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Mental Health
May 20, 2025By,

Research Publication Alert: A Study on “Understanding the Determinants, Historical Context and Legal Framework of Mental Health in Uganda”

Alongside researchers from other universities, Uganda Christian University’s Evelyn Owomugisha digs into mental health challenges in Uganda, looking at how things like stress and the country’s past, including colonial times, have shaped its mental health system. By reviewing reports, laws, and info from groups like WHO and UNICEF, it explains what mental health means, what causes problems, and what Uganda’s laws say about it. While Uganda has made strides with policies like the National Mental Health Policy, issues like not enough money, too few trained experts, limited services, and stigma get in the way.

The study suggests boosting funding, improving services, training more people, making care easier to access, spreading awareness, and setting up groups to keep things on track. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to help improve mental health in Uganda!

Abstract

Mental health issues in Uganda are a growing concern, and chronic stress is a major health risk. This study explores the historical context and legal framework of mental health in Uganda, including the impact of colonialism on the country’s mental health system. This study aimed to conceptualize mental health, identify determinants of mental health issues, analyze the legal framework, and provide recommendations for improving mental health care in Uganda.

The research used a qualitative approach, reviewing literature, policies, laws, and documents from organizations such as WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO. The findings reveal that Uganda has made progress in establishing a legal mental health framework, including the National Mental Health Policy, the National Development Plan, the Uganda Children Act, and the Ministry of Health guidelines.

However, implementation is limited due to persistent challenges, such as limited resources, lack of trained professionals, limited access to services and infrastructure, and stigma. The government should increase funding, strengthen mental health services, increase capacity building and training, increase accessibility, promote public awareness campaigns, and implement strategies such as monitoring systems and taskforce committees.

Click Here To Access The Publication

August 28, 2024By

Biogas Technology Training

Learn how to harness the power of biogas technology for your home with our training session led by Dr. Miria Agunyo, the dean Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology.

August 28, 2024By

Exploring Epigenetics and Plant Breeding

Join us for an enriching experience as we host two presentations by Greek Visiting Scholars; Prof. Eleni Tani and Prof. Penelope Bebeli

Session 1:
The Power of Epigenetics in Plant Breeding: Applications and Challenges by Prof. Eleni Tani

Session 2:
Collecting and Studying Landraces in Greece by Prof. Penelope Bebeli

All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend and engage with the latest research and insights from these esteemed scholars. Mark your calendars and join us on September 3rd.

UCU
August 22, 2024By

UCU-Funded Research team ‘Olutindo’ Disseminates Baseline Data on Teenage Pregnancy in Mukono District.

Today, Thursday 22, August, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted a research dissemination event for the project “Olutindo” (meaning “The Bridge”).

This project aims to promote sexual and reproductive health behavior change among teenage girls in Mukono district through strategic communication intervention.

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Prof. James Kiwanuka Tondo, the Principal Investigator presenting the progress report.

The research team, led by Professor James Kiwanuka-Tondo, presented their progress report, highlighting the project’s objectives, activities, and outputs.

The research team consists of Professor James Kiwanuka Tondo, the Principal Investigator; Dr. Jeremy Waiswa; Mr. Solomon Kibirige Kasule; Mr. Martin Kabanda; Mrs. Elizabeth Nagudi Situma; Christine Nabadda Mpaulo; and research assistants such as Flavia Zalwango, Aggrey Mugisha, and Frank Obonyo.

The project aims to design a strategic communication intervention to promote effective sexual and reproductive health behavior change through participatory and community-engaged approaches.

The project funded by Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (DRPI) seeks to address the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy in Uganda, where 32,000 teenagers get pregnant every month, and 40% of teenage girls are married by the age of 18.

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Dr. Martin Kizito, the UCU Head of Grants & Partnerships addressing the congregation during the dissemination.

The interdisciplinary project, involving the School of Journalism, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Public Health, aims to investigate the following questions about teenage pregnancy in Mukono District:

  • What are the perceptions and attitudes of teenage girls regarding the causes of teenage pregnancy?
  • What specific factors contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancies in Mukono District?
  • What communication strategies can be employed to reduce teenage pregnancies in Mukono District?

The baseline data has been collected through focus group discussions and questionnaires shared with teenagers and parents.

The baseline data has identified four causes of teenage pregnancy: 26.5% is attributed to poverty, 23.7% is attributed to peer pressure, and 13.9% is attributed to lack of sexual education.

