College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)

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Browsing College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) by Issue Date

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    An information support system for industrial development in Uganda with special reference to the small-scale sector: a proposal
    (Addis Ababa University, 1994-05) Matovu, James
    The role of information in the scientific, technical and socio-economic development of nations is becoming widely accepted. In what has come to be referred to as the “information age”, a larger percentage of people in the developed world are now employed in the information sector and the same trend is perceptible in the industrializing economies as well. In Uganda, the future of the country lies in the rejuvenation of the industrial sector, which presently, accounts for less than 5 percent of the GDP. More than 80 percent of the manufacturing sector in Uganda is comprised of small scale enterprises. The problems faced by the SSIs are numerous and diverse. However, a critical analysis of these problems reveals that they all have a bearing to the information situation in the country, which presently remains grossly ill-developed. Twice the government of Uganda, assisted by international agencies has tried to address the issue of industrial information in the country. These two attempts, however, proved futile, partially due to poor perception of information as a resource by planners, decision makers, manufacturers, etc. With the advent of information technology, the information component has gained new dimensions. Information technology (IT) is today an indispensable tool in the capture, storage, processing, analysis and dissemination of data and information in industries as well as in other organisations. IT application has transformed information systems and centres from mere custodians of information to a management tool of industries. Its impact is being felt in all sectors of the national economy, the manufacturing sector in particular. Information, industrialisation and economic development are a mutually synergising trinity. This thesis discusses the relevancy of information systems and centres in industrialisation from Uganda's point of view. It proposes the need to develop a national scientific, technical and industrial information centre (NSTIIC). It is proposed that among other things, NSTIIC should aim at bringing together in a network of database system, all institutions, organisations etc., whose activities and functions are contributory to the growth of the industrial sector in Uganda. It also advocates for a serious campaign to sensitise planners, decision makers, manufactures and all those involved in guiding the national economy, big or small, so as to help them develop an information culture in their day-to-day activities.
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    The impact of cybercafes on information services in Uganda
    (First Monday, 1996) Gitta, Samuel ; Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    This study assessed the impact of cybercafes on the provision of information services in uganda. It focused on cafe users only. Findings revealed that 69.8% percent were in the age group of 20-39 year. Eighty-seven percent were not registered with particular cafes. Fifty-seven percent indicated they were satisfied with the service. A little over thirty percent used the Internet daily. All female respondents indicated e-mail as one of their Internet applications. The hypotheses were tested using the chi-square statistic and resulted into retaining the first null hypothesis while the second null hypothesis was rejected. Cybercafe use demonstrates a tremendous future for the Internet society in uganda. The potential for meeting user needs in uganda is high. The application of the Internet in the various disciplines and professions is humpered by low user skills, limited facilities, lack of support for the rural community, low downloading speed, high charges, and a lack of monitoring. Recommendations suggest that ICT policies be instituted and computers and the Internet be made part of the schiol curriculum to equip ugandans with the necessary skills and to extend these new Internet services to the Ugandan rural community as well.
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    Private camel library brings hope to pastoralists: the Kenyan experience
    (Emerald and MCB University Press, 1999) Atuti, Richard Masaranga ; Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    Discusses an innovation in the Kenya National Library Service, the Camel Library Service (CLS) in North Eastern Province, Kenya. Highlights results of an investigation of the impact and the feasibility of the CLS pilot project and its compatibility to the lifestyle of nomadic pastoralists. The instruments used in the survey included questionnaires, interviews, documentary analysis and a literature search. Data from the field was adapted, coded, summarized statistically and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS). The findings show that animal transport (camel) as a mobile library provides an adequate alternative and successful model for a service on wheels. The CLS was also found an effective channel of maximizing the use of National Library information resources by nomadic pastoralists. A review of its performance indicates the project is viable and can be adapted, replicated and expanded
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    Insights into the information needs of women in the informal sector of Uganda
    (South African Journal of Library and Information Science, 2002) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    The informal sector is a fast growing economic sector in Uganda for development and employment of most small business entrepreneurs including women in the country. This paper presents insights into the information needs and information seeking strategies of the Ugandan women in the informal sector. Their business characteristics and sources, and channels they use to access information as well as constraints they face in information seeking, have been explored and represented. Qualitative research design and methods that involved the use of critical incidence technique were largely used. One hundred and seventeen women from five districts were sampled through snowballing and disproportionate sampling techniques. This paper recommends actions to be taken to make business information available to women. More research on women related information is advocated.
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    Mapping information systems and services in Uganda: an overview
    (Elservier Science Ltd., 2002-12) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    This paper aims at defining and mapping the information sector in Uganda with regard to general awareness and comparative studies. It is written from the sociological perspective and is based on a review of literature, a survey of advertisements, guidelines for mapping the information sector of other countries and on the author's experience. Restrictions that hamper this sector's growth are outlined together with the government's aspirations for improvement. The article represents a rare attempt at mapping the information sector in Uganda for the purpose of wide information dissemination.
