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ItemGendered analysis of socio-economic challenges of water access and implications for equitable water management in Juba City(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigated the interplay of socio-economic, physical, institutional, and cultural factors affecting women’s access to safe water and their participation in water management in Juba City, South Sudan. The study was guided by four objectives: (i) to identify the socio-economic factors hindering water access; (ii) to assess the effect of these factors on women’s access to safe water; (iii) to establish the status of women’s participation in water provision and management; and (iv) to examine the constraints that hinder women’s effective participation in water governance. A sample of 300 households was selected using stratified random sampling across six divisions in Juba City. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests to examine associations between key variables. Findings indicate that socio-economic and demographic variables such as age, sex, education level, marital status, and employment type were not statistically significant determinants of access to safe water. In contrast, physical access variables were highly influential: households traveled an average of 3,215 meters to reach a water source, with some walking up to 6 kilometers, and 63% reported waiting over 30 minutes at water points. Additionally, 78% of respondents reported water scarcity during dry months, and 58% experienced at least one incident of water-related conflict or harassment, particularly affecting women and children. Regarding participation, while women are responsible for water collection in over 80% of households, only 18% reported female involvement in water management decisions, and even fewer in technical roles. Constraints to participation included low education levels, lack of legal awareness, male-dominated decision-making structures, and institutional environments perceived as unwelcoming to women. The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to improve water access and women’s participation. These include expanding and decentralizing water infrastructure to reduce distance and waiting time, enforcing gender-sensitive water policies, and initiating community sensitization campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms. Capacity-building programs focused on technical skills and leadership for women, along with institutional reforms to make governance spaces more inclusive, are also critical. Addressing both the physical and structural barriers is essential to ensuring equitable water access and empowering women in water governance across Juba City.
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ItemSocial media: a double-edged sword in promoting peace and security in Uganda, Kampala Central Region(Makerere University, 2025)The study examined “Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword in Promoting Peace and Security in Uganda, Kampala Central Region.” The study aimed to achieve three specific objectives: to examine the contributions of social media to promoting peace and security, to identify the challenges that social media poses to promoting peace and security, and to suggest strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by social media towards promoting peace and security in Uganda. A cross-sectional design was used, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. A total of 374 participants from Kampala Central Division took part in the research, with triangulation used to enhance the validity of the findings. The research utilized convenience, purposive, and simple random sampling strategies. The response rates for questionnaires and interviews were 98 percent and 86 percent, respectively. To ensure consistency in data collection and interpretation, a pilot study was conducted among selected knowledgeable respondents to verify data validity and reliability. Qualitative analysis was performed using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that social media has been highly effective in contributing to peace and security in Uganda (mean = 3.62, SD = 1.09). Moreover, the findings strongly indicate that social media present challenges to promoting peace and security in Uganda (mean = 3.89, SD = 0.078). Finally, the study validated strategies to address these challenges, such as government monitoring, collaboration between social media companies and organizations, social media literacy, strengthening legal frameworks, and promoting dialogue (Mean = 3.87, St. D = 0.1002). The study suggests a multi-faceted approach that includes better digital literacy, stronger legal and regulatory frameworks, better government monitoring, and more cooperation between social media companies, government agencies, and civil society groups. It also advocates for local content creation, digital peace campaigns, and community involvement to counter harmful narratives and promote peacebuilding. The study concludes that although social media carries notable risks, it also offers transformative opportunities for fostering peace and security. Therefore, strategic and collaborative actions are essential to harness its benefits while minimizing misuse.
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ItemThe archaeology of Megaliths culture in the Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania(Makerere University, 2025)The study investigated the archaeology of the megaliths’ culture in the Lake Eyasi Basin, the northern part of Tanzania, an area previously noted for megalithic structures whose historical significance and origins were not well-documented. Earlier researchers suggested these sites might be related to the Engaruka cultural complex, but chronological inconsistencies remained. This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data were obtained through archaeological surveys, excavations, archival research, and paleoenvironmental data collection. Secondary data were gathered by reviewing existing literature, including books, research papers, and reports, focused on megaliths and other archaeological topics relevant to the Lake Eyasi Basin. The findings highlight the advanced engineering, craftsmanship, and potential spiritual significance behind the megalithic structures. Various forms, such as dolmens, burial cairns, stone enclosures and stone circles, reflect the societies' complex cultural, social, and possibly religious dimensions. The studied sites (Olpiro, Oldogom, and Barjomajega) exhibited distinctive pottery, microlithic tools, polished axes, grinding stones, and metalworking materials, indicating specialised tool use and metallurgical knowledge. Animal remains indicated reliance on livestock, while decorative beads suggested symbolic cultural practices. Radiocarbon dating places these sites in the Pastoral Neolithic and Late Iron Age, from 2500 years BP to the 14th century AD. The absence of Early Iron Age (EIA) pottery indicates abandonment during this period, with a gap between 300 and 700 AD before resettlement in the Late Iron Age (LIA) time. In addition, the phytolith data suggest that environmental conditions 2,500 years ago were similar to today’s semi-arid environment, implying that cultural developments were likely driven by factors other than environmental shifts. The study proposes further research, including refined radiocarbon dating to resolve chronological gaps, advanced LiDAR and GIS mapping to locate undiscovered sites, and microscopic analysis of artefacts to reveal material, technological, and trade details. Additionally, it recommends investigating links between contemporary pastoralist practices and ancient megalithic traditions. Finally, expanding phytolith and pollen analysis could further clarify the relationship between stable environmental conditions and cultural continuity.
