The National Research Repository of Uganda - NRU

Welcome to the National Research Repository of Uganda, abbreviated as "NRU". NRU was established in 2021. NRU is a collection of scholarly output by researchers from the UNCST Community, including scholarly articles and books, electronic theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, journals, technical reports and digitised library collections. It is the official Institutional Archive (IA) of UNCST.

For information about the publishers' copyright policy on archiving your articles online or in an institutional archive, visit the Sherpa Site at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo.php The site gives a summary of the permissions normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. If you wish to publish your research findings in the NRU, please contact NRU administrator at admin@uncst.go.ug for details. NRU operates both open access and closed access models. Access to fulltext has been restricted in adherence to the UNCST Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Copyrights policies.

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Africa Portal is an online repository of open access library collection with over 3,000 books, journals, and digital documents on African policy issues. This is an initiative by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Makerere University (MAK), and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Please visit the Africa Portal at http://www.africaportal.org/library.

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Books and Book Abstracts
This community contains Open Access Books and Book Abstracts
Conference Proceedings
This community contains Ugandan Conference proceedings
Institutional Annual Research Reports
This community contains consolidated Ugandan Institutional Annual Research Reports on a broad range of subjects
Institutional Repository Policies
This community contains approved and running institutional repository policies from different research institutions
IT DevOps Communinity
IT DevOps Community

