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.

Copyright Information:

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.

Other Useful Resources:

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.

~
 

Communities in NRU

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 12

Recent Submissions

No Thumbnail Available
Item
Integrating Small-Scale Tree Farmers Into Wood Markets: A Case of Tree Farmers in Central Uganda
(wiley, 2025-12-31) Justine Namaalwa,; Antonny Tugaineyo,; Scovia Akello,; Patrick Byakagaba
Small-scale tree farmers are increasingly recognized as important producers of wood resources, yet their integration into woodmarkets remains limited in many developing countries. Integration is conceptualized as farmers’ ability to access target markets,participate in price-setting, and compete favorably for fair prices. In sub-Saharan Africa, tree growing has often been promoted forconservation or subsistence, with little emphasis on commercialization. This study was motivated by the underrepresentation ofsmall-scale farmers in wood markets despite their potential to supply signifcant wood resources and by the lack of empiricalevidence on their degree of integration into markets. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how small-scale treefarmers are integrated into wood markets by addressing two questions. (i) Which sociodemographic and tree farm attributesinfuence access to target and fnal selling points? (ii) What factors infuence participation in price-setting? The research wasconducted in Mubende District, Central Uganda, using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through participant andkey informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests,and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were processed using thematic content analysis. Findings showed that mostfarmers failed to sell from their target markets due to high transport costs, limited market information, and reliance onintermediaries. Participation in price-setting was also limited, with many farmers accepting prices ofered by buyers, especially incases of distress sales linked to urgent household needs. The study recommends that governments and development partnersstrengthen business support services, including technical training, value addition, and improved market information systems, toenable small-scales’ transition from subsistence-oriented production to efective participation in wood markets
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Soil properties and phytochemical analysis of spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. Ex Thell.) from Ankole and Teso sub-regions of Uganda: Implications for management and prevention of hyperglycemia
(wiley, 2025-08-12) Caroline Asekenye,; Paul E. Alele,; Patrick E. Ogwang,; Eunice A. Olet
Background The current authors reported a remarkably higher prevalence of hyperglycemia in Ankole than in the Teso sub-region of Uganda, and Amaranthus dubius was documented among the frequently eaten leafy vegetables in both sub-regions. In an attempt to investigate this remarkable variance in the prevalence of hyperglycemia and find alternative therapies for hyperglycemia, we assessed the influence of soil properties on phytochemical quantity in spleen amaranth (A. dubius) from the two sub-regions. The soil properties and vegetable phytochemicals were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. Results Soil pH, organic matter (OM), and nitrogen (N) were higher in soil samples from the Teso sub-region than those from the Ankole sub-region. The Teso sub-region had sandy loam soils that were relatively low in exchangeable cations, whereas Ankole had clay loam soils. Total tannin content (TTC) and total saponin content (TSC) were significantly higher in A. dubius samples from the Teso sub-region, and total alkaloid content (TAC) was higher in vegetable samples from Ankole. The Pearson's correlation results showed a significant relationship between pH and TTC, N, and TAC. Total flavonoid content (TFC) was correlated with exchangeable cations. Conclusion High soil pH, N, cations, and sand percentage found in soil samples from the Teso sub-region supported the biosynthesis of polyphenolic compounds in the vegetable samples. By implication, this consequently benefited its consumers by reducing blood glucose levels ultimately reducing the prevalence of hyperglycemia in the region.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Anthrax Outbreaks in Kyotera District, Uganda: Implications for Public Health Emergency Preparedness
(Wiley, 2025-04-20) Majani Edward,; Francis Ogwang,; Samuel Ojera,; Francis Obaa
Introduction In late 2023, Uganda's Ministry of Health declared an anthrax outbreak in the Kyotera district, Masaka region, following reported animal and human fatalities. This article outlines the initial outbreak characteristics and the multi-sectoral response initiated by national and international stakeholders. Methodology This article presents a descriptive account of the anthrax outbreak in Kyotera district based on preliminary investigations, surveillance data provided by the Ministry of Health and collaborating partners (WHO, Infectious Disease Institute, Public Health Fellowship Program, Masaka Regional PHEOC), and a review of the unfolding events up to October 31, 2023. Results The anthrax outbreak in Kyotera district significantly impacted both human and livestock populations, leading to confirmed human cases, fatalities, and the death of 24 animals by October 31, 2023. The outbreak disrupted community