Browsing by Author "Muchunguzi, Charles"

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    Assessment of the Efficiency of Problematic Animal Interventions in Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda: A Case Study of Lake Mburo National Park
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024-09-07) Kembabazi, Immaculate; Ssenfuma, Robert; Twinamatsiko, Medard; Muchunguzi, Charles; Tinkasimire, Rogers; Nuwagira, Upton
    Human-wildlife conflict is a significant challenge in Uganda, particularly in areas where human populations and wildlife habitats overlap. This study examines the efficiency of various interventions aimed at mitigating human wildlife conflicts in and around Lake Mburo National Park, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. Lake Mburo National Park is surrounded by agricultural and pastoralist communities that frequently experience crop raiding, livestock predation, and threats to human safety from wildlife. Various interventions, including physical barriers, deterrents, translocation of problematic animals, and community engagement initiatives, have been implemented to address these conflicts. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including field observations, community surveys, and analysis of intervention outcomes. A total of 125 households were interviewed across several parishes of Rurambira, Rwamuhuku, Rwabarata, Kizimbi, Kashojwa and Rwetango in Kiruhura and Isingiro districts. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents have lived in the area for over 20 years, providing them with extensive knowledge of local wildlife interactions. The results highlight that hippos (76%) are the most problematic animals, primarily causing crop damage, which significantly impacts local livelihoods. The study reveals that guarding property (98%), though stressful and time-consuming, is the most effective and commonly used intervention. Other measures, such as strong shelters, trapping, translocation, and various deterrents, show varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the species involved. The study concludes that understanding the species-specific and context-specific effectiveness of these interventions is crucial for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate HWC. The insights gained from this research can inform future conflict mitigation strategies and contribute to the broader discourse on human-wildlife coexistence in Uganda and similar settings worldwide
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    An exploratory study on becoming a traditional spiritual healer among Baganda in Central Uganda
    (Public Library of Science, 2024-05) Sekagya, Yahaya H K; Muchunguzi, Charles; Unnikrishnan, Payyappallimana; Mulogo, Edgar M
    Traditional medicinal knowledge and healing practices of indigenous spiritual healers play important roles in health care, and contribute towards achieving Universal Health Care. Traditional spiritual healers (TSHs) are grouped into three categories. One category of Baganda TSHs, Balubaale , engage ancestral spirits during health management. Balubaale are socially significant but not legally accepted. Their initiation and training practices have not been documented in Uganda. The study purpose was to understand and establish the training of traditional spiritual healers. Twelve (10M, 2F); practicing TSHs in Central Uganda were purposively selected and recruited between 15 th July 2019 and 29 th April 2020, and were prospectively interacted with for 24 months. Transcribed data was coded and thematically analyzed using ATLAS ti. 22 computer software and presented based on an inductive approach. Findings show key areas of TSHs training include connecting with ancestral spirits and the spiritual powers of non-materials and materials such as living and non-living things through rituals. Spiritual healers train in diagnosis and health management based on ancestral spirits and they finally pass out in a communal ceremony witnessed by family and community members. We conclude that TSHs undergo training and are supervised and supported by experienced spiritualists, family and the community. We recommend similar studies among other ethnic groups to contextualize the process of becoming a TSH, compare and harmonize findings to facilitate inter-medical systems communication and policy considerations.
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    Use Of Postpartum Health Services In Rural Uganda: Knowledge, Attitudes, And Barriers
    (Journal of community health, 2006) Nabukera, Sarah K.; Witte, Kim; Muchunguzi, Charles; Bajunirwe, Francis; Batwala, Vincent K.; Mulogo, Edgar M.; Farr, Celeste; Barry, Souleymane; Salihu, Hamisu M.
    The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and barriers to use of postpartum care service among rural communities in Uganda. Study was a part of a larger reproductive health evaluation project, and was cross-sectional in nature utilizing qualitative research methods using the narrative inquiry. Two matched rural communities were used in this study; Semuto in Luwero district, and Lwamaggwa in Rakai district. Fifty key informants who were purposefully selected from each study site were interviewed. They included community leaders, political leaders, health care providers, women leaders and community members. One-on-one interviews were conducted with key community informants using an interview guide. The purpose of the interview was explained to each participant, and written informed consent was obtained before the start of the interview. Respondents were allowed to express their views, opinions and observations on several health issues including postpartum health care services. There was a low level of knowledge about postpartum care services among the respondents of the two communities. There was lack of awareness about postpartum care and it’s benefits. The main barriers to use of services were; misconceptions regarding the importance of postpartum care, distance to health facilities, poverty, and health system factors notably; poor facilities, lack of essential drugs, and poor attitudes of health workers. In the effort to improve reproductive health care services, there is an urgent need to improve postpartum services, and make them more accessible and user friendly.