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    Information needs and information-seeking behavior of artisan fisher folk of Uganda
    (Elservier science Inc., 2003) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert ; Ocholla, Denis N
    This article examines the information needs, information-seeking behavior, and the impact of information use on artisan fisher folk and extension agents at three major lakes in Uganda. The findings reveal that fisher folk require different kinds of information to carry out fishing activities effectively. The methods they favor for accessing information are described, and the role of government departments in fisheries information provision is highlighted. The study recommends what could be done to provide the fisher folk with information
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    A study of the information seeking behavior of undergraduate students of Makerere University
    (Makerere University, 2003-08) Kakai, Miriam
    This study investigated the information needs and seeking behavior of undergraduate students of Makerere University. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, with samples from first, second, and third year undergraduate students selected from the Department of BioChemistry in the Faculty of Science, and the Department of History in the Faculty of Arts, to represent the disciplines of the Humanities with BA (Arts) and Scientists with B.Sc. The findings noted that Makerere University undergraduate students follow only five of Ellis' six generic information seeking activities summarized as: starting, browsing, chaining, monitoring and extracting. The study established the major factors that influence the students' information seeking behaviors. The results obtained also indicate what students rely on most as their information sources. It is suggested that the library would benefit the undergraduate students better if more attention were paid to sensitization and training programs, as well as publicity and promotion of information resources and services. Automating the procedures of use was also recommended for easy and quick information retrieval.
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    Public Library politics: the Ugandan perspective
    (IFLA, 2003-08) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    This paper provides the Ugandan perspective of the public library politics. It reports the views of politicians, civil servants and library association leaders regarding role of the public library and information services in Uganda and especially in the decision making process in government, democratic process in the country, and its contribution to the economic development and to policy priorities. The data was collected through literature review and a survey using questionnaires. The historical development of the public library is included as background to the study. Views resulting from the debate in the Ugandan parliament on public library services are included. Findings show the feelings of respondents on the importance and problems affecting the public library services. Recommendations provide a basis for public library development in the country.
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    Nakaseke multipurpose community telecentre and library
    (International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP), 2004) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    Nakaseke Multipurpose Community Telecentre and Library, located 64 km north of Kampala and 16 km off the Kampala–Gulu road, was established in 1999 as a UNESCO project in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the British Council, the government of Uganda and local partners – the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, the Public Libraries Board, Uganda Telecommunications Limited (UTL), Nakaseke and Kasangombe Local Councils, and the communities. The purpose of the project was to introduce ICTs and library services in the rural area of Nakaseke, Luwero District, in Uganda.
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    Information seeking behaviour of the informal sector enterpreneurs: the Ugandan experience
    (Libri, 2004) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert ; Ocholla, Dennis N.
    This article reports the results of a study aimed at identifying the information needs and uses of the informal sector in Uganda. The demographic and business characteristics of these entrepreneurs are highlighted and empirically tested with regard to their information needs. This study has largely employed qualitative research methodologies, such as the critical incidence technique for interviews with 602 informal sector entrepreneurs from a variety of trades. Observations of the entrepreneurs’ work environments and historical methods were also employed. The results suggest that modern/exotic models of information transfer based on textual media and ICT exhibit less impact on the entrepreneurs’ information needs and use at macro levels because of poverty, illiteracy and poor information infrastructure. It is however noted that most ‘elite’ models share a platform with information behaviour of entrepreneurs at the micro levels. The study concludes that an appropriate model for information behaviour for the information poor community must be grounded on oral traditions and indigenous knowledge and be sensitive to poverty, infrastructure and illiteracy. Recognition is also made of the need for information repackaging and the use of appropriate media for information provision.
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    National Library of Uganda
    ( 2004) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
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    Application of information & communication technologies (ICTS) in knowledge management (KM) : case studies of the Center for Basic Research Library and the Privatisation Unit Library in Uganda
    (SCECSAL, 2004) Kaddu, Sarah
    The paper examines the concept "Knowledge Management (KM)". It examines how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could be effectively applied in knowledge management. In this context, ICTs advantages and disadvantages are analyzed along with challenges and strategies towards effective ICT application in KM. Further, the paper is based on content analysis of numerous documents and electronic sources in KM. It was also based on a mini survey and follow up interview of the Centre for Busic Research (CBR) and Privatization Unit Libraries (PU) in view of establishing what the staff and users in these libraries understand by the term KM,process of KM and how ICT is applied in KM.
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    Addressing the challenges of the information and knowledge societies : the case for optimum curriculum in the SCECSAL Region
    (SCECSAL, 2004) Kigongo-Bukenya, I. M. N.
