The National Research Repository of Uganda - NRU

Welcome to the National Research Repository of Uganda, abbreviated as "NRU". NRU was established in 2021. NRU is a collection of scholarly output by researchers from the UNCST Community, including scholarly articles and books, electronic theses and dissertations, conference proceedings, journals, technical reports and digitised library collections. It is the official Institutional Archive (IA) of UNCST.

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For information about the publishers' copyright policy on archiving your articles online or in an institutional archive, visit the Sherpa Site at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo.php The site gives a summary of the permissions normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement. If you wish to publish your research findings in the NRU, please contact NRU administrator at admin@uncst.go.ug for details. NRU operates both open access and closed access models. Access to fulltext has been restricted in adherence to the UNCST Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Copyrights policies.

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Africa Portal is an online repository of open access library collection with over 3,000 books, journals, and digital documents on African policy issues. This is an initiative by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Makerere University (MAK), and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Please visit the Africa Portal at http://www.africaportal.org/library.

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Recent Submissions

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Appraisal of Existing HIV/AIDs Prevention and Control Measures and Presentation of Innovative Strategies to End HIV/AIDS Epidemic by 2030
(Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2023-07-14) Tumwebaze, Mathias; Rubaihayo, John; Mpairwe, Harold
Globally, UNAIDS report 2022 shows, there are 84.2 million people affected by HIV/AIDS and 40.1 million deaths from AIDS since the start of epidemic. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 63% of all new HIV infections in 2021 with, six in seven new HIV infections among adolescents aged 15 - 19 years being girls. Key populations accounted for 70% of HIV infections globally in 2021, with 51% of these new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Reflecting on the 4 decades’ journey of HIV epidemic amidst local, national and international efforts, the UN target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains questionable unless new innovative ways are used. This study aimed at analyzing existing HIV/AIDS interventions, discuss UN interventions in line with ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 then, suggest and discuss new innovative ways of ending HIV scourge by 2030. Methods: Systematic literature review methodology was used to extract existing published information on HIV prevention strategies from 1981 to 2023. The articles were previewed by 2 experts for quality and grouped by intervention. Of the 637 articles accessed, on HIV prevention/control only 45 met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized using a narrative synthesis approach following standard guidelines on synthesis without meta-analysis. Descriptive analysis was done, strength and limitations were identified. UNAIDS recommendations for ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 identified and analyzed. New Innovations in HIV/AIDS were presented and discussed. The scope of the reviewed literature was limited to HIV preventive strategies practiced between 1981 and 2023. Results: Findings show that, Uganda’s HIV prevalence was at a peak in 1991 of 15% (30% among pregnant women in urban areas). ABC strategy is claimed to have turned sharply downward the prevalence through the mid-1990s and reached 5% (14% for pregnant urban women) by 2001. Analysis of the strategy showed that the achievements of the strategy could not be sustained, subsequently HIV prevalence rose again. This is because none of the ABC components can independently reduce HIV problem. In the real world, 100% abstinence has failed, condom use only reduces infection by 90% (WHO), and lifelong monogamy is impractical. Such limitations weaken ABC strategy. The study established that Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) i.e. taking HIV medicines within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV infection is a safe, effective and a globally practiced HIV preventive intervention in emergency situations of HIV exposure. However, PEP is limited to care sought within 72 hours after exposure and yet timely access especially in rural areas and for key populations remains a big challenge. Oral PrEP was also identified as effective HIV preventive measure that can reduce HIV risk from sex by about 99% and from injection drug users by 74%. However, like PEP, timely access especially in rural areas and for key populations remains a big challenge. The UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy (i.e. 95% of people know their HIV status, 95% with +HIV status be on sustained ART and 95% on ART get viral load suppression) formed the basis for setting the target of ending HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. However, our analysis shows that this target is unrealistic given the above highlighted limitations/ barriers in preventive measures and the unlikely perfect adherence (100%) to ART by all enrolled HIV positive persons. Conclusion: Ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 cannot be achieved by implementing the current preventing strategies and control measures. This study established that most of the existing HIV preventive strategies and control measures have a number of limitations. However, with sustained UN 95-95-95 strategy supplemented with additional innovative ways, there is hope that the UN dream of ending HIV/AIDS though not necessarily by 2030, can in the long run be achieved.
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Starch quality traits of improved provitamin A cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
(Heliyon, 2019-02-16) Atwijukire, Evans; Hawumba, Joseph Ffuna; Baguma,Yona; Nuwamanya, Ephraim
