NRU :: Browsing by Author "Awich Ochen, Eric"

Browsing by Author "Awich Ochen, Eric"

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Child Marriage and Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
(Uganda None, 2021) Awich Ochen, Eric; Nanfuka, Esther; Turyomurugyendo, Florence; Jones, Adele; Wager, Nadia; Cumming, Roslyn
This Policy Brief is drawn from qualitative research carried out in 2018 in Uganda, by the None in Three Research Centre Uganda (www.noneinthree.org /uganda/ ) . The research involved in-depth interviews with 45 survivors of child marriage and gender-based violence and focus groups with men and youth (including convicted perpetrators of violence) as well as members of the community.
Formerly Abducted Child Mothers in Northern Uganda: A Critique of Modern Structures for Child Protection and Reintegration
(Journal of Community Practice, 2012) Awich Ochen, Eric; Adele D., Jones; Mcauley, James W.
The study documents and analyzes the community structures supporting reintegration of the formerly abducted child mothers (FACM) within post-conflict northern Uganda. A qualitative approach assesses the relevance and effectiveness of child protection structures created by different development agencies to enhance the reintegration of FACM and protect vulnerable children more broadly. Findings suggest that the efficacy of the community-based structures to support the reintegration efforts have been hampered by the creation of competing structures by the different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and major development organizations such as UNICEF. The limited community ownership of these structures and the inadequate psychosocial training of child protection workers are problematic in meeting the needs of formerly abducted child mothers. Other constraining factors are the limited government role in supporting these child protection structures, the challenge of adapting the structures to the new post-active conflict development context, and limited outreach to FACM. These factors limit the prospects for supporting formerly abducted children and sustaining structures within the community once agencies and donor support is withdrawn. The key lesson for social work practice and social development in Africa is that effective interventions at supporting the reintegration of children affected by armed conflict need to consider the importance of indigenous institutions and structures within the implementation areas.
Gender Dimensions, Food Security, and HIV and AIDS in Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) Camps in Uganda: Implications for HIV-Responsive Policy and Programming
(Social Work and Social Administration, 2008) Bukuluki, Paul; Mugumya, Firminus; Neema, Stella; Awich Ochen, Eric
This study set out to investigate in specific terms how gender relations influence the interaction between food insecurity and HIV/AIDS in two armed conflict-affected districts, Gulu, in northern Uganda and Katakwi. The study largely embraced qualitative and ethnographic approaches of investigation supplemented by quantitative approaches. An exploratory and descriptive study design largely applying an ethnographic approach was employed. This facilitated the research team to gain a clear understanding of the local meanings and contextual issues that influence interactions between gender, food insecurity, and risky sexual behavior in situations of internal displacement. Quantitative variables were also generated from the ethnographic phase of the study. The ethnographic phase helped to clarify the key variables and indicators, such as the extent of food insecurity, risky sexual behavior, perceived and actual risk to HIV infection, that were followed up and measured using quantitative research instruments. Since the whole philosophy underlying this research is to improve policy and programming, the approach employed was a collaborative one that involved deliberate consultation with relevant government departments as well as local and international agencies involved in activities related to food security and HIV/AIDS in internally displaced peoples (IDPs) camps.
Healthworker preparedness for COVID‑19 management and implementation experiences: a mixed methods study in Uganda’s refugee‑hosting districts
(Conflict and Health, 2021) Seruwagi, Gloria; Nakidde, Catherine; Otieno, Felix; Kayiwa, Joshua; Luswata, Brian; Lugada, Eric; Awich Ochen, Eric; Muhangi, Denis; Okot, Betty; Ddamulira, Dunstan; Masaba, Andrew; Lawoko, Stephen
The negative impact of COVID-19 on population health outcomes raises critical questions on health system preparedness and resilience, especially in resource-limited settings. This study examined healthworker preparedness for COVID-19 management and implementation experiences in Uganda’s refugee-hosting districts. Methods: A cross sectional, mixed-method descriptive study in 17 health facilities in 7 districts from 4 major regions. Total sample size was 485 including > 370 health care workers (HCWs). HCW knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) was assessed by using a pre-validated questionnaire. The quantitative data was processed and analysed using SPSS 26, and statistical significance assumed at p < 0.05 for all statistical tests. Bloom’s cutoff of 80% was used to determine threshold for sufficient knowledge level and practices with scores classified as high (80.0–100.0%), average (60.0– 79.0%) and low (≤ 59.0%). HCW implementation experiences and key stakeholder opinions were further explored qualitatively using interviews which were audio-recorded, coded and thematically analysed. Results: On average 71% of HCWs were knowledgeable on the various aspects of COVID-19, although there is a wide variation in knowledge. Awareness of symptoms ranked highest among 95% (p value < 0.0001) of HCWs while awareness of the criteria for intubation for COVID-19 patients ranked lowest with only 35% (p value < 0.0001). Variations were noted on falsehoods about COVID-19 causes, prevention and treatment across Central (p value < 0.0356) and West Nile (p value < 0.0161) regions. Protective practices include adequate ventilation, virtual meetings and HCW training. Deficient practices were around psychosocial and lifestyle support, remote working and contingency plans for HCW safety. The work environment has immensely changed with increased demands on the amount of work, skills and variation in nature of work. HCWs reported moderate control over their work environment but with a high level of support from supervisors (88%) and colleagues (93%). Conclusions: HCWs preparedness is inadequate in some aspects. Implementation of healthcare interventions is constrained by the complexity of Uganda’s health system design, top-down approach of the national response to COVID-19 and longstanding health system bottlenecks. We recommend continuous information sharing on COVID-19, a design review with capacity strengthening at all health facility levels and investing in community-facing strategies.
