Bishop Stuart University Journal of Development, Education & Technology
This Journal is a testament of Bishop Stuart University’s claim to be not just any other learning institution but a research-based establishment that creates new knowledge and contributes to finding solutions to the nation’s problems. Articles in this Volume of Bishop Stuart University Journal of Development, Education and Technology (JODET) cover a wide range of disciplines that reflect the serious intentions of the institution to provide an avenue for development that is commensurate with the needs of a vibrant economy like Uganda’s. Research is the bedrock of knowledge on which the future of a stable nation can be founded. It is a reflection of the thinking of future leaders whose preoccupation is with creating a better tomorrow for everyone, regardless of their pursuits in life. Focus and Scope Technology, Business and Development, Technology and Agriculture, Nursing and Education and Media Studies, Law.
Authors retain copyright, and full publishing rights and grant the journal a right of first publication with the work as licensed under the Creative Commons License CC that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the author and initial publication in this journal.
Exploring Lived Experiences of Born-Again Anglican Christians and Longevity in Marriage in Ankole Diocese; Does Regular Church Attendance Matter?
This study explored the Lived experiences of Born-Again Anglican Christians and Longevity in marriage in Ankole Diocese, with a special focus on the role of regular church attendance. A Phenomenological qualitative study research design was used to obtain the information from born-again Anglican Christians. In-depth Interviews were conducted among 12 born-again Anglican Christians (married for 50 years and above and had been in salvation for 20 years at the time of data collection), 2 parish priests and 1 archdeacon. Using content analysis, data was analysed and coded. Findings were presented under themes and sub themes. Majority of the study participants showed that spirituality significantly contributes to sustainable harmonious Anglican marriage. The participants revealed that Church attendance contributes to marital happiness in a way that born-again Christian couples get marital support. Findings showed that regular church attendance enhances religious commitments, helps couples to quickly grow in Faith, facilitates regular moral guidance and are more likely to resolve issues just in case they separate. The study concludes that regular church attendance is very vital in the lives of “Born again Anglican Christians” through learning how to love each other, how to forgive and how to be humble. Therefore, for Anglican Christian marriages to be harmonious and last longer, the married couples need to attend Church services together since it strengthens their relationship with God who is the Author of Christian Marriage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Donath Asiimire, Johnson Atwiine, Betrum Namanya, Medard Rugyendo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Theological Response to the Ecological Crisis:
We live in an endangered planet and yet Christians are sitting on a gold-mine of knowledge and wisdom (2 Tim. 3:16-17) namely the Bible. Christians in the same vein need to be ‘salt and light’ (Matt. 5:13-16) as they should be at the forefront working towards the promotion of environmental preservation in the world today. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also promote it in its goals such as Goal 15 which says that: protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems sustainably manage forests, combat desertification halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity. We note that there was also a time when we in the developing countries thought that the ecological crisis was not a serious problem for us. Our problem, as it was assumed, was poverty and economic exploitation; the environmental issues was a ‘luxury’ of the industrialized countries (Abraham in Hallman, 1994). However, today it is a crucial issue that needs to be urgently addressed both by the state and various institutions therein such as the Church. This paper addresses the ecological crisis that poses a significant challenge to humanities relation with the natural world based on God’s word. Through a biblical framework, this article will lead us to reconsider our duty to steward creation, prioritize justice and sustainability, and strive for a restored relationship between humanity and the earth. Our theological response will also lead us to work towards a more just and sustainable future for all creation. Therefore the main objective of this article is to explore how the ecological crisis could be handled based on God’s Word. Regarding methodology, being a bible-based paper, it is focused on key scriptural passages that highlight God’s relationship with creation and humanity’s responsibility toward the environment. It also addresses the ethical and practical implications of creation care. It further explores how the Church, particularly within the African context, can integrate ecological responsibility into its liturgy, preaching, pastoral work, and public witness. Thus, out of this paper, it is recommended that theological institutions should integrate ecological issues into their curriculum (eco-theology), churches also need to integrate ecology into worship and liturgy and above all churches need to support national and international policies regarding ecology in this Church of the 21st century.
