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ETHNOBOTANICAL PLANTS USED FOR MANAGEMENT OF MALARIA BY PEOPLE OF SERERE DISTRICT, EASTERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2026-10-26) AGORO, AGNES.
Malaria remains a significant public health burden worldwide despite the availability of control options recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023). WHO African Region accounted for 93.6% of global malaria cases and 95.4% of malaria deaths in 2022 (WHO, 2023), Uganda was one of the bigger contributors to the high number of cases. This high malaria burden coupled with Uganda’s widespread reliance on traditional healthcare (60%) (WHO, 2017), underscores the need to evaluate medicinal plants for management of malaria. This study therefore surveyed and documented plant species used for management of malaria as well as the antiplasmodial activity of extracts from some of the commonly used medicinal plants in Serere district. A cross-sectional survey (involving 362 participants) and a completely randomized experimental design (involving antiplasmodial in vitro tests) were used between January to June, 2025. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants. Later on, three species mostly cited were tested for some important phytochemicals and antiplasmodial activity. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 26.0. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also used to compare the mean percentage parasitaemia between the different extract treatments and the controls (negative and positive) at each time point. Dose response curve fitting using Graph pad Prism software was done to determine the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of the extracts.55 plant species were documented to be used for management of malaria, the most commonly used species were Zanthoxylum chalybeum (18.09%) followed by Dolichandra unguis-cati (12.29%) and Nauclea latifolia (8.85%). The concoctions were prepared by; cleaning the harvested part, pounding then boiling and majorly taken orally. In terms of phytochemicals, alkaloids, phenolics, tannins and coumarins were found in the roots of the three plant species analysed. Zanthoxylum chalybeum exhibited the most promising antiplasmodial activity (P value).This study has shown that many plant species are used for management of malaria in Serere district and have antiplasmodial potency. This calls for bioassay-guided fractionation of Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Dolichandra unguis-cati and N. latifolia, standardized preparation methods and further research studies on these plant species.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS AND POLICY INCENTIVES INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF BIO-GAS TECHNOLOGY IN GULU CITY
(Gulu University, 2026-05-02) ONEKA CHARLES
Social economic factors play crucial role in the adoption of bio-gas in any economy. This study investigated socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of bio-gas technology in Gulu city. The study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the adoption of biogas technology among households in Gulu City; to assess the benefits of biogas technology among households; to assess the factors affecting adoption of biogas technology among households in Gulu City; and to assess the moderating effect of policy intervention on the relationship between socio-economic factors and the adoption of biogas technology. The study used descriptive and cross-sectional research design with a mixed method approach of both quantitative and qualitative. Data was collected from a sample of 88 households using questionnaires and interview guides by employing simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Key study findings revealed high level of perception about the socio-economic benefits of bio-gas adoption; and low level of bio-gas adoption among households. The finding shows that economic and technological factors have significant effect on adoption of bio-gas technology, while social factors do not have any significant effect on adoption of bio-gas technology. From the study, policy incentives have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between socio-economic factors and bio-gas adoption. The study concluded that economic and technological factors are crucial for the adoption of biogas technology. The study recommends that measures aimed at improving bio-gas adoption should focus on economic and technological measures. The study also concludes that policy incentives should be integrated in to key technological and economic factors for increased adoption of biogas technology.
Debt Financing, Debt Management Behaviour, and the Growth Sustainability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Lira City
(Gulu University, 2026) Okello, Apollo.
Growth sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises depends on several interconnected factors; however, debt financing, debt management behaviour, and the effectiveness of these factors are influenced by the level of debt literacy among entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of debt financing and debt management behaviour on the growth sustainability of small and medium enterprises in Lira City, Uganda, while assessing the moderating role of debt literacy. The study was guided by trade-off theory, sustainable growth theory, the theory of planned behavior, and financial capability theory. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving a survey of 311 small and medium enterprises followed by semi-structured interviews to provide deeper explanations of the quantitative findings. The results revealed that loan characteristics, including loan size, interest rates, and repayment practices, significantly influenced enterprise growth sustainability. Debt management practices, particularly financial self-efficacy, budgeting discipline, and responsible repayment behaviour, also contributed to improved sustainability outcomes. The results further showed that debt literacy strengthened the relationship between debt management behaviour and enterprise growth sustainability, while its interaction with debt financing was influenced by prevailing lending conditions. Qualitative findings indicated that entrepreneurs experience challenges related to high borrowing costs, limited loan adequacy, short repayment periods, collateral requirements, and unclear loan charges, which affect borrowing decisions. The study recommends the development of SME financing products aligned with business cash flows, expansion of debt literacy and financial capability programmes, and stronger collaboration between financial institutions and SME support organizations to promote responsible borrowing and sustainable enterprise growth.
