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Recent Submissions
The influence of diplomatic strategies on financing infrastructural development: a case of Entebbe International Airport
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-18) Mellisa Arinda Amanda
The study established the contribution of diplomatic strategies in financing infrastructural development; a case of Entebbe International Airport. It specifically focused on; establishing the influence of bilateral diplomacy on financing infrastructural development, examining the effect of multilateral diplomacy on financing infrastructural development and assessing the contribution of economic diplomacy on financing infrastructural development at Entebbe
International Airport. The study was carried out using a descriptive case study research design where mixed method research was employed. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and during data collection; both simple random and purposive sampling methods were used. A sample size of 52 respondents who are employees of Entebbe International Airport and interviews with 5 top management of Entebbe International Airport like the Airport Director and the Heads of Departments was used in the study. The study findings revealed that bilateral, multilateral, and economic diplomacy significantly influence the financing of infrastructural development at Entebbe International Airport by enhancing access to diverse funding sources, attracting concessional loans and private investment, improving coordination among funding partners, and providing critical technical support, thereby facilitating the implementation of major projects such as terminal modernization and cargo facility upgrades despite challenges such as funding conditionalities and procedural complexities. Finally, the study recommended the need for strengthening bilateral, multilateral, and economic diplomatic engagements to enhance access to sustainable and diversified financing for infrastructural development at Entebbe International Airport, alongside improving institutional coordination, investment promotion, and financial sustainability mechanisms. This is expected to increase funding inflows, attract private and foreign investment, improve efficiency in resource mobilization, and ensure long-term sustainable development of key airport infrastructure
projects.
The contribution of social media on students’ self-esteem: a case study of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-18) Mercy Namboozo
This study examines how social media use contributes to students' self-esteem at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono District. The quick development of social media sites like Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp has drastically changed how young people engage with one another, especially university students between the ages of 18 and 25. Although social media facilitates communication, academic collaboration, and information sharing, excessive and problematic use has been associated with psychological issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and subpar academic performance. The study utilizes a quantitative methodology approach to research. The Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) will be used in a cross-sectional survey in order to determine the relationship between social media utilization and self-esteem. Students' experiences like that of social comparison, cyberbullying, and other forms of online validation can be better captured using semi- structured interviews and focus groups. Teenage self-esteem and the overutilization of social media among students in UCU are predicted to be highly and inversely related especially in areas where there is problematic usage and social comparison. The project aims at providing empirical evidence to guide legislative and university authorities in coming up with appropriate strategies to foster healthy utilization of social media.
The long term consequences of emotional child neglect on child development: a case study of Lira City, West Division
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Elizabeth Marylyn Adong
The study examined the long-term consequences of emotional child neglect on child development; a case of West Division, Lira City. It specifically focused on; establishing the psychological consequences of emotional child neglect on child development and exploring the behavioral consequences of emotional child neglect on child development in Lira City. The study was carried out using a descriptive survey research design. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and during data collection; both simple random and purposive sampling methods were used. A sample size of 80 respondents who are children that have benefited from child development initiatives from the two NGOs which are Pure wish Foundation Uganda and Joy for Children Uganda and interviews with the key informants who are staff of these two NGOs was used in the study. However, the research findings have shown that emotional neglect of children in Lira has adverse long-term consequences on child development, which are seen in terms of psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, poor self-image, unstable emotions, and poor relationship skills, in addition to behavioral issues such as aggression, isolation, antisocial behavior, and difficulty in social interactions. It can be concluded from these results that, without appropriate interventions, such negative consequences could extend into adulthood and affect
their lives adversely. Finally, the study recommended the need for early psychosocial support, strengthened parenting programs, school-based social and behavioral interventions, effective child protection monitoring and referral systems, and community awareness initiatives to address and prevent the long-term psychological and behavioral effects of emotional child neglect on children’s development.
