Faculty of Education and Humanities

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A critical analysis of western environmental knowledge as a neocolonial strategy: The case of Uganda
(Agricultural and Environmental Education, 2025-06-28) Tina Aciro; Agatha Alidri; Expedito Nuwategeka; Wilfred Lajul,
To curb environmental challenges effectively, Western environmental knowledge has been adopted besides indigenous environmental knowledge system in Africa. However, the dualistic nature of knowledge integration, this paper notes, is tinted by unfair powerrelations where indigenous knowledge is masked by neo-colonialtenets of the West. Neo-colonialism, as argued in this paper, is the attempt of the Western societies to impose their knowledge system to micro-manage the environmental and other affairs in Africa, taking a case study of Uganda. Our central inquiry is why Africa is gradually deviating from indigenous knowledge systems in preference of Western environmental knowledge. Using a critical analytical survey method, this paper argues that there is environmental knowledge neo-colonialism in Africa today characterized by Western identity construction, language dominance, cross-cultural cloning, undermining of indigenous education patterns, academic division of labor, education as an investment, top-down distribution of knowledge, and improper contextualization of knowledge construction and application. This appeals for Africanized production of knowledge to suit the continent’s environmental needs and achieve African epistemic autonomy.
A CRITICAL STUDY OF SYMBOLISM IN LANGO ORAL NARRATIVES
(Gulu University, 2025) ACEN REBECCA ELYAK
The study examined the use of symbolism in Lango oral narratives. Symbolism is an important aspect of oral literature as it enhances the cohesion and meaningfulness of a text. The study sought to document the sub-genres of the oral narratives among the Lango; explain how symbolism is used in the selected oral narratives and examine the roles played by symbolism in the selected oral narratives in preserving Lango culture. The study was grounded in the theory of Structuralism advanced by De Saussure (1916). The case study design was used, guided by the descriptive design and qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants of the study (in Lira City). The study used interviews, observation and recording as methods of data collection. Data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis techniques. The study revealed three sub-genres of Lango oral narratives: the myth, legend and folktale. Furthermore, plot development, entertainment, thematic development, etc., were analyzed to explore the role of symbolism in the Lango oral narratives. The study also revealed that symbolism has preserved Lango culture by way of preserving historical and cultural knowledge, Lango’s art and creativity, and the language itself. The study recommends that a digital archive should be established to preserve and protect Lango oral narratives by including transcriptions, translations, and audio-visual recordings, with collaboration from technology experts, cultural historians, and the local community. The study also recommends further study on the role of symbolism in other genres of Lango oral literature and their roles in preserving Lango culture.
A Synthesis of Determinants of Urban Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Springer, 2019) Oriangi,George
Urban resilience to natural and human-induced shocks and stresses has become an important issue in the contemporary world. Several reviews exist on urban resilience, but limited attempts have been made to critically review studies that shed light on determinants of urban resilience in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study synthesizes both peer-reviewed and grey literature on the determinants of urban resilience to natural and human-induced shocks and stresses in SSA. A considerable number of studies that shed some light on the determinants of urban resilience in SSA have been conducted since the year 2000, but limited attempts have been made to synthesize and integrate them into the pool of knowledge. In this study, the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol was followed. Findings indicate that urban resilience in SSA is understood, firstly, as a social and organizational construct and, secondly, as a social, organizational, and ecological construct. The most reported determinants of resilience in cities of SSA are access to basic services, social networks, employment, ownership of productive assets, involvement in none-agricultural activities, building flood retention facilities, and environmental preservation. In conclusion, necessity exists to conduct more studies in secondary cities in SSA while considering the social, institutional, economic, and ecological aspects of resilience so as to understand the multidimensional, location-specific dynamics of the determinants of resilience, given the growing role that secondary cities will play in the strong urban growth trajectories projected over the next decades.
