Gulu University Digital Repository (GU-IR)
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Engaging in a Movement of Cognitive Justice at the Gulu University K4C Hub, Uganda
(Brill, 2023-01-01) Monk, David; Aber, Gloria; Lamwaka, Alice Veronica; Odoch, Martin; Openjuru, George
In this case study, the Gulu University Knowledge for Change Hub located in Northern Uganda reflects on the possibilities of knowledge pluralism, relationships and power in the work done by the hub, and shares some lessons that were learnt from engaging in a movement of cognitive justice. The research for this case was conducted using a collaborative community-based approach that included active participation of all hub members in the formulation of research questions, data collection, and analysis. In this type of approach, the documentation of the process and dissemination activities becomes part of the data collected, which is then used to inform future direction and activities for the hub. The research therefore fits into the reflexive and ongoing process of the hub, and is useful for improving the praxis and goals to further knowledge democracy and solve local problems through community-based research.
Shifting Informal Geographies and the Hustle for a Better Future
(Routledge, 2024) Monk, David; Openjuru, George
Based on three years of empirical research in Uganda and South Africa, this chapter explores youth survival strategies and informal learning economies. The authors argue for learning programs that recognize solidarity, cooperation, and care embedded in the 'hustle' rather than rigid formal interventions.
Social Ecosystem for Skills Research: Inclusivity, Relationality and Informality
(Bristol University Press, 2023) Metelerkamp, Luke; Monk, David
Eighty per cent of Africans work in the informal economy. This chapter considers the highly informal, unregulated and often marginalized contexts that form the majority experience of living, working and learning. Situating the praxis of horizontal learning within these very normal contexts of informality demands renewed analysis into the questions of how horizontal learning is facilitated, by whom, with what resources, and why. This is explored through two empirical case studies offering distinct lenses on the informal sector. In Gulu, the current dynamics of learning and inclusion among informal traders and community initiatives are considered. In Alice, South Africa, the chapter reflects on efforts by formal institutions to support expansive informal learning through food-growing initiatives.
Disability and Displacement: The Unmet Needs of Refugee Children in Vocational Education and Training
(Routledge, 2025) Monk, David; Madziva, Roda; Awidi, Salome; Desire, Aine Byoona; Openjuru, George
This chapter examines the unmet education needs of refugees with disabilities in accessing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Using research conducted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, it focuses on education experiences of refugees in Uganda to highlight the significant lack of provision in policy and practice. This situation is particularly alarming in the context of limited education and training opportunities and low school attendance in primary school despite increasing TVET policy and development interventions. The chapter uses critical capabilities theory and lifelong to reinforce the dual need to address the compounded barriers faced by refugees with disabilities in TVET and the need to develop learning pathways and educational transitions that support their life goals. In this narrative, we argue that the refugee policy has inherent structural limitations that limit education transition. We propose practical policy adaptations that promote inclusion and lifelong learning.
Drought Severity and it's implications on water resources in the Aswa River Basin
(Gulu University, 2026) Abalo Solome
This study aimed to determine drought severity for the historical period using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) ; to predict drought severity for the future periods up to the year 2100 using climate models and downscaled data for the River Aswa Basin ; and to establish a quantitative relationship between drought severity and water resources in the basin using hydrological modeling and statistical analysis. The study area was the Aswa River Basin, covering 15 districts in Central North Eastern Uganda. The catchment , spanning approximately 25,443km², is situated between 32.2° E to 34.25 ° E and 2.05° N to 3.8° N.The study revealed frequent and spatially variable drought occurrences, with Abim and Kotido having the highest severe drought frequency at 35% and 30% respectively.Gulu (73%) ,Amuria (72%) and Kitgum (66%) experienced mainly moderate droughts while extreme drought events were most frequent in Lira (18%) ,followed by Amuria 12% ,kitgum (12%) and Kotido (7%). The findings underscore persistent water stress in semi- arid northeastern areas, threatening agricultural productivity and the reliability of water resources. The study further established a significant relationship between short-term to medium- term precipitation anomalies ( SPI-3 and SPI- 6) and streamflow in the basin is highly sensitive to seasonal rainfall, emphasizing the need for sub-annual monitoring of water resource variability and drought forcasting.Future projections under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios indicate increasing drought severity, frequency, and duration, particularly in Kitgum and Lira.Gulu and Abim showed relatively lower vulnerability. These projections highlight the urgency for localized climate adaptation, strategies to mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change on water security and livelihoods in northern Uganda's River Aswa Basin. The study recommends that authorities integrate SPI-3 and SPI -6 into early warning systems,invest in in- situ water resources monitoring infrastructure, and adopt location-specific adaptation strategies.Promote drought- resilient agriculture, small- scale water storage, abd enforce sustainable water use.Climate risk assessments must guide planning.Strengthen institutional and technical capacities, improve monitoring and collection of local climate data, and engage in regional cooperation to manage shared water resources and reduce the risk of lower water resources - related conflicts.