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Item Exploring perceptions and experiences of gender-based violence among women in a refugee camp setting in Uganda—A qualitative study(Public Library of Science, 2024-12-17) Lukasiak, Miriam;; Palmieri, Jack;; Svensson, Pia ;; Tumwine, Gilbert;; Agardh, AnetteBackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) is an internationally widespread human rights and public health issue, known to be exacerbated and underreported in humanitarian settings and among conflict-affected populations. A combination of factors including increased vulnerability, lack of protection and marginalization are believed to increase the risk for GBV in settings such as displacement and refugee camps. An increased understanding of GBV in these populations is needed to inform and improve future policy changes and interventions. This qualitative study sought to explore women's perceptions and experiences of GBV in a refugee camp setting in Uganda to increase the understanding of the dynamics and risk contexts of GBV in the context of displacement and refugee camps.MethodsThis was a qualitative study based on individual semi-structured interviews and content analysis. The interviews were conducted during October 2023 with women living in a refugee camp setting in Western Uganda. The participants (N = 13) included female refugees, residing in the refugee camp, above eighteen years of age and who were survivors of GBV.ResultsFindings showed no easy escape route from gender-based violence, with a high exposure to GBV throughout the refugee experience. The nature of GBV, the perpetrators and risk contexts however seemed to shift throughout the process from conflict to the refugee camp. Increased marginalization and lack of resources compounded by a shift in gender roles in the refugee camp where women seemed to assume the role of the primary provider increased the risk of violence in pursuit of basic needs. Women described extensive intimate partner violence (IPV) in the camp often connected to new gendered power dynamics and the control of resources. Faced with the struggles of migration, marginalization, and GBV, women displayed various coping mechanisms including rebuilding networks and support systems.ConclusionsOur study showed the complexity of GBV in settings such as refugee camps, where various structural and individual changes involved in migration and life in a refugee camp seemed to create new risk contexts for GBV both inside and outside of the household. Interventions across various dimensions including addressing underlying conditions of marginalization and gendered power dynamics are therefore warranted to address GBV in refugee camps. Further research is essential to better understand this complex issue, as well as the perception and effectiveness of services and interventions in place.Item Social determinants of hazardous alcohol use in a Ugandan population cohort(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-04-10) Ziegel, Leo;; Sjöland, Carl Fredrik;; Nabunya, Erinah ;; Bulamba, Robert;; Kyasanku, Emmanuel;; Mugamba, Stephen;; Kigozi, Godfrey;; Kigozi, Grace;; Daama, Alex;; Miller, Amanda P.;; Hollander, Anna-Clara;; Hammarberg, Anders;; Nalugoda, Fred;; Ekström, Anna MiaThere is a limited population-based data on hazardous alcohol use and associated social determinants in many African countries. To examine patterns of hazardous alcohol use across a range of social determinants of health in Uganda, with a particular focus on gender differences. This cross-sectional study used data collected in 2021-2022 from an open population cohort spanning urban, semi-urban, and rural communities. Alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C). Covariates were selected according to the WHO's Social Determinants of Health framework. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for data analysis. Of the 3459 participants, 2085 (60%) were women. Overall, the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was 5% among women and 18% among men. Strong positive associations with hazardous use were found for individuals residing in semi-urban areas (female aPR 2.1 [95% CI 1.3-3.3], male aPR 1.8 [95% CI 1.4-2.5]), past-year perpetration of intimate partner violence (female aPR 2.2 [95% CI 0.8-5.6], male aPR 1.4 [95% CI 0.9-2.2]), smoking, middle age for men (aPR 1.6 [95% CI 1.2-2.2]), and employment as a vendor in a restaurant or bar for women (aPR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0-2.2]). Strong negative associations were found for high educational attainment, Muslim or Pentecostal religion, and living in a marriage or union for women (aPR 0.7 [95% CI 0.5-1.0]). Hazardous alcohol use was prevalent, especially among men, in a representative Ugandan population sample. Specific target groups for public health and clinical interventions were identified, such as women working in the hospitality sector. Residents of semi-urban communities may encounter unique risks for hazardous alcohol use, compared with rural and highly urban populations. MEDLINEItem Unveiling venture capital’s disruptive power; fuelling innovation and economic growth in high-impact firms in East Africa(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-07-26) Kato, Ahmed IdiAbstract Venture capital (VC) possesses the extraordinary ability to transform start-ups into global leaders, spurring innovation, generating employment, and catalysing economic expansion through increased funding and supportive policy frameworks. Yet, small- and medium-sized enterprises frequently face numerous obstacles