Browsing by Author "Betty Enyipu Akurut"

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A Phenomenological Study of the Role of Christian Values and Culture in Conflict Resolution Among Christian Couples in Mukono, Uganda
(Regent University, 2022) Betty Enyipu Akurut
This qualitative study utilised a phenomenological research design to examine married Christians’ perspectives on the role of Christian values and culture in the resolution of marital conflict. Twelve themes emerged. Two themes for Christian values promote conflict resolution: (a) Christian disciplines and (b) fellowship and instruction. There was one theme: (a) Church teaching on oneness and submissiveness, for Christian values that hinder conflict resolution. Three themes regarding cultural factors that promote resolution of conflict were (a) involvement of others, (b) constructive conflict response, and (c) cultural perspectives. Three themes for cultural factors that perpetuate conflict were (a) unconstructive response to conflict, (b) involvement of others, and (c) finances. One theme, (a) communication, emerged on strategies for resolving conflict. Two themes regarding strategies for preventing future occurrences of conflict were (a) source of income and (b) understanding each other. A few studies exist in the Ugandan context on culture and marital conflict. The findings from this study could help increase understanding of the strategies Christian couples use to resolve conflict and how these strategies help them maintain their marriages.
Mental Health in Low-Income Countries: A Call to Improve Mental Health in Uganda
(PLOS Mental Health, 2025-04-30) Kizito Omona; Nice Barungi Mponye Bashabire; Ritah Bulamu Bernardine Mugabe; Samuel Ssanyu Balamaga; Betty Enyipu Akurut
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of mental well- being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community [1]. It is an integral component of our general health that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in –and yet it remains a low priority in many low-income countries. Uganda, like many sub-Saharan African countries, faces significant challenges in addressing mental health concerns. The burden of mental illness is exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and a lack of awareness. Supporting and managing the wellbeing of people is faced with numerous challenges, especially for those who already face a variety of hurdles or difficulties. For example, Mugisha, Bantu & Nakalema [2] explored the mental health impact on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Uganda. They highlighted stigma, economic hardship, and lack of mental health support services as key factors exacerbating mental health struggles. The results revealed very high levels of stress and stigma among parents and experiences of financial difficulties, marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination were common. Parents reported experiencing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack of support systems. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previous estimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Another study examined the intersection of mental health and HIV/AIDS in Uganda and emphasized again, how financial stress, social stigma, and lack of resources all hinder mental well-being within this community [3]. This echoes findings in many other similar studies [4,5]. In this Opinion, we aim to provide an overview of the state of mental health in Uganda, assess existing policies and challenges, and offer possible solutions.
Mental Health in Low-income Countries: A Call to Improve Mental Health in Uganda
(PLOS, 2025-04-30) Kizito Omona; Nice Barungi Mponye Bashabire; Ritah Bulamu; Bernardine Mugabe; Samuel Ssanyu Balamaga; Betty Enyipu Akurut
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community [1]. It is an integral componen of our general health that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make , build relationships and shape the world we live in –and yet it remains a low priority in many low-income countries. Uganda, like many sub-Saharan African countries, faces significant challenges in addressing mental health concerns. The burden of mental illness is exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and a lack of awareness. Supporting and managing the well-being of people is faced with numerous challenges, especially for those who already face a variety of hurdles or difficulties. For example, Mugisha, Bantu & Nakalema [2] explored the mental health impact on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Uganda. They highlighted stigma, economic hardship, and lack of mental health support services as key factors exacerbating mental health struggles. The results revealed very high levels of stress and stigma among parents, and experiences of financial difficulties, marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination were common. Parents reported experiencing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack of support systems. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previous estimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Another study examined the intersection of mental health and HIV/AIDS in Uganda and emphasized again, how financial stress, social stigma, and lack of resources all hinder mental well-being within this community [3]. This echoes findings in many other similar studies [4,5]. In this Opinion, we aim to provide an overview of the state of mental health in Uganda, assess existing policies and challenges, and offer possible solutions.