Copyright (c) 2025 Medard Rugyendo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining the Effects of Extra Charges on Accessibility to Universal Secondary Education:
The study sought to examine the effect of extra charges on accessibility to USE among the intended beneficiaries, with 2 objectives; to analyze government funding on education quality in use schools and to assess government funding on other non- tuition school needs on accessibility of education in the Universal Secondary Schools. Using a mixed method approach and a sample size of 60 participants, the researcher relied on questionnaires and interviews as the data collection tools. Data was analyzed using SPSS and applied both descriptive and inferential statistics for interpretation of findings. The findings revealed that there is a strong relationship between funding and extra charges in schools at the 0<0.01 level (2 tailed) and that schools have to source other means of income to supplement government funding and that inadequate funding affects schools accessibility. The study therefore recommended that the government and the Ministry of Education and Sport should disburse an adequate capitation grant to improve the management of students' learning, this calls for an increase in the money allocated to each student.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paul Kakooza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Bible emphasizes how Jesus came to preach to teach and to heal, that Christians would attain life in all its fullness (Mattwew 4: 23- 25). This message was internalized by the early Christian Missionaries, since they would preach the word of God, teach initially reading and writing and provide health services. This is likely why among the early missionaries were teachers, doctors, nurses and builders (Ssekamwa, 1997). It is well documented that the earliest schools and health facilities, such as Mbarara Junior School, Nsanji Primary School, Gayaza Girls School, Kings College, Budo, Kigezi high School, Mengo Hospital and Kisiizi Hospital to be built in Uganda were founded by Christian Missionaries, with most of them still thriving today (Ssekamwa, 1997). Both the schools and health facilities have since further expanded their mandate and scope; with some of the schools becoming universities, such as the Nomal School in Kabale and Bishop Stuart College and the hospitals further enriching their teaching and training aspect to become centers of excellence and schools of health sciences. Conceived partly from the lived experience, anchored in literature and testimonies of missionaries, this paper aims at tracing the evolution of Uganda’s health sector and health professions’ education from the foundations. The Christian Missionary Doctors and Nurses, resiliently pursued the establishment of modern healthcare and later health professions’ education that became the springboard for Uganda government to establish her health sector on firm ground. At Uganda’s independence in 1962, Uganda had one of the best healthcare systems in Africa. The paper proposes the deliberate need for continuing support of church – founded health initiatives for quality health service delivery to Uganda’s population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gad Ruzaaza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Religion is a composite of believes and practices that are directly connected with spirituality and affects people’s way of life. The common religions across the globe include; Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhsim and African traditions among others. Horticulture encompasses the science and art of growing flowers, fruits and vegetables. The horticultural sector is highly valuable in many aspects of religion. Flowers are largely grown for their aesthetic values and are used by various religions for landscaping around places of worship, and religious rituals and ceremonies such as burials weddings and are bouquets for the altars and pulpits decorations. Some specific flowers symbolize purity, divinity and spirituality, with some regarded with reverence as source of supernatural powers, while others have been used to emit fragrances that are believed to repel demonic powers. Vegetables are grown and utilized alongside the main dishes, for their soluble mineral salts, vitamins, and other essential compounds that can boost immunity. Religions such as the Hindu and Budha emphasize to their congregants being vegetarians as they worship the animals and therefore, they cannot eat meat. Christians have associated different colors of various vegetables and fruits with purity, Holy Spirit, faith, trust, royalty, crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The herbs and the spices are of equal importance in all the religions where some are used in burning incense at the altars, religious offerings, and rituals, culinary while others are used for medicinal purposes. Fruits symbolize faith, holiness, fruitfulness, significance purity, food, eternity etc. Fruits are sources of wine in most religious practices. Some religious practices either enhance or hinder the growth of the sector. Most people who practice traditional religion hardly accept new technologies and innovations, thus hinder the growth of the horticultural sector. In conclusion religion affects the type of horticultural plants, to be cultivated and consumed in each area. Religion also influences the uptake of relevant horticultural technologies and in the long run has a direct influence on the development of that area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kidaha Mercy Liharaka, Patrick Juma, Dinah Karimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating STEM Education, Religion and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Growth:
In today’s global landscape, the integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and economic development stands as a pivotal arena, particularly in the context of developing nations such as Uganda (Ahmed, 2016). The goal of this study is to embark on a comprehensive exploration of this dynamic nexus, with a central focus on leveraging STEM education, religious values (RVs), and entrepreneurial skills to catalyze the cultivation of robust integrated STEM-Religion Entrepreneurship programs in higher educational institutions (HEIs) a requisite requirement for job creation, promotion of industrialization and sustainable economic growth in the 21st century. The research contends that conventional approaches to modernization may not suffice to address the multifaceted challenges faced by developing nations. Therefore, the study advocates for a STEM-Religion-Entrepreneurship innovative model rooted in the harmonious integration of religious, entrepreneurship, and STEM education interests in HEI. By examining a myriad of secondary data sources and employing phenomenological analysis, the study unveils the critical prerequisites essential for steering national economies towards sustainable growth trajectories. Moreover, the study meticulously scrutinizes the intricate landscape of fiscal policies and their implementation challenges in the modern era, shedding light on the complexities inherent in shaping conducive economic environments. Through a synthesis of insights gleaned from existing literature on STEM education and entrepreneurship, the research underscores the profound potential for synergy between these realms. The study further highlights how the acquisition of STEM-related competencies can transcend traditional religious and colonial barriers, thereby fostering inclusive industrialization, job creation and economic development. In essence, this study serves as a clarion call for a paradigm shift in the educational and economic policies of developing nations. It underscores the imperative of embracing STEM education as a linchpin for nurturing entrepreneurial talent and propelling industrialization forward. By weaving together religious, entrepreneurship, and STEM education imperatives, countries like Uganda can forge a path towards sustainable economic growth and inclusive development in the 21st century and beyond.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asaph Keikara Muhumuza, Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Does Devoting to Prayer Contribute towards Longevity in Marriage? A Phenomenological Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of Born-Again Anglican Christians in Ankole Diocese
