Academic publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/16

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Navigating Educational Disruptions: The Impact of COVID-19 on Daily Functioning of Private Secondary Schools
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024-03-24) Joel Yawe Masagazi; Harriet Nnabbanja
This cross-sectional study employed a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively investigate the impact of COVID-19 on private secondary schools. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were integrated, enhancing the depth of understanding. The sample consisted of 92 participants, including school directors, head-teachers, deputy head teachers, and classroom teachers, were purposively and randomly selected. The study revealed shifts in enrollment patterns and attendance trends due to remote and hybrid learning models. Academic performance variations underscored the challenges of adapting to new teaching methodologies. Financial implications arising from altered revenue streams and increased operational costs, Teacher roles evolved, necessitating tailored support. Infrastructure limitations hindered remote learning effectiveness. Student well-being emerged as a poignant concern, and parental involvement dynamics shifted. Findings offer actionable insights for schools and policymakers, contributing to the discourse on educational resilience during global crises. The blended methodology provides a holistic understanding of COVID-19’s intricate influence on private secondary schools. By furnishing evidence-based strategies, this research aids decision-making to navigate unprecedented disruptions.
Pioneering Online Assessment Solutions: Empirical Experiences From Educational Practitioners
(International Journal on Integrating Technology in Education (IJITE), 2024-06-01) Joel Yawe Masagazi; Patrick Lugemwa; Eva Mirembe
The emergence of E-learning has shaped the university's new pedagogical, environment to guarantee business continuity in worse pandemics. Assessment is an end process of learning however, measuring it to globally accepted standards is still a nightmare in universities. It is not clear whether the assessment spells out the tasks posed to learners? illustrate an observable demonstration of the learners’ ability? or have a detailed scoring criterion? no wonder stake holders still doubt assessment online. The research examined qualitative literature regarding the innovative strategies for online educational assessment sustainable and scalable. To gather empirical qualitative data on this subject, a systematic review of literature was undertaken. The study responded to one major research question. “What are the experiences of educational practitioners reported in empirical qualitative research studies pertaining innovative strategies for online educational assessment?” We conducted a qualitative review of the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2022 using the PRISMA framework, thematic analysis was employed to generate themes and patterns. Education databases, like ERIC were used for the article search. Search phrases utilized for this systematic review included “Strategies for online assessment” and “Assessment of E-learning.” 16 articles were included in the analysis for this study. findings point to the Asynchronous Online Discussion, E-portfolios, Distance Project based assessment, Online proctored Exams, Online non-proctored exams as sustainable strategies. The study demonstrates a potential solution to online assessment in universities and restores confidence among educational partners and funders.
Strategies for Retaining Academic Staff in Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions
(East African Journal of Education Studies, 2025-06-23) Margaret Rose Nagita; Joel Yawe Masagazi; Wilson Eduan
This study explored academic staff retention strategies in Church-founded higher education institutions (CFHEIs) in Uganda, recognizing the importance of sustaining human capital for institutional performance. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected from 48 academic staff- professors, lecturers, and teaching assistants—through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The findings revealed that CFHEIs utilize a multidimensional retention framework grounded in intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Key strategies include clear career paths and transparent promotion criteria, which motivate staff by fostering merit-based advancement and recognition. Competitive salary structures and comprehensive benefits, such as housing allowances, pension schemes, and health insurance, were recognized as essential hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction and enhance institutional loyalty. Additionally, performance-based incentives, including bonuses for research output and grants, were highlighted as effective motivators reinforcing a culture of excellence and achievement. The study also identified the value of financial and institutional support for advanced studies, such as partial scholarships, sabbatical leave, and flexible work arrangements, in strengthening staff commitment. Furthermore, continuous learning and specialized training programs, particularly those tailored to departmental needs and delivered by external experts, were found to significantly enhance professional development and retention. Despite these positive practices, participants reported challenges of equity, transparency, and implementation consistency, especially in the distribution of scholarships, the responsiveness of salary adjustments to inflation, and the inclusiveness of incentive systems across disciplines. The study concludes that CFHEIs have developed a robust and context-sensitive approach to academic staff retention. However, to maximize impact, it is recommended that institutions improve equitable access to professional development and financial support, enhance transparency in promotion and recognition, and ensure the alignment of incentive structures with staff needs. Future research should examine leadership roles in policy execution and compare retention practices across institutional types.