that hinder their growth and success. Despite this, the remarkable impact of VC in accelerating the development of high-impact firms is still not fully appreciated. This study examines the impact of VC funding on high-impact firms in East Africa, investigating how VC transforms start-ups from mere funding recipients to industry leaders. In a ground-breaking study utilizing panel data from 61 VC firms spanning from 2015 to 2023, we delved into the transformative influence of VC on innovation and economic growth within high-impact firms in East Africa. The findings reveal a dynamic synergy between VC funding and supportive public policies, which together foster the emergence of innovative start-ups and accelerate the successful commercialization and market expansion of these businesses. This research emphasizes that by understanding the disruptive potential of VC, we can unlock significant innovation and prosperity. The insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs aiming to stimulate economic growth and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. To drive this promising journey towards a prosperous future, the demand for a significant increase in VC supply in the region is critical. Future inquiries are needed to validate the kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from this study, specifically exploring the long-term impact of VC investment on the East African start-up landscape.Item Toward a holistic model of sustainable investment decision-making in SMEs: a structural approach in a developing economy(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-07-28) Bindeeba, Dedrix Stephenson;; Tukamushaba, Eddy Kurobuza;; Bakashaba, RennieSustainable investment practices are increasingly recognized globally, yet their uptake among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies is insufficiently understood. This study investigates the factors influencing sustainable investment decision-making among 372 SMEs in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda. Data were collected using convenience sampling through a mixed-mode questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews and online forms. Integrating Institutional Theory, Resource-Based View, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the research examines how environmental risk exposure, perceived regulatory clarity, government incentives, technological capability, financial access, competitive pressure, and business network strength shape the perceived value of sustainable investment. Employing covariance-based structural equation modeling, the study tests both direct and mediated effects. Results reveal that environmental risk negatively influences perceived value, while technological capability, financial access, network strength, and competitive pressure positively influence it. In contrast, perceptions of regulatory strength and government support do not exhibit significant effects, likely due to low enforcement and institutional trust. The perceived value of sustainable investment strongly predicts actual sustainability-oriented investments, confirming its mediating role. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and development actors seeking to foster sustainable transitions in resource-constrained environments. CrossRefItem Venture capital’s role in driving nascent enterprises to industry market leaders(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-04-03) Kato, Ahmed I.;; Manchidi, Ntise H.Venture capital (VC) has attracted considerable attention from researchers and policymakers for its role in helping high-growth companies become industry leaders. However, the exact function of VC within the region remains unclear. This study examines the vital role of VC in nurturing high-growth enterprises in Uganda and Kenya. Analyzing data from 61 VC firms highlights how effective VC financing and supportive regulatory environments significantly boost the growth of these firms in the region. VC investment account for 25.5% of growth in these firms, showcasing its crucial role, especially for those without access to traditional funding. The research underscores the critical need for expanding VC investments in East Africa to facilitate the emergence of more industry market leaders. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking to promote regional entrepreneurial growth. The study contributes significantly to the literature on startup development in emerging markets, emphasising the importance of considering the unique context of emerging markets when assessing the effectiveness of VC investments. However, further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms through which VC financing drives firm success and investigate the long-term impact of VC on the sustainability and growth trajectory of these businesses.Item An analysis of internal determinants of performance in rural social enterprises(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-06-08) Musinguzi, Peter;; Baker, Derek;; Villano, Renato A.Rural social enterprises are organizations that utilize market-oriented strategies to fulfill social objectives within regional and rural settings, particularly in addressing persistent issues like poverty and inequality. Their performance is inadequately researched in the rural context, particularly in developing countries where their contributions to overcoming intractable challenges are most needed. This study contributes to addressing these research gaps by developing a model for assessing internal critical success factors (CSFs) that influence social enterprise