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.
Water Availability and Household Adaptive Mechanisms of Smallholder Farmers in Refugee Settlement Camps:
Smallholder farmers in refugee settlements demonstrate resilience to climate change through localized adaptation, yet inadequate water infrastructure, economic limitations, and weak institutional support constrain their efforts. Despite this, limited empirical research has examined how displaced farmers cope with water scarcity, as most studies focus on host communities and overlook refugee contexts. This study, therefore, assesses water resource availability and adaptive mechanisms among smallholder farmers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda one of the largest and most climate-stressed settlements in East Africa. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 384 randomly selected households and 12 purposively selected key informants. Data were collected through household questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis. Results showed heavy reliance on precarious water sources, with most farmers depending on rainfall and purchased water, followed by river water, boreholes, wells, and taps. Major challenges included poor water quality, long distances to water sources, seasonal drying of water points, insufficient supply, conflicts over water access, and climate-induced variability. To cope with scarcity, households adopted mechanisms such as rainwater harvesting, storing water, seeking alternative sources, reducing cultivated land, and planting drought-resistant crops. However, adoption of water-saving technologies remains low due to financial barriers and limited training. Community collaboration in water management is also minimal, indicating weak collective action. The study underscores the need for targeted policies and interventions to strengthen resilience in refugee settlements, including expansion of reliable water infrastructure, promotion of affordable water-saving technologies, enhanced community-based water governance, and integration of these efforts into broader climate adaptation and humanitarian programming.
Copyright (c) 2026 Said Abdi Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Competency-Based Curriculum Approach for Household Sustainability and Growth in Manafwa District
This study assesses the potential contributions of Uganda's competency-based curriculum (CBC) to household sustainability and economic growth in Manafwa District, where 75% of households depend on subsistence agriculture and only 42% complete secondary education. Employing a mixed-methods design with purposive sampling of 50 participants, including teachers, administrators, students, and church leaders, the research addresses three questions: CBC elements aligned with local economic needs, church-led capitalization of CBC-derived skills, and policy recommendations for income generation. Findings indicate that CBC's three competency domains, technical skills (financial literacy, agricultural techniques), character development (leadership, resilience), and meta-learning capacities (growth mindset), directly apply to Manafwa's agricultural economy. The Church of Uganda, operating 37% of district schools and reaching 65% of households, can leverage this network through agricultural innovation centers, entrepreneurship incubation programs, skills-based cooperatives, and integrated spiritual-economic development initiatives. Evidence from existing programs shows household income increases of 28% from church-led coffee processing initiatives and 80% startup profitability within six months through CBC-aligned mentorship. Prioritized policy recommendations include localized teacher capacity building emphasizing coffee value chain analysis, formal church-government partnership frameworks, competency assessment reform measuring practical economic applications, targeted resource allocation to female-headed households (38% of households), and church advocacy establishing a CBC Economic Impact Observatory. An 18-month pilot project in three parishes is proposed to document baseline indicators, implement CBC-aligned skills development, provide enterprise mentorship, and measure quantifiable economic improvements. The research concludes that CBC offers substantial potential for household economic transformation when intentionally implemented with economic outcomes in mind, with the Church of Uganda strategically positioned as the catalyst for translating educational competencies into tangible household improvements.
Copyright (c) 2026 Emmanuel Koboi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Macroeconomic Determinants Of Agricultural Productivity In Uganda (1981–2023)
This study examines the macroeconomic determinants of agricultural productivity in Uganda from 1981 to 2023. Specifically, it analyzes the effects of inflation, government expenditure, interest rates, and exchange rates using an ARDL (2, 0, 1, 2, 0) model to capture both long-run and short-run dynamics. The long-run results reveal that government expenditure significantly enhances agricultural productivity, while high interest rates negatively affect output. Inflation and exchange rates show no statistically significant long-term effects. In the short run, government expenditure remains positively significant, and inflation exhibits a temporary positive effect, possibly reflecting short-term price incentives. Although interest rates are insignificant in the short run, their long-term negative effect suggests cumulative credit constraints over time. Exchange rate fluctuations are not significant in either period. Based on these findings, the study recommends increasing and efficiently allocating agricultural expenditure toward rural infrastructure and extension services, implementing financial sector reforms to reduce borrowing costs for farmers, maintaining inflation stability through prudent macroeconomic management, and adopting exchange rate risk mitigation strategies to protect agricultural incomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruth Kyomuhendo Tuhamize, Killian Arineitwe, Francis Muhire, Warren Tibesigwa, PhD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Remittances, Human Capital and Economic Growth in Uganda