Community Health Insurance (CHI) in Sub-saharan Africa: Researching the Context
(Blackwell Publishing, 2025-06-27) Bart Criel; Chris Atim; Robert Basaza; Pierre Blaise; Maria Pia Waelkens
Community Health Insurance (CHI) is a general term for voluntary health insurance schemes organized at community level, that are alternatively known as mutual health organizations (or mutuelles de sante ´ in French) (Atim 1999), medical aid societies (Atim 1999), medical aid schemes (van den Heever 1997) or micro-insurance schemes (Dror & Jacquier 1999). The common characteristics are that they are run on a non-profit basis and they apply the basic principle of risk-sharing. The last two decades have seen an apparent boom in CHI in sub Saharan Africa, in terms of the sheer number of such initiatives and the increasing attention that some policy makers and development partners are paying to these ventures.1 The rationale for the current wave of promotion of CHI in Africa is based on two main factors. First, the recognition that for African households, financial accessibility to quality health care is a strongly felt need. Second, the success of the Western European experience social health insurance, initiated through small CHI schemes at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century (Ba¨rnig hausen & Sauerborn 2002), suggesting that the financing of health care based on pooling of resources and risk sharing may constitute a relevant policy option for African health care systems.
Estimating the Impact of Maternal Health Services on Maternal Mortality in Uganda
(2004-03-01) Lori Bollinger; Robert Basaza; Chris Mugarura; John Ross; Koki Agarwal
The Government of Uganda recognizes that its population is its most valuable asset and is an integral component of the development process. The development goals are therefore geared towards the improvement of the quality of life of its population. Indeed, improving the quality of life is one of the four pillars of the Poverty Eradication Plan of the Government of Uganda. High fertility, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, however, hamper the attainment of these goals. Currently in Uganda, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is recorded at 505:100,000 live births, the infant mortality rate (IMR) is 88:1,000 live births, the total fertility rate (TFR) is 6.9 births, and the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) is 23%. The major cases of maternal morbidity and mortality are preventable. One of the major strategies for reducing infant and maternal mortality and fertility is ensuring access to quality integrated Reproductive Health services, (Five Year Health Sector Strategic Plan 2000- 2005 and UDHS 2000/2001). Because of its commitment to addressing these issues, the Ministry of Health for Uganda requested an application of the Safe Motherhood model. Collaboration was established with the Population Secretariat, of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Technical and financial assistance were sought from the Futures Group/USAID in execution of this undertaking.
Low Enrolment in Ugandan Community Health Insurance Schemes Underlying Causes and Policy Implications
(BioMed Central, 2025-06-27) Robert Basaza; Bart Criel; Patrick Van der Stuyft
Background: Despite the promotion of Community Health Insurance (CHI) in Uganda in the second half of the 90's, mainly under the impetus of external aid organisations, overall membership has remained low. Today, some 30,000 persons are enrolled in about a dozen different schemes located in Central and Southern Uganda. Moreover, most of these schemes were created some 10 years ago but since then, only one or two new schemes have been launched. The dynamic of CHI has apparently come to a halt. Methods: A case study evaluation was carried out on two selected CHI schemes: the Ishaka and the Save for Health Uganda (SHU) schemes. The objective of this evaluation was to explore the reasons for the limited success of CHI. The evaluation involved review of the schemes' records, key informant interviews and exit polls with both insured and non-insured patients. Results: Our research points to a series of not mutually exclusive explanations for this underachievement at both the demand and the supply side of health care delivery. On the demand side, the following elements have been identified: lack of basic information on the scheme's design and operation, limited understanding of the principles underlying CHI, limited community involvement and lack of trust in the management of the schemes, and, last but not least, problems in people's ability to pay the insurance premiums. On the supply-side, we have identified the following explanations: limited interest and knowledge of health care providers and managers of CHI, and the absence of a coherent policy framework for the development of CHI. Conclusion: The policy implications of this study refer to the need for the government to provide the necessary legislative, technical and regulative support to CHI development. The main policy challenge however is the need to reconcile the government of Uganda's interest in promoting CHI with the current policy of abolition of user fees in public facilities.
What are the emerging features of community health insurance schemes in East Africa?