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Mrs. Elizabeth Nagudi Situma and Mr. Solomon Kibirige Kasule during the dissemination.

For the next six months, they will finalize data collection and analysis before moving on to message design and development.

The project’s findings and recommendations will contribute to addressing the challenges of teenage pregnancy and promoting healthy behavior among teenage girls in Mukono district.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi and Blessing Twine

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)

UCU
August 1, 2024By, ,

Transform Your Idea into Reality with the UCU Innovation Fund

Uganda Christian University Students Innovation Challenge Call for Proposals, 2024

Introduction

Uganda Christian University (UCU), guided by its vision, aspires to be a leading institution in research and development across disciplines applicable to the institutional, national, and global environment. To achieve this, UCU has made efforts to create an enabling environment for research, including establishing research coordination structures under the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (DRPI). UCU aims to create and stimulate innovations that solve real-world problems and challenges for societal transformation.

Against this background, UCU has established the Uganda Christian University Student Innovation Challenge (UCU-SIC) under the Uganda Christian University-Research Fund (UCU-RF) framework, coordinated by DRPI. The UCU-SIC is an annual competition for UCU registered students, providing support and funding for innovative and viable ideas. The Challenge seeks to create an inclusive space for innovation, encouraging students to turn their ideas into prototypes and commercial products that can be scaled up into successful innovations and entrepreneurial business ventures.

The Challenge benefits student-led projects in agriculture, food and nutrition, engineering, ICT, health, and other applied science fields aligned with the University’s research agenda. Proposals will undergo rigorous assessment, focusing on new products and innovations addressing real-world problems and market needs.

The Call

UCU invites students with innovative ideas tailored to market and societal challenges to submit concept proposals for consideration under this funding window. Students must form multidisciplinary teams with a minimum of three individuals, clearly indicating their respective roles on the project. Teams must integrate a UCU staff member as a mentor.

Eligibility

The UCU-SIC call is open to fully registered UCU students across all campuses with an idea or solution that could have a positive impact on society. All main team members must be enrolled and registered UCU students at any level (Diploma, BSc., or postgraduate levels). Students must form multidisciplinary teams geared towards developing new technologies, innovative business ideas, and competitive products.

Selection Process

1. Submission of concept proposals with innovative ideas (2 pages max, Times New Roman 12, spacing 1.5).

2. All submitted concept proposals will undergo internal and external technical review for merit.

3. Shortlisted proposals will undergo training, including validation of proposed ideas and innovations, Intellectual Property Management, Certification, communication coaching, entrepreneurship support, and product and business development.

4. Teams will pitch their proposals to a panel of judges (technical and industry experts) to assess viability and practicability.

5. Final selection of winning projects and award.

The Award

A maximum of ten winning teams will be awarded up to USD 1,000 to actualize their idea for six months. Teams will also benefit from continuous mentorship and linkages to upscaling opportunities, including incubation.

Submission

Call opens on 23rd July 2024. Submit concept proposals to the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations (DRPI) through the UCU Grant Management Portal (https://grants.ucu.ac.ug) and email: grants@ucu.ac.ug by Friday 23rd August 2024, 11:59 pm. Note that this Call will close immediately after the deadline, and no submissions will be accepted thereafter.

Guide for Concept Development

1. Title (not more than 10 words)

2. Background & Rationale/Motivation (not more than 300 words)

3. Problem being addressed (not more than 100 words)

4. The innovation (strategies to address the problem above) (not more than 250 words)

5. Methodology (how to achieve the innovation/strategies) (not more than 300 words)

6. Amount requested

7. Team composition (include Access Number for each student and particulars of a mentor)

For inquiries and more information, please contact: Mr. Hamilton Mbokureeba, hmbokureeba@ucu.ac.ug, +256782281661

UCU
July 5, 2024By

Adolescent students ignorant about Substance Abuse, Research Study Findings

Despite increased attention to drug demand reduction in recent years, drug use continues to take a devastating toll. Globally, approximately 210 million people use illicit drugs each year, resulting in almost 200,000 deaths (UNODC, World Drug Report 2011). There remains a significant unmet need for drug use prevention, treatment, care, and support, particularly in developing countries.

The epidemiological transition from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases, such as drug and substance use, is a public health concern due to high morbidity and mortality rates associated with it.