This paper studies devotion to prayer and longevity in marriage among born again Anglican Christians in Ankole diocese. This study was purely qualitative in nature in which a Phenomenological approach was used. In-depth Interviews were conducted with 12 born-again Anglican Christians (married for 50 years and above and had been in salvation for 20 years at the time of data collection), 2 parish priests and 1 archdeacon. The aim of this study was to investigate how lived experiences of devoting to prayer among the born again Anglican Christians contribute to longevity in marriage. Using content analysis, data was analysed, coded and findings were presented under themes and sub themes. The results reveal that devotion to prayer among the born- again studied helps them to navigate marriage challenges in a healthy way. Deeper investigations show that self-reflection through prayer, one is able to deal with difficult issues. Finally, more investigations reveal that regular prayers, keeps couples connected spiritually and one is able to deal with marital stress, just in case. The study concludes that longevity in marriage among born-again Anglican Christians in Ankole diocese who are married for fifty years and above is harmonious partly due to the role played by devotion to prayer. The study recommends regular prayers among married couples if long-lasting marriages are to be harmonious
Copyright (c) 2025 Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Betrum Namanya, Medard Rugyendo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Relationship between ICT Usage and the Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District, Central Uganda
This study explored the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching of mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District. The study objectives were to; (i) examine the extent to which ICT is used by Mathematics teachers, (ii) establish the effectiveness of teaching Mathematics, and (iii) examine the relationship between ICT usage and teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District. Correlational type of design was used for the study whereby questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data from a sample of 132 respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS where both inferential and descriptive techniques were used while qualitative data was summarised into themes and quotes. The study discovered that the level of ICT usage among teachers of mathematics in Kalungu District has an overall mean of 2.25 implying a moderate usage of Information Communication Technology; the effectiveness of teaching mathematics in secondary school in Kalungu District was high with an overall mean of 4.05 while the relationship between ICT usage and teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools of Kalungu District was not statistically significant (p = 0.373). Therefore, Formal policy guidelines for ICT usage should be put in place so that all teachers can attend in service training programmes at least once every academic year to update themselves with relevant skills for ICT usage in teaching mathematics.
Copyright (c) 2024 Norman Mugumya; Lawrence Mawanda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Correlational Study of the Quality of Students Enrolled in the University and Employability of Graduates from Selected Universities in South-Western Uganda
The employability of university graduates is a concern for higher education stakeholders globally and Uganda is also concerned due to high unemployment rates post-graduation. Not much has been written about the relationship between quality of students enrolled in the university and their employability of graduates from selected Universities in South Western Uganda. This study aims to establish this relationship in selected universities in south western Uganda. A correlational study collected data from 512 participants, including graduates, employers, university lecturers, administrators, and officers from quality assurance directorate of national council for Higher Education. Data on students discipline, grades, performance and employability were collected. SPSS and Structural equation modelling (SEM) version 21 was used to analyse associations between predictor and outcome variables. The findings derived from conducting this research clearly demonstrate the presence of a significant statistical association between the quality of students enrolled in the university and employability of graduates at R= 0.589, R squared change 0.347, P =0.000 This suggests that by ensuring the quality of students enrolled in the University through discipline, students’ grades and performance increases the likelihood of producing graduates who are employable. It is very important that stakeholders in higher education make it a priority to keep a high standard of students and their moral fibre and this may facilitate their integration into the workforce.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mugumya Norman, Nuwabimpa Milton https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mtaala Mpya na Utendaji wa Wanafunzi wa Kiswahili Katika Shule za Upili Mjini Mbarara
Utafiti ulikuwa unahusu kutambua mchango wa mtaala mpya katika ufundishaji wa wanafunzi wa Kiswahili wa shule za upili zilizochaguliwa jijini kusini mwa Mbarara na ulilenga kutambua umuhimu wa mtaala mpya katika ufundishaji wa wanafunzi wa Kiswahili katika shule za upili, kuchunguza changamoto zinazokumba wanafunzi na walimu wa Kiswahili katika ufundishaji wa mtaala mpya na kutambua njia zinazotumiwa kutatua changamoto zinazosababishwa na mtaala mpya. Watafiti walituia mbinu ya maelezo, Watafiti walikuwa makini katika kueleza, kufafanua, kuhakiki, kuvumbua, kufanya majaribio, kutafsiri taarifa walizozipata kupitia muundo huu wa utafiti. Sehemu ndogo ya utafiti ilitumia takwimu kama kielelezo na ulifanyika katika shule za upili zilizochaguliwa jijini kusini mwa Mbarara, Utafiti huu ulilenga walimu na wanafunzi wa shule za upili wanoajifunza lugha ya Kiswahili. Katika utafiti huu taarifa mbalimbali zilikusanywa kutoka maktabani na uwandani kwa kutumia mbinu na vifaa mbalimbali vilivyoandaliwa na watafiti. Watafiti walichunguza na kuchanganua data za watafitiwa kulingana na kiwango cha jinsia na umri katika shule za upili. Utafiti huu ulihitimisha kwamba mtaala mpya wa Kiswahili unahusiana sana na utendaji kitaaluma kwa wanafunzi wa fasihi ya Kiswahili lakini ili kuiendeleza mtaala mpya ipasavyo ni jukumu la walimu wakuu, walimu, wazazi, wanafunzi, serikali pamoja na kituo kikuu cha mtalaa ni lazima kujiunga pamoja kwa lengo moja na ulipendekeza kwamba Wizara ya elimu iangalie kwamba walimu wamepewa elimu ya ziada kuhusu mabadiliko ya mtaala mpya ili kupata ujuzi na stadi za kufundisha vyema. Walimu wakipewa elimu ya ziada wanapata stadi na hamu ya kwendeleza mtaala mpya jambo linaloletea wanafunzi kufaulu mitihani kwa sababu watakuwa wanapata mwongozo mzuri kutoka walimu, Pengine lazima viongozi wa shule wajaribu huku na kule kuona kwamba wamenunua vitabu vya kiada na vifaa vingine kama miongozo ya walimu inayofasili vitabu vya kiada. Jambo hili huwezesha walimu kufundisha bora wanafunzi na mwishoni wanazuka na utendaji bora kitaaluma.