(Dove Press, 2009-06-16) Robert Basaza; George Pariyo; Bart Criel
Background: The three East African countries of Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya are characterized by high poverty levels, population growth rates, prevalence of HIV/AIDS, under-funding of the health sector, poor access to quality health care, and small health insurance coverage. Tanzania and Kenya have user-fees whereas Uganda abolished user-fees in public-owned health units. Objective: To provide comparative description of community health insurance (CHI) schemes in three East African countries of Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya and thereafter provide a basis for future policy research for development of CHI schemes. Methods: An analytical grid of 10 distinctive items pertaining to the nature of CHI schemes was developed so as to have a uniform lens of comparing country situations of CHI. Results and conclusions: The majority of the schemes have been in existence for a relatively short time of less than 10 years and their number remains small. There is need for further research to identify what is the mix and weight of factors that cause people to refrain from joining schemes. Specific issues that could also be addressed in subsequent studies are whether the current schemes provide financial protection, increase access to quality of care and impact on the equity of health services financing and delivery. On the basis of this knowledge, rational policy decisions can be taken. The governments thereafter could consider an option of playing more roles in advocacy, paying for the poorest, and developing an enabling policy and legal framework.
Community Health Insurance Amidst Abolition of User Fees in Uganda: The View From Policy Makers and Health Service Managers
(BioMed Central, 2010-02-04) Robert K Basaza; Bart Criel; Patrick Van der Stuyft
Background: This paper investigates knowledge of Community Health Insurance (CHI) and the perception of its relevance by key policy makers and health service managers in Uganda. Community Health Insurance schemes currently operate in the private-not-for-profit sector, in settings where church-based facilities function. They operate in a wider policy environment where user fees in the public sector have been abolished. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted during the second half of 2007 with District Health Officers (DHOs) and senior staff of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The qualitative data collected were analyzed using the framework method, facilitated by EZ-Text software. Results: There is poor knowledge and understanding of CHI activities by staff of the MOH headquarters and DHOs. However, a comparison of responses reveals a relatively high level of awareness of CHI principles among DHOs compared to that of MOH staff. All the DHOs in the districts with schemes had a good understanding of CHI principles compared to DHOs in districts without schemes. Out-of-pocket expenditure remains an important feature of health care financing in Uganda despite blanket abolition of user fees in government facilities. Conclusion: CHI is perceived as a relevant policy option and potential source of funds for health care. It is also considered a means of raising the quality of health care in both public and private health units. To assess whether it is also feasible to introduce CHI in the public sector, there is an urgent need to investigate the willingness and readiness of stakeholders, in particular high level political authorities, to follow this new path. The current ambiguity and contradictions in the health financing policy of the Uganda MOH need to be addressed and clarified.
Financial Risks Associated With Healthcare Consumption in Jinja, Uganda
(African Health Sciences, 2009-10) M Ruhweza; SO Baine; V Onama; V Basaza; G Pariyo
Introduction: Financial access to promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare by every one remains a challenge globally. The requirement to make direct payments at the time of consuming health services is one of the reasons why it persists. In this paper, we present findings on the financial risks households bear as a result of healthcare consumption in one district in Uganda. Methodology: Using simple random sampling, we selected 384 household heads in 3 health sub districts. A structured questionnaire was to conduct the survey. Focus group discussions and Key Informant interviews were also conducted. Results: Up to 77% (297/384) of households reported making direct payments for healthcare when a household member fell ill, 45% (174/384) did so each time a household member fell ill. Payment for healthcare was associated with employment of the household head in the informal sector (OR 1.6, 95% 1.2-2.1), presence of children OR 1.5, 95% 1.3-1.9 or someone with chronic illness OR 3, 95% 1.5-6 respectively and history of hospitalization (OR 3, 95% 1.7-6.5). Conclusion: A high burden of healthcare needs, disproportionately affect children and women among households in Jinja. Direct payments for healthcare still occur in spite of the abolishment of user fees at public health facilities and tax based financing of health services in Uganda.
