UCU Digital Institutional Repository(UCUDIR)
Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Digital Institutional Repositoy (UCUDIR). This is the University's official Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, theses, and more.
- The Repository ingests documents, audio, video, datasets and their corresponding Dublin Core metadata
- The aim is to open up this content to local and global audiences, with have optimized well for Google Scholar so your items here shows up on Google Scholar searches
- we also issue permanent urls and trustworthy identifiers, including optional integrations with handle.net and DataCite DOI
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Communities in UCUDIR
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Items in this community present a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government policies.
- This is a collection of Masters and Doctoral theses and dissertations submitted in electronic format to the Uganda Christian University.
Recent Submissions
The effect of chilli commercialization on the income of smallholder farmers in Kamuli District, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-20) Miriam Namata
Chilli (Capsicum annum L.), locally known as "Kamulali," is a vegetable spice with important nutritional, medical, and economic. The crop is mainly grown by smallholder farmers in Uganda. In Kamuli district, chilli provides a significant income source for mainly women and youths. Despite its importance and export potential, no literature exists on the commercialization of chilli production. This study addresses this gap. Using data collected from 220 smallholder chilli farmers in Butansi and Mbulamuti sub-counties in Kamuli district, the study examined the commercialization behaviour of chilli production using descriptive statistics. The determinants of the level of commercialization were analyzed using a Tobit regression model. The study further employed linear regression using OLS to analyze the effect of chilli commercialization on income of household farmers. Results show that chilli production is male dominated, mostly undertaken by married people and those having large households. The level of commercialization of chilli production was influenced by membership to farmer group, gender of the farmer, access to extension and financial services, household size. OLS results indicate that the commercialization level of chilli production has a positive and significant effect on the income level of smallholder farmers. The study recommends increasing the level of commercialization through increasing access to financial and extension services, providing an enabling environment for farmer group formation.
Urban children’s ministry in a digital era: a case study of St. Stephen’s Kitara COU, Kampala
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-28) Peninah Nayebare
The purpose of this study was to examine the urban children’s ministry in the digital era, while specifically assessing the opportunities and challenges presented by the technological revolution in urban children’s ministry in St. Stephen’s Kitara Church of Uganda in Kampala Diocese. This study was guided by the specific objectives, including: to assess the current state of technological integration in children’s ministry at St. Stephen’s Kitara COU in terms of existing
gaps and opportunities for improvement, to evaluate the impact of digital technologies on children’s spiritual growth formation, biblical literacy, and community engagement within the urban church context, to examine the challenges of digital equity, child safety, and pastoral care in technology-enhanced children’s ministry programs and to develop practical recommendations and frameworks for effective, safe, and equitable integration of digital technologies in urban
children’s ministry practice. This study adopted a cross sectional research design so as to get data on the variables in different contexts but concurrently. The researcher qualitative approach. Data was collected from a sample of 120 respondents using the interview guide tool through interviewing method. From the study, the findings demonstrate significant gaps in technological infrastructure, digital literacy among ministry staff, and program sophistication that must be addressed to effectively serve digitally native children. The study identified six major areas requiring attention: inadequate technological infrastructure compared to children’s personal devices, generational digital competency gaps between volunteers and children, misalignment between passive teaching methods and children’s interactive expectations, insufficient continuous digital engagement opportunities beyond Sunday services, pandemic-era lessons highlighting the inadequacy of simple online approaches, and parental concerns about digital safety and appropriateness. Further, these findings collectively indicate that St. Stephen’s Kitara COU faces both substantial challenges
and significant opportunities for ministry transformation. The digital divide within the church reflects broader societal patterns but requires Based on the comprehensive findings and theological reflection, it was recommended that St.
Stephen’s Kitara COU should implement a phased digital transformation strategy that addresses both immediate infrastructure needs and long-term ministry effectiveness. The church should explore partnerships with Christian digital content providers and curriculum developers to create continuous engagement platforms including mobile apps, online learning modules, and social media-style spiritual formation tools that extend ministry impact beyond Sunday services.
Additionally, clear digital safety protocols and parental engagement strategies must be developed to address legitimate concerns about child protection, data privacy, and age-appropriate content while maintaining transparency and trust with families. This comprehensive approach should be implemented gradually, with regular assessment and adjustment based on effectiveness measures and feedback from children, parents, and ministry volunteers, ensuring that technological integration serves the ultimate goal of authentic spiritual formation and discipleship in the digital age.