William Mabuga, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU) with a Master of Public Health, conducted research to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of secondary school-going adolescents on drug and substance use. The study aimed to provide information to policymakers, program managers, and the District Health Team to control drug and substance use in Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council (KITC), Sheema District.

While studies have been conducted globally, regionally, and nationally, as well as in other districts in Uganda, particularly Kampala, “there is a gap in research on this topic in South Western Uganda,” notes Mabuga in his study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of secondary school adolescents in Sheema District on drug and substance use as a case study for South Western Uganda, where it is reported to be a significant problem (Uganda Police Crime Report, 2011; Uganda Demographic and Health Survey report, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2007).

Mabuga’s research employed a cross-sectional study design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The total sample size was 132 adolescents from seven secondary schools in KITC. The number of respondents drawn from each school and class was determined by proportion to size. Quantitative data was collected through pre-tested self-administered questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected using pre-tested FGD guides and In-depth Interview guides.

Research Findings:

– Males constituted 67.4% (89/132) of all respondents, with 66.7% (88/132) from rural areas.

– Half of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about drug and substance use.

– Half of the respondents strongly disapproved of drug and substance use, while the other half either only disapproved or did not disapprove of use.

– 36.4% (48/132) of respondents had ever used any of the drugs/substances of concern, including alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, volatile solvents, and unprescribed medicines.

The study found that secondary school adolescents in Kabwohe had inadequate knowledge about drug and substance use, with mixed attitudes and risky behaviors towards use, and 36.4% had ever used drugs/substances of concern.

Mabuga’s Dissertation

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON DRUG AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN KABWOHE-ITENDERO TOWN COUNCIL SHEEMA DISTRICT-FULL REPORT-Download

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Jimmy Siyasa

May 9, 2024By

A FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING THE INFLUENCE OF EVALUATION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a governance evaluation framework established by the African Union, aims to promote good governance and sustainable development in Africa.

However, its influence on public policy outcomes has been limited due to inadequate evaluation research and a focus on outcome-oriented approaches.

A study by Dr. Martin Kizito, a senior lecturer at Uganda Christian University (UCU) proposes a framework to enhance the APRM’s influence, addressing knowledge gaps and recommending inclusive participation, aligned activities, and a well-domesticated legal framework.”

This study analyses the implementation of APRM as a governance evaluation framework mandated by Article 5(2) of the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act of 2000.

 It aimed at generating a framework for enhancing the APRM and in turn positively influence public policy outcomes.

The study observes that, in researching evaluation influence, limited empirical field studies have been conducted especially about African home-grown initiatives, to guide stakeholders on how evaluation inputs translate into activities and consequently policy outcomes.

It argues that APRM, as Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE), adopts a rational and outcome-oriented approach to evaluation, focusing on direct use of data, with good performance primarily evidenced by ratification of agreed governance standards.

So, limited attention to the process has resulted into concerns about emerging patterns of evaluation under-use, misuse and non-use. This trend if not researched may result in an evaluation crisis, affecting the sustainability of the APRM as a catalyst to the realisation of the AU Agenda 2063.

Using a mechanism-based approach, this thesis aims at bridging the knowledge gap by empirically drawing on qualitative data of 35 stakeholders’ perceptions on how evaluation inputs, activities, and outputs affect the use of APRM data in Uganda’s public policy.

It takes a case analysis of Uganda’s first and second-generation peer reviews as well as the refugee policy framework between 2005 and 2018.

The findings reveal that, well as the APRM’s first National Plan of Action (NPoA) was among the 23 core studies that directly informed the formulation of Uganda’s initial National Development Plan (NDP I), its influence is declining to showcase best practices, with increasing, symbolic use but also misuse of APRM recommendations.

 This is attributed to inadequate financial and technical capacity inputs, lack of a well-domesticated legal framework supporting APRM structures and activities, stakeholders without a well-established culture of evaluations, and a political context that allows selective use of evaluations in national policies.

In the proposed framework, the study recommends inclusive participation in evaluation input, activities aligned with government plans; institutionalizing government-wide reporting on NPoA implementation and establishing a well-domesticated legal framework.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Jimmy Siyasa

UCU
May 1, 2024By

Food waste supply and behavior towards its alternative uses in Kampala City, Uganda

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Solid waste management is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. The rapid population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Uganda, has led to an increase in food waste.