Community Health Insurance in Uganda: Why Does Enrolment Remain Low? A View From Beneath
(Elsevier, 2008) Robert Basaza; Bart Criel; Patrick Van der Stuyft
Community Health Insurance (CHI) in Uganda faces low enrolment despite interest by the Ugandan health sector to have CHI as an elaborate health sector financing mechanism. User fees have been abolished in all government facilities and CHI in Uganda is limited to the private not for profit sub-sector, mainly church-related rural hospitals. In this study, the reasons for the low enrolment are investigated in two different models of CHI. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were carried out with members and non-members of CHI schemes in order to acquire more insight and understanding in people’s perception of CHI, in their reasons for joining and not joining and in the possibilities they see to increase enrolment. This study, which is unprecedented in East Africa, clearly points to a mixed understanding on the basic principles of CHI and on the routine functioning of the schemes. The lack of good information is mentioned by many. Problems in ability to pay the premium, poor quality of health care, the rigid design in terms of enrolment requirements and problems of trust are other important reasons for people not to join. Our findings are grossly in line with the results of similar studies conducted in West Africa even if a number of context-specific issues have been identified. The study provides relevant elements for the design of a national policy on CHI in Uganda and other sub-Saharan countries.
Community Health Insurance in Uganda: Status, Obstacles and Prospects
(Afrika focus, 2011-05-19) Robert Basaza; Patrick Van der Stuyft; Bart Criel
The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of CHI, both in general and in Uganda specifically. The general objective is to investigate the obstacles and prospects for CHI schemes in Uganda. The specific objectives are: (1) to study demand and supply side factors to explain the low levels of enrolment in existing CHI schemes; (2) to investigate the perceptions of CHI held by those enrolled and those not enrolled in the schemes; (3) to determine knowledge, understanding and perceptions of the relevance of CHI among policy-makers and health service managers; and (4) to formulate evidencebased policy recommendations for the Ugandan health sector_We set the stage for this research by using secondary data sources to embark on a review of the context of CHI schemes in sub-Saharan Africa. Results indicate that the coverage rates of the target population remain low. Other findings suggest that there are five dimensions that seem to be relevant within the framework of the development of CHI: political, economic, social, technical and managerial contexts. We acknowledged the need for more contextualised analyses of both successful and less successful schemes to enhance our collective understanding of why CHI works in certain circumstances and why it fails in others. Therefore, we set out to investigate in detail the emerging features of CHI schemes in East Africa. Schemes from three East African countries (Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania) were examined using a grid to analytically tabulate their features. The key descriptive findings are as follows: (1) the schemes' coverage within their catchment areas was small; (2) the schemes had been in existence for only a short time; (3) they were established with donor support; and (4) they provided both inpatient and outpatient benefits. The findings of this study underscore the role of the government in the promotion of CHI. This is especially true for advocacy, as the government must pay the premiums for the poorest citizens and develop an enabling policy and legal framework. We also concluded that there is a need for primary data to understand the mix of factors involved in CHI schemes.
Working With Non-state Providers in Post-conflict and Fragile States in Primary Healthcare Service Delivery
(EPPI-Centre, 2014-10) Ekwaro Obuku; Ruth Stewart; Felix Achana; Rhona Mijumbi; Alison Kinengyere; Robert Basaza; Dickens Akena; Daniel Semakula; Richard Senono; Allen Nsangi; Boniface Mutatina; Hannington Muyenje; William Newbrander; Nelson Sewankambo
Home to at least a third of the world’s poor with the worst health indicators, post-conflict and fragile states are lagging in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (Alliance 2008). Health services are predominantly non-state in most low-income countries, including those that have relatively effective governance, and the poorest strata of the population are more likely to use non-state providers (Palmer 2006, OECD 2006). An important area of focus for the review is to identify the role of the national government in regulating, coordinating and information sharing among public and nonstate providers, in settings where lack of regulation and organisation of health service provision are common characteristics of the health sector (Moran & Batley 2004). One of the primary reasons for supporting health service delivery in fragile states is that it is an entry point for triggering broader governance reforms (Berry et al. 2004). As such, the effectiveness of different modes of engagement and the scope of the desired outcomes are important research questions. A central theme in the literature is the dynamics between the immediate need to reduce vulnerability and achieve specific health outcomes versus longer term objectives of building sustainable health systems that promote equitable access to health. There is thus is a need for a review to address both the immediate and long term outcomes associated with health service delivery programs in fragile states (High Level Forum 2005). Despite the wealth of challenges, from poor health to extreme poverty and destroyed infrastructure, early strategic investment in the health sector during transition and postconflict periods can provide opportunities to re-align systems and introduce new service delivery models (High level Forum 2005). Effective government capacity-building to engage in essential tasks of leadership, planning, and oversight of a system based on primary care can lead to long-term returns in terms of the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the services provided (Macrae et al. 1996). It can also contribute to enhanced legitimacy of the state, known as the “peace dividend (Jones et al. 2006, Waldman 2006). While some researchers contend that there is too little empirical evidence of this effect to date (Rubenstein 2009), it is critical to thoroughly assess whether working with non-state actors has improved both health system capacity and health outcomes, and to examine where gaps in evidence remain.