Issues, beliefs and experience of child marriage and gender-based violence in Uganda: A Qualitative Study
(The University of Huddersfield Queensgate, 2021) Kalule Nanfuka, Esther; Turyomurugyendo, Florence; Awich Ochen, Eric
Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. While the prevalence of child marriage has decreased worldwide – from one in four girls married a decade ago to approximately one in five today – the practice remains widespread.3 Child marriage is often the result of entrenched gender inequality, making girls disproportionately affected by the practice. Globally, the prevalence of child marriage among boys is just one sixth that among girls.
Neglect Children and young mothers’ agency in the context of conflict: A review of the experiences of formerly abducted young people in Northern Uganda
(Child Abuse & Neglect, 2015) Awich Ochen, Eric
This paper critically examines the experiences of formerly abducted young women during their captivity with the Lord Resistance Army rebels and in the resettlement and reinte-gration period. Special attention is given to their exercise of agency and choices. Using a qualitative design, narrative interviews were conducted with child mothers (N = 21), local and civic actors (N = 17), and the general community through focus groups (N = 10). Data transcripts were analyzed using template analysis methods to derive meanings and increase understanding of the situation. Abducted children faced significant difficulties during their captivity and also during their resettlement and reintegration process, yet they continued to exhibit strong agency to cope with the new realities. Despite these difficulties, opportunities existed which were utilized by the young people, albeit to different degrees depending on each young person’s ability and initiative (agency). Situational factors limiting the child mothers’ agency were identified as embedded within the latter’s environment. This study raises the importance of appreciation of the young women’s agency in both the bush-captivity experience and resettlement and reintegration processes within the community,post-conflict.
Prevalence and correlates of non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among children and adolescents: Findings from Uganda and Jamaica
(Journal of affective disorders, 2021) Boduszek, Daniel; Debowska, Agata; Awich Ochen, Eric; Fray, Christine; Nanfuka Kalule, Esther; Powell-Booth, Karyl; Turyomurugyendo, Florence; Nelson, Kenisha; Harvey, Roxanne; Willmott, Dominic; Mason, Samantha J.
Youth non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide are major public health concerns, but limited data are available on the prevalence and correlates of these problems in developing countries. The aim of this study is to describe experiences of three suicidal phenomena (NSSI, suicidal ideation [SI], and suicide attempt [SA]) among children and adolescents from two developing countries. We also examine how depression, anxiety, sleep problems, child maltreatment, and other socio-demographic variables associate with the risk of NSSI only, SI only, SA only, and co-occurring NSSI/SI/SA. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of school-based Ugandan and Jamaican children and adolescents. Participants were 11,518 (52.4% female) Ugandan and 7,182 (60.8% female) Jamaican youths aged 9-17 years. Results: The estimated lifetime prevalence of NSSI, SI, and SA was 25.5%, 25.6%, and 12.8% respectively among Ugandan boys and 23.2%, 32.5%, and 15.3% respectively among Ugandan girls. As for the Jamaican sample, the estimated lifetime prevalence of NSSI, SI, and SA was 21%, 27.7%, and 11.9% among boys and 32.6%, 48.6%, and 24.7% respectively among girls. The odds of experiencing SI only, SA only, and co-occurring NSSI/SI/SA were significantly elevated among participants with mild, moderate, and severe depression in both countries. Limitations: The current study relied on self-report. Conclusions: This study found that suicidal phenomena are common among youths from Uganda and Jamaica, with rates substantially higher than among youths from high-income countries. The risk of suicidal phenomena was especially high among youths with severe depression.
