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.
- This community contains Open Access Books and Book Abstracts
- This community contains Ugandan Conference proceedings
- This community contains consolidated Ugandan Institutional Annual Research Reports on a broad range of subjects
- This community contains approved and running institutional repository policies from different research institutions
- This community contains Open access peer reviewed publications about Uganda and from Ugandan Researchers. The community has been classified to thematic research sub communities of Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Medical and Health Sciences, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.
Recent Submissions
Millets in sub‑Saharan Africa: a review of the nutritional and bioactive composition, methods of processing and its developed products
(Springer International Publishing, 2025-03) Ramashia, Shonisani E.;; Onipe, Oluwatoyin O.;; Mashau, Mpho E. ;; Jideani, Afam I. O.
Millet grains are essential foods for most people living in rural areas with low socioeconomic status, especially in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The most cultivated millets in SSA are pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), fonio (Digitaria exilis), and teff (Eragrostis tef). Others from around the world are Japanese Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumantacea); foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), and little millet (Panicum sumatrense). The main databases used for this review paper were Web of Science and Scopus. Science Direct and Google Scholar were also used for identifying keywords. The total number of articles used were 110. This review paper explored the origin, physical structure, nutritional composition, and phytochemicals of millet grains. The effect of different processing methods on the nutritional, antinutritional and bioactive compounds of millet products was discussed. Moreover, some traditional products made from these grains were reviewed. The challenges that pertain to the migration from major cereals to millet-based products and future perspectives were given. We advocate the need to create value-added products from these underutilised millets species for commercialisation and food security in line with the second sustainable development goal.
Publicly Available Content Database
Evaluating the impact of two nextgeneration long-lasting insecticidal nets on malaria incidence in Uganda: an interrupted time-series analysis using routine health facility data
(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2025-03) Epstein, Adrienne;; Gonahasa, Samuel;; Namuganga, Jane Frances ;; Nassali, Martha J;; Maiteki-Sebuguzi, Catherine;; Nabende, Isaiah;; Snyman, Katherine;; Nankabirwa, Joaniter I;; Opigo, Jimmy;; Donnelly, Martin J;; Staedke, Sarah G;; Kamya, Moses R;; Dorsey, Grant
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where progress has stalled in recent years. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a critical preventive tool against malaria. This study investigated the effectiveness of newer-generation LLINs following a universal coverage campaign in Uganda.INTRODUCTIONMalaria remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where progress has stalled in recent years. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a critical preventive tool against malaria. This study investigated the effectiveness of newer-generation LLINs following a universal coverage campaign in Uganda.Health facility data collected 36 months prior to LLIN distribution and 24 months after LLIN distribution were used from 64 sites that took part in a cluster-randomised trial comparing two newer-generation LLINs (pyrethroid-piperonyl butoxide and pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen). Using an interrupted time-series approach, we compared observed malaria incidence with counterfactual scenarios if no LLINs were distributed, adjusting for precipitation, vegetation, seasonality and care-seeking behaviour. Analyses were also stratified by LLIN type and study-site level estimates of transmission intensity.METHODSHealth facility data collected 36 months prior to LLIN distribution and 24 months after LLIN distribution were used from 64 sites that took part in a cluster-randomised trial comparing two newer-generation LLINs (pyrethroid-piperonyl butoxide and pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen). Using an interrupted time-series approach, we compared observed malaria incidence with counterfactual scenarios if no LLINs were distributed, adjusting for precipitation, vegetation, seasonality and care-seeking behaviour. Analyses were also stratified by LLIN type and study-site level estimates of transmission intensity.Overall, malaria incidence decreased from 827 cases per 1000 person-years in the predistribution period to 538 per 1000 person-years in the postdistribution period. Interrupted time-series analyses estimated a 23% reduction in malaria incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.91) in the first 12 months following distribution relative to what would be expected had no distribution occurred, which was not sustained in the 13-24 month post-distribution period (IRR=0.97, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.28). Findings were similar when stratified by LLIN type. In the first 12 months following distribution, LLIN effectiveness was greater in the high-transmission sites (IRR=0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.86) compared with the medium- (IRR=0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92) and low-transmission sites (IRR=0.87, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.32).RESULTSOverall, malaria incidence decreased from 827 cases per 1000 person-years in the predistribution period to 538 per 1000 person-years in the postdistribution period. Interrupted time-series analyses estimated a 23% reduction in malaria incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.91) in the first 12 months following distribution relative to what would be expected had no distribution occurred, which was not sustained in the 13-24 month post-distribution period (IRR=0.97, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.28). Findings were similar when stratified by LLIN type. In the first 12 months following distribution, LLIN effectiveness was greater in the high-transmission sites (IRR=0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.86) compared with the medium- (IRR=0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92) and low-transmission sites (IRR=0.87, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.32).This study demonstrated a modest reduction in malaria incidence following the distribution of newer-generation LLINs that was sustained for only 12 months, highlighting the need for improved strategies to maintain net effectiveness. Adjusting the frequency of universal coverage campaigns based on local malaria transmission intensity may enhance control efforts.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated a modest reduction in malaria incidence following the distribution of newer-generation LLINs that was sustained for only 12 months, highlighting the need for improved strategies to maintain net effectiveness. Adjusting the frequency of universal coverage campaigns based on local malaria transmission intensity may enhance control efforts.
