variability adaptation measures and implications on Irish potato productivity. We undertook a cross-sectional study to collect data from total of 197 farmers using a structured questionnaire. Other participatory methods such as focus group discussions and key informant interview were also used to complement the household survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23 to generate descriptive statistics as well as relationships between the adaptation measures and the productivity of the Irish potatoes using a Cobb-Douglas production function. The Cobb-Douglas model revealed that the use of fertilizers was significantly and positively associated with productivity of Irish potato (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Smallholder Irish potato farmers perceived the use of technology, terracing, early planting and application of fertilizers as the most effective climate variability adaptation measures. The study recommends that measures that are cost-effective, efficient and coherent should be promoted to offset the impacts of climate variability which would include the adoption of improved potato varieties and use of fertilizers with proper management of erosion. Off-season planting of Irish potatoes in the wetlands should be discouraged by the local administration and the National Environment Management Authority. This calls for a collective action involving the agricultural practitioners and inline civil society organizations to ensure that farmers have access to such inputs.

Drivers of Fuel Choice for Cooking among Uganda’s Households

This paper examines the factors that Uganda’s households consider when making fuel choices for cooking and investigates the key drivers of fuel choice. The study adopts a quantitative cross sectional research design. The dependent variable of the empirical model is a qualitative response variable which defines three mutually exclusive and highly differentiated discrete choices for cooking fuels, namely: the traditional fuel (firewood), the transitional fuel (charcoal), and the modern (LPG & electricity). Results from the study show that the most important drivers of fuel choice for cooking in Uganda’s households are: household income, age of household head, gender of household head, marital status, education levels of household head and location of a household. Results also reveal high dependency of firewood as cooking energy source among households in Uganda.

Firm Risk Profile, Agency Incentives and Corporate Performance： Corporate Governance Perspective of Uganda

This paper focuses on the relationship between firm risk profile, agency incentives and corporate performance using correlation study and cross-sectional approach. We conceptualise firm risk profile using the balanced score card and differ from previous studies, on the above variables, by capturing the perceptual sets of strategic leadership of Ugandan firms who are members of corporate governance of Uganda. We post a significant negative relationship between firm risk profile and corporate performance, a significant negative relationship between firm risk profile and agency incentives and a positive relationship between agency incentives and corporate performance By employing Joseph and Scott （2006）＇s utilization of the balanced score card to identify the four forms of firm risk （namely, financial, customer, internal and learning and growth risks）, our results support the application of agency theory as a relevant theoretical framework for dealing with managers who are risk averse.

Climate Variability and Soil Nutrients Status along Altitudinal Gradient in Kigezi Highlands, Southwestern Uganda

Kigezi highlands currently experiences changes in precipitation and temperature which modify the evaporation and soil moisture storage leading to alterations in runoff and other components of hydrological systems. Extreme events, like floods and droughts, are more intense and frequent. Furthermore heavy unpredictable rainfall has become frequent in the area, causing soil erosion and floods that destroy crops. Soil erosion is particularly a pressing challenge due to steep-sided hills leading to deterioration of soil nutrients including soil fertility. The unpredictable rains and droughts are attributed to climate change and variability. Consequently, climate change and variability have caused a significant impact on soil nutrients which have affected the agricultural productivity in the area. This paper presents findings of empirical study which explored the climate variability and soil nutrient status along altitudinal gradient. The paper particularly addresses key questions of: land management practices in the study area, nutrient availability and their effects on productivity of selected crops along altitudinal gradient in changing climate and variability. Independent variables such as topographic sequence along altitudinal gradient were evaluated against dependent variables such as yield harvests of selected grown crops and soil nutrients. Samples for crop yields were collected along transect of 0.5 kilometer using a quadrant of 4 × 4 m2 along attitudinal gradient. Soil samples were taken from selected plots at 0-20cm soil depth for nutrient analysis. Analysis of physical and chemical soil parameters was carried out on soil samples and these include: soil pH, soil organic content, total nitrogen, available soil phosphorous and exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na). The study showed that middle parts of the transects had the highest concentration of most soil nutrients, probably because the middle parts could have been a deposition centre for some organic matter from the upper parts of the hills, and lower lying areas were being affected by floods that affects the decomposition of organic matter which is the main source of nutrients. Similarly, the middle parts of the study were the most fertile due to the high concentration of soil nutrient compositions. This indicates that crop yields were significantly affected by availability of soil nutrients along same gradient, attributable to the severity in soil erosion, nutrients leaching and farming practices.

