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

Lesion viral burden, multidrug-resistant superinfection, and HIV-associated haematological vulnerability in hospitalised clade Ib mpox: a prospective cohort study in Uganda
(Elsevier B.V, 2026-09)
Serwanga, Jennifer;
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Kaweesa, Raymond Ernest;
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Odoch, Geoffrey ;
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Nairuba, Brenda;
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Mukisa, Deborah;
Mpox has shifted to sustained human-to-human transmission across Africa, yet integrated triage incorporating viral burden, bacterial co-infection, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), HIV status, and routine biomarkers remain scarce. At Uganda's national mpox referral hospital, we prospectively enrolled 155 adults at 14 ± 2 days post-symptom onset; mpox was confirmed by lesion-swab qPCR (F3L), with clade assignment by whole-genome sequencing in a prespecified subset (March–April 2025). Lesion viral DNA burden was estimated using qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. Purulent lesions underwent EUCAST-standardised culture and susceptibility testing. Routine laboratory assessments included complete blood counts, C-reactive protein, serum chemistries, HIV serostatus, and plasma HIV-1 RNA. Median age was 30 years, and 73/155 (47%) had HIV infection. Multisite pain, particularly anogenital, was highly prevalent. Among 80 participants with purulent lesions selected for clinically suspected bacterial superinfection, all yielded bacterial growth; 35/80 (43.8%) were polymicrobial and predominantly multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Susceptibility to first-line β-lactams and fluoroquinolones was low, whereas meropenem retained activity (51/61, 84%). Lesion viral burden did not differ by HIV serostatus and showed weak correlation with HIV-1 viraemia; higher burden was associated with leucocytosis, neutrophilia with left shift, elevated CRP, and hypoalbuminaemia. Genomes clustered within Clade Ib, without segregation by HIV status or clinical severity. Hospitalised adults with acute Clade Ib mpox in Uganda exhibited high lesion viral burden, frequent multidrug-resistant bacterial co-isolation, and an inflammatory haematological profile accentuated in participants living with HIV-1. These findings support consideration of integrating diagnostic microbiology, HIV viral load assessment, and antimicrobial stewardship into mpox case-management in endemic settings. This study was supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI; Project ID PRJ-8284).
Assessment of cyanide contamination in artisanal gold mining: a case study of Busia gold fields, eastern uganda
(Elsevier B.V, 2026-07-16)
Musiige, Denis;
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Mundike, Jhonnah;
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Makondo, Cuthbert
Trench wastewater had the highest free cyanide, reaching 15.50 mg/L.•Metallic pipes drainage exhibited extreme acidity and elevated electrical conductivity.•Sediments accumulated strong acid dissociable cyanide up to 84.26 mg/kg.•Dry and wet seasons analysis showed cyanide levels above regulatory thresholds.•Geochemical controls on cyanide speciation differed significantly between sediments and tailings. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Busia, Uganda, relies on cyanide for gold extraction. However, data on its environmental fate remain scarce, with most research focused on mercury. This study presents a systematic assessment of cyanide speciation across multiple environmental matrices at the Busia Gold Fields site. These included seepage water, surface water, waste water through pipes and trenches, sediments, and tailings, which were sampled comprehensively during the dry and wet seasons. Water and solid samples (n = 140) were analyzed for their physicochemical properties. The concentration of free cyanide (CNFree), Weakly Acid Dissociable Cyanide (CNWAD), Strongly Acid Dissociable Cyanide (CNSAD), and Total Cyanide (CNT) was determined using APHA-standard spectrophotometric techniques. Trench wastewater recorded the highest CNFree (15.50 mg/L). Metallic pipe drainage exhibited the most extreme conditions (pH 3.07–3.78; EC up to 11,800 µS/cm). Seepage and surface water yielded CNT of 0.37–0.88 mg/L and 0.16–0.42 mg/L, respectively. Stream sediments accumulated CNSAD up to 84.26 mg/kg, and sand-active tailings CNT up to 79.09 mg/kg. Significant dry-to-wet seasonal reductions in CNFree (34.8–49.5%, p < 0.001) were observed across all compartments but failed to achieve compliance with any applicable threshold. The majority of samples exceeded multiple regulatory thresholds. All 60 water samples surpassed the Uganda NEMA effluent standard and the WHO/FAO irrigation guideline. Out of 60, 55 exceeded the US EPA criterion, and 43 out of 60 exceeded the WHO short-term guideline. Wet-season seepage and surface water predominantly accounted for non-exceedances. Spearman correlation, two-way ANOVA, and principal component analysis confirmed that physicochemical gradients, particularly Eh, pH, and EC, governed cyanide speciation and mobility. Contrasting pH–CNFree relationships between sediments (ρ = −0.954) and tailings (ρ = 0.701) captured the mechanistic duality between Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)-driven accumulation and alkaline cyanidation stabilization. These findings underscore the urgent need for source-specific remediation and integration of multi-fraction cyanide monitoring into Uganda's environmental regulatory framework.