Life cycle costing adoption and application and the effectiveness of procurement in public entities
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Godwin Nomwesigwa
This study examined the influence of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) adoption and application on procurement effectiveness in public sector entities in Uganda, with specific reference to Mukono District Headquarters. The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the level of LCC adoption, to examine its influence on procurement effectiveness, and to identify challenges affecting its implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 23 procurement and finance professionals through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis with the aid of SPSS.
The findings revealed that Life Cycle Costing is partially adopted within public procurement processes, with greater emphasis placed on acquisition and operational costs, while maintenance and disposal costs receive comparatively less attention. A correlation analysis found a positive association between all LCC aspects and procurement effectiveness. Regression analysis revealed that acquisition cost was the strongest factor associated with the procurement process (β = 0.431), followed by disposal cost (β = 0.112). Operation cost had a moderate effect while maintenance cost was negatively associated (β = -0.055), showing deficiencies in maintenance management. Further findings reveal that implementation of LCC is crucial for enhancing cost efficiency, quality, and value for money, but its effects on procurement timeliness are minimal. Major barriers to adopting LCC include lack of adequate technical expertise, absence of accurate data, poor training, low-value procurement policy, and change resistance. The study concludes that while LCC has the potential to enhance procurement effectiveness, its application in public entities remains fragmented and inconsistent. It recommends strengthening institutional capacity, integrating LCC into procurement frameworks, enhancing data systems, and enforcing policy guidelines to support comprehensive lifecycle-based decision-making
The effects of contraceptive use among women of Katakwi District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Clare Aisu
Contraceptive use among women in Katakwi district was explored in the research. Both advantages and disadvantages of contraceptive use, focusing on how it affected maternal health, birth spacing, socioeconomic conditions and reproductive autonomy across were evaluated. During research, a cross-sectional study design was utilized, targeting women aged 15 to 49 years. Structured questionnaires and interviews were utilized during data collection. Contraceptive use notably decreased unintended pregnancies, enhanced child spacing, and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. [WHO,2023] according to the findings if the study. In Uganda, modern contraceptives use has been linked to better maternal health outcomes and greater economic stability, since it allowed more effective family size management. [UBOS AND ICF, 2022]. Women in Katakwi district who regularly used the contraceptives saw improvements in
their engagements in income generating activities and household decision making and this was revealed according to the findings of the study. Some participants however reported experiencing side effects like irregular bleeding, weight fluctuations, headaches, dizziness which contributed to higher discontinuation rates. Furthermore, cultural beliefs, partner resistance and misinformation were identified as obstacles to consistent contraceptive use [United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA, 2022]. In conclusion therefore, the study stated that; while contraceptive use provides significant health and socioeconomic advantages for women in Katakwi district, challenges such as side effects, insufficient male participation, and sociocultural obstacles remain. To improve contraceptive uptake and continuation, it's recommended to enhance community education, ensure better access to quality reproductive health services and encourages male involvement in family planning initiatives.
Effects of stigma on the mental health of people living with HIV/AIDS in Teso bar sub county, Lira district
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Jemimah Peace Ayuru
The study examined the effects of stigma on the mental health of people living with HIV/AIDS in Teso Bar sub county, Lira district. The study was guided by labeling theory by Howard Becker (1963). a descriptive case study design with mixed methods was used. Data were collected from 40 PLHIV using questionnaires and 10 key informants including health workers, social workers and community leaders using interview guides. Findings revealed that PLHIV experienced social stigma (avoidance, gossip), self-stigma (fear of disclosure, shame) and family stigma. Stigma contributed to serious mental health challenges including stress 72.5%, loneliness 70%, depression 67.5% and low self-esteem 63.3%. coping mechanisms used included prayer/faith 77.5%, counselling 70%, family support 65% and support groups 57.5%. The study concludes that stigma negatively affects mental health of PLHIV in Teso Bar. Recommendations include strengthening community awareness programs, enforcing anti-discrimination policies and enhancing counselling and support group
services.