Productivity and energy balance of forest plantation harvesting in Uganda

The study evaluated the productivity and energy balance of the harvesting and the extraction of wood in plantation of exotic tree species, i.e., Pinus patula （Schiede ex Schlectendahl et Chamisso） and Cupressus lusitanica （Mill.）. The harvesting and extraction operations concerned clear-cut felling on two different types of terrain （gentle and steep terrain） and two levels of prun- ing. The results show that cutting is not affected by the terrain gradient whereas the pruning condition shows a significant effect on the delimbing operation. The productivity of cutting is evaluated at 28.1 m3.d-1 for unpruned trees and at 30.2 m3.d t for pruned trees. For the extraction phase, rolling was significantly affected by terrain conditions. On steep terrain, the gross productivity can be evaluated at 22.5 m3.d 1 for an extraction distance of 40 m, while for the same distance on gentle terrain the productivity decreases to 14.1 m3.d~. As a result, the steep terrain condition showed higher energy efficiency, suggesting that it is the more efficient system of extraction. The productivity model and the energy balance resulting from the study provide a better understanding of the variables af- fecting motor-manual cutting and rolling extraction in exotic plantations in Uganda.

Hematology and blood serum chemistry reference intervals for children in Iganga district of Uganda

In this study, normal ranges for hematology and serum biochemistry in children aged 1 to 5 years inUgandawere determined. By a cross-sectional study, 1168 children from Iganga, a prospective site for clinical trials in Uganda, were screened. From 1168 households, 460 children were selected for enrollment, while 600 (58%) were excluded because of either a history of fever in the previous 24 hours, presence of asexual malaria parasites in the peripheral blood or presence of fever. Accordingly, 460 children (39.4%) of median age = 3 years were enrolled in the baseline study. While the lower limits of hemoglobin, hematocrit levels, mean corpuscular volume and platelet counts for the Ugandan children were found to be less than conventional reference values of Caucasisan children, the white blood cell count reference values were higher than the international intervals. On the other hand, the upper limits of the reference intervals for serum transaminases, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, total protein and albumin in sera of the Ugandan children were higher than the corresponding values for a Caucasian pediatric population. This study showed that, if hematology test results of the Ugandan children were assessed against “imported” international reference values, up to 44.6% of the study participants would have been excluded from clinical trials or would have been reported as adverse events in such trials. The present study was not only the first report of serum biochemistry reference ranges for children aged one to five years in Uganda but also one of very few such studies in Africa.

Infraspecific Delimitation of <i>Acacia senegal</i>(Fabaceae) in Uganda

The wide variation in Acacia senegal has presented taxonomic uncertainties and unresolved contradictions in previous studies. In this study numerical taxonomic principles and multivariate analysis (UPGMA PCoA and PCA) were used basing on 69 characters derived from growth form, branchlets, leaves, flowers, pods and seed. Three taxa, namely;variety senegal, leiorhachis and kerensis have been discerned and described significantly improving the delimitations of previous studies. The wide variation within var. senegal has been split into three recognizable variants and that of var. leiorhachis into two. The most important characters for differentiating the taxa include leaf breadth and length, pinna length and its ratio to pinna breadth, number of leaflet pairs, petiolar gland shape, petiolar and rachis gland size, stem and branch bark texture, stem and branchlet colour, under-bark colour for stem and branches, pod apical shape, growth form, crown shape, and prickly state of leaves. An identification key has been constructed which, for the first time, can be used to assign herbarium specimens to their respective taxa.