performance, and testing it in an empirical investigation of the influence of selected CSFs – entrepreneurial orientation, social salience and business planning on the performance of rural social enterprises. A survey of 521 Ugandan rural social enterprises provided data which was analysed using structural equation modelling and importance performance map analysis. Results reveal that entrepreneurial orientation and business planning are critical to rural social enterprises’ performance, and that business planning mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance. For practitioners and policymakers, these findings suggest that entrepreneurial orientation, social salience, and business planning are critical to the performance of rural social enterprises. Further, findings support rural social enterprises’ use of their entrepreneurial orientation to improve financial performance while also advocating for and increasing social performance. We advance social entrepreneurship research by employing the CSF concept in conjunction with other frameworks, and by developing and quantitatively validating a concise model consisting of internal CSFs based on measurement scales. We assess the psychometric properties of these scales and analyse their influence on the performance of rural social enterprises. These findings provide direction for rural social enterprise scholars, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers.Item Conceptualizing digital finance as a precursor for financial inclusion and financial service usage in Uganda(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-01-03) Nagaaba, Nickson;; Batamuriza, Rehema;; Basuta, James ;; Owomugisha, MaryviantThis study conceptualizes digital finance as mobile banking, mobile money, and agent banking in the context of Uganda, and quantifies their influence on the usage levels of financial services. Data were collected from 290 lead households from 15 districts of Uganda, benefiting from the Uganda Multi-Sectoral Food Security and Nutritional Project (UMFSNP). Confirmatory factor procedures confirmed the digital finance structure, and individual path coefficients were determined to explain their relationship with financial inclusion and usage of financial services. These results indicate that mobile money and agent banking are significantly associated with financial inclusion. The results indicate that only agent banking influences the usage of financial services. Mobile banking does not impact financial inclusion and the usage of financial services. This study implicates financial institutions, funding interventions, and the government of Uganda to embrace the appropriate financial services that are affordable to vulnerable people.Item Economic integration and trade performance: assessing the effectiveness of the East African Community as a trade bloc(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-06-13) Hersi, Abdifatah Ahmed;; Alasow, Ahmed Abdiaziz;; Omar, Mahdi MohamedThis study examines the effectiveness of the East African Community (EAC) as a regional trade bloc by analyzing comprehensive trade data from 2009 to 2023. The research employs longitudinal analysis to assess trade patterns, infrastructure challenges and economic integration outcomes. Results reveal that Kenya dominates intra-regional exports, with trade volumes reaching $1.8 billion in 2022, primarily driven by exports to Uganda ($896 million) and Tanzania ($488 million). However, intra-EAC trade represents only 15–20% of member states’ total trade volumes, compared to the European Union (EU)’s 60–70% internal trade ratio. The study identifies significant infrastructure gaps, with only 36% of regional roads paved and transportation costs averaging $0.17–$0.25 per ton-kilometer nearly triple the $0.06–$0.09 observed in developed regions. External trade analysis shows China’s growing influence, with bilateral trade volumes increasing by 500–800% over the study period, reaching $8.2 billion with Kenya alone in 2022. The research also documents 100+ active non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and substantial power infrastructure deficiencies, with electricity access ranging from 75% in Kenya to below 40% in Burundi. These findings indicate that while the EAC has established foundational integration mechanisms, significant structural and policy reforms are needed to achieve deeper regional economic integration and more equitable distribution of trade benefits among member states.Item Using youth-specific approaches to illuminate character-well-being relations(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-04-21) Abbasi-Asl, Roya;; Yu, Dian;; Hasse, Alexa ;; Lerner, Richard M.;; Tirrell, Jonathan M.;; Dowling, Elizabeth M.;; Sim, Alistair;; Lerner, Jacqueline V.;; Zhang, Ruoying;; Keces, Natasha;; Mackin, Margaret;; Olander, Kirsten;; Douglas, Kiana;; Kibbedi, Patience;; Wanyama, Jane;; VanderKlok, EmilyTo date, most studies linking youth well-being to character attributes focus on average effects based on between-person differences. In this study, we examined the within- and between-person relations among character attributes and well-being using an intensive longitudinal data set from the Compassion International (CI) Study of Positive Youth Development in Uganda. Participants (200 CI-enrolled youth, 49.5% female, Mage = 12.13, SDage = 2.19) completed a weekly survey of character attributes (e.g. generosity) and well-being across 10 to 15 occasions. Using doubly latent multilevel structural equation modelling, we found distinct patterns of associations between character