The impact of digital accounting systems on the quality of financial reporting of small and medium enterprises in Uganda Kampala: a case study of selected businesses in Kampala Central
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Catherine Nakalema
The study examined the impact of digital accounting systems on the quality of financial reporting among small and medium enterprises in Kampala Uganda focusing on Automatic Transaction Recording (ATR), Automatic Financial Report Generation (AFRG) and Automatic Income and Expense Tracking (AIET). A descriptive research design and quantitative approach were adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires from 61 respondents representing a response rate of 76.25% The findings revealed that digital accounting systems significantly improve the quality of financial reporting. Specifically,63.9% of respondents agreed that ATR reduces manual errors in transactions, while 65.6% agreed that AFRG improves the timeliness and consistency of financial reports. In addition, 70.5%responds agreed that AIET improves the accuracy of income and expense monitoring among SMEs. The study concluded that digital accounting systems positively influence the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of financial reporting among SMEs. The study recommended the SMEs. The study recommended that SMEs should adopt affordable computerized accounting systems and strengthen staff training to improve financing reporting practices
The impact of training on employee performance: a case study of Aweki Investment Ltd in Lira City West Division
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-23) Job Isaac Okello
The study examined the impact of training practices on employee performance at Aweki Investments Ltd in Lira City West Division, Uganda. Employee performance still remains a strong determinant of organizational success and training has become an important strategy for improving the knowledge, and the skills of workers. Despite the efforts put in through various training initiatives, challenges related to employee performance continue to exist in many establishments and companies including Aweki Investments Ltd. The Kirk Patrick’s four levels training evaluation model guided this study, and it also adopted a descriptive survey research design. The data were collected from the employees of Aweki Investments Ltd using the structured questionnaires. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic techniques, including frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations to determine the relationship between training practices and employee performance. The research findings revealed that the training practices have a positive effect on the employee performance. The workshops were found to enhance employees’ technical skills and knowledge and their productivity. Let alone retreats contributed to teambuilding and employee engagement but its effect wasn’t seen as much significant on the overall staff performance. This study concluded that well-structured training programs, particularly workshops and mentorships serve a big role in enhancing the employee performance and recommends that Aweki Investments Ltd should strengthen its training and mentorship program and regularly assess training outcomes and allocate resources to more training and development initiatives for better employee perform
Exploring the drivers of school non-completion among vulnerable children in Bugujju, Mukono District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-07-14) Hornarus Jorem Ilakut
The theory behind this research is the Attachment Theory in which the emotional relationship between a child and caregiver affects the development, behaviour and social outcomes of a child. The theory was initially developed by John Bowlby in 1969, which explains the influence of the emotional relationship between a child and caregiver in affecting the development, behaviour and social outcomes of a child. Attachment theory assumes that children need to receive the same level of emotional support, protection and nurturing at the hands of the caregivers so that they will develop secure attachments that will result in psychological stability and healthy
development (Bowlby, 1988).
The role of mobile money in facilitating cross border trade and financial transactions among smalland medium enterprises: a case study Gulu City, Northern Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Maria Gorretty Agenorwot
The research explores the effectiveness of mobile money in promoting cross-border trade and financial interactions among the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Gulu City in Northern Uganda. Although mobile money has facilitated domestic financial interactions to a great extent, little is known about its efficiency in promoting international business in new regional hubs. It was intended to establish the effect of mobile money on international business activities as well as its challenges in doing so. The study adopted cross-sectional descriptive and analytical approach whereby 50 SMEs owners/managers involved in cross-border trade were identified and interviewed using semistructured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as correlation and regression methods to determine the relationship between mobile money and cross-border trade. It was established that mobile money contributes to the facilitation of cross-border trade through convenient payments, security and reduced use of cash. However, the full benefits of mobile money services are inhibited by high fees for cross-border transactions, lack of adequate digital skills by the service providers, unreliable internet connectivity in border areas as well as inconsistent regulations in different nations.Recommendations from this research indicate that both the government and financial regulators should align regional digital payments regulations so as to make transactions cheaper and easier. Additionally, there is a need for cooperation between financial firms and mobile operators in order to create customized services that raise transaction limits and foster consumer confidence. In regard to owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, the recommendation is to fully adopt digital bookkeeping practices.