Adaptive Sports and Enrolment of Learners with Disabilities in the Government aided Primary Schools in Uganda: A Case Study of Aswa County , Gulu District- Uganda
(Gulu University, 2024-09) Ojara Sunday , Braxton
According to Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy (1998), all categories of learners should be enrolled, retained and empowered to complete primary education cycle. Despite the fact that access to education in Uganda has significantly improved over the years, enrolment of learners with disabilities has not been impressive according to National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (2018). Objectives: The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of adaptive sports on the enrolment of learners with disabilities in the selected grant aided Primary Schools in Aswa County, Gulu District with the view to improve the enrolment of learners with disabilities in schools. The specific objectives were to investigate die prevalence of adaptive sports interventions for learners with disabilities in Government-aided Primary Schools, establish the rate of enrollment of learners with disabilities in Government aided Primary Schools and to find out the relationship between adaptive sports interventions and enrollment of learners with disabilities in Government aided Primary Schools in Aswa eo.ilty, Oulu District Methodology: The study utilized a cross-sectional study design and comprised of 176 respondents fiom the four Sub-Counties of Gulu District. Data collection was by use o f questionnaires, interviews and documents analysis. Simple random sampling technique, purposive sampling and proportionate sampling were used to obtain the participants. Results: The findings showed that that the influence of adaptive sports interventions and enrolment of learners with disabilities exists but it's not very significant, meaning that there are other factors that influence the enrolment of learners with disabilities other than adaptive sports interventions. Recommendations: The government through the teachers" service commission needs to organize regular triaining programs for all the Head teachers and teachers. Improvement of infrastructure to help the children with disabilities to use these facilitiesnExpansion of adaptive sports by District Local Government to more primary schools in the district, regular refresher courses for teachers, increases the number of teachers, their remunerations, and massive sensitization of the parents and the community. Allocation of enough resources and adequate time for adaptive sports in schools. Suggestion for area of further research Other researchers need to carry out further research to establish the significant factors that influence enrolment of learners with disabilities in combination with adaptive sports.
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.
Aflatoxicological Risk of Home-Made Complementary Food Formulae And Caregivers’ Competency for Mitigation: the Case of Amuru and Nwoya Districts, Uganda
(Gulu University, 2025) Achiro Eunice
ABSTRACT The safety of home-made complementary foods is one of the critical factors that impact negatively on nutrition outcomes among children in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries including Uganda. This study examined the aflatoxicological safety of a home-made Malted Millet Sesame Soy composite (MMSSC) complementary food and caregiver’s competency for mitigation in Acholi sub-region of Uganda. Specifically, the study: (i) examined along the processing points of the MMSSC across wet and dry season, the prevalence of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species, aflatoxin contamination, and exposure of children to aflatoxin; and (ii) cross-sectionally assessed caregivers’ food safety knowledge (FSK), attitude (FSA), and hygiene practices (FHP) and influence of caregivers’ competence on contamination levels. Descriptive statistics and multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyze quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Pearson Chi-square was used to compare the prevalence of Aspergillus species and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s post-ANOVA test for mean comparison of aflatoxin concentrations. The t-test was used to assess differences in means and pair-wise correlation analysis to test for the significance of the correlation. Overall prevalence of Aspergillus species was low (7.3%) but was highest in the wet than dry season by 39 %. All raw materials and processed products (100 %) had detectable levels of total aflatoxin (TAF: 0.578μgkg-1 - 1.187μgkg-1) and aflatoxin B1(AFB1: 0.221μgkg-1- 0.649μgkg-1 ) irrespective of the processing point, and in all cases, contamination was below the European Commission (EC) maximum tolerable levels for TAF (0.4 μgkg-1) and AFB1 ( 0.1μgkg-1). The average exposure of children (15.7 ± 12.6 ngkg-1bwday-1) was much higher than the Provisional Maximum Tolerable Dietary Intake for aflatoxin (0.4ngkg-1 bwday-1 - 1.0 ngkg-1bwday-1). In terms of competency, most caregivers had sufficient FSK (74.1%) and positive FSA (68.1%) but only 17.6% practiced FH largely due to inadequate sanitation facilities and high work load. FSK and FHP were associated (positively) with aflatoxin contamination and exposure of children dependent on the processing point and season (P ≤ 0.05). The highest aflatoxin contamination and exposure were in households that had insufficient FSK and poor FHP. This study has demonstrated that home-made MMSSC is aflatoxicologically unsafe. Thus, a concerted effort is needed to improve FSK and FHP to minimize aflatoxin contamination of MMSSC and exposure of children.
