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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

刚果(金)内战(1996—2003)的背景及发展演变

刚果(金)东部的跨界民族问题有深刻的历史渊源。20世纪90年代以来,民族矛盾激化导致刚果(金)内部及其与周边国家的冲突升级,是引起刚果(金)内战的主要原因。周边卢旺达、乌干达、安哥拉、津巴布韦等非洲国家出于不同的政治经济动机介入冲突,导致刚果(金)内战扩大化和持久化。西方国家尤其是美国态度的变化,也与这场内战的走势密切相关。期间,冲突各方分化重组,转换阵营,进一步增加了刚内战的复杂性和破坏性。

中国与乌干达职业教育合作的问题及对策研究

中国与乌干达的职业教育合作以乌干达社会经济需求为导向,以开展短期培训交流项目、国际合作办学、鲁班工坊项目、招收乌干达留学生、创办联盟组织等形式为主,取得了不少成绩。但中乌职教合作还存在着合作领域范围窄、中国职教在乌干达本土的适应性弱、合作项目模式单一等问题。中国支持乌干达职教发展可从几方面着手:完善鲁班工坊运行与评价标准,开展多形式能力建设;建立专业动态调整机制,融入乌干达职教体系;构建中-东非职业教育研究平台;丰富文化交流合作形式等,为乌干达发展和“一带一路”建设提供智力支持。

Evaluation of Control Strategies for Cymbopogon nardus in Grazing Areas of Uganda

Cymbopogon nardus is an invasive grass weed in the grazing lands of Uganda affecting growth of desirable species and impeding movement of livestock. Farmers have for long used manual removal with a hand hoe to control the weed to allow growth of palatable species. In order to reduce on the drudgery associated with the hand hoe, a trial was set up to evaluate removal with a hand hoe, use of fire and spraying the weed with glyphosate herbicide to control Cymbopogon nardus. Eight treatments associated with the different control strategies were replicated on four sites in the land use system. Both manual removal with a hand hoe and spraying with glyphosate herbicide were effective in controlling Cymbopogon nardus with 95% and 92% kill of Cymbopogon tussocks, respectively. The differences between the two control methods were not significant. Plant species biodiversity recovery was faster in the manually controlled plots than in those sprayed with glyphosate, but the number of species was not significantly different. The frequency of occurrence of species was however significantly different with manually controlled plots registering a higher frequency of the species. Fire had no effect as a control strategy, but instead increased the number of tussocks, growth vigour of the re-growth, flowering and hence seed setting. After three seasons, no significant difference was observed in species biodiversity between manual and herbicide control. These results suggest that herbicides could effectively be used to control Cymbopogon nardus to cut on costs and avoid the drudgery normally associated with manual control.

A Phytosociological Study of Hydrocotyle mannfi and Centella asiatica Weed Community in Kampala （Uganda, Eastern Africa）

A phytosociological study of a weed community dominated by Hydrocotyle mannii and Centella asiatica was carried out in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda from 2000 to 2002. The Zurich-Montpellier School of Phytosociology method was used with special emphasis on floristic and synecological structure as well as on dynamic aspects. This community was found to grow on shady moist roadsides and is about 15 cm high. In total, 54 species were recorded; most of them are annual, anemochorous and widespread. The Hydrocotyle mannii and Centella asiatica community is described as a new weed association： Hydocotylo-Centelletum asiaticae Mosango ass. nova.. Hydrocotyle mannii, Centella asiatica, Dichondra repens and Sida veronicifolia have been recognized as the character species of this association. The Hydrocotylo-Centelletum is a pioneer association. It has been ascribed to the alliance Eleusinion indicae Leonard 1950 which includes plant communities growing on shady roadsides. In terms of ecological succession, it appears to be evolving to the Asystasia gangetica herbaceous fallow association which belongs to the alliance Panicion maximi. It belongs to the order Ruderali-Euphorbietalia Schmitz 1971 and the class Ruderali-Manihotetea Leonard in Taton 1949.