Open Pilot Trial of a Single Session Consultation Service for Clients at StrongMinds Uganda
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2026-08-28)
Kasujja, Rosco;
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Sotomayor, Ian;
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Birungi, Peter ;
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Ndeezi, Morris;
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Szkody, Erica;
The need for mental health services in Sub‐Saharan Africa far exceeds the availability of support, creating long waitlists for the few services that are in place. To address this crisis, implementing evidence‐based, single‐session interventions for individuals seeking treatment may provide timely relief. StrongMinds—a mental health charity organization serving youth and adults in Uganda—piloted a Single‐Session Consultation (SSC) service for new treatment‐seekers with elevated depressive symptoms, as indicated by a score on a screener survey suggesting the presence of at least mild depression. To optimize its reach and fit with StrongMinds' service delivery model, the SSC was delivered by trained lay providers in both individual and group‐based formats. Within 2 months (September–October 2023), the SSC was delivered to 200 Ugandan adults with elevated depression symptoms (ages 16–86; 73% female) upon initial outreach for StrongMinds' group psychotherapy services. SSC clients reported significant improvements in hopelessness and depression symptoms at 2‐week (ds = −0.73, −1.12) and 1‐month follow‐ups (ds = −0.96, −1.44), while waiting for group psychotherapy. SSC clients reported high SSC satisfaction (M = 4.47/5), and intervention effects did not significantly differ by delivery format (i.e., individual vs. group format). Results suggest the SSC's acceptability, feasibility, and utility as a low‐intensity, scalable intervention for adolescents and adults in Uganda on waiting lists for longer‐term psychotherapy
"Land inequality and spatial dimension: Evidence from household surveys"
(Elsevier B.V, 2026-07-08)
Kweyu, Raphael;
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Medase, Stephen Kehinde
To promote social justice and support inclusive development in East Africa, addressing land inequality is essential. Kenya and Uganda illustrate the complex factors driving land inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. During colonial times, extensive fertile lands were often alienated from local communities and given to colonial authorities, resulting in persistent land disparities. This study assesses land inequality in both countries using household surveys and the Gini and Theil indices. For background, we examine colonial history, land tenure regimes, and theories of structural inequality. Our findings show that Uganda has higher inequality than Kenya, with regional differences playing a major role in these patterns. Kenya's inequality is lower, with some intergroup differences, such as those linked to gender, residence, religion, and marital status, having a limited impact. In Uganda, a small elite group controls the majority of the land, as indicated by Lorenz curves and spatial maps. The results highlight the need for country-specific policies: Kenya should adopt community approaches, while Uganda should utilise regional strategies. These initiatives require a collaborative effort from stakeholders, including governments, agencies, and civil society, to support inclusive initiatives. This analysis guides efforts to improve land equality and governance, promoting fairness and development in East Africa.
Lived experiences that influence the quality of life among patients with epilepsy at Mulago National Referral Hospital
(Elsevier Inc, 2026-07-20)
Atwijukiire, Humphrey;
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Namutundu, Juliana;
In Uganda, the quality of life (QoL) of patients with epilepsy (PWE) remains poor due to clinical, psychological, and social challenges. While several quantitative studies have documented correlates of poor QoL in Ugandan PWE, the specific mechanisms, contextual meanings, and patient-defined priorities through which epilepsy affects daily life remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences that influence QoL among PWE at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) in Uganda. We conducted a qualitative study among 12 purposefully selected adult PWE at MNRH. We collected data using in-depth interview guides and analysed the data using inductive thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software. We used purposive sampling guided by gender and duration of epilepsy care to ensure depth and breadth of perspectives. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Three major themes captured the lived experiences that influence QoL. 1)Psychosocial experiences encompassed social support from friends and religious communities, family relationships that functioned as sources of both support and strain, stigma and discrimination, and psychological, cognitive, and coping processes. 2) Economic and daily living challenges encompassed financial barriers to treatment, employment disruption alongside economic adaptation, and seizure-related physical injury. 3) Healthcare and treatment experiences encompassed access to free antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and diagnostic services, provider-led counselling and health education, and medication-related effects. Healthcare services should prioritise a shift to holistic, patient-centred care that integrates psychosocial well-being, economic circumstances, and lived treatment experiences into routine epilepsy management. •Family, peer, and religious relationships influence psychosocial wellbeing.•Stigma, both socially enacted and internalised, limits social participation and reinforces concealment.•Financial barriers and employment disruption compound the daily burden of epilepsy.•Health care and support shape treatment continuity and quality of life.•Holistic, patient-centred epilepsy care is essential in low-resource settings.