African Metaphysics: Traditional and Modern Discussions
(2017) Lajul, Wilfred
Although the literature on African metaphysics is growing, there is no common agreement on its meaning, nature and scope. In addition, most discussions on African metaphysics do not separate traditional from modern African metaphysics. This chapter deliberates on the ongoing discussions on African metaphysics, aiming to derive some generally acceptable meanings and understandings of the nature and scope of this subject, while being well aware of the varying opinions on the same. Similarly, the chapter will distinguish traditional African metaphysics from the emerging new discussions on the same subject.
African Metaphysics: Traditional and Modern Discussions
(2017) Lajul, Wilfred
Although the literature on African metaphysics is growing, there is no common agreement on its meaning, nature and scope. In addition, most discussions on African metaphysics do not separate traditional from modern African metaphysics. Th is chapter deliberates on the ongoing discussions on African metaphysics, aiming to derive some generally acceptable meanings and understandings of the nature and scope of this subject, while being well aware of the varying opinions on the same. Similarly, the chapter will distinguish traditional African metaphysics from the emerging new discussions on the same subject.
African Values in Global Ethics and the Emerging New World Order
(Journal of Research in Philosophy and History, 2018-10-10) Lajul, Wilfred
Global ethics is the universal aspiration of the citizens of the world towards minimum common values, standards, and basic moral attitudes, shared by all for a better world order. While ethics is the rational justification of the principles of right and wrong. Contrary to the view that the emerging new world order is the intensification of international relations, globalization, or the advent of a cryptoclastic secretive world government conspiring to rule the world, this paper believes that the emerging new world order is a result of human effort to subjugate nature to the laws designed by human reason. It is the attempt of human beings to create themselves and their own laws. It is this effort to manipulate nature to give answers to human problems, which has produced the kind of modern technologies that has turned the world into a global village and made easier international relations. In this process, African traditional values will either be rejected as irrelevant, trans-valued to higher levels, or Africans are deemed to acquire some completely new values to regulate their affairs. However, contemporary society faces peril if it ignores some of these basic African values like, respect for life, the environment, and nature.
An ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of malaria in Budondo sub-county, Eastern Uganda
(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2020-01-30) Malinga, Geoffrey. M; Baana, Kalori; Rutaro, Karlmax; Atube, Francis; Opoke,Robert; Opika-Opika, Hector; Oryema, Christine
Background:Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developing countries, and in Uganda over 95% of the country is endemic with malaria. Given the increasing widespread resistance to current drugs, the use of herbal medicines is seen as a sustainable solution to malaria treatment. This study documented medicinal plants that are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in Budondo sub-county, Eastern Uganda.Methods:The ethnobotanical survey was conducted between December 2017 to January 2018. A total of 273 household members were interviewed on knowledge and use of anti-malarial plants, using semi-structured questionnaires administered in five parishes of Budondo sub-county. Voucher specimen of each plant species were preserved at the Makerere University herbarium, Uganda.Results:Overall, 97.5% of the respondents had knowledge regarding the plants used to treat malaria. A chi-square analysis shows a significant association between respondents’ knowledge regarding anti-malarial plants and gender (p-value =0.008) and occupation (p-value =0.025) but not with age (p-value =0.379), educational status (p-value =0.066), average monthly income (p-value =0.419), and religious affiliation (p-value =0.064) of respondents. A total of 37 plant species, belonging to 25 plant families were used to treat malaria. The most cited plant was Vernonia amygdalina Delile (64.8%), followed byAloevera (L.) Burm.f. (41.9%), Callistemon citrinus (Curt.) Stapf (29.3%), Mormodica feotidaSchumach (22.0%), Cyphostemma adenocaule(A.Rich) wild & Drumm. (16.1%) and Eucalyptus globulusLabill. (15.4%). Among the plant parts, stem bark (99.6%) and leaves (90.8%) were the most frequently used. The habits ofthe plants encountered were shrub, tree, herb, rhizomes and climber. The commonest modes of preparation included boiling in water, squeezing fresh leaves, crushing and pounding, and chewing.Oral route/drinking was the most common mode of administration, followed by steam inhaling of vapours from the aqueous extracts and skin bathing.Conclusion:The present study shows that the people living in Budondosub-county traditionally use diverse flora to treat malaria. Further investigations are required to evaluate the potential toxicological effects and to isolate the active components of the reported plants whose antimalarial activities have not been investigated which could be developed into effective, safe and affordable anti-malarial medicines in the future