Players and Processes Behind the National Health Insurance Scheme: A Case Study of Uganda
(BioMed Central, 2013-09-22) Robert K Basaza; Thomas S O’Connell; Ivana Chapčáková
Background: Uganda is the last East African country to adopt a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). To lessen the inequitable burden of healthcare spending, health financing reform has focused on the establishment of national health insurance. The objective of this research is to depict how stakeholders and their power and interests have shaped the process of agenda setting and policy formulation for Uganda’s proposed NHIS. The study provides a contextual analysis of the development of NHIS policy within the context of national policies and processes. Methods: The methodology is a single case study of agenda setting and policy formulation related to the proposed NHIS in Uganda. It involves an analysis of the real-life context, the content of proposals, the process, and a retrospective stakeholder analysis in terms of policy development. Data collection comprised a literature review of published documents, technical reports, policy briefs, and memos obtained from Uganda’s Ministry of Health and other unpublished sources. Formal discussions were held with ministry staff involved in the design of the scheme and some members of the task force to obtain clarification, verify events, and gain additional information. Results: The process of developing the NHIS has been an incremental one, characterized by small-scale, gradual changes and repeated adjustments through various stakeholder engagements during the three phases of development: from 1995 to 1999; 2000 to 2005; and 2006 to 2011. Despite political will in the government, progress with the NHIS has been slow, and it has yet to be implemented. Stakeholders, notably the private sector, played an important role in influencing the pace of the development process and the currently proposed design of the scheme. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of stakeholder analysis in major health reforms. Early use of stakeholder analysis combined with an ongoing review and revision of NHIS policy proposals during stakeholder discussions would be an effective strategy for avoiding potential pitfalls and obstacles in policy implementation. Given the private sector’s influence on negotiations over health insurance design in Uganda, this paper also reviews the experience of two countries with similar stakeholder dynamics.
Solanum Pan-genetics Reveals Paralogues as Contingencies in Crop Engineering
(Nature, 2025-03-05) Mathias Benioit; Katherine M. Jenike; James W. Satterlee; Srividya Ramakrishnan; Lacopo Gentile; Anat Hendelman; Michael J. Passalacqua; Hamsini Suresh; Hagai Shohat; Gina M. Robitaille; Blaine Fitzgerald; Michael Alonge; Xingang Wang; Ryan Santos; Jia He; Shujun Ou; Hezi Golan; Yumi Green; Kerry Swartwood; Nicholas G. Karavolias; Gina P. Sierra; Andres Orejuela; Federico Roda; Sara Godwin; W. Richard McCombie; Elizabeth B. Kizito; Edeline Gangon; Sandra Knapp; Tiina E. Sarkinen; Amy Frary; Jesse Gills; Joyce Van Eck; Michael C. Schatz; Zachary B. Lippman
Pan-genomics and genome-editing technologies are revolutionizing breeding of global crops1,2 . A transformative opportunity lies in exchanging genotype-to-phenotype knowledge between major crops (that is, those cultivated globally) and indigenous crops (that is, those locally cultivated within a circumscribed area)3–5 to enhance our food system. However, species-specific genetic variants and their interactions with desirable natural or engineered mutations pose barriers to achieving predictable phenotypic effects, even between related crops6,7. Here, by establishing a pan-genome of the crop-rich genus Solanum8 and integrating functional genomics and pan-genetics, w that gene duplication and subsequent paralogue diversification are major obstacles to genotype-to-phenotype predictability. Despite broad conservation of gene macrosynteny among chromosome-scale references for 22 species, including 13 indigenous crops, thousands of gene duplications, particularly within key domestication gene families, exhibited dynamic trajectories in sequence, expression and function. By augmenting our pan-genome with African eggplant cultivars9 and applying quantitative genetics and genome editing, we dissected an intricate history of paralogue evolution affecting fruit size. The loss of a redundant paralogue of the classical fruit size regulator CLAVATA3 (CLV3) 10,11 was compensated by a lineage-specific tandem duplication. Subsequent pseudogenization of the derived copy, followed by a large cultivar-specific deletion, created a single fused CLV3 allele that modulates fruit organ number alongside an enzymatic gene controlling the same trait. Our findings demonstrate that paralogue diversifications over short timescales are underexplored contingencies in trait evolvability. Exposing and navigating these contingencies is crucial for translating genotype-to- notype relationships across species.
