Browsing by Author "Okello Simon"

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    Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Treatment-Seeking Behaviour in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic in Gulu City, Northern Uganda
    (EANSO, 2025-11-21) Alidri Agatha; Uramba Kayen Emily; Anicia Filda; Apio Winnie; Ochen Patrick; Kabwijamu Patrick; Okello Simon; Giramiya Esther; Musaasizi Richard; Tumanye Samson; Awor Susan; Nyamungu Proscovia
    Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown from March 2020 to 2022 had massive effects on adolescent and youth reproductive health treatment-seeking behaviour in Acholi Sub-Region in Northern Uganda. Sexual Reproductive Health and STIs-related treatment-seeking was examined among adolescents and youth attending a public Sexual Reproductive Health clinic in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and Reproductive Health-Uganda facility in Gulu City. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, the study explored adolescent and youth knowledge, practice, and perspective on reproductive health treatment seeking, and why they make the choices they make. It delves into non-statistical data like texts, interviews, observations, and images to uncover rich insights, perceptions, meanings, and patterns in the SRH of young persons. Findings: Treatment-seeking was perceived as the action of searching for help for SRH problems from informal or formal sources. More women than men sought care in the government sector. Similarly, more women than men went to the informal health sector, mostly to traditional healers. Young persons confided in their peers and shunned seeking treatment from government hospitals due to stigma. Conclusion: The response of young people to STI infections and treatment-seeking behaviour was never predictable. Social cultural stereotypes, misinformation, and lack of access to information on SRH and STIs continue to exist. Most adolescents and youth continue to seek self medication. Recommendations: The study recommends strengthening community-based services, integration of technology to provide confidential information and remote consultations, developing crisis-reproductive health systems, and a more targeted public education campaign.
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    Climate Refugees and Forced Migrations: Emerging Refugee Question in Lamwo District in Northern Uganda
    (EANSO, 2026-07-27) Alidri Agatha; Lalam Nancy Susan; Okello Simon; Ochen Patrick; Reynolds White Susan
    Introduction: This study examined the impacts of the February–May 2024 heatwave in South Sudan, highlighting the migration of climate refugees to the Palabek Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Methodology: It was based on a historical design and a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observation as the data collection methods. Key findings: Climate refugees (or climate-induced displaced persons) as individuals or groups forced to cross international borders due to the severe and escalating impacts of climate change. Extreme weather and worsening living conditions in regions like Juba, Magwii County, and Torit displaced ethnic groups such as the Nuer, Acholi, and Lango, exposing vulnerabilities tied to food insecurity, poverty, and political instability. The influx of refugees has strained Palabek’s social services, worsened environmental degradation, and fueled inter-tribal conflicts. Overcrowding in schools and inadequate infrastructure threaten education quality, while social tensions underline the need for culturally sensitive interventions and conflict-resolution strategies. Key entry points, such as the Nimule-Atiak-Gulu-Lokung route, facilitate multigenerational migration flows. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study advocates for regional policies addressing climate-induced migration through investments in environmental sustainability, education, and psychosocial support. The study believes effective management requires collaboration between governments, international organisations, and refugee-host communities to build resilience and address these multifaceted challenges.
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    Ruins and Memory of Lotuturu Hill in Lamwo District: Tracing Idi Amin’s Presence in Local Narratives and Landscapes in Northern Uganda
    (EANSO, 2026-02-24) Alidri Agatha; Okello Simon; Laker Angioleta Katya
    This research investigates the historical significance and contemporary memory of Lotuturu Hill in Lamwo District, Northern Uganda, by examining how its physical ruins and local oral narratives represent “past politics” and contribute to 21st-century nation-building. Historically utilised as a strategic British rest camp and later transformed by Idi Amin into a high-altitude “jungle paradise” for top-secret governance, the site is currently characterised by skeletal structures that embody a complex duality of colonial defence and post-colonial surveillance. Utilising historical accounts, digital archival and secondary data review as the methodology, the study aimed to bridge the gap between official history and local memory, including colonial legends of King George VI’s wartime hideout. Findings reveal a dual legacy: the "Birmingham of Uganda" hideout for the British Royal Family during World War II and a "jungle paradise" where Idi Amin convened top-secret meetings. The study concludes that while Lotuturu remains a powerful symbol of identity for the Acholi people, it is suffering from profound environmental decay and institutional neglect. Thus, the paper argues for the urgent documentation of these narratives and the rehabilitation of the site’s infrastructure to unlock its potential for cultural tourism and historical education, preventing the permanent erasure of this vital landscape from Uganda's national heritage.