An Inquiry into the Lived Experiences of Child Soldiers within the Lord's Resistance Army Insurgency in Amuru District, 1987-2024
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025-07-14) Ochen,Patrick; Odong James Bosco; 0kello, Simon; Alidri,Agatha
Focusing on the heavily impacted region of Amuru District, this research delved into the lived experiences of former child soldiers conscripted by the LRA from 1987 to 2024. The study’s specific objectives were to: (i) examine the recruitment and abduction strategies employed by the LRA in Amuru District,(ii) investigate the experiences encountered, and (iii) assess the psychological and social effects of these experiences on child soldiers. Based on a qualitativeapproach and phenomenological design, the study used in-depth interviews,participant observation and Focus Group Discussions to collect the requireddata. The LRA leaders used systematic indoctrination and forced recruitment,instilling fear and dismantling social structures. The experiences included forced participation in violent killings often against their own communities, inhuman punishments, physical abuse, starvation and constant threats of death. Despite demonstrating remarkable resilience, many former child soldiers continue toface significant obstacles, including social stigma and economic hardship. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) strategically abducted children, using violent tactics to ensure dependency. The group systematically dismantled their identities through abuse and ritualised violence, inflicting lasting psychological trauma and social stigma. After the conflict, these former child soldiers face a difficult reintegration, with their trauma fueling a cycle of violence and poverty that destabilises entire communities. A multi-pronged mental health approach for addressing the complex trauma experienced by former child soldiers. Combat social stigma and rejection through structured, community-wide sensitisation and reconciliation initiatives, develop accelerated learning programs to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and commission and fund longitudinal studies that track the well-being of survivors and their families over time.
ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AFRICAN SWINE FEVER CONTROL ALONG THE PIG VALUE CHAIN
(Gulu University, 2025) Aliro Tonny
ABSTRACT Pig production recommended as key for poverty alleviation strategies in Uganda’s 2040 Vision, contributes to livelihood income and employment for many people. The potential of pig value chain to support the livelihood of people are impacted economically by factors related with African swine fever (ASF). The endemic ASF has no effective vaccine and medicine, prevention and control rely on biosecurity measures, and restrictions of trade and pig movements. The overall goal of this study was to advance knowledge of perceived existing ASF biosecurity measures and associated implementation cost in the pig value chain. Four studies were conducted in six districts across northern, and central Uganda. The studies used focus group discussions, disease outbreak investigations, and participatory group model building of system dynamic (SD). Data analysis included semi-qualitative and quantitative methods. This study classified the perceived biosecurity implementation in smallholder into enablers – positive perception and knowledge; and hindrances – investment and feeding costs. Anthropogenic activities introduced ASFV contaminated commercial feeds into and facilitated spread within and across pig houses of a large-scale modern farm. During quarantine imposition, value chain actors shifted trade activities from formal to informal markets, and the perceived economic loss was higher among farmers. Farmers forgone pig sales worth $160,000, which is $14,000 lower than what traders would sell as pork during trade ban. In SD simulation scenarios when consumer demand remains unchanged, adult pig numbers rose as sales were restricted, hence pig and pork inventory reduce, causing an increase in prices as less is available on the market. On the other hand, when consumer demand falls, pig inventories rise and this causes a decline in the pig price. Combining a trade ban with enhanced biosecurity cost when consumer demand falls resulted in a further increase in adult pigs and pig inventories due to reduced pig death rates. As trade bans induce an increased herd size on farm, this leads to a fall in farmer and trader profit margins. In conclusion, the exiting biosecurity measures have failed to prevent and control ASF as hinderances outweigh enablers of biosecurity implementations. Contaminated commercial feeds was a potential source for ASFV introduction into large scale farmer. Reducing the pig mortality rates through enhanced biosecurity can improve outcomes from ASF outbreaks during trade ban, but there is a tradeoff with greater incurred costs.