MEDLINE - Academic
Barriers to community engagement during the response to an Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-03) Musoke, David;; Atusingwize, Edwinah;; Robins, Ann ;; Nam, Seungwoo;; Bonwitt, Jesse;; Msukwa, Chimwemwe;; Rutayisire, Meddy;; Upenytho, George;; Kyobe, Henry;; Mwebesa, Henry
Uganda reported an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2022. As part of the outbreak response, government and partners promoted community engagement, which seeks to involve communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to raise awareness, build trust between communities and partners and create ownership of interventions. This study, therefore, explored barriers to community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak response in Uganda.BACKGROUNDUganda reported an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2022. As part of the outbreak response, government and partners promoted community engagement, which seeks to involve communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to raise awareness, build trust between communities and partners and create ownership of interventions. This study, therefore, explored barriers to community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak response in Uganda.This qualitative study, conducted in five districts (Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Mubende and Wakiso), involved 25 focus group discussions among community members and community health workers (CHWs). In addition, 32 key informant interviews were conducted with staff from the Uganda Ministry of Health, district health officials, local leaders, non-governmental organisation staff and other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic approach using ATLAS.ti (V.6).METHODSThis qualitative study, conducted in five districts (Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Mubende and Wakiso), involved 25 focus group discussions among community members and community health workers (CHWs). In addition, 32 key informant interviews were conducted with staff from the Uganda Ministry of Health, district health officials, local leaders, non-governmental organisation staff and other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic approach using ATLAS.ti (V.6).The main barriers to community engagement identified during the EVD outbreak response are presented under four main themes: (1) delayed consultations between partners and communities; (2) poor communication and misinformation; (3) limited support to human resources; and (4) institutional and coordination challenges. Specifically, these barriers included: limited consultation due to misbelief in community roles; delayed sociocultural discussions; stigma and delayed psychosocial interventions; misinformation, rumours and political influence; poor communication mechanisms; contradictory messages and lack of transparency; language barrier and inappropriate communication media; work overload for CHWs and other community volunteers; failure to prioritise protection of community workers; lack of compensation for CHWs and other community personnel; poor logistical management; inadequate coordination and partner operations; unfavourable institutional structures; and limited funding for emergencies.RESULTSThe main barriers to community engagement identified during the EVD outbreak response are presented under four main themes: (1) delayed consultations between partners and communities; (2) poor communication and misinformation; (3) limited support to human resources; and (4) institutional and coordination challenges. Specifically, these barriers included: limited consultation due to misbelief in community roles; delayed sociocultural discussions; stigma and delayed psychosocial interventions; misinformation, rumours and political influence; poor communication mechanisms; contradictory messages and lack of transparency; language barrier and inappropriate communication media; work overload for CHWs and other community volunteers; failure to prioritise protection of community workers; lack of compensation for CHWs and other community personnel; poor logistical management; inadequate coordination and partner operations; unfavourable institutional structures; and limited funding for emergencies.The barriers encountered in community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak need to be addressed through strengthening guidelines and standard operating procedures, capacity building for partners and communities, as well as adequate financing to ensure Uganda is better prepared for future health emergencies.CONCLUSIONThe barriers encountered in community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak need to be addressed through strengthening guidelines and standard operating procedures, capacity building for partners and communities, as well as adequate financing to ensure Uganda is better prepared for future health emergencies.