Agency banking and financial performance of commercial banks: a case study of Stanbic Bank Mukono Branch, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Winnifred Atimango
The study aimed at establishing the impact of agency banking on the financial performance of commercial banks through the case study of Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, Mukono Branch. The study was driven by the following objectives: To establish the impact of network expansion of agency banking on financial performance; To determine the impact of transaction volumes on financial performance, and To establish the impact of operating costs of agency banking on
financial performance. The study adopted an explanatory research design that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study population consisted of 80 respondents drawn from the branch employees, agency bankers, and customers of Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, Mukono Branch. It was found that all the three variables of agency banking had significant effects on financial performance. The variable of network expansion had a high positive correlation with financial performance (r = 0.652, p < 0.01), which was mainly achieved through greater mobilization ofdeposits (mean = 4.35) and acquisition of customers in peri-urban and rural areas (mean = 4.40). Transaction volumes were found to be the best predictor because they showed the highest positive correlation (r = 0.711, p < 0.01) and highest standardized beta coefficient (β = 0.471, p <0.01). The participants strongly concurred that high transaction volumes result in high fee-based incomes (mean = 4.45) and increases in deposit growth (mean = 4.30). Conclusion: Agency banking significantly improves financial performance, but the most important determinant is transaction volumes, followed by network expansion. Although operational costs have negative effects on performance, they are strategic investments for sustainable development.
The effect of poverty on the elderly in Kichinjaji Ward, Soroti City
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-15) Ernest Omoit
This study examined the effect of poverty on the elderly in Kichinjaji ward, with focus on understanding its manifestations, underlying social economic factors and the coping strategies adopted by affected individuals. This study was informed by three specific objectives, which include to assess the effects and manifestations of poverty among the elderly, to identify the social economic factors that influence poverty, and to explore the coping mechanisms and support systems used among the elderly. The study used a mixed method of research design, which integrated both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The sample used in this study comprised 100 respondents, and the data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings revealed that poverty among the elderly in Kichinjaji ward was highly prevalent, with most of the respondents indicating low levels of income, food security, and access to healthcare services. The statistical results revealed that there was a strong negative relationship between poverty and wellbeing, with a correlation coefficient of r = -0.68, indicating that an increase in poverty levels significantly reduced the quality of life among the elderly. The regression results revealed that poverty was a significant predictor of wellbeing. The study concluded that poverty had a profound impact on the quality of life among the elderly, affecting their physical, social, and economic wellbeing. It recommended that social protection programs, access to healthcare services, and community support systems should be enhanced to improve the quality of life among the elderly.