Digital Literacy and Socio-Cultural Acceptance of ICT in Developing Countries
(Springer, Cham, 2021-05-31) Emmanuel Eilu; Rehema Baguma; Soren John Petterson; Ganesh Bhutkar
This book discusses the role of human computer interaction (HCI) design in fostering digital literacy and promoting socio-cultural acceptance and usage of the latest ICT innovations in developing countries. The book presents techniques, theories, case studies, and methodologies in HCI design approaches that have been used to foster digital literacy, break the socio-cultural barriers to ICT adoption, and promote the widespread usage of the latest innovations in the health, agriculture, economic, education and social sectors in developing countries. The authors provide insights on how crossing disciplines in HCI such as usability design, user centered design, user experience, anticipated user experience, technology acceptance design, persuasive design, philosophical designs, motivational design, social-cultural oriented designs, and other HCI design approaches have promoted digital literacy and stimulated socio-cultural acceptance and the usage of the latest ICT innovations. The book is relevant in academic, industry and government. Presents theoretical, practical, and socio-cultural approaches to digital literacy challenges in developing countries; Discusses recent ICT and HCI innovations used to transform the health, agriculture, economic, education and social sectors in developing countries; Provides insights on design opportunities and challenges presented in countries where digital literacy is very low and with complex socio-cultural dynamics.
Rethinking ICT Adoption Theories in the Developing World: Information and Communication Technologies
(Springer, 2024) Emmanuel Eilu; John Sören Pettersson; Rehema Baguma; Ganesh Bhutkar
This book provides extended frameworks and models to help with the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries. The book first discusses the extent to which conventional ICT theories can be rigid in nature, often unable to handle the constant advances in technology, and technology adoption, implementation, usage, and disposal, not to mention different needs and cost availability in developing countries. The authors go on to show how new and revised models, tested in many societies in developing countries, can solve this mismatch. The authors provide examples of successful ICT adoption in developing country settings, in the areas of agriculture, culture, forestry, education, economics, health, and governance. The authors also show how techniques from persuasive design, philosophical designs, and motivational designs have been adjusted to facilitate successful ICT adoption, implementation, usage, and disposal in targeted regions. Keywords
Bridging Motivational Gaps: A Framework Tailored to Teacher Training Institutions in Eastern Uganda
(East African Journal of Education Studies, 2025-04-01) Margaret Sarah Nafuna; Joel Yawe Masagazi; David Andrew Omona
This study, entitled "Bridging Motivational Gaps: A Motivational Framework Tailored to Teacher Training Institutions in Eastern Uganda," explores the pressing issue of tutor motivation within Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in the region. The objective of this study is to ex-amine the motivational strategies employed in Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in Eastern Uganda and develop an integrated framework that aligns tutor needs with institutional objectives to enhance professional growth and tutor satisfaction. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study adopts a case study design, drawing on data collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Participants included tutors, principals, members of Boards of Governors, and Parent-Teacher Association representatives, whose diverse perspectives provided comprehensive insights into the motivational dynamics at play. The findings indicate that existing motivational strategies in TTIs are predominantly financial, such as allowances for supervision and school practice. However, tutors underscored the critical value of non-financial incentives, including recognition, leadership opportunities, and avenues for career development. The study underscores the need for a holistic approach to motivation, integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic factors alongside structured feedback mechanisms and enhanced institutional support. As an original contribution, this research introduces the Integrated Motivational Framework for Teacher Training Institutions (IMFTTI), a conceptual model aimed at aligning tutor needs with institutional objectives, fostering professional growth, and enhancing overall tutor satisfaction. The study recommends institutional adoption of the IMF-TTI framework to systematize balanced motivational strategies and address existing challenges, thereby advancing tutor performance and educational outcomes in Eastern Uganda. Directions for future research are also provided, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of motivation in educational contexts.