Risk of child undernutrition in households with life-limiting illness: A cross-sectional study
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025-03) Petersen, Janni B.;; Naleba, Irene;; Namugambe, Josephine ;; Heilskov, Sofine;; Kallestrup, Per
Background: An ongoing challenge within the field of undernutrition is to identify children at risk.Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate whether children who are living in households inhabiting a household member with a life-limiting illness are at risk of undernutrition.Setting: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed in Uganda.Methods: We collected anthropometric data on children under the age of five and information on household dietary diversity, food security and healthcare barriers. Study participants for the hypothesised high-risk group were recruited within households receiving home-based palliative care. The comparison group included neighbouring households.Results: Data collection from 145 paired households was performed from April to July 2021. There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of undernutrition. For all continuous nutrition indicators there was a trend towards less undernutrition in the hypothesised high-risk group than in the comparison group. We found lower overall prevalence of acute malnutrition than expected. The hypothesised high-risk group was associated with higher food insecurity than the comparison group.Conclusion: Lower overall acute malnutrition than expected may be because of the season variability. Stunting was higher than expected in both groups, which may suggest season variability in undernutrition. The results suggest a protective effect of receiving home-based palliative care on child nutritional status.Contribution: The study did not show a risk of child undernutrition in households inhabiting a household member with life-limiting illness. Future research may identify key elements responsible for the potential protective effects of home-based palliative care on child undernutrition.
CrossRef
Understanding stigma as a barrier to cancer prevention and treatment: a qualitative study among people living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-03) Guy, Kyra;; Arinaitwe, Jim;; Goma, Fastone Mathew ;; Atuyambe, Lynn;; Guwatudde, David;; Zyambo, Cosmas;; Kusolo, Ronald;; Mukupa, Musawa;; Musasizi, Ezekiel;; Wipfli, Heather
Extended life expectancy due to treatment improvements has increased the diagnosis of cancer among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Africa. Despite documented impacts of stigma on cancer preventive behaviours and care, little is known about the intersections of cancer and HIV stigma and the effects on prevention and care behaviours for both conditions. This study aims to examine experiences and drivers of cancer stigma and their associations with access to and utilisation of cancer prevention services among PLWH. This was a qualitative study consisting of eight focus group discussions with PLWH and 14 key informant interviews with HIV healthcare providers collected in January 2024. Data were collected from two districts of Uganda and Zambia. In Uganda, the two selected districts were Arua, in the northern West Nile region, and Moroto, in the northeast Karamoja region. In Zambia, the study districts were Mongu, in the Western Province, and Chipata in the Eastern Province. Each study district held two PLWH focus groups (one male, another female) with 5-7 participants per group and 3-4 key informant interviews for a total of 55 participants. PLWH and healthcare providers were eligible if they were (1) aged 18 years or older and (2) an HIV-positive client receiving antiretroviral therapy services at the participating clinic or working in a health services capacity at the clinic. Cancer stigma drivers included widespread misconceptions about disease origins and outcomes, associations with other stigmatising conditions and behaviours such as HIV, TB, and substance use, limited treatment options that heightened fears of diagnosis and inadequate training of healthcare providers. Study participants noted that experiences of stigma led to reduced treatment-seeking behaviours among PLWH, increased social isolation, and poor cancer-related care practices within clinics. Recommended interventions to combat stigma included improved education for providers and patients, private counselling, and peer support. Results underscore the presence and impacts of stigma in the study population, emphasising the need for research informing culturally sensitive interventions that enhance educational outreach and promote engagement in care among targeted populations. This article is linked to an ongoing clinical trial registered on clinical trials.gov (clinical trial No: NCT05487807; Registration date: 27 November 2023) and relates to the pre-results stage.
MEDLINE