Browsing by Author "Asiimwe, Allen"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A Linguistic Analysis of Rukiga Personal Names
    (Journal of the Language Association of Eastern Africa, 2022-08-25) Asiimwe, Allen
    The goal of the paper is to provide a linguistic description of the structure of personal names in a lesser studied Bantu language of Uganda, Rukiga (JE14). Data show that Rukiga personal names are presented as lexical entities but with underlying elaborate grammatical structures derived from the syntax, morphology, phonology and the lexicon of the language. Personal names in Rukiga form a special category of nouns derived from nouns, adjectives, verbs, phrases, clauses and full sentences. This study establishes that truncation, affixal derivation, lexicalization of phrases, clauses and sentences are employed in name-formation. The study further reveals that the socio-cultural context influences the semantics and structure of names in Rukiga. Data for this study were collected in Kabale district in western Uganda through interviewing older persons, reviewing religious documents and tax collection registers. The study mirrors personal names as a part of the grammar of Rukiga reflecting the general complex linguistic system of the language. Data from this study is envisaged to contribute to typological and theoretical analyses of personal names which have internal morphosyntactic properties.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Challenges to the Acquisition of Literacy in Rural Primary Schools in Northern Uganda
    (Informa UK Limited, 2020-01-02) Ssentanda, Medadi; Asiimwe, Allen
    Literacy in the early years is crucial but attained amidst various challenges, especially in the Global South. Based on fieldwork conducted in October 2018 in four primary schools in Gulu district, Acoli region, northern Uganda, this study investigates school characteristics and facilities available to learners and teachers to scaffold the acquisition of literacy in the early years of schooling. These are discussed within the framework of Uganda’s mother-tongue education programme with a focus on the challenges of literacy acquisition. Data were collected from four schools by means of questionnaires, classroom interactions, and interviews, and were analysed through triangulation. The findings suggest that there are difficulties to attaining literacy within the MT education programme. Some of the challenges relate to teachers’ attitudes and practices, lack of school materials, poor school conditions, and large learner numbers per class. The implications of the observed challenges to literacy acquisition are discussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dealing with disclosure: Perspectives from HIVpositive children and their older carers living in rural south-western Uganda
    (African journal of AIDS research, 2016) Dusabe-Richards, Esther; Rutakumwa, Rwamahe; Zalwango, Flavia; Asiimwe, Allen; Kintu, Elvis; Ssembajja, Fatuma.; Seeley, Janet
    There are limited data on the challenges faced by carers, in particular older carers, in managing the difficult task of status disclosure for HIV-positive children. We report findings from qualitative interviews with 18 care dyads of older people and HIV-positive children living in rural south-western Uganda. Our data provide insights into perceptions and norms influencing communication during and following disclosure among both carers and children, including those shaped by gendered expectations of girls’ and boys’ sexual behaviour. Young participants reported several advantages of knowing their status and showed considerable resilience in the face of HIV disclosure. Better and more support is needed to help health workers and carers (particularly older carers) manage cross-generational communication around HIV disclosure and other related aspects of sexual and reproductive health as critical aspects of children’s psychosocial development and well-being.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Traditional eye medicine use in microbial keratitis in Uganda: a mixed methods study [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
    (Wellcome open research, 2019) Arunga, Simon; Asiimwe, Allen; Apio Olet, Eunice; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Ayebazibwe, Bosco; Onyango, John; Newton, Robert; Leck, Astrid; Macleod, David; Hu, Victor H.; Seeley, Janet; Burton, Matthew J.
    Traditional eye medicine (TEM) is frequently used to treat microbial keratitis (MK) in many parts of Africa. Few reports have suggested that this is associated with a worse outcome. We undertook this large prospective study to determine how TEM use impacts presentation and outcome of MK and to explore reasons why people use TEM for treatment in Uganda. Methods: In a mixed method prospective cohort study, we enrolled patients presenting with MK at the two main eye units in Southern Uganda between December 2016 and March 2018 and collected information on history, TEM use, microbiology and 3-month outcomes. We conducted qualitative interviews with patients, carers traditional healers on reasons why people use TEM. Outcome measures included presenting vision and at 3-months, comparing TEM Users versus Non-Users. A thematic coding framework was deployed to explore reasons for use of TEM. Results: 188 out of 313 participants reported TEM use. TEM Users had a delayed presentation; median presenting time 18 days versus 14 days, p= 0.005; had larger ulcers 5.6 mm versus 4.3 mm p=0.0005; a worse presenting visual acuity median logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Log MAR) 1.5 versus 0.6, p=0.005; and, a worse visual acuity at 3 months median Log MAR 0.6 versus 0.2, p=0.010. In a multivariable logistic regression model, distance from the eye hospital and delayed presentation were associated with TEM use. Reasons for TEM use included lack of confidence in conventional medicine, health system breakdown, poverty, fear of the eye hospital, cultural belief in TEM, influence from traditional healers, personal circumstances and ignorance. : TEM users h Conclusion ad poorer clinical presentation and outcomes. Capacity building of the primary health centres to improve access to eye care and community behavioural change initiatives against TEM use should be encouraged.