constructs and well-being at both levels. Significant variability was also found at the within-person level associations, suggesting that average-level results may not apply to specific individuals. The different pattern of associations across levels and heterogeneity in the person-specific relationships, imply that character development programmes should consider person-specificity in character development to enhance effectiveness in fostering character and promoting overall well-being.Item Opposition party institutionalisation in authoritarian settings: the case of Uganda(Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 2024-05-19) Bertrand, Eloïse; Mutyaba, MichaelThis article analyses the process of institutionalisation among Ugandan opposition parties and highlights the tensions at play between party institutionalisation and broader party goals in authoritarian settings. Based upon qualitative research conducted between 2016 and 2023, we offer a historical analysis of the steps towards institutionalisation – understood as a process, rather than a state – taken by two Ugandan parties: the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the Democratic Party (DP). Uganda features historical parties such as the DP that were severely weakened by the ‘Movement era’ but endured despite losing ground, and newer opposition forces, such as the FDC, that proved relatively stronger despite being divided over the question of building party structures, thus providing an interesting case study. Ultimately, this article demonstrates the complex, and at times conflicting, implications of institutionalisation for opposition parties’ ability to achieve their objectives in an authoritarian regime.Item An econometric analysis of modernized cereal production in reducing multidimensional poverty in Uganda, 1975-2014(Emerald, 2021-06-21) Emong, Herbert RobertPurpose This study aims to develop an econometric analysis of how modern agriculture can be a fundamental instrument for reducing the levels of multidimensional poverty in Uganda. It demonstrates the importance of agriculture in reducing inequalities amongst the poor while focusing on the relationship between increasing productions from modern agricultural practices and the poverty level across the country. Design/methodology/approach The study explores Box–Jenkins approach to cereal production data with the use of econometric analysis as the main tool to determine the implications of modern agricultural practices in Uganda. Most poor people around the world are in marginalized rural environments, and agriculture provides for their livelihoods. This makes agricultural development crucial for reducing multidimensional poverty on a large scale and needs development within agriculture to be enhanced. Education, health and standard of living are the three dimensions considered from the weighted indicators, amounting to 30%, to be categorized poor in the three dimensions. Findings Modernization of agriculture is an ultimate solution to multidimensional poverty reduction in Uganda through employment generation and the effects of food prices. Shreds of evidence support the theories that agricultural incomes together with the actual wages increase with a general rise in the rural non-agricultural economy. Results depict a close correlation between national income and GDP per capita which is a very significant indication that more application of agricultural technology would lead to a sub sequential improvement of livelihoods engaged in agricultural practices. Originality/value Agriculture remains a vital sector that employs a greater portion of the population in Uganda’s economy. Major roles have been played by the sector in the economy including employment opportunities, rural household incomes, food supplies and a reduction in poverty from a multidimensional front. Exploring the behavior of poverty level using modern agriculture as an indicator and its relationship with the poverty level arising from improved agricultural practices could provide a meaningful display of variation in poverty across the regions at the country level.Item The contribution of tourism on GDP growth and sustainable tourism development in Africa(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2025-05-14) Seraj, Mehdi;; Ike, Oliver Chika;; Ozdeser, HuseyinAbstract Several African nations actively pursue economic diversification and sustainable development by promoting tourism. Given this, the study aims to thoroughly analyze the contribution of tourism to the GDP growth of six African Nations, specifically Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda, utilizing data from the World Bank Development Indicator spanning from 1999 to 2020. The study employed the Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) for the analysis and found that despite the prevailing assumptions of the tourism-led hypothesis and the emerging literature emphasizing the potential influence of tourism on GDP growth. The empirical findings of Westerlund’s (OBES 69:709–748, 2007) cointegration test indicate a lack of a statistically significant long-term relationship between tourism and GDP growth at 1% and 5% significance levels. However, there is an indication of a potential relationship at the 10% significance level, contingent upon the implementation of appropriate policies by the countries. Notably, this underscores the importance of promoting policies that stimulate the Keynesian multiplier effect. Additionally, the MMQR output suggests that policymakers should prioritize policies aimed at increasing Foreign Direct Investment to support the identified tendencies. This academic analysis provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between tourism and GDP growth in these African countries, highlighting important implications for policymaking and economic development strategies.Item Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach(Springer International Publishing, 2025-06-02) Mungar-Jackpersad, Aviksha;; Telukdarie, Arnesh;; Tshukudu, ChristianAbstract Financial inclusion remains a global concern due to the intricate interdependencies among various influencing factors. This research adopts a systems thinking framework to analyse these interconnections and address them. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative analysis included a systematic literature review, database search, and the PRISMA framework to identify key variables influencing financial inclusion. The quantitative component utilised a word-to-vector methodology to measure semantic relationships among these variables. The findings reveal that while individual factors significantly impact financial inclusion within isolated themes, their influence diminishes when analysed within the broader systemic context. This aligns with the principles of systems thinking, emphasising the complexity of large-scale systems and the interconnected nature of variables. By visualising and quantifying these relationships, the study highlights the limitations of addressing financial inclusion through isolated interventions. The findings underscore the need for integrated, multi-faceted strategies considering systemic interactions. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop more targeted, effective interventions that promote equitable economic development. By understanding how key variables interact within the more extensive system, decision-makers can design policies that address financial inclusion more holistically, ensuring sustainable and impactful solutions across diverse regions. This research contributes to the growing discourse on financial inclusion by offering a structured, data-driven approach to understanding its complexities and guiding strategic policymaking efforts. Keywords Financial inclusion · Financial technology · Economic development · Systems thinkingItem Psychological capital and entrepreneurial success: the mediating role of entrepreneurial bricolage among Ugandan microentrepreneurs(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-06-07) David. Iga;; Samuel Ssekajja Mayanja;; Jotham M. ByarugabaThis study explores the mediating role of entrepreneurial bricolage in the relationship between psychological capital and entrepreneurial success among microentrepreneurs in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design and quantitative approach were employed to collect data from 353 and analyzed through SPSS 23 and AMOS. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial bricolage plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between psychological capital and entrepreneurial success. In otherwords, entrepreneurial bricolage is a conduit through which psychological capital connects to entrepreneurial success. The study specifically focused on Kampala district, as it has the largest concentration of microentrepreneurs, meaning the results may not be generalized to the entire country. The study highlights that microentrepreneurs who cultivate and refine their mental skills, while strategically harnessing both internal resources, such as personal experiences, and external resources, like networks, are more likely to attain business success. This research contributes to entrepreneurship literature by highlighting the dual role of psychological capital and resourcefulness in promoting microenterprise success in resource-constrained environments. Additionally, the study emphasizes the role of psychological capital in shaping microentrepreneurs' decisions on how to creatively combine limited resources to achieve both business and personal goals, drawing on the principles of Entrepreneurial Bricolage theory.Item How do I chase away this man? From Bosco to Dismas, unpacking the situated knowledges of MTN Uganda’s adverts(Informa UK Limited, 2021-10-02) Nasaba, Robert MadoiMuch of the appeal of advertisements or adverts derives from a capacity to satisfy a primordial wish for pleasurable looking. An advert essentially sets out to impress on its audience a sign with easily readable mythic meaning. The unconscious of society, however, structures materiality of adverts in such a way that recognition could quite easily be overlaid with misrecognition. This paper uses semiotics to discover where and how the visual presence of adverts works against their intended hegemonic positions. Drawing upon a poststructuralist theoretical framework, the paper’s findings depart from claims to comprehensiveness and instead show a deferral of meaning. They also embrace plurality whilst questioning the validity of authorial authority. Results indicate that the alienated subject – MTN Uganda’s TV adverts – gave rise to other identification tags because its target audience knowingly and willingly wanted to have agency over their stories. The counternarrative that this paper unearths in part owes its existence to social media’s calling card, social endorsements or affordances, which trigger several decision heuristics. The poststructuralist situated knowledges in this case open themselves for new, unthought-of, and, perhaps, unexpected forms of knowledge production, unfolding from interrelated material-semiotic nodes.Item A “religious