Copyright (c) 2024 Murokozi Cranimah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Portrayal of Female Agency in the Mary Karooro Okurut Novel, The Official Wife
This article of the Portrayal of Female Agency in The Official Wife (2003) a novel by Mary Karooro Okurut. The article explores forms of female agency and the narrative techniques used to portray female agency in The Official Wife (2003). I classified the forms of female agency into three categories which include; bargaining and negotiation, subversion and resistance, deception and manipulation. I argue that it is these forms through which women show agency. Agency is a crucial matter of focus and I therefore employ a number of narrative styles implored to perfectly bring out the portrayals of female agency including; vivid descriptions, imagery, irony, alliteration, direct speech, dialogue, point of view, indirect speech and others. In the article, I argue that all females deserve to enjoy their freedom and rights like the males because they are both created in the image of God. Some of the female characters in The Official Wife are mistreated, tortured psychologically and treated as the weaker sex. In spite of the trauma, the main character identified as Liz in The Official Wife turns out to be resilient and outspoken due to the problems she encounters. In the article, I also bring out the fact that female characters develop agency as a result of trauma and crisis as according to Pointiere, Mathilinde (2021). Every female in the novel goes through a hardship before they show their abilities. And it is this much trauma that enables females to show off their agency. I further show that females in The Official Wife are resilient, spirited, elastic, irrepressible and outspoken because they do not use physical violence to obtain what they want. They rather use forms of female agency including; subversion and resistance, deception and manipulation through which they deceive and manipulate the people around them in many ways to achieve what they want. Female agency is therefore a crucial matter of focus and it contains three forms which aid women in becoming resilient and successful. All this is discussed as I take a close look at the forms of female agency and the narrative techniques Karooro uses to depict female agency.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ahebwa Joan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Examination of Post-independence Failures in Uganda as Represented in Moses Isegawa’s Abyssinian Chronicles
Postcolonial crisis, failures, confusion, absurdities and pain have continued to provoke debate in Ugandan literature. Poets, dramatists and novelists have all tried to reveal the effects of colonialism on Africa and written about the selfishness, tyranny, dictatorship and corruption of the post-independence leaders. In a foreword by Ngugi of “Unmasking the African Dictator: Essays on Postcolonial African Literature,” he points out that even civilian regimes became undistinguishable from the military, as both mirror the images of the undemocratic and authoritarianism of the colonial era as the dawn of independence was followed by dwindling hope (Ndigirigi, 2014). As Uganda lurches into the aftermath and legacy of colonial powers, Moses Isegawa’s novel Abyssinian Chronicles is one of those that weaves personal narratives and issues of post- independence pain, failures and confusion in postcolonial Uganda. The novel tells a story of the arbitrariness of the life of characters due to the selfishness, incompetence, inadequacies and the hypocrisy of the first generation of leaders after colonialism.
Copyright (c) 2024 Kyarimpa Jovuret, Joan Kyarimpa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The BRICS, World Bank and IMF Quest to Promote Economic Development of Countries
The term “BRICS” represents a group of five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India China and South Africa, which started in 2009. These economies have caught the attention of literally everyone--international financial law practitioners, political scientists, countries, international organizations and other stakeholders. The emergency of a unified geopolitical bloc, started to reframe international financial outlook with a new set of new ideas and values. include reforming the global financial and economic architecture, strengthening the principles and standards of international law in many sectors of their economies. The paper highlights prospects and challenges that lie ahead of BRICS countries to fully realize their mandate and to co-exist with the World bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and IMF have supported economic development of countries since their inception, I however do not see any harm posed by the introduction of more capital from BRICS, it should be received with both hands. There are looming prospects for expansion of BRICS, countries like Argentina, UAE, Mexico, Algeria and Saudi Arabia have indicated their desire to jump on BRICS bandwagon, the current Russian-Ukraine war remains a big challenge, not least that it has threatened to suck in all BRICS members into this war. The paper finds that as global dynamic challenges continue to mutate, nothing should preclude countries from working together to find lasting solutions to their common challenges. Some BRICs Nations are also beleaguered with high levels of corruption in public offices, they will need to seriously address this challenge, if they are to offer a robust development agenda for emerging markets to supplant the Bretton Wood Institutions. This paper was written, guided by three specific objectives: (i) Examine the rationale for launching the BRICS development initiatives and potential conflict with the World Bank and IMF. (ii) Discuss the mandate of the World Bank and IMF in fostering economic development especially developing countries. (iii) Explore potential areas of conflict between the Bretton Wood Institutions and BRICS to co-exist in their varied development mandates towards member countries. The paper has established that while nothing precludes BRICS offering alternative funding mechanisms to their members, they will need time to fully realize their objectives. Establishment of the BRICS signifies that its high time the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have adopted desired reforms, if they are to remain influential today.
