NRU :: Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Frank"

Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Frank"

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AI for Social Good: Unlocking the Opportunity for Positive Impact
(Nature Communications, 2020) Tomašev, Nenad; Cornebise, Julien; Hutter, Frank; Mugisha, Frank; Abila, Gerald; Clopath, Claudia
Advances in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) present an opportunity to build better tools and solutions to help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and deliver positive social impact in accordance with the priorities outlined in the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The AI for Social Good (AI4SG) movement aims to establish interdisciplinary partnerships centred around AI applications towards SDGs. We provide a set of guidelines for establishing successful long-term collaborations between AI researchers and application-domain experts, relate them to existing AI4SG projects and identify key opportunities for future AI applications targeted towards social good.
An Analysis of the Determinants of Rural to Urban Migration Among Rural Youths in Northern and Western Provinces of Rwanda
(Rwanda Journal, 2011) Mutandwa, Edward; Kanuma Taremwa, Nathan; Uwimana, Placide; Gakwandi, Canisius; Mugisha, Frank
The problem of rural to urban migration is a relatively old and ubiquitous phenomenon globally. However, in recent years, it has become a cause of concern at the global, regional and national levels. The unprecedented levels of urbanization characteristic to most developing countries have resulted in the movement of people from rural to urban areas subsequently resulting in the emergence of slums and informal settlements. Like many developing countries, Rwanda has been facing increasing challenges related to rural to urban migration. It is in this context that the broad objective was to analyze factors that determine rural youths’ decision to migrate to urban areas in Nyabihu (Western Province) and Burera (Northern Province). A combination of non-probability and probability sampling methods were used to select a total of 113 for inclusion into the survey. Structured questionnaires were used as the principal data collection instruments. Secondary data was used to complement primary data collected in this study. The study was pillared on two hypotheses. Firstly, the lower the income an individual, the higher the probability of migrating to urban areas. Second, the study also postulated that the desire for better employment opportunities explains the likelihood to migrate. The results of the study showed that youths who are likely to migrate are predominantly aged between 17 to 22 years, and earn incomes of less than 34129Frw per month, are male, have primary education, are currently not employed. Youths migrate for a number of reasons which include the need for temporary and permanent job opportunities, access to social services and infrastructure, as well as schooling opportunities. Factor analysis showed that there are three factors which are critical in rural to urban migration and these are availability of social services in rural areas, which is likely to deter youths from migrating. However, presumed stable jobs in the cities and towns coupled with an inauspicious social environment in rural areas are likely to give incentive to youths to migrate from rural to urban areas. The problem of rural to urban migration is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive holistic policy strategy emphasizing on income diversification to non-agricultural activities, vocational skills, public and private sector partnerships and management of value chains for effective mainstreaming of disadvantaged youths into development processes of the country.
Are Reproductive Health NGOs in Uganda able to Engage in the Health SWAp?
(The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 2005) Mugisha, Frank; Birungi, Harriet; Askew, Ian
This paper explores the ability for reproductive health (RH) non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Uganda to survive in the context of SWAp and decentralization. The authors argue that, contrary to the perceptions that this context may increase NGO's financial vulnerability, a SWAp and a decentralized system may provide an opportunity that should be embraced by NGOs to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness by reducing their current dependency on donor funding. The paper discusses the systemic weaknesses of many NGOs that currently make them vulnerable, and observes that unless these weaknesses are addressed, such NGOs will lose their space in the SWAp and decentralization arena. The authors suggest that NGOs need to recognize the opportunities that participating in public-private partnerships through a SWAp can offer them for long-term and significant funding. They need also to develop their capacity to pro-actively participate in a SWAp and decentralized context by becoming more entrepreneurial in nature, through re-orienting their organizational philosophies and strategic planning and budgeting so as to be able to partner effectively with the public sector in accessing funds made available through health sector reform.
Comparative Studies of Orphans and Non-Orphans in Uganda
(Center for International Health and Development, 2004) Munaaba, Flavia; Owor, Joseph; Baguma, Peter; Musisi, Seggane; Mugisha, Frank; Muhangi, Denis
There are now in Uganda more than two million orphans, i.e. children under 18 years old who have lost one or both of their parents. Roughly one in every five children is an orphan and one in every four households in the country is caring for at least one orphan. As a follow-up to a Situation Analysis of Orphans in Uganda in 2002, this monograph presents six studies carried out by Ugandan researchers in 2003 and 2004 on different aspects of the orphan crisis about which the Situation Analysis found inadequate data. Five studies focused on the following: the comparative psycho-social situation of orphans relative to other children (two studies), the legal issues (such as property grabbing and abuse) which they face, suspected differential care-giving practices, and whether orphans face greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS). The sixth study conducted a comparative evaluation of an orphan support and intervention effort to determine its impact and to test a particular evaluation approach. The results of these studies have already contributed to the preparatory discussions and formulation of the Uganda National Policy on Orphans as well as to the Uganda National Strategic Program Plan of Interventions for Orphans which were produced in 2004.
Coronavirus, Force Majeure and Impact on Commercial Contracts
(Mkts., Inc, 2020) Mugisha, Frank