revolution”? Print media, sexuality, and religious discourse in Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2014-12-15) Bompani, Barbara; Brown, S. TerreniRecently, Uganda has made international headlines for the controversial Anti-homosexuality Bill and for a set of tight measures that have limited the freedom of sexual minorities. This article argues that Uganda's growth of Pentecostal-charismatic churches (PCCs) is playing a major role in influencing and defining the Ugandan public sphere, including (but not limited to) the ways in which sex and sexuality are conceptualized by and within Uganda's print media. This article suggests that the socially conservative nature of PCCs is highly influential in shaping the way print media write about sex and sexuality. This is because Pentecostal-charismatic (PC) constituencies constitute a considerable numerical market that print media cannot ignore. Second, PCs actively work toward influencing and shaping public policies, politics, and public spaces, like newspapers, that discuss and address public morality and decency in the country. As this article will show, within a highly “Pentecostalized” public sphere, alternative public discourses on sexuality are not allowed.Item Addressing silences in research on girls’ experiences of teacher sexual violence: insights from Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2022-10-29) Parkes, Jenny; Bhatia, Amiya; Datzberger, Simone; Nagawa, Rehema; Naker, Dipak; Devries, KarenGrowing evidence from multiple countries in Africa documents sexual violence in schools. However, when that violence is committed by teachers it is shrouded in secrecy. This article identifies disconnects between quantitative and qualitative research, policy and practice, which have contributed to these silences. We address some of these silences through a dialogical analysis of mixed methods data from the Contexts of Violence in Adolescence Cohort study (CoVAC) with young people in Uganda. The analysis illuminates girls’ experiences of sexual violence by school staff, and patterns of discrimination and inequality that increase vulnerabilities. The data reveal how schools vary in their institutional responses and, in the absence of institutional support, girls develop strategies to resist sexual coercion. Overall, our analysis exposes significant disconnects between policies and practices of sexual exploitation in schools. We conclude that dialogical, mixed methods research approaches have strong potential to better understand and address silences in policy and practice on highly sensitive topics.Item Accessibility to micro-finance services by people with disabilities in Bushenyi District, Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2012-03) Nuwagaba, Ephraim Lemmy; Nakabugo, Millie; Tumukunde, Meldah; Ngirabakunzi, Edson; Hartley, Sally; Wade, AngieThe Poverty Reduction Strategy of the Ugandan Government identified provision of microfinance as one of its interventions. Despite the known connection between poverty and people with disabilities, it remains unclear to what extent this intervention includes or accommodates them. This study seeks to gain a better understanding of how people with physical and sensory disabilities access existing microfinance services in the Bushenyi District of Uganda. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used. The findings suggest that people with disabilities are not necessarily denied access to microfinance if they meet the desired requirements. These relate to adequate savings or collateral and perceived trustworthiness. These are seen to be key determinants of success and can be linked to impaired functioning relating to limited mobility, distance, poorer access to information and disabled people’s own negative attitudes. Increasing access and utilization of microfinance services by people with disabilities requires formulation of financial policies that accord them special consideration. At the same time, improvement is needed in the knowledge, attitudes and skills of the people with disabilities themselves and also microfinance providers.Item Decentralization and territorial politics: the dilemma of constructing and managing identities in Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2013-03) Nsamba, Morris AdamBy examining the process of internal boundary adjustment in the Karamoja region of Uganda, this paper argues that internal boundary adjustments in Uganda have been pursued along ethnic lines, leading to a territorial kind of citizenship and an ethnic ‘containerization’ of communities. Based on an examination of the 2001 and 2011 presidential elections in Uganda's Acholi and Lango regions, the paper further argues that internal administrative boundary adjustments in Uganda have a political usage and meaning that goes beyond the official rhetoric of administrative efficiency used to justify these reforms. Internal boundary adjustment does not, however, always lead to the political ends intended by the ruling party. Both the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) government and opposition parties have attempted, and benefitted from, internal boundary adjustments. The empirical data presented are based on official reports and documents from the Government of Uganda, Electoral Commission election reports, and a review of published books, journals and newspapers articles.Item Challenges to the Acquisition of Literacy in Rural Primary Schools in Northern Uganda(Informa UK Limited, 2020-01-02) Ssentanda, Medadi; Asiimwe, AllenLiteracy 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.