Recent Submissions

A narrative review of food policies and initiatives targeting ultra processed food consumption in Sub Saharan Africa
(Springer International Publishing, 2026-03-18)
Mekonnen, Berhanu Abebaw; Yenew, Chalachew; Mekonen, Habitamu ; Alemayehu, Meron Asmamaw; Teym, Abraham; Temesgen, Abathun; Bayeh, Gashaw Melkie; Yeshiwas, Almaw Genet; Anteneh, Rahel Mulatie; Yemata, Getaneh Atikilt; Shimels, Tesfaneh; Ayele, Wolde Melese; Ahmed, Ahmed Fentaw; Kassa, Assefa Andargie; Tsega, Tilahun Degu; Ayalew, Chalachew Abiyu; Tsega, Sintayehu Simie; Yigzaw, Zeamanuel Anteneh; Ejigu, Amare Genetu; Addis, Wondimnew Desalegn; Yirdaw, Getasew; Sharew, Kalaab Esubalew; Adane, Daniel; Malkamu, Birhanemaskal
Abstract The rapid growth of ultra-processed food (UPF) production, marketing, and consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is driving dietary shifts linked to obesity and other diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While policy attention is increasing, regulatory responses remain heterogeneous and unevenly implemented. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on national policies and initiatives aimed at reducing UPF consumption and supporting healthier, contextually appropriate, and equitable food systems in SSA. The review followed a five-stage process: (1) identification of relevant countries and policy domains; (2) comprehensive searching of peer-reviewed literature, national policy documents, and reports from international agencies and NGOs; (3) screening and selection of eligible sources; (4) categorization of policy instruments; and (5) qualitative synthesis of implementation experiences and challenges. A conceptual policy analysis framework was applied to classify policies into four domains: fiscal measures, front-of-pack labeling, marketing restrictions, and public health and nutrition education. Countries including South Africa and Kenya have introduced fiscal and labeling measures targeting UPFs, while Nigeria and Ghana have implemented marketing restrictions. Complementary initiatives, such as nutrition education and support for local food systems, are emerging in Rwanda and Uganda. Common challenges include enforcement gaps, policy fragmentation, industry influence, and inequities in exposure to UPFs and access to regulatory protection. Findings highlight both progress and ongoing constraints in national policy responses. Coherent, context-sensitive, and equity-informed policies, supported by effective governance and safeguards against conflicts of interest, can strengthen efforts to address diet-related NCDs while promoting sustainable and culturally appropriate food systems.
Drivers of willingness to repay Parish Revolving funds (PRF) under Uganda’s Parish Development Model: a Bayesian Latent Class Logistic Regression (LCLR) approach
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-04-09)
Solomon Stephen Nuwagaba;
;
Swaibu Mbowa
This study examines the determinants of beneficiaries’ willingness to repay the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF) under Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), using nationally representative data from the 2024 EPRC PDM Survey. The study applies a Bayesian Latent Class Logistic Regression (LCLR) model to account for observed and unobserved heterogeneity in repayment behaviour. Results show significant variation in repayment willingness by gender, education, region and wealth. Financial literacy, awareness of repayment terms, larger PRF amounts and shorter disbursement periods increase repayment willingness, while long delays and low household wealth reduce it. The Bayesian model identifies three borrower classes: institutionally aware borrowers (35%), economically empowered borrowers (45%) and financially constrained borrowers (20%), each with distinct traits. The model’s predictive accuracy is strong, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.828 and overall accuracy of 87%. Policy simulations indicate that combining better financial literacy with faster disbursement yields the highest repayment gains. The principal methodological contribution is the application of the Bayesian LCLR framework, which simultaneously estimates class-specific repayment parameters and latent class memberships with full uncertainty quantification, advancing beyond conventional homogeneous logistic models used in prior microfinance research. The study recommends the need to leverage on rural social capital for repayment enforcement, the need for borrower segmentation, focused financial training and efficient fund management to strengthen PRF repayment.
Comparative analysis of nutrients in frequently consumedIndigenous African vegetables: implications for geriatric nutrition
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2026-01-27)
Martin Mutambuka,
;
Mildred Nakanwagi ,
;
Rosemary Bulyaba ,
;
Isaac Onziga Dramadri,
;
Gerald Tumusiime,
The promotion and consumption of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) offers potential to improve diet quality and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among older persons. However, limited information exists on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals that contribute to these benefits. This study assessed the nutritional composition of three genotypes of each of four commonly consumed AIVs in Uganda: Solanum aethiopicum Shum (E16, E15, and E11), Solanum aethiopicum Gilo (G4, G9, and G6), Amaranthus sp. (Var. 008, Var. 025, and Var. 007), and Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (UCU Cow 1, Aseremoya, and Acc23). The vegetables were analysed for minerals (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K), dietary fibre, phytochemicals (anthocyanins, tannins, catechins, polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, flavonoids), and vitamins (α-tocopherol and β-carotene) using standard procedures and means were separated using One-Way ANOVA. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across AIVs. S. aethiopicum Shum E16 exhibited the highest mineral levels, while V. unguiculata genotypes showed the lowest Mg, Fe, and K content. Iron was highest in S. aethiopicum Gilo G4 (8.83 mg/100 g). Leafy vegetables contained greater quantities of phytochemicals, dietary fibre, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol than fruit vegetables. Principal component analysis segregated genotypes based on nutrient profiles: phytochemicals and fibre strongly influenced V. unguiculata clustering, minerals influenced Solanum spp, and tocopherol and gallic acid distinguished Amaranthus genotypes. These findings highlight distinct nutritional advantages across AIV species. V. unguiculata exhibited particularly high phytochemical and vitamin content, suggesting its value as a nutrient-dense component of diets aimed at supporting healthy ageing.
Factors influencing obstetric referral decisions and practices: A qualitative study among skilled health personnel in Kampala, Uganda
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-05-11)
Birabwa, Catherine;
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Waiswa, Peter;
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Beňová, Lenka ;
;
Kikula, Amani;
;
Molenaar, Jil;
Effective referral is crucial for maternal and perinatal survival. Understanding the referral decision-making processes and practices of skilled health personnel (SHP) is essential for addressing inefficiencies and improving health outcomes. We explored inter-facility referral linkages and factors influencing obstetric referral decisions and practices, using a behavioural approach and drawing on SHP’s perceptions. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 45 SHP working in Kampala, Uganda, between October 2023 and April 2024. We employed a thematic and framework analysis approach, using the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behaviour model to examine factors influencing referral decisions and practices. Referrals of women with obstetric complications from all levels of care were commonly directed to the National Referral Hospital. These referral linkages were influenced by factors such as proximity, the hospital’s acceptance of patients, and perceptions of lack of readiness at designated receiving facilities. Resource shortages, including the absence of critical staff and inadequate infrastructure, such as limited operating theatre space and unavailability of ambulances, commonly contributed to referrals and hindered SHP from implementing recommended referral practices, such as professional accompaniment. Additionally, SHP faced several demotivating process challenges during referrals, including lengthy patient handover processes at receiving facilities and negative or disrespectful interactions with colleagues. Our findings show that SHP in Kampala are unable to implement recommended referral practices as expected primarily due to insufficient physical opportunities, which also affect their motivation. Inadequate resources and negative or disrespectful provider conduct remain key challenges. Policymakers and implementers should improve resource availability, streamline referral processes, and enhance collaboration among SHP to facilitate appropriate referrals. [Display omitted] •Obstetric referrals are primarily directed to one referral hospital.•Structural, normative, and functionality factors influence the referral destination.•Opportunities for providers to refer appropriately are limited.•Process-related challenges demotivate providers from referring appropriately.•Resource shortages are key drivers of poor provider referral practices. Subjects
The mastery of entrepreneurial project execution in social enterprises in Uganda: a path to sustainable development in rural Africa
(Springer Nature Singapore, 2026-04-09)
Bilgili, Faik;
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Garang, Aweng Peter Majok;
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Kassouri, Yacouba ;
;
Kuşkaya, Sevda
Abstract This paper evaluates the feasibility of the proposed East African Monetary Union (EAMU) by examining the effectiveness of monetary transmission mechanisms (MTMs) in the region. This study aims to determine how composite and idiosyncratic shocks propagate within the East Africa Community (EAC) and assess how smaller countries respond to shocks originating from Kenya, the largest economy in the region. We employ panel structural vector autoregression methodology to explore the short- and long-term effects of the dynamics of monetary transmission mechanisms in East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) from 1980 to 2018. Our empirical results prove that in the short run, (i) the contemporaneous response of the interest rate to the output gap shock is positive, (ii) the immediate response of the inflation rate to the output gap shock is negative, and (iii) the response of the inflation rate to the interest rate shock is negative. In the long run, (i) the response of the exchange rate to output gap shock is negative, (ii) the response of the inflation rate to output gap shock is negative, (iii) the response of interest rate to exchange rate shock is positive, (iv) the response of inflation rate to exchange rate shock is negative, and (v) the response of inflation rate to interest rate shock is negative. Overall, these findings shed light on the dynamics of monetary transmission mechanisms in East African countries. The study highlights the short- and long-term effects of various shocks on key macroeconomic variables, such as interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates. These findings have important implications for policymakers, as they seek to stabilize the economy, foster sustainable growth, and fulfill their monetary policy objectives.