Food waste poses environmental and health burdens, but it also has alternative uses such as animal feed, compost, and energy generation.

 A study by Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya, a senior lecturer at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Elsie Nsiyona, Moses Kakungulu, Jane Frances Alowo, and Paul Nampala aimed to quantify the types and amounts of food waste and assess the attitudes and practices of food waste generators towards its disposal and potential use.

The study was conducted in Kampala city, with a sample size of 330 respondents, including households, institutions (hotels, restaurants, and schools), and markets.

The majority of respondents were youth and adults, with a minimum literacy level, and were married. Women in households and business owners in markets were identified as key gatekeepers of waste generation and management.

The study found established that there is a daily production of 768 metric tons of food waste in Kampala, with an estimated 312-380 kt of food waste generated annually. The majority of respondents disposed of food waste through dumping, with only a few considering alternative uses.

In a week, about 96, 72, and 93% of all the respondents in households, institutions and produce markets respectively experienced food waste at least one to three times.  

Over 90% of the respondents recognized food waste as a problem, and as a resource especially for use in livestock feed production, and were willing to consume house crickets raised on feed from food waste.

The study also found that literacy and education level, marital status, and income level influenced respondents’ attitudes and practices towards food waste management.

As a result of the research, the team led by Ssepuuya have launched a project aimed at converting food waste to a safe and shelf-stable cricket feed. 

Sustainable Development Goals publication
April 16, 2024By,

UCU Professor Omona and 3 Scholars from Kenya and Zimbabwe Co-author Remarkable Publication in Sustainable Development Goals Series

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. David Andrew Omona, a scholar at Uganda Christian University (UCU) and three other academics have co-edited a book that was recently published under Springer Nature’s inaugural Sustainable Development Goals Series.

The book titled Religion, Climate Change and Food Security in Africa examines how and the extent to which religion in Africa serves a resource in responding to the Sustainable Development Goals 13 (action on climate change) and 2 (achieve zero hunger, food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture).

The other editors of the book include Loreen Maseno ( Senior Lecturer, Department of Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Maseno University, Kenya), Ezra Chitando ( University of Zimbabwe) and Sophia Chirongoma ( Midland State University, Zimbabwe).

WhatsApp Image 2024 04 16 at 12.56.27 PM

Abstract

There is a growing realization that the earth is clearly warming at a worrying pace. Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicates that climate change is an existential crisis, while Goal 2 seeks to achieve Zero Hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Climate change has far-reaching effects for agriculture and other livelihood activities which ensure the availability, suitability, distribution, and accessibility of food.

In the midst of the war in Ukraine and its ripple effect on food prices, it is therefore urgent to interrogate how and to what extent religion in Africa serves as a resource (or confounding factor) in responding to Sustainable Development Goals 13 (action on climate change) and 2 (achieve Zero Hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture).

The themes in this book are approached from diverse disciplinary and methodological angles to cover four main aspects: first, to probe the potential role of religion in Africa in accelerating the achievement of these two SDGs. Second, to problematize the influence of religion and the challenges it poses toward responding to the climate emergency and the elimination of hunger in Africa.

Third, to approach the religions of Africa in their plurality, guaging their strategic significance in light of the two emergencies. Fourth, to probe religious teachings, practices, personalities, and institutions in Africa in the wake of SDGs 13 and 2 as they wrestle with the interplay among religion, climate change, and the dimensions of food security in Africa.

About the Sustainable Development Goals Series

The Sustainable Development Goal Series is Springer Nature’s inaugu­ral cross-imprint book series that addresses and supports the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.

The series fosters comprehensive research focused on these global targets and endeavours to address some of society’s greatest grand challenges. The SDGs are inher­ently multidisciplinary, and they bring people working across different fields together and working towards a common goal.

In this spirit, the Sustainable Development Goals series is the first at Springer Nature to publish books under both the Springer and Palgrave Macmillan imprints, bringing the strengths of our imprints together.

The Sustainable Development Goals Series is organized into eighteen subseries: one subseries based around each of the seventeen respective Sustainable Development Goals, and an eighteenth subseries, “Connecting the Goals”, which serves as a home for volumes addressing multiple goals or studying the SDGs as a whole. Each subseries is guided by an expert Subseries Advisor with years or decades of experience studying and addressing core components of their respective Goal.