Economic Evaluation of Grain Amaranth Production in Kamuli District, Uganda

In Uganda, grain amaranth is relatively new and has generally not been considered as an important crop compared to other grain crops and legumes. This study was therefore conducted to determine factors affecting adoption of grain amaranth growing, factors affecting production, and economic returns on investment of its production. The study was carried out in Kamuli district where a total of 174 grain amaranth farmers and 90 non-grain amaranth farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. Using descriptive statistics, regression analysis （logit model and a Cobb-Douglas type production function） and profitability ratios, it was found that grain amaranth is produced on a small scale and yields are low. Farmer adoption of the crop was favoured by age, gender （female）, education of the farmer, and source of income. The output was positively affected by the amount of labour and manure used in production, while a negative relationship existed between output and male farmers. The crop was most viable under small acreages （0.02-0.04 ha） with positive returns to investment of 0.016. Its production should therefore be encouraged because of its income generation potential and since it requires small land.

Physical Effectiveness of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in Drought Prone Areas of Western and Central Uganda

The effect of soil and water conservation （SWC） practices on controlling surface runoff and soil loss was studied in drought prone banana growing areas of Uganda, during the two major rainy seasons of 2014. The study was conducted at two sites-- Ntungamo （Southwest） and Sembabule （Central）, with comparable slopes of about 13%-25%. The treatments included mulch, manure, manure ＋ mulch and a control with no conservation. Results indicated that conservation practices of mulch and manure ＋ mulch significantly reduced surface runoff and soil loss by about 72%-85%, when compared to farmers＇ up-and-down cultivation practice （control）. It was also observed that significantly greater amounts of soil loss occurred from manure and control plots than the ones with mulch. Thus, the combination of manure and mulch is recommended for uptake by crop farmers in the study areas, if they are to overcome drought stress and adapt to changes in climate. More research is needed to quantify nutrient losses resulting from runoff under the different SWC techniques. Modeling such effects is essential in assessing the impacts of SWC practices on soil and crop productivity.

Evaluating the Impact of Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties on Yield in Uganda： A Propensity Score Matching Approach

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of adopting improved maize varieties on crop yield in Uganda using propensity score matching （PSM） algorithms to control for hidden selection bias. The study employed cross-sectional household data collected in 2005/2006 by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics （UBOS） across the country. Data were divided into two parts; the full sample and smallholder farmer sub-sample （those that cultivated less than 5 acres or 2 Hectares of maize in 2004 and 2005）. Then estimation was made of the difference in yields between the adopters and non adopters, the average treatment effect on the treated （ATT） for the full sample and smallholder farmer sub-sample. Matching methods were used to control for hidden selection bias and the standardized bias measure was used to check for the quality of matching. The results indicate that adoption of improved maize seed had a robust positive and significant effect on yields obtained by farmers. The results were consistent for both the full and smallholder farmer sub-samples. Sensitivity analysis using Rosenbaum bounds indicated that the ATT results were fairly robust to hidden selection bias. That is, the results were not sensitive to unobserved selection bias. Therefore it is confidently asserted that the estimated average difference in maize yields between the adopters and non-adopters was due to the effect of planting improved maize seed.

稳定浆液在GIN灌浆法中的应用

稳定浆液是近些年发明的新材料,其在国外灌浆工程得到了广泛应用。介绍了乌干达纳录巴奥水电站修复工程现场GIN灌浆法稳定浆液试验,开展稳定浆液试验的机理研究,并通过运用合理、科学的施工工艺进行GIN灌浆法施工,灌浆质量检查成果显示取得了理想的灌浆效果。稳定浆液具有较好的流动性,对裂隙细小处灌浆效果良好,但是漏水处及特殊情况处理还需要积累经验。

Countermeasures for and Experiences in Seismic Hazard Mitigation in Uganda

For earthquake-prone countries of the world, it is crucial to develop countermeasures and to share experiences in seismic hazard mitigation. The measures for seismic hazard mitigation are related to many factors, e.g., social, economic, and political. Research focused on modern science and technology paves the way for a better understanding of the earthquake phenomenon and helps to plan against its effects in seismically active areas.In this paper, we consider some of the events that occurred in earthquake-prone countries, both developing and developed, which caused devastation to the society and economy. These are mainly major events that have affected a considerable portion of the gross domestic product of these economies.Measures to mitigate seismic hazard are stressed and suggested. In addition, experiences in seismic hazard mitigation in Uganda and the rest of the world are discussed in general terms. Attention is given to geotectonic settings as well as the work of seismic hazard and disaster

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.

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.