Copyright (c) 2023 Norman Mugarura https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Youth Aggressive Communication Behaviour During Elections in Uganda
This study aimed at understanding the aggressive communication behavior of youth on Facebook during elections. The study traced the evolution of communication behavior from public spaces to the rise of mass media and the internet, particularly focusing on Facebook's increasing influence as a political space, to its manifestation in Uganda’s electoral process. Guided by the Communication Affordance Theory and Wolfsfeld's Political Contest Model, the study sought to understand how Facebook's affordances shaped youth engagement in electoral activities. The study followed a cross-sectional design to address the heterogeneity of the respondents in the fields of politics and social endeavors and employed a mixed method approach. Results show that during Uganda's 2021 presidential elections, there was a significant prevalence of aggressive communication behavior among the youth on Facebook. Cyberbullying, intimidation, and criticism were commonly observed. Recommendations were made to promote youth political engagement, discourage violent behavior, and provide opportunities for youth participation in governance. Aggressive communication was defined as a style where individuals violated the rights of others through verbal and non-verbal means.
Copyright (c) 2023 Tukahirwa Prudence, Imokola John Baptist https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Implementation Challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility Programs among Commercial Banks in Uganda
The purpose of this survey was to establish the implementation challenges of corporate social Responsibility (CSR) programs among commercial banks in Western Uganda using the case of Absa Bank Mbarara. In this study, descriptive research design was adopted where qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection were used. Both questionnaire survey and interview methods were used to collect data from staff of Absa Bank. To ensure validity and reliability, research instruments were pretested and appropriate strategies taken. The content Validity index was used for validity while Cronbach Alfa was used for reliability. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the findings portray negative perception by the public, competition and financial challenges as major hindrances of CSR programs among commercial banks in Western Uganda since they are profit making financial institutions. The study concludes that commercial banks use community related programs as their CSR programs. The study encourages commercial banks to partner with other organizations such as civil society organizations and the government in funding CSR activities since they are essential for the improvement of wellbeing of the people.
Copyright (c) 2023 Dennis Kakuba, Betrum Namanya, Noel Kiiza Kansiime https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bribery and Public Procurement Performance at Mbarara City, Uganda
The study investigated the effects of bribery on public procurement performance in Uganda with a focus on Mbarara City. Specifically, the study examined how monetary bribery and non-monetary bribery influence public procurement performance at Mbarara City. A cross-sectional design adopting a quantitative approach was applied. Quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics (Spearman correlation, coefficient of determination and regression). Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a strong negative influence of bribery on public procurement performance whereby more bribery contributed to poor public procurement performance and less bribery contributed to better public procurement performance. The study recommended that municipal councils should develop mechanisms for strengthening and operationalizing available measures to combat bribery to improve public procurement performance. Such mechanisms may include encouraging whistle blowers, selection of professional and competent members on evaluation committees and reducing the bureaucracy.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nkamuhayo Denis, Kakuba Dennis, Aggrey Muhereza, Nyakuhirwa Bridget https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Implementation of Biological Diversity Conservation Treaties in China
Biological Diversity, among its very diverse advantages, has been pointed out as key for achieving environmental sustainability. It has however been noted that biological diversity across the globe is being depleted. The international community responded by developing several international treaties for biological diversity conservation, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention. China is very rich in biological diversity and is party to the Conventions. In addition, China has in place several laws as well as protected areas to ensure the conservation of biological diversity. This notwithstanding, China still faces biological diversity depletion. This has been attributed to among other factors, overpopulation and industrialization. This article therefore seeks to critically analyze the efficacy of the CBD and Ramsar Conventions is ensuring Biological Diversity Conservation. The paper further analyses the extent to which China has achieved its obligations under the conventions. The paper concludes that the treaties, whereas a very good development, have some weakness. In addition, whereas China has done well in meeting its obligations under the treaties, it still faces some challenges. The article among others recommends that China should embrace public participation in ensuring biological diversity conservation. In achieving its objectives, the article adopts the doctrinal method of research.