Protecting and Meeting Rights of Children during Conflict? Reflections on the Activities of Three Indigenous Social Work Agencies in Northern Uganda
(British Journal of Social Work, 2012) Awich Ochen, Eric
The complex humanitarian emergency in northern Uganda was occasioned by the two decades of conflict. As a result, several development organisations (local and international) responded to the support needs of children and communities affected by the armed conflict in northern Uganda. Some interventions were developed to meet the psycho-social needs of the children at the reception and rehabilitation centres (RRCs) and in the community. Others were designed to respond to the psycho-social challenges of their families and of the returning children. Interventions have also been developed to address the children’s resettlement and reintegration needs. In this paper, I make a critical analysis of the activities of three indigenous organisations, namely CARITAS Gulu archdiocese; Gulu Support the Children Organisation (GUSCO); and Concerned Parents Association (CPA), as they carry out support activities for children associated with fighting forces. I utilize a child rights discourse in analyzing the interventions and their overall implications to social work practice in a complex context. I argue that, while these interventions were relevant to the circumstances of the children and young people, they in many cases fell short of fully empowering them to engage more proactively with their communities.
The Quest for Development Transformation in Northern Uganda
(Chemchemi International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2015) Awich Ochen, Eric
This paper discusses the dynamics of development agencies’ support to conflict-affected northern Uganda in the period between 2006 and 2012, and its implications for post-conflict recovery and development. The study utilizes a mainly qualitative approach incorporating in-depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions and secondary data review. Data was analyzed thematically using template analysis methods. Findings show that, at the height of the northern Uganda conflict between the year 2001 and 2006, the region was a beehive of ‘development agencies’ activities, with scores of development agencies supporting the affected communities. These agencies (including the UN agencies, civil society organizations and even private sector agencies complemented government efforts in the resettlement and reintegration process for communities affected by the conflict. Yet queries remain. For example, have the interventions been done right and conceived within the right assumptions? This paper, therefore, analyses the trends and dynamics of both state and non-state actors’ interventions within northern Uganda, especially the post-2006 period. It is posited that donor priorities, interests and preferences other than government and non–state actors’ interventions and situation of the target groups seem to be the driving force behind programme planning, funding and implementation. This revelation presents important lessons and experiences to actors and social planners working in the area of post-conflict development and reconstruction. The main lesson drawn from this study is that government and indigenous agencies should proactively take the initiative in community rebuilding process and not extensively rely on foreign donors.
Reflections on Mainstreaming Internship in University Curricula with specific reference to the Experience of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University
(Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 2013) Awich Ochen, Eric; Olowo-Onyango, Eria; Mbabazi Mpyangu, Christine
Makerere University mainstreamed field based learning (internship) into all its undergraduate study programmes. Initially internship was conducted only in professional courses like Education, Social Work and Law. However, due to criticism that the University was producing graduates who are not in touch with the realities in the workplace, the University rethought it approach and now requires all second year undergraduate students to undergo internship. Although this change presented several opportunities, mainstreaming internship across a multiplicity of study programmes also presented numerous challenges. This paper provides an ethnographic reflection of three of the university’s academics (involved in the supervision of students’ internship) on these challenges. It also discusses their lessons from participating in the implementation of the internship programme.
Traditional Acholi mechanisms for reintegrating Ugandan child abductees
(Anthropology Southern Africa,, 2014) Awich Ochen, Eric
Using a mainly qualitative approach, this paper analyses the presence, significance and efficacy of traditional mechanisms for the protection of children from conflicts and other adverse situations. Contemporary child protection debates seem to put emphasis on the western construction of childhood and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as instruments of child protection. Taking a traditional-modernistic approach this paper argues that in many cases African communities practised and developed very strong and elaborate mechanisms for the observance and preservation of the welfare of children. It examines some of the enduring socio-cultural practices among the Acholi tribe in northern Uganda and their implications for the rehabilitation, resettlement and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict in the region. Findings suggest that there is strong potential for utilising traditional systems and practices to address rehabilitation and reintegration dynamics among children and young people, but complementary initiatives also need to be implemented to enhance the efficacy and, in some cases, adaptability of these institutions.
Women and Liberal Peacebuilding in Post- Conflict Northern Uganda: community social work agenda revisited?
(African Sociological Review, 2017) Awich Ochen, Eric
This paper examines women’s participation in post-conflict peacebuilding activities within the neo-liberal peace theory and framework. Using qualitative approach, the study gathered information from 40 women and several key informants working and living in post-conflict northern Uganda. The paper utilizes this information in reflecting on how women live in and engage with their communities in post-conflict settings, and also assess the actual actions and initiatives that women develop in post-conflict situation, the space available to them and the emergent context. The paper also analyses the extent to which these factors shape community post-conflict adjustments. Key challenges affecting women’s participation in the peacebuilding processes, mainly at grassroots and community levels are examined. The major conclusion of the paper is that liberal peacebuilding approach does not fully espouse, embrace or explain issues of critical consciousness, social and strategic agency nor does it prepare the women to effectively engage their society. I argue that this limitation and omission do not adequately prepare women to confront social issues and oppressive practices as well as challenge certain traditions and power structures, issues that are hall marks of community based social work.

Browsing by Author "Awich Ochen, Eric"

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