About Prof. Omona

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. David Andrew Omona is Dean of the UCU School of Social Sciences and an Associate Professor of Ethics and International Relations at Uganda Christian Christian University. His research interests are in Ethics and International Relations. Currently he is engaged in researching on climate change, as an ethical issue that has affected humanity globally. He has done substantial work on peace and security at international level. He therefore, looks forward to get people of like minds for collaborative research experience in his area of expertise.(More About Assoc. Prof. Omona)

Click to access the book
UCU
April 15, 2024By

UCU researchers seek to multiply bamboo production for more benefits

By Pauline Luba
Micropropagation refers to the growing of plants in closed vessels that contain culture media with nutrients and growth regulators. Since the plants are grown in glass, they are described as in vitro, as opposed to in vivo plants that are grown in soil.  

Knowing the multiple benefits and uses of the bamboo plant, Winnie Namutosi, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum and lecturer, and her co-researchers are currently in the laboratory in a bid to micropropagate this member of the grass family, using a growth medium that has nutrients and hormones.

To produce the micro propagated plants, clear protocols are needed. These protocols are not yet known, and that is what Namutosi and her colleague researchers— Prof. William Kisaalita, Joel Karama and Joseph Galiwango  — are attempting to develop. Namutosi also has worked with UCU academics and researchers Bulyaba Rosemary, Nakanwangi Mildred Julian, Buteme Ruth, Sseremba Godfrey and Kizito Elizabeth Balyejusa to decipher the reproductive barriers that hinder improvement of African eggplants. The study findings were published in Euphytica under the title “Compatibility Barriers affecting Crossability of Solanum aethiopicum and its relatives” 

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Specimens of bamboo multiplication in the laboratory

It is no surprise that Namutosi is part of the group that is developing the bamboo tissue culture protocols. She comes from Sironko district in eastern Uganda, where smoked bamboo shoots are one of the staple foods. Locally known as malewa, the staple was originally served as a complete meal, but was later transformed into sauce, prepared with simsim paste or peanut butter. 

Bamboo shoots, which are eaten like vegetables, are a source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins E and C. It also can be burned for fuel, taking pressure off dwindling forest reserves of eucalyptus and other natural resources. 

But Namutosi is looking beyond just the malewa that bamboo provides. For her master’s research, she focused on the study of improving crops (African eggplants). It was then that she realized how charcoal is a major source of fuel in many households in Uganda. However, it is that great need for charcoal that has conspired with other factors to lead to deforestation in the country.

Namutosi believes that the bamboo plant can help to reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere, hence mitigating the effects of climatic change.
Namutosi believes that the bamboo plant can help to reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere, hence mitigating the effects of climatic change.

“When you look at the environment, it needs to be conserved,” said Namutosi, who has experience in plant breeding and agricultural research.

The wood asset in Uganda reduced by 45 per cent between 1990 and 2015, from 355.5 million to 197.1 million tons. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, after an initial 4 per cent increase in wood biomass between 1990 and 2000, the national stock suffered a significant reduction of 42.5 percent between 2000 and 2005. Despite a modest 3 percent recovery between 2005 and 2010, the aggregate stock fell by another 9 percent between 2010 and 2015.

Uganda’s total forest land area was 4.93 million hectares (12.2 million acres) in 1990, which decreased by 60 percent to 1.95 million hectares (4.8 million acres) by 2015, according to the Ugandan government statistics. However, by 2023, the forest cover had shown a reversal in the trajectory, improving by four percentage points. 

Namutosi and colleagues are now exploring possibilities of large-scale production of bamboo so it can serve the high demand for wood from charcoal burners. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant and easily adapts to many weather conditions. A hectare (2.47 acres) of a bamboo plantation is said to absorb more than 60 tons of carbon dioxide per annum, which is 30 percent more than the case with other plants. Bamboo is said to release more oxygen to the atmosphere than other plants. As such, Namutosi believes that the plant will help to reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere, hence mitigating the effects of climatic change.

The second born of eight siblings, Namutosi is a daughter of farmer parents — Patrick and Olivia Nabitu. She attended Mahempe Primary School in Sironko district and Bugisu High School in Mbale for both O’level and A’level. In 2015, she joined UCU, where she obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship. After doing research on animals for her undergraduate, Namutosi opted to focus on crop improvement for her master’s research, graduating with a Master of Science in Agriculture. She is currently an assistant lecturer and a researcher at UCU. 

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