Browsing by Author "Walakira, Eddy J."

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    Alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda
    (BMC public health, 2021) Ojiambo Wandera, Stephen; Mbona Tumwesigye, Nazarius; Walakira, Eddy J.; Kisaakye, Peter; Wagman, Jennifer
    Few studies have investigated the association between alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in fishing communities from eastern and central Uganda. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and HIV sexual risk behavior among young people in the fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria, in Uganda. Methods: We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses of HIV risk behavior using cross-sectional data from 501 young people from Mukono (Katosi landing site) and Namayingo districts (Lugala landing site). Results: Almost all (97%) respondents reported at least one HIV risk behavior; more than half (54%) reported engagement in three or more HIV risk behaviors. Results from the adjusted model indicate that alcohol use, working for cash or kind, being married, and having multiple sexual partners increased the odds of HIV risk behavior. IPV was not associated with HIV risk behavior. Conclusion: Interventions to promote consistent condom use and fewer sexual partnerships are critical for young people in the fishing communities in Uganda.
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    Experiences of Child Sexual Abuse Survivors with formal Child Protection Systems: An indigenist perspective
    (Journal of Comparative Social Work, 2025-07-08) Turyomurugyendo, Florence; Walakira, Eddy J.; Cecilie, Revheim; Twikirize, Janestic M.
    Preventing abuse in childhood and providing services to the victims requires a comprehensive child protection framework. Even when the government of Uganda has made deliberate efforts to facilitate protection of children, research shows that their efforts have largely been inadequate. Adopting an indigenous perspective that centers the structural inequalities that inform social relationships in families, communities and the society rather than the individual is paramount. Thus, this study examined how indigenous child protection systems can be integrated to complement formal approaches in responding to child sexual abuse. This article presents experiences of five adult women from Luuka district, Uganda who experienced rape during their childhood. Narrative inquiry was used to explore survivors’ experiences. This information was complemented by information from social workers who were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings and four major themes relating to survivors’ experiences emerged from this study. Survivors reported challenges with investigations, access to justice, lack of protective shelter and challenges in accessing medical services. In addition to formal child protection systems, survivors utilised services from indigenous child protection systems which included; Local Council 1, community volunteers, social groups and savings groups. Indigenous practices based on mutual aid and community organising addressed broader welfare needs of survivors, including enabling them to access education, linkage to services and access to shelter. The social support provided through indigenous models involved multiple social welfare functions, and addressed different child protection needs. However, poverty at the household and community level limits the scalability of such approaches. Accessing formal child protection services was found to be costly for the survivors. The Informal Child Protection System is more accessible, offers comprehensive services and demonstrates to buffer the formal systems.
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    Parenting Initiatives in Uganda Learning from UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model and Related Initiatives
    (Fountain Publishers, 2021) Walakira, Eddy J.; Matovu, Fred; Kyamulabi, Agnes; Biribonwa Agaba, Alfred; Nyeko, John Paul; Luwangula, Ronald
    This book provides a national context and state of parenting in Uganda. It introduces the concept of parenting and helps the reader to gain an understanding of the attributes and dimensions that make parenting either successful on one hand or ineffective on the other. The book further sheds light on the evolving role of parents in the Ugandan context, identifies selected parenting interventions and in particular, pays greater attention to the UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model. UZAZI is positive parenting emphasizing authoritative nurturing of children. The presentation of the UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model gives the reader an opportunity to understand the effectiveness of the model based on its evaluation using rigorous scientific methods. The book concludes by making recommendations to improve research, policy and programming in the field of parenting within the context of families and children.