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    The Silent Impact of Pandemic:
    (EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025-10-20) Alidri,Agath; Kayeny,Emily Uramba; Anicia,Filda; Apio,Winnie; Ochen,Patrick; Kabwijamu,Patrick; Okello Simon; Nyamungu,Proscovia; Giramiya,Esther; Musaasizi Richard; Tumanye Samson; Awor, Susan; Atube, Francis; Okumu,Charles
    From a gender perspective, this study investigated the consequences of COVID-19 on adolescent and youth reproductive health in Acholi Sub-region, Northern Uganda. The study aimed to: i) analyse the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescent and youth reproductive health and gender relations, ii)explore treatment-seeking behaviours among adolescents and youth, iii) equip health workers with skills to address reproductive health challenges, and iv) enhance their capacity to conduct gender-sensitive research during crises. A qualitative approach and longitudinal design was used, employing one-on-one interviews, community engagement sessions, radio talk shows, and observations. The study involved participants from Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Reproductive Health Uganda, outreach programs, and urban neighbourhoods, including adolescents, youth, health workers, and key informants. It was conducted across Gulu City, Gulu District, Obongi District, and Adjumani District, encompassing 34 schools, the Northern Uganda Youth Development Centre, Gulu Juvenile Prison, and Gulu University. Findings indicated a significant increase in gender-specific challenges, including a rise in teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, early marriages, and crossgenerational sexual relationships. Male adolescents faced psychological stressdue to unemployment and the inability to fulfil societal expectations, while female adolescents disproportionately experienced reproductive health risks. The study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Ugandan youth's reproductive health, with adolescent females experiencing more disempowerment and risky behaviours. The study recommends implementation of targeted and gender-sensitive interventions, strengthening collaboration among health workers, adolescents, youth groups and community leaders, promotion of mental health empowerment programs, as well as continued strengthening of health system responsiveness to youth needs
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    Unpacking the Concept “Green Charcoal,” A Cooking Fuel Innovation: The Gulu University Interdisciplinary Experience
    (EANSO, 2025-08-04) Alidri Agatha; Atube Francis; Okello Simon; Aoyo Christine; Ringitho Robert; Okello Collins; Okumu Charles
    Introduction: This paper reviews the concept of "Green Charcoal," drawing extensively on lessons learned from the UPCHAIN project implemented at Gulu University. Methodology: Based on research conducted by Work Package Two of the UPCHAIN project, complemented by a comprehensive literature review, this study examines the definitional ambiguities, practical challenges, and socio-environmental considerations inherent in developing sustainable charcoal alternatives within the unique context of Northern Uganda. Key results: The study defines Green charcoal as a clean, eco-friendly solid biofuel produced through the carbonisation or densification of biodegradable, carbon-rich organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and household waste using efficient, often mechanised, briquetting technologies. Historically, firewood and traditional charcoal have been the primary cooking fuels in the region, valued for their affordability and accessibility. Green charcoal is now emerging as a promising, sustainable alternative, marking a potential shift in the energy landscape. Households across both rural and urban settings commonly employ a combination of cooking fuels. There are vast definitions for green charcoal, coupled with acceptances and rejections. Conclusion: Most households in the region still depend on firewood and traditional charcoal because they are affordable and easy to get. Challenges in access and distribution, coupled with fierce competition from the informal traditional charcoal sector, complicate the widespread acceptance of green charcoal. Green charcoal has been embraced because of its environmental benefits (less deforestation), health advantages (less smoke), economic potential, and the availability of local raw materials. However, it's often rejected due to higher initial costs, being harder to light, producing more ash, not fitting traditional cooking methods, and inconsistent quality. Recommendations: Addressing affordability and accessibility gaps, integrate green charcoal with existing cultural norms and practices, integrating green charcoal with existing cultural norms and practices, and enhancing perceived value and usability.