Organisational psycho-social environment and work performance of the clergy in dioceses of the Church of Uganda: a case of the Diocese of Namirembe
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-12) Esmond Serunjoji
In recognition of the growing need to strengthen clergy performance, ministry effectiveness, and the organizational environment within the Church of Uganda, this study examined the influence of the organisational psycho-social environment on the work performance of clergy in the Diocese of Namirembe, Church of Uganda. The study was motivated by concerns regarding the effectiveness of clergy performance in relation to ecclesiastical culture, communication patterns, and support systems within the diocesan context. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population comprised 103 active clergy members, from which a sample of 90 respondents was selected using stratified, systematic, and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussions. Validity of research instruments was ensured through expert review, while reliability was tested using Cronbach‟s Alpha coefficient. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that ecclesiastical culture, communication patterns, and support systems significantly influence clergy work performance in the Diocese of Namirembe. However, challenges such as inconsistent cultural practices,
communication gaps, and limited access to support systems were identified as factors affecting effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening organisational psycho-social structures is essential for improving clergy performance. It recommends the development of inclusive ecclesiastical practices, improved communication systems, and enhanced support mechanisms to promote effective ministry delivery. Keywords: Organisational Psycho-Social Environment, Ecclesiastical Culture, Communication Patterns, Support Systems, Work Performance of Clergy, Church of Uganda.
Gender responsiveness of M&E systems: an assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices among humanitarian non-governmental organizations in Yumbe District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-30) Ruth Akao
The study explored the gender responsiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems among humanitarian NGOs in Yumbe district Uganda. While promoting gender equality is a key part of humanitarian work, many NGOs continue to rely on conventional M&E systems that inadequately capture the differential impacts of interventions on men and women. The research investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of humanitarian NGO staff towards gender responsive M&E systems. A qualitative case study design was used and the data was collected through key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with M&E and program staff. The thematic analysis revealed that while majority NGOs demonstrated a basic understanding of gender responsiveness, they struggled to put it into practice. Attitudes towards gender integration were usually shaped by donor requirements rather than internal organizational commitment and gender was frequently equated to women’s issues, side lining the needs of men and boys. Practices such as sex disaggregated data collection and gender sensitive indicators were inconsistently applied. Organizational readiness varied, with some NGOs lacking the tools, training and leadership support needed to fully integrate gender into their M&E frameworks. Overall, the study highlights the need for more training, stronger internal policies and real commitment to inclusive approaches. Helping staff improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices is key in building a more effective M&E system that truly reflect the experiences of both women and men in humanitarian settings.
Comparative analysis of nutrients in frequently consumed Indigenous African vegetables: implications for geriatric nutrition
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2026-01-27) Martin Mutambuka; Mildred Nakanwagi; Rosemary Bulyaba; Isaac Onziga Bramadri; Gerald Tumusiime; Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito
The promotion and consumption of african indigenous Vegetables (aiVs) offers potential to improve diet quality and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among older persons. however, limited information exists on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals that contribute to these benefits. This study assessed the nutritional composition of three genotypes of each of four commonly consumed aiVs in Uganda: Solanum aethiopicum Shum (e16, e15, and e11), Solanum aethiopicum gilo (G4, G9, and G6), Amaranthus sp. (Var. 008, Var. 025, and Var. 007), and Vigna unguiculata l. Walp (UcU cow 1, aseremoya, and acc23). The vegetables were analysed for minerals (Fe, Zn, ca, Mg, K), dietary fibre, phytochemicals (anthocyanins, tannins, catechins, polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, flavonoids), and vitamins (α-tocopherol and β-carotene) using standard procedures and means were separated using one-Way anoVa. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across aiVs. S. aethiopicum Shum e16 exhibited the highest mineral levels, while V. unguiculata genotypes showed he lowest Mg, Fe, and K content. iron was highest in S. aethiopicum gilo g4 (8.83 mg/100 g). leafy vegetables contained greater quantities of phytochemicals, dietary fibre, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol than fruit vegetables. Principal component analysis segregated genotypes based on nutrient profiles: phytochemicals and fibre strongly influenced V. unguiculata clustering, minerals influenced Solanum spp, and tocopherol and gallic acid distinguished Amaranthus genotypes. These findings highlight distinct nutritional advantages across aiV species. V. unguiculata exhibited particularly high phytochemical and vitamin content, suggesting its value as a nutrient-dense component of diets aimed at supporting healthy ageing.