The effect of logistics outsourcing on operational efficiency in Uganda's manufacturing sector: a case study of Nile Breweries Limited
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-14) Samuel Luanda Hangyi
This study examined the impact of logistics outsourcing on operational efficiency of manufacturing industry in Uganda, focusing on Nile Breweries Limited. Indeed, as Christopher (2016) notes, it is evident that logistics outsourcing will be significant for manufacturing firms in operational performance improvement, cost reduction, and supply chain responsiveness. The study considered the following: first, the review of logistics costs and delivery time in outsourcing; the second, the examination of views of the key respondents on outsourcing; and third, the evaluation of operational efficiency in outsourcing. In conducting the research, a case study using mixed methods of research, both quantitative and qualitative, was adopted. Data on logistics costs and delivery times were collected and analyzed for the period after outsourcing. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with selected key personnel drawn from Logistics/Supply chain, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Sales and Packaging. The population was 23 staff members, and the sample size of 22 respondents was arrived at using Yamane’s formula with 5% level of precision. The team conducted a pilot test to ascertain the appropriateness of the data collection instruments with expert review to ensure the reliability and content validity of the questionnaire. This study found that outsourced logistics reduce delivery times and result in cost savings for companies. However, it is less effective when conducted as a series of simple transactional agreements rather than a joint venture. According to Lambert and Cooper (2000), a jointure venture encourages communication and facilitates developing long-term relationships. Indeed, the respondents generally felt that they had experienced better on-time deliveries and lower costs. However, they also cited increased coordination complexity and service glitches. The interviews brought one central theme to light: outsourcing will only be effective when it is subject to a high level of managerial attention and continuous performance monitoring. The three-legged approach of managing partnerships well, building capacity, and monitoring performance has proven to be the key to the success of outsourcing. The lesson to be learned from these companies is that manufacturing organizations must form partnerships through collaborative outsourcing, with a close eye.
The effect of conflict on women and children in the slum areas of Rubaga Division, Kampala District, Uganda: Case study of Kasubi Mugema Zone
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-14) Marion Kwegondeza
The study investigated the Effect of Conflict on Women and Children in the Slum Areas of Rubaga Division, Kampala District, Uganda, using case study Kasubi-Mugema Zone.Its objectives were; to assess the socioeconomic effect of conflict on women and children, examine the psychological and emotional effect of conflict on women and children and explore the role of community support systems in mitigating the effect of conflict on women and children in Kasubi
Mugema Zone. Using case study design, data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, documentary reviews using a study sample of 108 of the respondents who actually participated in the study and data was analyzed using central tendency distribution through SPSS. The study findings revealed that: The findings show that conflict has significant socio-economic effect on women and children with a High Mean Average Rating of 4.40. The results show that conflict creates a profound psychological and emotional effect on women and children living in the Kasubi Mugema Zone. Average Mean Score of 4.27. The findings revealed that the community support systems play a moderately strong role mitigating the effect of conflict on women and children,
with an Average Mean Score of 3.77. The study recommends that; The study calls for socioeconomic interventions that will cater for the immediate requirements of the women and children and also help in restoring their livelihoods. The government and development organizations should focus on sustainable livelihood projects that will boost the earnings of the households headed by women. it is also imperative to incorporate mental health services and psychosocial interventions when designing strategies for helping the communities. There is a need to develop a system where counseling can be offered to the affected persons on a regular basis to help them cope with the psychological challenges and in order to improve the performance of community support systems in Kasubi-Mugema Zone, it is essential to foster better cooperation between main partners, including NGOs, CBOs, governmental institutions, religious organizations and local leaders putting the ecological theory into use.
The effects of modern family planning methods on the current population: a case study of Kamuda Sub-county, Soroti District
(Uganda Christian university, 2026-05-14) Olga Joy Lumumba
This study examined the effects of modern family planning methods on the current population in Kamuda Sub-County, Soroti District. The study aimed to assess the influence of family planning on population growth, maternal health, and socio-economic wellbeing. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected from 80 women aged 15–49 years in Aminit Parish using questionnaires and interview guides. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the analysis. The findings showed that modern family planning methods have helped reduce unplanned pregnancies, improve maternal health, and promote better child spacing. However, challenges such as limited awareness, cultural beliefs, and fear of side effects still affect their usage. The study concluded that family planning plays a key role in improving living standards and controlling population growth. It recommends increased sensitization and improved access to family planning services.