Assessing University-Society Engagements: Towards a Methodological Framework
(nnovative Higher Education, 2023-10-17) Bekele,Teklu Abate; Ofoyuru,Denis Thaddeus; Woldegiorgis,Emnet Tadesse
Abstract Higher education institutions pursue three distinct yet interrelated missions of education, knowledge production, and community engagement. Until the last dec ades of the twentieth century, the third mission, also known as community engage ment, has received little attention. Although the third mission generally aims to contribute to the socio-cultural and economic transformations of society, its dis tinct characteristics are still under-theorized. None of the existing methodological and conceptual frameworks provides a holistic analysis of significant engagement indicators that transcend specific application contexts. Collecting data on university engagement with society and making meaningful interpretations is thus a challenge to researchers and practitioners. To contribute to filling this gap, this modified Del phi study proposes a comprehensive methodological framework of university-soci ety engagements in Africa. The core thesis is that engagement is ubiquitous- univer sity missions and support systems embody it. The framework thus constitutes eight engagement domains aligned with university core functions (teaching, knowledge production, and societal service) and support systems (governance, digitalization, internationalization, partnerships, and sustainability), with 52 items, rating scales, and descriptors. The framework contributes to conceptual and methodological clar ity, informs data collection, and interpretations of the different modalities of univer sity engagements. The alignment of engagement domains to university activities and the simplified articulations of the indicators ensure straightforward interpretations and applications of the framework by practitioners and researchers. It is also signifi cant as it comes at a time when universities are expected to contribute more directly and significantly to the realizations of the UN 2030 SDGs and the African Union 2063 centennial development ambitions
Assessing University‑Society Engagements: Towards a Methodological Framework
(Springer, 2023-10-17) Bekele,Abate Teklu- -; Ofoyuru,Denis Thaddeus; Woldegiorgis,Emnet Tadesse
Higher education institutions pursue three distinct yet interrelated missions of education, knowledge production, and community engagement. Until the last decades of the twentieth century, the third mission, also known as community engagement, has received little attention. Although the third mission generally aims to contribute to the socio-cultural and economic transformations of society, its distinct characteristics are still under-theorized. None of the existing methodological and conceptual frameworks provides a holistic analysis of significant engagement indicators that transcend specific application contexts. Collecting data on university engagement with society and making meaningful interpretations is thus a challenge to researchers and practitioners. To contribute to filling this gap, this modified Delphi study proposes a comprehensive methodological framework of university-society engagements in Africa. The core thesis is that engagement is ubiquitous- university missions and support systems embody it. The framework thus constitutes eight engagement domains aligned with university core functions (teaching, knowledge production, and societal service) and support systems (governance, digitalization, internationalization, partnerships, and sustainability), with 52 items, rating scales, and descriptors. The framework contributes to conceptual and methodological clarity, informs data collection, and interpretations of the different modalities of university engagements. The alignment of engagement domains to university activities and the simplified articulations of the indicators ensure straightforward interpretations and applications of the framework by practitioners and researchers. It is also significant as it comes at a time when universities are expected to contribute more directly and significantly to the realizations of the UN 2030 SDGs and the African Union 2063 centennial development ambitions.