Looking at the supply chain disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is likely that performances under many contracts will be delayed, interrupted, or even cancelled. Counterparties (especially suppliers) to such contracts may seek to delay and/or avoid performance (or non-performance liability) of their contractual obligations and/or terminate contracts, either because Covid-19 has legitimately prevented them from performing their contractual obligations, or because they are seeking to use it as an excuse to extricate themselves from an unfavorable deal. Further, companies may not be able to perform their obligations under their customer agreements because of their suppliers’ non-performance and may in turn seek to delay and/or avoid performance (or liability for non-performance) of their contractual obligations and/or terminate contracts. Parties may also cite Covid-19 as a basis for renegotiation of price or other key contractual provisions (e.g. volume of materials exported from or imported into affected areas due to shifts in supply and demand). In this context, it is important to determine if Covid-19 and the presidential/Government directives (guidelines) will be considered as a ‘force majeure’ event
Geochemical Significance of Seepage Oils and Bituminous Sandstones in the Albertine Graben, Uganda
(Journal of Petroleum geology, 2004) Lirong, Dou; Dingsheng, Cheng; Rubondo, Ernest N. T.; Kasande, Robert; Byakagaba, Abdul; Mugisha, Frank
Geochemical analysis of surface samples comprising three seepage oils, two bituminous sandstones and five shales collected from the Ugandan portion of the Albertine graben (a Cenozoic rift basin in Eastern Africa) indicates that the basin may have some petroleum potential. The analyses show that seepage oils from the Kibiro and Paraa localities were derived from Types I or II1 source rocks, deposited in semi-deep or deep-water lacustrine environments containing abundant freshwater algae. However, the seepage oil from Kibuku is derived from a Type III source rock. A comparison of the seepage oils and the bituminous sandstones suggests that there are at least two sets of mature or threshold-mature source rocks in the Albertine graben — one in the Upper Tertiary and the other in the underlying (pre-Upper Tertiary) succession. According to molecular indicators of maturity, the Kibiro seepage oil was generated during peak maturation, whereas the Paraa and Kibuku seepage oils are of lower or threshold maturity. This work was completed under the supervision and guidance of Qingping Li, Chief Engineer of CNODC; Xiaoguang Tong, Chief Geologist of CNODC; and Reuben Kashambuzi, Commissioner, PEPD, MEMD, Uganda. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Uganda assisted with the completion of the project. Professors Tieguan Wang and Lihua Chen reviewed the research results, respectively. CNODC and the Ugandan authorities (PEPD) provided the favourable conditions for this project. Journal review was by Roger Swart (Namcor, Namibia) and Andrew Carr (Advanced Geochemical Systems Ltd) whose comments on the manuscript are acknowledged with thanks.
Geological Conditions and Petroleum Exploration Potential of the Albertine Graben of Uganda
(Acta Geologica Sinica‐English Edition, 2004) Lirong, Dou; Dingsheng', Cheng; Rubondo, Ernest N.T.; Kasande, Robert; Byakagaba, Abdul; Mugisha, Frank
The Albertine Graben in western Uganda is a Mesozoic-Cenozoic rift basin with petroleum exploration potential. A fundamental evaluation of petroleum potential of the graben is given based on field research, data processing of gravity and magnetism, analysis of graben structure, geochemistry, reservoir and composition research. The basin has a double-layered framework and a large thickness of sediments. Gravity highs shown in a residual anomaly map might indicate central uplift zones. There exist at least two sets of mature or low-maturity source rocks corresponding to a certain source rock in the Cretaceous or Paleogene and Neogene strata. The graben has basement rock with potential reservoirs and Tertiary sandstone reservoirs and thus has petroleum exploration potential.
The Implementation of Rwanda’s Expropriation Law and Its Outcomes on the Population
(Legal Aid Forum, Rwanda, 2016) Rose, Hadley; Mugisha, Frank; Kananga, Andrews; Clay, Daniel
Rwanda is undergoing rapid development, often leading to expropriation of private lands. The expropriation law provides procedures to protect the rights of property owners in the expropriation process. The implementation of that law, however, has caused concerns about potential human rights violations and about how expropriation is affecting the population both economically and socially. This research, carried out from October 2014 – August 2015, showed that expropriated households faced severe declines in their monthly income, and sometimes faced months of restrictions on being able to make basic improvements to their properties while expropriations were pending. Despite these issues, however, government did manage to notify most landowners being expropriated of the expropriation process through public meetings, and in fact most expropriated households believed the projects causing expropriation were in the best interests of the community.
Opportunities to Harness Technology to Deliver HIV Prevention / Healthy Sexuality Programming to Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Living in East Africa
(AIDS and Behavior, 2021) Ybarra, Michele; Nyemara, Novatus; Mugisha, Frank; Garofalo, Robert
Because of stigmatization of and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual and gender minority (SGM) people in East Africa, there is paucity of SGM-focused sexual health research. Technology-based outreach efforts may represent a feasible way to reach and engage this population. They also may be a way to deliver important yet sensitive sexual health information in a stigma-free, anonymous atmosphere. We explored the feasibility of recruiting and surveying East African SGM adults online, and examined their interest in technology-based sexual health programming. Over a 14-month period, 2451 respondents were surveyed. They were, on average, 26.7 years of age. Fifty-four percent identified as lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (LGB); a similar percentage (49%) reported having sex with a same-sex partner. Sixteen percent identified as gender minority (i.e. transgender or non-binary); and 29% were assigned female at birth. Almost half (48%) of SGM adults expressed interest in an SGM-focused healthy sexuality program delivered online. Enthusiasm also was noted for email (43%) and text messaging (41%). Compared to face-to-face settings, technology-based settings were more commonly appraised as the safest mode through which one could engage in sexual health programming. People who had a same sex partner and those who identified as sexual minority were especially likely to want to engage in technology-based programs. Interest in technology-based programming was similar for adults across gender identities, sex assigned at birth, and age however. Findings suggest that technology may be an underutilized opportunity to reach and engage SGM East Africans in a safe and private manner. Given levels of acceptability indicated by SGM adults across age, sex assigned at birth, and gender and sexual identities in this study, it seems possible that technology-based sexual health and HIV prevention and intervention programs could have the potential to be transformative in East Africa.

Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Frank"

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