The effect of civil society peace building initiatives on community conflict resolution in northern Uganda: a case of Acholi religious leader peace initiative, Gulu District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-13) Doreck Okwarisiima
The study examined the effect of civil society peace building initiatives on community conflict resolution in Northern Uganda; a case of Acholi Religious Leader Peace Initiative (ARLPI). In this regard, the study focused on the following: determining the effect of dialogue facilitation on community conflict resolution in Gulu district, investigating the effect of reconciliation processes on community conflict resolution in Gulu district, and examining the effect of capacity-building programs on community conflict resolution in Gulu district. The study employed a descriptive survey research approach. Moreover, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were adopted. Furthermore, simple random and purposive sampling methods were used. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 212 respondents who are community members that have benefited from ARLPI peace building initiatives although 200 of them responded to the study. More so, interviews were used to collect data from the key informants who are the management and employees of this organization. It was found that the ARLPI peace-building efforts have made a significant contribution to conflict resolution in the Gulu district community through dialogue involvement,
reconciliation efforts, and capacity building activities. Dialogues improved communication, collaboration, and understanding among the community members, while the reconciliation efforts facilitated forgiveness, relationship restoration, and decreased hostility using traditional justice mechanisms and trauma healing interventions. Moreover, capacity building activities helped to improve the skills of conflict management, mediation, leadership, and conflict prevention among the community members. These peace-building efforts contributed to the enhancement of social cohesiveness, reduction of conflicts, and creation of sustainable peace in the community. The study suggests further improvement and expansion of dialogues, reconciliation efforts, trauma healing activities, and capacity building programs through active participation and continuous training. The study further recommends the need for increased financing and technical
assistance from the government and development partners for sustainable peace building and conflict resolution in Northern Uganda.
Exploring how middle east parental migration affect the social and emotional wellbeing of children aged 6-17 years of Ntinda Parish in Kampala, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-14) Sandra Chatelekela
This study explored how parental migration to the Middle East affects the social and emotional wellbeing of children left behind in the care of relatives or guardians in Ntinda Parish. The study was guided by three objectives, which are to explore the lived experiences of children left behind, to examine the effects of parental migration on their social well-being, and to assess its influence on their emotional experiences. The study was anchored in Attachment Theory and adopted a phenomenological qualitative research design. The study involved 15 children and 15 caretakers/guardians, all selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using interviews and analyzed thematically, with findings presented verbatim. The findings reveal that children left behind experience profound emotional disruption characterized by loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and feelings of abandonment, largely due to weakened parent–child attachment and irregular communication. Socially, parental migration affects children’s relationships, school participation, and peer interactions, often resulting in withdrawal, reduced confidence, and strained social adjustment. Furthermore, the findings reveal that while caregivers provide basic needs, they often fail to offer consistent emotional support and parental warmth. However, some children demonstrate resilience by adapting through peer support and coping strategies. Overall, the study concludes that parental migration extends beyond economic benefits to significantly reshaping children’s social relationships, emotional stability, and sense of belonging. The study recommends that migrant parents need to maintain consistent and meaningful communication with their children through regular phone or video calls that go beyond financial updates to include emotional support, active listening, and involvement in children’s daily lives and decisions, so as to strengthen attachment and reduce feelings of loneliness and insecurity. It further recommends that families and caregivers strengthen substitute caregiving arrangements by preparing and supporting caregivers before migration, while schools enhance counseling and psychosocial support services to help children manage emotional distress and improve social adjustment. In addition, government and child welfare stakeholders should develop and strengthen policies addressing the emotional and social effects of parental migration, including pre-departure training for migrant parents, expansion of community-based support systems, and child protection programs to promote resilience and safeguard the wellbeing of children left behind.