Assessing University‑Society Engagements: Towards a Methodological Framework
(Innovative Higher Education, 2023) Bekele Teklu Abate; Ofoyuru Denis Thaddeus; Woldegiorgis Emnet Tadesse
Abstract Higher education institutions pursue three distinct yet interrelated missions of education, knowledge production, and community engagement. Until the last decades of the twentieth century, the third mission, also known as community engagement, has received little attention. Although the third mission generally aims to contribute to the socio-cultural and economic transformations of society, its distinct characteristics are still under-theorized. None of the existing methodological and conceptual frameworks provides a holistic analysis of significant engagement indicators that transcend specific application contexts. Collecting data on university engagement with society and making meaningful interpretations is thus a challenge to researchers and practitioners. To contribute to filling this gap, this modified Delphi study proposes a comprehensive methodological framework of university-society engagements in Africa. The core thesis is that engagement is ubiquitous- university missions and support systems embody it. The framework thus constitutes eight engagement domains aligned with university core functions (teaching, knowledge production, and societal service) and support systems (governance, digitalization, internationalization, partnerships, and sustainability), with 52 items, rating scales, and descriptors. The framework contributes to conceptual and methodological clarity, informs data collection, and interpretations of the different modalities of university engagements. The alignment of engagement domains to university activities and the simplified articulations of the indicators ensure straightforward interpretations and applications of the framework by practitioners and researchers. It is also significant as it comes at a time when universities are expected to contribute more directly and significantly to the realizations of the UN 2030 SDGs and the African Union
Assessment of hydropedological characteristics at medium-sized landslide sites in Manafwa catchment, Mount Elgon, Uganda
(Taylor and Francis, 2024-05-17) Kutosi,Moses; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Nakileza,Bob.R; Kisira, Yeeko; Gabiri,Geofrey
Though strongly linked to landslides, hydropedological characteristics are inadequately investigated in Manafwa catchment. This study investigated hydropedological characteristics at medium landslide sites in Manafwa catchment. The design included 12 infiltration experiments that were conducted at each site. To determine the selected soil physical properties, composite soil samples were extracted from the infiltration sites for soil laboratory analysis. Soil cores were extracted to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and bulk density. The observed high infiltration rates and rapid Ksat underscore the susceptibility of the studied sites to landslide hazards. Additionally, soil organic matter, clay content, and bulk density further contribute to the understanding of the hydropedological factors influencing land slide occurrences. These findings reveal the need for comprehensive investigations into hydropedologi cal characteristics of other landslide categories to assist in landslide risk assessment and management strategies
ASSESSMENT OF POPULATION DYNAMICS AND FOREST COVER CHANGE IN YUMBE DISTRICT, UGANDA
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and development, 2023-05) Alule,RJ; Nuwategeka, E; Oriangi,G
Sub-Saharan Africa is well endowed with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources critical in supporting several forms of development on the continent. Key among these is natural forest resources. However, the population explosion in sub-Saharan Africa in general and Uganda, in particular, is threatening the survival of these forests due to the associated increasing demand or food, fodder, energy, and land for settlement. The study was conducted in Yumbe district where the forests considered included woodland and bushland since tropical high forests have been depleted or degraded by human activities. We used a predictive model to map future forest cover loss amidst the rapidly increasing population in Yumbe district in Uganda. Specifically, the study analyzed the relationship between population dynamics and forest cover change to predict future forest cover changes. To analyze changes in forest cover, the study utilized Landsat satellite imagery for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021; while the population data for the respective years was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). To explain the role of anthropogenic forces on forest cover change, the study considered different land use types as explanatory variables: planted forests, subsistence farmland, built-up areas, and other land use types. It then explored the interactions between these variables and forest cover change in the study area. Population-forest cover change model was developed to evaluate three decades of population and trends of forest cover to predict forest cover for 2032. The results indicate that in the three decades, the population increased by more than sixfold, and land area under subsistence agriculture, a proxy of population increased by 195.2%, but the forest cover declined by 80.3%. It is predicted that the forest cover will be lost completely by 2032 when the population reaches an estimated 838,078 from the current 657,430 people. This study, therefore, recommends that off-land employment opportunities such as tourism, apiary, transport, and manufacturing industries should be expanded in order to save forest resources from spatially extensive agricultural land uses.