HISTORICISING THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON HISTORICAL SITES: A CASE OF NYERO ROCK PAINTING IN KUMI DISTRICT (1950 – 2023)
(Gulu University, 2026-07-28) OUMA EMMANUEL
This study historicised the effects of human activities on historical sites, a case study of Nyero Rock Painting in Kumi District, Eastern Uganda (1950 - 2023). The specific objectives of the study were: i) To explore the status of Nyero Rock Painting historical site by 1950, ii) To establish the current status of Nyero Rock Painting historical site, iii) To investigate the human activities that took place from 1950 to 2023 around Nyero Rock Painting historical site, and iv) To assess the effect of the human activities on Nyero Rock Painting historical site. The study used a qualitative approach with a historical-ethnographic research design combining ethnographic observations, oral history interviews, and historical surveys to explore the research questions of the study. Key findings indicate that historically, the site was a significant center of human settlement and activity, reinforced by existing oral histories, evidence of preserved animal and human bones, pottery, hunting tools, and grinding stones. The original paintings and inscriptions were clear, serving as communication, storytelling, or ritualistic expression. The current condition of the site is deteriorating, with fading paintings and damaged vegetation, and the site is currently used for academic tours, tourism, cultural/spiritual practices, recreation, grazing, and farming. Equally, these activities have had mixed effects. While some are positive, negative impacts include vandalism, habitat disruption, deforestation, and encroachment, all threatening the site’s preservation. The study concluded that while the site was historically important with clear visual expressions, its current condition is poor and threatened by human activities. Lastly, the study recommends implementing sustainable tourism strategies and increasing community engagement and education to enhance the site’s relevance and promote its preservation. The study contributes new knowledge by integrating oral histories and local narratives into the conservation discourse, providing a long-term historical perspective on human-site interactions, and offering evidence-based recommendations grounded in community experiences.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY (HSS) PRACTCES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN SELLECTED HOTELS IN GULU CITY
(Gulu University, 2026-10-25) Bongomin, Simon Kinyera
Employee performance has been a perennial global problem, the reason why the human resource department is pivotal in the success of any organisation. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between occupational health, safety and security practices and employee performance in hotels in Gulu City. The specific objectives were about establishing the occupational health, safety and security practices in hotels in Gulu City; assessing the level of employee performance in the hotels; and establish the relationship the two variables. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Out of the hotels that offer restaurant, accommodation, laundry services, four were sampled randomly and they included Acholi Inn Hotel, Boma Hotel Limited, Flight View Hotel and Hotel Kakanyero. The study population comprised of directors, managers, supervisors, front desk staff, accounts department staff, staff of customer care department, those of the laundry and sanitation department, housekeeping employees, and food and beverage staff. questionnaire, interview and document review methods were employed in collecting data. conducted both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. This study explores the relationship between occupational health, safety, and security (HSS) practices and employee performance in the hotel industry in Gulu City, Uganda. In the dynamic and often demanding hospitality sector,ensuring employee well-being through effective HSS practices is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of organizational success. The research investigates how workplace safety policies, health initiatives, and security measures influence employee morale, productivity, and overall performance. Drawing on data collected from hotel employees and management across various hotel categories in Gulu City, the study reveals that comprehensive HSS practices contribute significantly to reduced workplace accidents, improved job satisfaction, and enhanced employee commitment. However, challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and inconsistent enforcement of safety standards were also identified as barriers to optimal HSS implementation. The findings underscore the need for hotel management and policymakers to prioritize structured and continuous investment in occupational health and safety systems to promote a safer work environment and boost employee output. Ultimately, the study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable workforce management in Uganda’s emerging hospitality sector, emphasizing that a safe and secure working environment is not just a legal requirement but a strategic asset for improving employee performance. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concludes that effective occupational health, safety, and security practices positively influence employee performance in hotels in Gulu City by improving staff well-being, job satisfaction, productivity, and commitment. It recommends that hotel management invest in regular staff training, adequate safety equipment, clear workplace safety policies, and consistent enforcement of health and security standards. Additionally, policymakers should strengthen monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure hotels maintain safe working environments. These measures will enhance employee performance, reduce workplace accidents, and promote sustainable growth in Gulu City’s hospitality industry.