livelihoods and strained the healthcare system, particularly as Uganda continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary observations suggest a potential link between the outbreak and the rainy season, consistent with previous anthrax occurrences in East Africa. Economic consequences included potential job losses in the local meat industry and increased demands on healthcare resources. Conclusion The recent anthrax outbreak in Kyotera district underscores the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases and the importance of a swift, coordinated, and multi-sectoral response. The findings highlight the need for strengthened interministerial cooperation, proactive health education campaigns targeting at-risk communities, consideration of prophylactic interventions, and the adoption of a comprehensive One Health approach for effective prevention and control of future outbreaks in Uganda.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Decentralisation and Legal Pluralism in Small Towns in Uganda
(wiley, 2025-05-06) Ana Maria Vargas Falla,; Heather Mackay,; Agnes Andersson,; Paul Isolo Mukwaya,; Frank Mugagga
Weak decentralization, authoritarianism and limited economic development in small towns in Uganda have been seen as key obstacles to political inclusion. However, small towns in theory also hold hope for political inclusion due to the potential for more direct citizen engagement and flexibility to be able to respond to citizens' needs. Drawing on 58 focus groups, 24 key informant interviews, and three feedback meetings across seven towns, this research reveals persistent exclusion of marginalised groups due to local elite capture, national government dominance, resource constraints, and entrenched corruption. However, the study also identifies instances where flexible law enforcement—in issues such as street vending permits, housing permits, and water and sanitation regulation, has sometimes enabled responsiveness to citizen needs. Using the concept of legal pluralism, this article argues that the flexible application of the law not to allow for kleptocratic practices, but instead for innovative governance from below can enhance political inclusion and better align with the practical needs of citizens.
No Thumbnail Available
Item
Red blood cell alloantibodies in transfused patients with haematological malignancies at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute: Prevalence, specificities and associated factors
(wiley, 2026-01-06) Ivan Mugisha Taremwa,; Nixon Niyonzima,; Scholastic Ashaba,; Elizabeth Kemigisha,; Deusdedit Tusubira,; Benson Okongo,; Grace Nambozi,; May Y. Choi,; Craig N. Jenne,; Guido van Marle,; Bernard Natukunda
Background and Objectives: Patients with haematological malignancies often require blood transfusion support. Multiple allogeneic blood transfusions may result in alloimmunization, complicating future transfusions. This study determined alloantibody prevalence, specificities and factors associated with the presence of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies among transfused patients with haematological malignancies at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) and the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among patients with haematological malignancies who had been multiply transfused and were seeking cancer care at MRRH and the UCI, in Uganda. Patient plasma was screened for the presence of RBC alloantibodies using haemagglutination testing with a 3-cell commercial reagent RBC and antibody identification with 11-cell antibody panels. Results: A total of 427 patients with a median age of 36 (inter-quartile range: 26– 56 years) were investigated. Twenty-five participants (5.9%) possessed RBC alloantibodies whose specificities were as follows: anti-C, two; anti-D, four; anti-E, six; anti-K, four; and anti-c, anti-Fya , anti-Jka , anti-Lea and anti-M, one each. Four patients possessed pan-reactive antibodies. Patients with chronic cancer (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–7.21), leukaemia (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.81–4.03), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 1.69–5.11), antibiotic use (AOR = 5.08, 95% CI: 2.11–7.41)and a history of ≥5 transfusions were significantly associated with RBC alloimmuniza-tion (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: RBC alloimmunization prevalence was 5.9% and associated with clinicaland transfusion-related factors. Alloantibodies to Rh, Kell, MNS, Duffy, Kidd andLewis blood group systems were detected, underscoring the need for improved pre-transfusion testing in Uganda. Keywords; blood transfusion, chemotherapy naïve, haematological malignancies, RBC alloimmunization,UgandaHighlights• The study found a 5.9% prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies among patientswith haematological malignancies who received repeated transfusions.• The study identified alloantibodies against Rh, Kell, MNS, Duffy, Kidd and Lewis blood groupsystem antigens, with four cases showing pan-reactivity. The diversity of alloantibodiesincreases the risk of haemolytic transfusion reactions and the risk of haemolytic disease ofthe foetus and newborn and complicates donor matching for transfusion.• RBC alloimmunization was associated with chronic cancer, diagnosis of leukaemia, humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, antibiotic use, ≥5 transfusion episodes and need for≥5 donor units, emphasizing the need for improved strategies for preventing alloimmuniza-tion in multi-transfused patients