The effects of social media use on depression among the youth (15-29) in Munyonyo, Kampala District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-19) Tracy Atim Shifrah
This research investigated the Impact of Social Media Usage and Depression among aged 15 – 29 in Munyonyo, Kampala District, Uganda. A deductive positivist paradigm is adopted, structured questionnaires -Social Media Disorder Scale and the DASS- 21- (depression subscale) requiring quantitative data from 30 respondents, selected through the simple random method. It was found that 60% of respondents were female, 50% were between the ages of 20–24 and 60% of respondents were students. Social comparison was found to be the main reason for depression, with 76.7% of respondents agreeing that comparing their life to other people’s statuses, pictures, comments etc. made them feel insecure. Positive signs were that 83.3% of respondents used social media to keep in touch with friends and family and that they kept their use of social media to 2–3 hours per day (73.3%). Overall, the study finds that although social media is linked to depression through cyberbullying, accommodation to activities on social media and FOMO, behavioral interventions are definitely effective with the most highly recommended being that users should take regular holidays from social media and digital literacy should be introduced into schools.
Targeted interventions like digital literacy education, school-based mental health care and community sensitization should be promoted by the government in order to address the issue of social media depression among the young people of Uganda.
The impact of family social support on the well-being of older persons in Kauga Village, Mukono Municipality, Mukono District
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-18) Caleb Mugerwa Ssentongo
The study on “The Influence of Family Support on the Well-being of Older Persons in Kauga Village, Mukono Municipality in Mukono District” was applicable to social work practice since it provided essential insight into older people's everyday life within a specific local setting. The primary objective of this study was to create an in-depth understanding of how family social support promotes the well-being among old people residing in Kauga Village, Mukono District.
This study would contribute to academic and professional knowledge by providing academic scholarship for gerontology, social work, and community development especially for Uganda and East African context. This would be helpful for professional and student communities who would be interested to learn about inter-linkages among family care and aging. The study contributes to professional knowledge of gerontological social work, which sensitized practitioners to how family composition affects physical, emotional, and social health of aged persons in rural and peri-urban Ugandan communities. Moreover, the research guides policy and activism by recognizing gaps within informal care systems and proposing further mechanisms of support. The social workers were able to utilize the research to push for interventions at the community level, public sensitization of caregiving roles, and further government support to older people. Family support played a crucial part in maintaining and improving the physical health of older adults through various pathways. To maximize benefited and distorted harms, policy practice should actively support family caregivers integrate them into care systems and ensure formal services complement the family support and capacities to render help to the older persons. Further research should be done to redefine the casual understanding, identify the most effective types of family support and design equitable interventions.
Navigating institutionalized community-based monitoring and accountability forums: women's participation in Uganda’s Local Government Barazas
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-18) Catherine Mwebaza
This dissertation explores the involvement of women in Uganda Local Government Barazas- forums of the community that are aimed at facilitating citizen participation, social responsibility and deliberative democracy. Although there are legal pledges on gender equality, women are still participating in such forums in an unequal manner. This gap is filled by the study by a gender- specific study informed by three theoretical perspectives; Deliberative Democracy Theory, Principal-Agent Theory, and Emancipatory/Transformative Theory. Using a step-by-step explanatory mixed-method design, the study was carried out in Kalaki District. The survey questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and non- participant observation were used as data collection methods. Descriptive statistics were applied to the quantitative data, and the data of qualitative research were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results show that the attendance frequency and active involvement of women in Barazas is low. There are no inclusive mechanisms aimed at encouraging the participation of women or they are poorly executed. Women view the Barazas as being of little value, inclusion and effectiveness. The main obstacles are structural (e.g. time poverty, household duties), cultural (e.g. gendered expectations of public speech), logistical (e.g. distance, transport), and institutional (e.g. poor facilitation, no follow-up system) barriers. Enablers that are identified are mobilization networks, access to information and supportive facilitation. These findings are interpreted in the discussion in the light of intersecting inequalities and power dynamics and are compared to the literature on citizen engagement that is available. The paper concludes that existing Baraza practices are not as transformative as gender inclusion. Policy suggestions to policymakers, local governments, the Office of the Prime Minister, civil society, and development partners would be required to make the facilitation gender-sensitive, put up follow-ups, and build mobilization networks. Further studies should be conducted in the future to compare urban and rural districts, longitudinal examination of participation patterns, and other marginalized groups.