Gulu University Digital Repository (GU-IR)
GU-IR preserves research output from the Gulu University community
Communities in GU-IR
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Evaluating the Work Environment in Schools
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025-11-19) Olaa, James; Lamaro, Gloria
This study was on the work environment in schools in Kitgum District. The objective was to establish the relationship between the work environment and teachers’ performance in secondary schools in Kitgum District. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey design; data was collected using an interview guide, document analysis and observation from 171 respondents. Interview data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, data from document analysis and observation were analysed narratively, and descriptive statistics analysis was used to determine the level of teachers’ performance and work environment in secondary schools. The findings were presented in the form of tables and narratives from interviews. The findings revealed a positive perception of the school administrators' efforts in managing the work environment. Areas for improvement include addressing challenges related to social behaviors ,instilling institutional values and providing adequate facilities. Thus, the study recommended for provision of training for school leaders to enhance their leadership skills, ensuring a more positive perception among students. Development of targeted interventions to address challenges such as poor working conditions, job insecurity and negative social behaviors.
School Management Committee’s Participation and Effectiveness of School Management in Primary Schools
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025-11-19) Lamaro, Gloria; Lukwiya, Jimmy
This study investigates the relationship between School Management Committee (SMC) participation and the effectiveness of school management in primary
schools within Gulu District, Uganda. The challenge of improving parental involvement at the basic educational level is pivotal for enhancing educational
outcomes. The objective was to establish the correlation between SMC participation and school management effectiveness. Employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, direct observation, and documentary analysis, the study sampled 352 participants.
Data analysis, using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, reveals a significant positive correlation between SMC participation and school management effectiveness. Recommendations include developing enhanced management strategies and exploring additional variables like gender, political situation, and religion.
Exploiting the unique interaction characteristics of Neutrons for improved Cancer Therapy: A radiobiological Perspective
(Elsevier, 2024-01-01) Kiragga, Festo
Fast neutrons have sufficient energy to liberate recoil protons, alpha particles, and other products when they interact with the nuclei of the target material through scattering and absorption processes. Physical interactions with biological tissues occur mainly with hydrogen nuclei and as the protons interact with the hydrogen in tissues, they create dense ionization chains along their tracks thus depositing energy. Fast neutron therapy was pioneered by Robert Stone in 1938 a few years after the discovery of the neutron. Its main advantage is the limited sensitivity to hypoxia and treatment of slow-growing tumors hence better local control. This is where photon therapy has yet to have much success. Energy deposition by fast neutrons in living tissues is higher than in conventional radiotherapy using mega voltage (MV) photon beams. This higher energy deposition gives fast neutrons a higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in dealing with certain tumors. Fast neutrons also have a higher linear energy transfer (LET) and can reach deep-sited tumors better than photon therapy. The main challenge with Fast neutron therapy has been extreme toxicity in late-reacting tissues. Overall, fast neutron therapy holds potential for the treatment of certain tumors by leveraging the unique interaction characteristics of fast neutrons with biological tissues. This review therefore intends to bring this uniqueness to light to enhance the understanding of the radiobiological properties of fast neutrons and the advantages associated with its therapy
Human–Wildlife Conflict and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Analysis from Northern Uganda
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2026-04-07) Aloyo, J. Innocent; Laloyo , A .Stella
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) remains a major barrier to sustainable development in conservation-adjacent landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa, where frequent wildlife incursions threaten livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion. In northern Uganda, communities in Lii Subcounty, Nwoya District, face repeated crop destruction, livestock predation, and human injuries, creating complex socioeconomic, environmental, and governance challenges. This study examines the multidimensional impacts of HWC on household livelihoods using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to capture the interplay of economic, human, social, natural, and physical capital. Methodology: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining 126 household surveys, 6 key informant interviews, and 5 focus group discussions involving 40 participants. Quantitative data measured the scale of economic losses, food insecurity, and livelihood disruptions, while qualitative narratives provided insights into lived experiences, coping strategies, and social dynamics of HWC. Findings: Findings indicate that HWC constitutes a multidimensional shock undermining all five livelihood capitals. Economically, households reported annual losses averaging UGX 5,823,636, with over 57.7% experiencing severe food insecurity. Human capital is diminished through injuries, fatigue, and psychological distress associated with constant farm protection. Women and children bear a disproportionate burden, facing increased labour demands, heightened exposure to risks, and rising incidences of gender-based violence. Social cohesion is eroded by fear, mistrust, and reduced cooperation, while educational outcomes are disrupted as children miss school to guard crops or due to insecurity. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concludes that unresolved HWC represents a multidimensional development and governance crisis that undermines progress toward SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), and 15 (Life on Land). Policy recommendations emphasise integrated, participatory, and gender-responsive strategies: strengthening community-based wildlife management, establishing early warning systems, implementing compensation or insurance schemes for livelihood losses, and aligning conservation policy with local development priorities through adaptive co-management frameworks. These measures are essential to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable human–wildlife coexistence, ensuring that both conservation objectives and community livelihoods are supported in the long term.
Establishment of Computed Tomography Diagnostic Reference Levels on Paediatric Patients in Uganda
(NSP: Natural Sciences Publishing Cor., 2021-09-01) Ayugi G 1,*, B. Oruru 1, F. Kiragga 2, H. Kisembo 3 and H. Kyagulanyi 1.
Paediatric dosimetry in radiation protection when compared with adults is based on radiation sensitivity of children to radiation. Children are known to be at a higher risk of developing radiation-induced cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the radiation doses to paediatric patients during computed tomography procedures (CT) so that a diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) could be proposed. DRLs are useful in high dose examinations such as CT to achieve collective dose reduction. Information about patients, protocol and CT system for 684 patients were recorded during 2019 and 2020 from five CT scanners. The dose was determined in four age groups: 0-1 year, 1-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10-15 years for the head, chest and abdomen protocols. The 75th percentile of CTDIvol and DLP were considered as DRLs and compared with IAEC and Japan DRLs. CT dosimetry software Impact CT patient dosimetry calculator, version 1.0.4 with National Radiation Protection Board SR250 data set, was used to validate and compare scanner generated dose values. DRLs are proposed using CTDIvol (mGy) and DLP (mGy cm). The mean DRL of 43.6 and 922 for the head, 3.0 and 258 for the Chest and 3.1 and 292.5 for the abdomen were established during the study. There was high deviation in head CT doses compared to the reported DRLs in IAEC and Japan. The established DRLs for head were higher than those available in other countries. This study showed the need for harmonization of radiation dose optimization of this protocol.