Provitamin A cassava clones were analysed for starch yield and critical starch quality attributes, to understand possible applications in the food industry. Total carotenoids content in the test clones ranged from 0.03-11.94 μg g-1 of fresh root. Starch yield ranged from 8.4-33.2 % and correlated negatively (r = -0.588, P < 0.001) with carotenoids content. Amylose content (16.4–22.1%) didn't differ significantly (P ≤ 0.05) among the cassava clones. Meanwhile, total carotenoid content had significant negative correlations (P ≤ 0.05) with starch pasting temperature, peak time, setback viscosities and peak area. The reduced peak time and pasting temperatures in high-carotenoid cassava signifies reduction in energy requirements in yellow-fleshed roots when compared to white-fleshed cassava. This attribute is desirable for the food industry as it would reduce the overall cost of processing the cassava. Furthermore, final viscosities of starch from carotenoid-rich cassava were lower than those of white-fleshed roots, making provitamin A cassava suitable for soft food processing.
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Preventing HIV Infection in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda Through a Comprehensive Antenatal Care‑Based Intervention: An Implementation Study
(Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2024-11-09) Jahn, Lisa S.; Kengonzi, Agnes; Kabwama, Steven N.; Rubaihayo, John
We implemented and assessed a comprehensive, antenatal care (ANC)-embedded strategy to prevent HIV seroconversions during pregnancy in Uganda. HIV-negative first-time ANC clients were administered an HIV risk assessment tool and received individual risk counseling. Those attending ANC without partners obtained formal partner invitation letters. After three months, repeat HIV testing was carried out; non-attending women were reminded via phone. We analyzed uptake and acceptance, HIV incidence rate, and risk behavior engagement. Among 1081 participants, 116 (10.7%) reported risk behavior engagement at first visit; 148 (13.7%) were accompanied by partners. At the repeat visit (n = 848), 42 (5%, p < 0.001) reported risk behavior engagement; 248 (29.4%, p < 0.001) women came with partners. Seroconversion occurred in two women. Increased odds for risk behavior engagement were found in rural clients (aOR 3.96; 95% CI 1.53–10.26), women with positive or unknown partner HIV-status (2.86; 1.18–6.91), and women whose partners abused alcohol (2.68; 1.15–6.26). Overall, the assessed HIV prevention strategy for pregnant women seemed highly feasible and effective. Risk behavior during pregnancy was reduced by half and partner participation rates in ANC doubled. The observed HIV incidence rate was almost four times lower compared to a pre-intervention cohort in the same study setting.
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Forecast analysis of any opportunistic infection among HIV positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
(BMC Public Health, 2016-08-11) Rubaihayo, John; Tumwesigye, Nazarius M.; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Makumbi, Fredrick
Predicting future prevalence of any opportunistic infection (OI) among persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in resource poor settings is important for proper planning, advocacy and resource allocation. We conducted a study to forecast 5-years prevalence of any OI among HIV-infected individuals on HAART in Uganda. Monthly observational data collected over a 10-years period (2004–2013) by the AIDS support organization (TASO) in Uganda were used to forecast 5-years annual prevalence of any OI covering the period 2014–2018. The OIs considered include 14 AIDS-defining OIs, two non-AIDS defining OIs (malaria & geohelminths) and HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma. Box-Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting methodology was used. Between 2004 and 2013, a total of 36,133 HIV patients were enrolled on HAART of which two thirds (66 %) were female. Mean annual prevalence for any OI in 2004 was 57.6 % and in 2013 was 27.5 % (X2trend = 122, b = −0.0283, p <0.0001). ARIMA (1, 1, 1) model was the most parsimonious and best fit for the data. The forecasted mean annual prevalence of any OI was 26.1 % (95 % CI 21.1–31.0 %) in 2014 and 15.3 % (95 % CI 10.4–20.3 %) in 2018. While the prevalence of any OI among HIV positive individuals on HAART in Uganda is expected to decrease overall, it’s unlikely that OIs will be completely eliminated in the foreseeable future. There is therefore need for continued efforts in prevention and control of opportunistic infections in all HIV/AIDS care programmes in these settings.
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Competing and Learning in Global Value Chains: Firms’ experiences in the case of Uganda A study of five sub-sectors with reference to trade between Uganda and Europe
(White Rose Research, 2007-04-16) Wiegratz, Jörg; Nyabuntu, Paschal; Omagor, Charles
The evolution and sophistication of cross-border, value-adding networks of global production and trade in both goods and services is one of the key characteristics of global markets. The analysis of the underlying structures and processes of this global fragmentation, relocation, and coordination of economic activities becomes vital for developing country‟ entrepreneurs and policy makers who face respective challenges and opportunities in their efforts to integrate firms into the global economy in a competitive and beneficial manner. In this context, the study of Global Value Chains (GVCs) becomes relevant. A value chain (VC) describes the full sequence of discrete value-added activities needed to bring a specific product/service from its conception through the different stages of production to its use and final disposal after use. The activities that comprise a VC can be contained in a single firm or strategically divided among several firms. In GVCs, activities are divided among multiple firms and spread across wide geographic spaces. The analysis of GVCs focuses on (1) the global dispersion of different value-added activities in product specific VCs and (2) on the related upgrading possibilities - in terms of products, processes, functions and sectors - for local firms. A main concern of research is (3) the analysis of inter-firm relationships and interactions in GVCs; in particular, the way in which the lead (or key) firm of a GVC governs (organizes, coordinates, and controls) the activities and inputs of the firms participating at different functional positions in the upstream GVC part (e.g. up to farmers).