This study investigated the effect of remittances and human capital on Uganda's economic growth using quarterly data for the period from 1999 to 2023. Three objectives were particularly investigated: (i) To investigate the effect of personal remittances on Uganda’s economic growth, (ii) To investigate the effect of human capital on Uganda’s economic growth, and (iii) To examine the combined effect of personal remittances and human capital on Uganda’s economic growth. A linear symmetric autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of Pesaran et al. (2001) was adopted in the estimation of the empirical models. Findings from the study have shown that variations in both personal remittances and human capital individually have a positive effect on real GDP per capita in Uganda, both in the short run and in the long run. However, the estimates indicate that a unit change in human capital has a larger marginal effect than a unit change in personal remittances in their influence on Uganda’s economic growth. Personal remittances and human capital have a positive and statistically significant combined effect on real GDP per capita in Uganda, both in the short run and in the long run. A comparative analysis of the individual and the combined effect reveals that the marginal individual effect of remittances and the marginal combined effect of remittances and human capital are not significantly distant from each other, suggesting that variations in personal remittances have independent effects from the variations in human capital on Uganda’s economic growth. Findings suggest that Uganda’s economic growth can be enhanced if deliberate policy is directed toward increasing investment in human capital development. Findings also suggest that Uganda’s economy can reap some tangible benefits from labor externalization under a streamlined labour migration policy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Geoffrey Natumanya, Arineitwe Killian, Phiona Natuha, Turyareeba Dickson, PhD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Review of Farmer Attitudes and the Persistent Challenge of Newcastle Disease in Smallholder Poultry Systems
Newcastle Disease (ND) remains a primary constraint to smallholder poultry production in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in cycles of poverty and food insecurity. While effective vaccines exist, their adoption remains inconsistent. Understanding the socio-behavioural factors, particularly farmer attitudes, is critical for bridging the gap between technical knowledge and effective control. This review synthesizes findings from a community-based study in Kashari Sub-County, Uganda, to analyze local poultry farmers' attitudes towards Newcastle disease and its control, situating these findings within the broader literature on disease management in smallholder systems. A descriptive, mixed-methods survey was conducted with 24 analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study reveals a high level of awareness (91.7% combined "very much aware" and "aware") and significant concern (87.5%) about Newcastle disease among farmers. Experienced farmers could identify key clinical signs, with watery stools (25%), lack of appetite (17%), and dragging legs (17%) being most recognized. Despite this awareness, farmers reported recurrent outbreaks, high mortality, and reduced income, indicating a critical disconnect between knowledge and practice. Barriers such as limited access to veterinary services, vaccine cost and distribution challenges, and insufficient extension support were identified as key impediments. Technical knowledge of Newcastle disease among smallholder farmers is necessary but insufficient for sustainable disease control. The findings underscore the imperative for integrated, community-sensitive interventions that move beyond awareness campaigns to address the structural and socio-economic barriers to vaccination uptake. Strengthening extension systems, promoting affordable and thermostable vaccines, and embedding control practices within local livelihood strategies are essential for reducing the burden of Newcastle disease
Copyright (c) 2026 Able Ninsiima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Implementing Competence-Based Education in Large Professional Courses for Teacher Trainers in Ugandan Universities
This scholarly investigation examines the integration of competency-based education into substantial professional courses for teacher trainers at universities in Uganda. It is contended that, despite Uganda's efforts to integrate competency-based education into significant professional courses for teacher trainers at its academic institutions, a considerable gap remains between its design and implementation. The inquiry was conducted using a qualitative research methodology, which encompassed a comprehensive assessment of secondary sources. The principal conclusion drawn was that, although competency-based education is available within major professional courses for teacher trainers at Ugandan universities, its implementation has not been executed effectively, thereby adversely impacting the quality assurance competencies of the educators. It is recommended that, by accentuating personal self-actualization alongside pedagogical responsibilities, the competency-oriented approach has the potential to substantially enhance the caliber of professional education, while concurrently aligning with global educational standards and effectively addressing local educational requirements
Copyright (c) 2026 Judith Arinaitwe , Israel Mwebembezi, Syson Amutuhaire, Arthur Ahumuza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The paper highlights the linkages between religion and environment in the context of growing ecological and climate change impacts. It focuses on religion with particular reference to Christianity and Uganda. In terms of approach, the paper adopts a hybrid methodology influenced by pragmatism, reflexibility and positionality. It uses publicly available secondary data obtained using internet search engines. The paper positions Christianity as a strong factor in building pathways towards sustainable development. It thus acknowledges a concurrence between Christianity and the environment. It however postulates that amidst this concurrence are salient but largely silent aspects through which the Christian system, particularly in recent years, has continued to expose the environment to degradation and related threats. These include physical occupation, unwise use of wetlands, and pollution, among others. The paper proposes a package of integrated Mechanisms for mitigating the effects and paving the way for a sustainable development pathway.
Copyright (c) 2026 George Muganga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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