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ItemThe right to reproductive health : a case study of the maternal health status of refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp in Uganda, 2013-2018(Makerere University, 2023)The study was carried out to investigate the maternal health status of refugees in Kiryandongo refugee camp. The general objective was to assess the maternal health situation, with emphasis on reproductive health rights awareness among refugee women in Kiryandongo refugee camp. The specific objective was to ascertain the level of knowledge about reproductive health rights in the camp, to identify the barriers to knowledge about human rights and investigate the challenges faced by both the refugee women and health workers in the realization of the right to reproductive health. The study then generates recommendations to enhance knowledge about maternal health rights and improve maternal health services in Kiryandongo refugee camp. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study, which employed a combination of cross-sectional and case study methodologies. The sample size consisted of 35 respondents who were purposively sampled. The study population included: refugee women, refugee men, health workers within key health facilities, and NGO staff. Methods used in the data collection included: structured interviews, focus group discussions, observation and documentary review. This study found out that refugee women are knowledgeable about human rights in general, but 5 out of 9 women did not know that maternal health in refugee settings is even a right. The few women who appeared conscious about the rights had no idea where, and how to seek help. Specifically, the women faced asylum procedural barriers and did not know how to file complaints, claim their rights, nor did they know where to go for advice or counseling assistance. Although there was a general knowledge of the right to reproductive health, the bigger challenge the women faced was in relation to access to quality reproductive health services. Services are insufficient, and many women did not receive timely maternal health services, in form of cared and attended births. With regard to quality of maternal health services, the study realized that the maternal mortality rate was low. However, availability of maternal wards was inadequate to handle bigger numbers of maternal health cases. Women encountered challenges to access health facilities, due to long distances to the health centers, and faced institutional challenges such as inadequate nurses and midwives, resulting in failure to have safe and healthy births, let alone seek for adequate care, in a timely and consistent manner. The study findings revealed that women developed negative attitudes towards seeking healthcare support, due to the afore mentioned challenges, and due to limited knowledge about where to seek help, in addition to institutional challenges that affect the medical personnel, in providing quality care. The study suggests a need for human rights sensitization and education, and the need to hire skilled personnel to handle refugee numbers and matters.
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ItemAn analysis of the Apaa land conflict in Amuru District(Makerere University, 2024)The Apaa Land Conflict in Uganda, ongoing since the 1960s, remains unresolved despite numerous government interventions. These efforts include land demarcation, forced evictions, mediation, deployment of security forces, and legal reforms. The situation has been further complicated by the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have settled in the East Madi Wildlife Reserve, escalating tensions between the local communities, the UWA, and the displaced populations. The conflict continues to challenge peacebuilding, community cohesion, and sustainable development. This study examines the conflict's future prospects and opportunities for sustainable peace and development, focusing on key stakeholders, historical and socio-economic factors, current state, potential solutions, and policy recommendations. An investigation of the underlying causes and dynamics of the Apaa Land Conflict was done using a qualitative research methodology. Data were accurately collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observations. NVivo Plus software was used for data analysis to ensure a thorough examination of the qualitative data. The analysis revealed that the conflict's root causes are multifaceted and consistent, encompassing historical grievances, instances of land grabbing, and ambiguities surrounding land ownership and boundary demarcations. The Apaa Land Conflict involves various stakeholders, including government authorities, local communities (Acholi and Madi ethnic groups), and NGOs, with NGOs playing a key mediating role. Historical factors like colonial-era demarcations and post-colonial policy changes, along with socio-economic pressures such as land scarcity and economic competition, contribute to the conflict. Potential solutions include inclusive dialogue, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and neutral third-party involvement. Resolving the conflict could lead to sustainable development, agricultural growth, improved food security, economic transformation, and social development, including the return of displaced families and investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The findings indicate that while the conflict has led to significant challenges, there are also opportunities for resolution. The Ugandan government has taken steps to address the issue, including the formation of a committee tasked with investigating the conflict and proposing solutions. Additionally, ongoing dialogue and negotiations are being facilitated among the involved stakeholders—local communities, the UWA, and government representatives—aiming to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.