Beyond Modern Science: Ryemo Gemo (Chasing Away Evil Spirits), Tradition and Faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Acoli in Northern Uganda
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2025-05-14) Alidri,Agatha; Okello,Simon; Ochen,Patrick; Tukupe, Ochan Demas; Aure, Onek Richard
Background: This was a historical study of the Ryemo Gemo tradition among the Acoli people of Northern Uganda, and its implications in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic. It explored strategies indigenous people adopted for epidemic control and prevention anchored on their tradition and belief systems passed, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study adopted the qualitative approach and ethno-historical design. It explored community meanings, beliefs, values, practices and lived experiences of Ryemo Gemo during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study was conducted in Gulu City, and the districts of Gulu, Omoro, Lamwo, Kitgum and Agago, where the ritual of Ryemo Gemo was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using Key Informant interviews, one-on-one interviews and six Focused Group Discussions. A sample size of 63 participants based on the data saturation point, and their knowledge and experience of Ryemo Gemo, was selected using the snowball and networking approach. They included: Cultural leaders, elderly persons, spiritual mediums, and health workers. Findings:Gemo was a calamity brought by bad spirits. The spirits acted as an early warning system, foreseeing and informing the people through spirit mediums of a looming calamity. Whereas Gemo was a calamity sent by bad spirits, others argued that COVID-19 was not a Gemo as it was man-made. Ryemo Gemo fostered a sense of identity, unity, and shared values, principles and practices. It promoted cultural continuity and connection between the living and the dead. Conclusion: Ryemo Gemo reflects the Acoli spirituality, beliefs and collective approach to managing calamities, reinforcing community bonds and cultural continuity.
Brand Equity Manangement and Customer Loyalty. The Moderating Role of Business Competitiveness in the Hotel Service Sector in Gulu City
(Gulu University, 2024) Onyuta, Ochola Alfred.
Management of brand equity is important in enhancing customer loyalty in the service sector in the wake of competitive business situations. This study investigated the moderating role of business competitiveness in the relationship between brand equity management and customer loyalty in the hotel service sector in Gulu city. The specific objectives of the study were: to assess the level of customer loyalty in the hotel service sector in Gulu City; to examine the association between brand equity management and business competitiveness in the hotel industry; to examine the association between Brand Equity Management and Customer Loyalty in the hotel Industry in Gulu City; and to examine the moderating role of business competitiveness in the association between brand equity management and customer loyalty in the hotel Industry. Descriptive and causal research designs were used in the study with purely quantitative approach. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 300 customers and I 00 managers from I 00 different hotels within Gulu City. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Study findings revealed: a high level of customer loyalty in the hotel sector in Gulu City: a moderate and significant positive relationship between brand equity management and business competitiveness; all the elements of brand equity management (brand evaluation, brand association and bra11d awareness) have a significant positive effect on customer loyalty; and finally. business competitiveness moderates the relationship between brand equity management and customer loyalty in the hotel sector in Gulu City. The study concluded that brand equity management has a significant positive effect on customer loyalty and business competitiveness has a significant interaction effect on the relationship between brand equity management and and customer loyalty in the hotel service sector in Gulu City. The study recommended that; strategics aimed at improving customer loyalty should focus on brand evaluation. brand association and brand awareness; and the study recommended need to strengthen business competition while implementing brand equity management in order to influence customer loyalty.
Building Sustainable Multiplier Networks in Higher Education Institutions: Insights from the TESCEA Model
(nternational Journal of Advanced Research, 2025-11-07) Gloria Lamaro1*, Beatrice Abonga Ajok1, Ricky Richard Ojara1, Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi1 & George Ladaah Openjuru1
This study examines the sustainability of multiplier networks established under TESCEA’s gender mainstreaming initiative at Gulu University, Uganda. Multiplier networks, composed of faculty trained to promote gender-responsive pedagogy, are pivotal in embedding gender equity within institutional cultures.The research explores how formal certification, career incentives, andinstitutionalisation contribute to the durability of these networks. Utilising a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 25 multipliers and 5 senior leaders, supplemented by document analysis. Findings indicate that certification enhances professional legitimacy, career incentives motivate participation, and institutional embedding throughgovernance structures fosters accountability and sustainability. However,challenges such as resource limitations, workload pressures, and ambiguous role expectations undermine effectiveness. This study highlights the criticalneed to align individual and institutional incentives to sustain gender mainstreaming in higher education within post-conflict, resource-constrained contexts. The implications for policy and practice include strategic institutional support mechanisms and incentive alignment to ensure the resilience of multiplier networks.

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