Copyright (c) 2023 Kabaseke Charlotte https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling The Shadows: Examining Depictions of Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation and its Causes in Zura Maids
An ongoing problem in society and more specifically in Uganda, human trafficking for sexual exploitation takes advantage of helpless people and ruins countless lives. Eunice Atuko's moving book "Zura Maids," explores the sinister and unpleasant world of human trafficking. This abstract examines the novel's depictions of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in detail and looks into the root reasons of this horrible crime. This study's main goal is to shed light on the complex aspects of human trafficking as they are represented in "Zura Maids." The analysis focuses on the complex web of traffickers and their allies participating in this criminal operation while also examining the psychological, emotional, and physical traumas suffered by the victims. I sought to obtain a greater understanding of the emotional impact these depictions have on readers and their potential to foster empathy and awareness by looking at the storytelling strategies used by Eunice Atuko. This study also pinpoints and analyzes the underlying factors that contribute to the persistence of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in the novel's setting such as the role of socioeconomic circumstances, gender disparities, a lack of legal protection, and institutional shortcomings in sustaining this abhorrent trade as well as the cultural and historical factors that have shaped the characters' vulnerability, agency, and choices throughout the story are critically addressed. A close reading and textual analysis of "Zura Maids" is used in this study's qualitative methodology to identify pertinent themes and insights. Secondary sources such as academic research, reports, and pertinent literature are also used to support and strengthen the results. By offering "Zura Maids" the author intended to add to the corpus of information on the ugly vice, raise awareness and promote productive conversations aimed at ending human trafficking and defending the dignity and everyone’s rights by comprehending the depictions and underlying reasons of this worldwide horror as depicted in the novel.
Copyright (c) 2024 Daphne Sheilah Ampumuza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Depictions of Expectation Versus Reality in Noviolet Bulawayo’s We Need New Names
In the post-colonial era, Zimbabwe experienced a period of political and economic upheavals with a political regime whose ideology of socialism regimented Zimbabweans under an authoritarian state. In 1999, the opposition to President Mugabe and the ZANU-PF government grew considerably after the mid-1990s in part due to the worsening economic and human rights conditions brought about by the seizure of farmlands owned by white farmers and economic sanctions imposed by the Western countries in response. This economic upheaval was, and is still the cardinal reason why the citizens of Zimbabwe have almost not been a priority in the former regime, leading to their migration to seemingly better-off countries. No Violet Bulawayo is one such Zimbabwean who has left her motherland and now lives in America. In her novel, We Need New Names, she beautifully elaborates how the non-prioritized state of citizens in Zimbabwe is responsible for the huge number of immigrants who have left Zimbabwe and continue to leave, with hope as beautiful as a rainbow high up on their minds that maybe, just maybe, in a land far away from home, life can meaningfully reward their dreams which ironically, their mother country has so painfully failed to help them achieve.
Copyright (c) 2023 Hellen Ampeire https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Critical Analysis of Distributed Systems with a Focus on the Distributed Data Management in Edge Computing Environment
The emerging of distributed systems such as Distributed Computing, Grid, Jungle, Fog, Edge, Cloud computing systems, and the future of Inter-Cloud Computing helps to decrease communication cost in terms of delay and bandwidth consumption while increasing the advances in communications, networking complexity and the advent of big data technology such as proficient knowledge and smart decisions. Edge computing aims to alleviate the load on cloud data centers and minimize delay by making computing and other resources and services available closer to the users. Therefore, in this work, a critical analysis of distributed systems was conducted with a focus on Distributed Data Management in Edge Computing Environment. It drew its recommendations for future applications such as the Internet of Things.
Copyright (c) 2024 Katushabe Calorine https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assuring Quality in Ugandan Universities during COVID-19
The Corona Virus Pandemic sparked a crisis across many sectors of the economy. The virus led to the closure of many sectors including education. In Uganda, the education sector was closed for 22 months leaving many children and schools stranded on how to learn and deliver education services. The higher education sector reacted by introducing online learning. Since to many online learning was a crisis response, the transition was abrupt, thus calling for an investigation into the quality of education offered by universities during COVID-19. We interrogate the learners’ experience with online learning with a view to understanding the extent to which quality standards were maintained. Understanding how the learning experience can lead to improved design of future online programs and avoid the crisis in the education program delivery system. We collected both qualitative and quantitative data using questionnaires sent to students online. A sample was conveniently drawn from students who studied online during COVID-19. The sample consisted of both students undertaking undergraduate and post-graduate training at various levels. Our findings indicated that the majority of students were not well trained to undertake the online program, institutional support was also limited during online training and students indicated that online training can be better delivered if universities provide adequate training to students and invest in infrastructure development.
Copyright (c) 2023 Roberts Kabeba Muriisa, Rogers Bariyo, Wendo Mlahagwa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Teaching Religion in a Secular Swedish School System
Following my two-month research as an international Ugandan researcher in Sweden, I present an argument that the introduction of a non-confessional Religious Education in Sweden in 1919 and an objective and neutral education since 1962 had a key intention of de-linking teaching of religion from religious foundation bodies, in particular, the dominant Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and rendering it educational instead of confessional. In this paper, I will argue that, despite the subsequent birth of a secular Swedish society and the onset of a multicultural society, there was - and there continues to be a justification for the teaching of religion in schools. In my interview with two experts on Religious Education from the National Agency of Education, two teachers of Religious Education and eight students, they all responded positively to the question of the continued teaching of religion in secular Swedish society. However, in the paper, I will argue that there was or there is an inability of the curriculum and the teachers in some respects to do justice to the integrity of different religions. Based on earlier research and interviews, I’ll argue that despite the good intentions of having a neutral and objective multi-faith Religious Education (RE) curriculum in place, some textbooks and teachers’ approaches raise questions on fairness to all religions. In particular, the interviews indicate that there are signs of “Immigrophobia” among some students, teachers and sections of the community. Notwithstanding, I will argue that since the findings reveal an overwhelming support for multi-faith RE by a secular population and being mindful of the increased multi-cultural society and signs of Immigrophobia6, it is imperative that a careful choice of text-books, especially on religions, other than Christianity, is done and special attention given to RE teachers to address the concept of fairness to all religions.