    The paper rotates on the question whether Information Management (IM) curriculum is equally appropriate for Knowledge Management (KM). Using the Conceptual Framework of Knowledge Management Processes (CFKMP), the concepts "Information Management" and "Knowledge Management" are explained and related in the context of optimum curriculum. The processes/activities of information management and knowledge management are examined to identify similarities or differences and to establish the base of knowledge and competencies/skills required. Based on Coral (2005) and comparative analysis of other literature, it is estimated that both IM and KM professionals require similar knowledge and skills competencies. It is deduced therefore that the same curricula would be appropriate for both. The paper further suggests that two strategies could be adapted in teaching of such curricula. The first would be the core-elective approach, whereby IM and KM are taught as electives along the core required by the information profession. The second would be the specialization strategy approach by which IM and KM are taught as different programmes.
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    Mapping and auditing indigenous knowledge capacity in Uganda
    (ProLISSA, 2004) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    This paper explores indigenous knowledge in Uganda. It aims at mapping and auditing this knowledge. It begins with a statement why this knowledge occupies a central place among communities of developing countries, then explains what indigenous knowledge is, and provides the rationale for mapping and auditing it. Through the review of related literature, what other countries have done and are doing serve to compare whether or not Uganda is making headway. Interviews and observations were employed in primary data collection. The findings revealed what has been done and what is happening. The paper concludes with challenges and milestones in mainstreaming this knowledge, and makes recommendations for Africa to follow
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    A study of the information seeking behavior of undergraduate students of Makerere University, Uganda
    (World Libraries, 2004) Kakai, Miriam ; Ikoja-Odong, Robert ; Kigongo-Bukenya, I.M.N.
    The study investigated the information needs and seeking behavior of undergraduate students of Makerere University. A cross–sectional survey was carried out, with samples of respondents from the Department of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Science and the Department of History in the Faculty of Arts. The sample consisted of 104 undergraduate students selected from their first, second, and third year of study. Ellis’ six generic information–seeking activities were tested to establish how undergraduate students seek information. The chi–square statistic was used to test the stated hypotheses. The results provide an insight into the factors that influence students information–seeking behavior and the information sources used. The study makes recommendations that could lead to the improvement of students’ information seeking behavior and use of information resources.
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    Public library politics: the Uganda perspective
    (Sage Publications, 2004) Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    Public libraries in Uganda face many problems, but their importance in the political, socio-economic and cultural life of the country has been recognized by government, which has integrated public libraries into all its major development programmes
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    Cultural information access and utilisation by rural women : A framework for Uganda
    (Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL), 2004) Magara, Elisam ; Ikoja-Odongo, J. Robert
    Uganda is well endowed with cultural diversity that critically needs to be harnessed because of its potential to improve the quality of life of the Ugandan people. Issues such as language and literary arts, indigenous knowledge, culture and environment, cultural tourism, culture and young people, belief system and values reside in women mainly and should be emphasized. Women in most cases are at the forefront of such issues as first teachers of language, and guardians of our cultures most especially in rural settings where more than 80 percent of our people reside. They are a majority in the country's population and therefore a cultural army of the country. Unfortunately they are not well catered for in many things they do or affecting them although they are most visible in local and cultural activities. To promote and strengthen Uganda's rich, and diverse cultural identities, enhance social capital, collaboration and participation in cultural life, promote community action on sound cultural practices that impinge on human dignity, and to conserve and protect Uganda's tangible and intangible heritage, information provision is important. Although there are efforts in providing information at various levels of education and other sectors of society, no strategy addresses the cultural information needs of rural women in Uganda specifically Creating opportunities for society to understand and appreciate rural women and cultural in information is essential. This paper aims at providing strategies for facilitating access and utilization of cultural information about the Ugandan cultures.
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    Bridging the digital divide in the East African Region : a need for a joint policy framework
    (SCECSAL XVI, 2004) Kibaya, Erisania
    Information and Communication Technology (ICT) continues to have a significant impact on the lives of people and the global economy and also gives rise to a host of important issues. One major unanswered question at the national and internationel level is whether the use of information technologies leads to increasing disparities within and among developing countries. This paper gives an analysis of current efforts taken to enhance ICT utilization in the East African region (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). Noting that the Ievel of ICT utilisation in the region is still low, a model for joint policy frame work implementation to help itttpt,ove the current status quo is proposed. Current national ICT policies that have been drafted (or being drafted) in the region to address the issues related to digital divide are reviewed. The paper focuses on exploring new contemporary approaches at national and international level to address the issues of the digital divide problem. Information was collected ortline from major stakeholders directly involved in efforts to address the digital divide in the region and analysis was made in relation to the different policy instruments that exist. From the analysis, it was found that virtually all the countries in the region were more or less at the policy formulation level. Unlike other development strategies that are being impressed by different countries in the region, the paper demonstrotes that individual countries' initiiatives to tackle the complex problems of the digital divide will yield better results if jointly implemented. Therefore, sharing resources and experiences are necessity, f iffurts towards the problem are to realize concrete benefits. The paper recommends, among others, that countries in the region planning to bridge the digital divide must not only draw up ICT policies but provide for execution mechanisms at ground level of playingfields.