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.
Methodological Experiences and Important Graduate Tracer Study Results for Quality Enhancement at Uganda Christian University
(African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 2022-04-23) Egesah Omar; Betty A. Enyipu; Kiiza Sarah
University graduates are a useful resource that can provide important information about the programme they studied at the university. This information could be in the form of feedback and evaluation which the university could utilize in improving academic programmes as well as running future ones. One way to obtain and make use of such strategic information is through graduate tracer studies (GTS). The Uganda Christian University (UCU) recently conducted a GTS. The experiences of the researchers are shared in this paper. The Uganda Christian University GTS referred to here as UCUTRACE, was part of a wider training on University Graduates’ Tracer Study Course (UNITRACE 2.0) in East Africa (2015-2016). The training targeted university managers and academics to train in GTS processes in scientific and systematic ways, at universities in East Africa. Participants in the training were drawn from 10 public and private universities in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Each university provided two researchers who planned and conducted GTS at their institutions in sync with the training process, which had a series of four training workshops and two online mentorship sessions. The overall objective of the training was to develop skills for university managers, in order to be able to design, implement and analyse graduate tracer studies, as part of internal quality assurance systems. Further to this, pragmatically, each pair of researchers designed and conducted a GTS at respective universities,this paper presents experiences of the pair at UCU. The paper presents important selected results that UCU can use for quality enhancement of teaching-learning and service delivery. The objectives of this paper are:one, to describe the methodological experiences of conducting the first GTS at UCU; andtwo, to present selected results that attest to how GTS results can be utilised to enhance academic programmes African MultidisciplinaryJournal of Research (AMJR). Special Issue,January 2020. ISSN 2518-2986 (120-134) and learning environments at an East African university. The relevance of these results to quality enhancement will resonate with other East African universities that are affiliated to the inter university council for East Africa (IUCEA). Researchers developed and implemented a project action plan (PAP) that was used in guiding the process of conducting the GTS. A survey design with a target groupof graduates for the year 2012 was adopted. Representative employers of the graduates were also purposefully selected. Data (N=2031) was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) as descriptive statistics and reported in frequencies and percentages. Results show that the overall knowledge gained, relevancy of study materials, programme course content, quality of teaching and management was effective and efficient (mean=77.4%). However, weaknesses were reported regarding programmesoffered and employability of the graduates. Based on the findings, the surveyed graduates offered important feedback for curriculum relevance, identification of best pedagogical teaching and learning practices and enhancement of quality education.
An Assessment of Usability of Online Tax Return Services in Uganda and Its Influence on Tax Revenue
(AfriCHI '21: 3rd African Human-Computer Interaction Conference, 2021-03-08) Emmanuel Eilu; Walyawula Christopher; Reuben Soita
The introduction of various online tax return services in sub-Saharan Africa was meant to foster tax compliance and improve tax revenues for economic growth and development. However, there is evidence that these online tax services may not have improved tax returns as expected. In this paper, we set out to investigate how the usability factor of these online tax return services has affected the use of the services by the tax payer. This research undertook a pilot study in Uganda which is a typical Sub-Saharan African country. We majorly focused on the online tax return services provided by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). In order to assess the usability level of these services, the System Usability Scale (SUS) was used. Developed by John Brooke in 1986, the SUS is a simple, ten-item scale used to conduct usability assessments on a systems. Twenty two tax paying businesses within Central Business District of Mbale municipality in Uganda were selected for the study. The study found out that, out of the four online tax return services provided by URA at the time of the study, only 50 % of the online tax return services were utilized by the tax payers. Only 33% of the different electronic payment modes provided by URA are used. The findings also revealed that the SUS average score for URA's online tax return services was 53, and this means that the average usability score for the URA online tax return services was 16%. This signifies serious usability problems with the services. Based on the findings of this study, there is a high likelihood that poor usability of the online tax return services may have played a major role in the low tax revenues expected from the online tax return services in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa in general.

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