Copyright (c) 2023 Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa (PhD) - Assoc. Prof. of Religious Education https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Program Progression and Completion among Postgraduate Students at Bishop Stuart University
This paper was generated from findings of a survey that was done involving postgraduate students and lecturers of Bishop Stuart University to find out the status of course progression and completion among Masters and PhD students. The study sought to establish the factors impacting program progression and completion among postgraduate students at Bishop Stuart University. The data for the study was collected through online questionnaires and interviews with Masters and PhD postgraduate students that were registered between the years 2015 and 2018. The findings indicated that the majority of students spend more than twice the amount of the minimum time allowed for the programs registered for. It was established that after the completion of the first academic year of class work, there is little follow-up on the students. As a result, most students graduate well behind schedule while others drop out. Financial constraints were mentioned by students as the main challenge causing delay in program progression and completion. Other key challenges mentioned were the Covid-19 induced lockdown, disagreement between supervisors, personal health challenges and inaccessible or unresponsive supervisors that take a very long time to provide feedback when they are given work for review. Some students also mentioned that they were unable to access most online journals that required a subscription.
Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. Richard Twebaze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Clinical Supervision and Teachers’ Preparation for Teaching in Universal Primary Education Schools of Mbarara City in Southwestern Uganda
This study determined the relationship between clinical supervision and teachers’ preparation for teaching. It employed a cross-sectional research design where a quantitative approach was used. The researcher used a sample size of 268 respondents. The study findings showed a strong positive statistically significant relationship between clinical supervision and teachers’ preparation (r =0.913**, p = 0.004). It was concluded that there is a significant relationship between clinical supervision and teachers’ preparation for teaching in Universal Primary Education Schools of Mbarara City. The government and the Ministry of Education and Sports should provide policy guidelines and clinical supervision materials to all the head teachers to facilitate the implementation of clinical supervision by head teachers in Universal Primary Education Schools.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nkwasiibwe Wilber, Dr. Enock Barigye, Basil Tibanyendera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Stakeholder Engagement on the Adoption of Agricultural Technologies by Farmers in Uganda
This study assessed how stakeholder engagement strategies used by SNV-TIDE project in planning, capacity building and resource mobilisation influenced the adoption of improved forages in Isingiro District, Southwestern Uganda. A cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study, which covered five purposively selected SNV-TIDE project cooperatives. The data were collected from 50 active cattle farmers and three field supervisors using both a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Descriptive and inferential analysis including multiple regression techniques were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that stakeholder engagement in planning and capacity building contributed 35 and 14.3 percent change respectively, in the adoption of improved forages. Stakeholder engagement in planning and capacity building had a positive significant (p<0.05) influence on the adoption of improved forages among the SNV-TIDE project members. But stakeholder engagement in resource mobilisation had no influence (p>0.05) on the adoption of improved forages. Thus based on the study, it was concluded that engaging stakeholders in planning and in capacity building contributes to the adoption of improved forages. To achieve better results, therefore, stakeholder engagement strategies should put more emphasis on involving stakeholders in the project planning activities and capacity building.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mr. Tumusiime Bernard, Dr. Michael Kiwanuka, Dr. Ambrose Rwaheru Aheisibwe, Dr. Sylvester Katuromunda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders from Gender Perspective among Staff of Bishop Stuart University
In this work, various work-related musculoskeletal disorders were conscientiously studied from a gender perspective among the staff of Bishop Stuart University. A total of 112 staff members consented to participate in the study. 62 were females and 50 were males. The majority of our participants were within the age range of 30-39. The academic staff were 68 and the non-academic staff were 44. The Krejcie and Morgan Table of 1970 was used to determine the sample size. The supporting staff members, visiting lecturers, and part-time staff were excluded from the study. The study was cross-sectional and the tool of data collection was Self structured, validated questionnaire. The data collection exercise lasted for 6 weeks, after which the collected data were analysed with SPSS version 25. The results revealed Low back pain, blurred vision, upper back pain, neck pain and shoulder/wrist pain were the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders suffered by the staff members. The study findings revealed that more male academic staff members suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their female counterparts. Conversely, the result of the study showed also that among the non-academic staff, there were more female sufferers of work-related musculoskeletal disorders than their male counterparts. Nevertheless, it was also noted that there was a concatenation of factors among other things that brought about the work-related musculoskeletal disorders, among staff members judging from Ergonomics standpoint. Such concatenation of factors was poor ergonomic knowledge application at workstation practices, lack of orientation on ergonomics, ergonomically designed working environment, etc.
Copyright (c) 2023 Alex Ogbe, Assoc. Prof. Francis Kazibwe, Otwine Anne https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
It’s time African Countries utilized the WTO, Dispute Settlement Understanding more to leverage their International Trade Interests
The paper deconstructs the law relating to WTO, Dispute Settlement Mechanisms (DSMs) to establish why African Countries have failed to harness it to leverage their international trade Interests. There is compelling evidence to affirm that many African Countries are marginalized in international trade because many odds including failure to harness the WTO Dispute Settlement are stacked against them. The ability of African Countries in international trade has been saddled by many factors that characterize Less Developed Countries. The Uruguay Round (1986-94) introduced many changes such as the reduced timelines (from when disputes are initiated to when they are disposed of), admission of third parties to represent poor Countries which may be deficient in requisite capacity to handle the complexity of the World trade disputes mechanisms. This paper posits that the marginalization of African Countries in the World trade system is partly caused by inherent factors that saddle them as Less Developed Economies. We adopted hybrid doctrinal and qualitative methodological approaches by way of reviewing WTO relevant Agreements, existing literature and evaluating evidence in the context of objectives for writing the paper. The findings corroborate that African Countries have been sidelined in international trade system because they have not utilized the Dispute Settlement Understanding Agreement to leverage their international trade interest well.
Copyright (c) 2023 Assoc. Prof. Norman Mugurura , Ruhweza Hawa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Loan Collection Procedures and Financial Performance of Saccos in Mbarara City
The study flexed off to establish whether a relationship occurs amid loan collection procedures and financial performance of SACCOs in Mbarara City. This undertaking championed a non-experimental crosssectional research design with both descriptive and analytical styles where mixed method approach was used to collect and analyse data. The undertaking gathered quantitative data from 109 participants using questionnaires. Questionnaires were used to gather quantitative data which was then put into a data management tool, statistical package for social scientists’ version 20 for further description and inferences. The tool was then used to output a descriptive presentation and Pearson correlation coefficient mounted employed to ascertain statistical significance between the loan collection procedures besides financial performance of SACCOs in Mbarara city. The undertaking findings uncovered a slight positive connection amid loan collection procedure besides financial performance of SACCOs (r=0.259, p<0.001). Qualitative data was obtained by use of an interview guide that were subjected to the SACCO managers to give deep insight concerning the variables being undertaken. This undertaking resolved that loan collection procedures positively influences SACCOs’ financial performance. The undertaking commends SACCOs towards adopting unique revised loan collection procedures if the collections are to be realized on the agreed time as per the loan contract to ensure better loan performance hence improving the financial performance of the SACCOs.
Copyright (c) 2023 Baluku Watsema, Anthony. K. Agume, Nuwagaba Arthur https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of Appraisal Standards setting on Employee Performance in private Universities in Uganda
The study aimed at establishing the relationship between the appraisal standards and performance of employees in selected private universities in Uganda. It was carried out in two universities which were Kampala International University Bushenyi Campus and University of St. Joseph Mbarara. The study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. It involved the administrative staff of the universities. The study was hence carried out amongst 60 staff members. The results were analysed using the descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages, the mean distribution and regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship amongst the variable. The study generally revealed that there was a significant relationship between appraisal standards and employee performance. The standards the appraisal focused on were mainly the employee behaviours, competences and achievements. The results indicated that the main behavioural targets were the employees’ relations with colleagues, relations with clients, relations with supervisors and the extent to which employees observed the code of conduct including the disciple. The competences assessed related to relevance of the staff qualifications are assessed, staff members ability to counsel students, the ability to communicate with clients, he staff skills to do the work is assessed and the staff skills to do the work is assessed. On achievement, the study examined the application of appraisal on determining participation and ability to contribute in meetings, the staff performance, the research output, the clients attracted to the organization, the level of attendance to duties and participation in training activities. On the whole the study recommended the need to enhance appraisal standards and ensure that all staff members are aware of the standards that are usually assessed so that they work towards achieving them.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ankunda Emily, Mureebe Dorcus https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Relationship between Management of the U.S.E. program and Establishment of Private Secondary Schools in Ibanda Municipality
The study assessed the relationship between management of the USE program and establishment of private secondary schools. The study employed a cross sectional design by which data was collected basing on what is going on at the particular point of time. The study population included MEO, parents, inspectors, head teachers and teachers. A sample size of 344 respondents participated in the study, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics formulae provided by the statistical packages for social science SPSS v.16. Also the independent variable was correlated with dependent variable using Pearson correlation. The statistical package for social scientists (SPSS 22.0) were used in the analysing of data. The study found out that there is a high positive significant relationship between management of the USE program and establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality at P=0.002 at level of significance 0.01, r = 0.878. It was further concluded that there is a high positive significant relationship between management of the USE program and the establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality. Management of the use program is responsible for the establishment of private secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality. It was recommended that the government should conduct effective supervision of universal secondary schools to improve the effectiveness of USE program. The government should set the limit of fees for students in private schools to enable all parents who have children in private schools afford the fees.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0