School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collections

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 543
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    Uganda's role in the Eastern Congo conflict: implications for regional security and peace building
    (Makerere University, 2025) Ankunda, Paddy Barihaihi
    This study examines Uganda's multifaceted involvement in the Eastern Congo conflict, analysing the historical, political, and economic factors driving its actions. Using a constructivist lens, the research explores how Uganda's identity as a regional actor influenced its decisions. Findings reveal that Uganda's motivations were a complex blend of security concerns, economic interests, and regional power dynamics. While Uganda's actions may have had some positive effects, they also exacerbated violence and contributed to human rights abuses. The study employs a library based research methodology, drawing on historical documents, and case studies. It recommends a comprehensive approach to addressing the region's challenges, including addressing root causes, promoting cooperation, and investing in sustainable development. Keywords: Eastern Congo conflict, Peace building
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    Factors influencing access to national identity cards by older persons in Wakiso Sub County
    (Makerere University, 2025) Katongole, Arthur
    The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence access to national identity cards by older persons in Wakiso sub county. A cross-sectional survey design applying mixed methods approach was employed to collect quantitative data using self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 86 older persons who had some level of education and could read and write English. The study also collected qualitative data by conducting 4 FGD with members of the parish council for older persons and 10 key informant interviews. Quantitative was analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that respondents had scanty awareness about the national identity card application process. The study findings revealed that many elderly individuals lack awareness about the application process, inability to interpret registration forms all of which are in the English language, unaware of necessary documentation, and the location of registration centers. Socio-economic factors that affect access to national identity cards by older persons in Wakiso sub-county are; the cost of correcting particulars like names and date of birth or replacing a damaged ID of two hundred thousand shillings is not only un affordable but a barrier to economic inclusion for older persons, the high cost of covering distance to the nearest registration center from home, accessibility of reliable means of transportation, type of residence, interaction ability with local government and the familiarity of using technology such as mobile phones influence access to national ID. Findings further revealed that geographical factors such as; presence of a registration center with in the community, rate of availability of public transportation options to the registration center, presence of any geographical barriers, type of area lived in and distance of the nearest registration center from home affect access to national ID. In conclusion, there is a clear need for better outreach, education, and localized communication to improve understanding and access to national IDs for the elderly. The study recommends that mobile registration units equipped with biometric technology capped to exclusively capture citizens above sixty years should be dispatched to communities to register elderly citizens at local venues such as health centers, community halls, or places of worship, cost waivers for older persons for National ID registration services. Keyword: Access to national identity cards
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    Developing and sustaining resilience by survivors of child sexaual abuse in Luuka District, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Turyomurugyendo, Florence
    Understanding the context within which child sexual abuse takes place and how resilience after exposure to abuse can be cultivated, are important in informing programing for child protection. Based on qualitative data that were collected between January and August, 2023, this study documented experiences of adult survivors of child sexual abuse in Luuka district, Uganda. Four main research questions guided the study and these are: What are the survivors’ perspectives on the context and risk factors for child sexual abuse? How do survivors describe their experiences in the immediate aftermath of child sexual abuse? What are survivor’s perspectives on the attributes of resilience following child sexual abuse? and what protective factors are associated with resilience among girls who have experienced sexual abuse? The study utilised multiple case studies and qualitative research methods to explore experiences of child sexual abuse among adult survivors. Narrative interviews were used to collect data from 14 purposively selected adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Six in-depth interviews were held with key informants and 2 focus group discussions were conducted involving randomly selected community members. The findings of this study demonstrate that children’s vulnerability to abuse often results from multiple factors, including cultural, economic, structural and social elements. Multiple factors at the individual and family level intersect with community-level practices and systemic influences to expose girls to child sexual abuse. However, the family environment appears to be presenting various vulnerabilities to abuse compared to other ecologies. Sexual abuse affects the most vulnerable girls, those who have already been victimized by poverty and violence among parents and caregivers, those involved in child labour and those who are not attending school. The experiences of survivors attest to the trauma associated with managing consequences of the abuse, challenges in accessing services for sexual abuse and the negative reactions from disclosure of abuse. Survivors’ narratives suggest that resilience was experienced largely as psychological phenomena linked to individual capacities and is something intrinsic to the individual. The findings reflect that resilience is associated with individual actions to absorb disturbances, enhance learning from their experiences, re-organising themselves and adapting to new demands. Counselling and social support were highlighted for facilitating emotional adjustment. In particular, social support enabled survivors to develop better attitudes towards their self-worth, confidence and self-respect. The study findings show that, there are many ways of developing and sustaining resilience among survivors of sexual abuse. While various protective factors in different ecologies might buffer against the consequences of sexual abuse, a person’s strength and skills must be identified and capitalised upon. The findings indicate that resilience is an interactive process and also dependent on the skills of the adolescent to navigate towards it. Therefore, interventions aimed at providing young people with some skills on how to access resources related to resilience are paramount. Strategies must incorporate problem-solving, self-efficacy and building on positive relationships. Therefore, addressing CSA requires an ecological focus, rather than child-centred interventions targeting strengthening household economies and community structures that disadvantage girls to enable them grow up in environments safe from abuse.
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    The role of the Uganda People’s Defence Force Reserve Forces in guaranteeing national security
    (Makerere University, 2025) Mutaawe, Edward Ronald
    This research paper examines the role of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) Reserve Force in sustaining national security within Uganda. It defines the key concepts of security, national security, reserve forces, and explores how a well-structured military organization addresses both internal and external threats. The research presents historical accounts of military organization in Uganda, how reserve forces evolved over the decades, and its contemporary forms, in comparison to the global best practices. The study determine that reserve forces contribute significantly to national security in Uganda, especially in the disaster response, border security, and civil-military arenas. The research identifies common challenges of reserve forces, including recruitment, training and integration with active forces. The research also makes recommendations to improve the functionality of the UPDF Reserve Forces, including improved training, resources and community support. Ultimately, the study concludes that the existence of reserve forces is essential to ensuring Uganda's national security given the constant change in contemporary security threats. Keywords: Uganda People’s Defence Force Reserve Forces, National security
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    Prevalence, social economic factors and effects of shisha smoking among female university students in Makerere University
    (Makerere University, 2025) Mbwaali, Alice
    This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, socio-economic factors, and perceived effects of shisha smoking among female students at Makerere University. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of shisha smoking, identify socio-economic factors influencing its use, and explore students' perceptions of its effects. The study was guided by theory of Planned Behavior intended to explain all behaviors over which people have the ability to exert selfcontrol. The study used Questionnaire and Interviews as data collection methods. The study findings were in line with the objectives of the study. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to gather data, with simple random and purposive sampling techniques applied to select a sample of 200 respondents. The study found that shisha smoking was more prevalent among female students living away from home, with socio-economic factors playing a significant role. Findings revealed that 32% of the female students surveyed had smoked shisha at least once, while 18% were current users. Shisha smoking was more prevalent among students living away from home (64%) compared to those residing with family or in university hostels (21%). Socio-economic factors were significantly associated with use, as 52% of smokers came from higher-income families and reported using shisha as a symbol of social status or leisure, while 27% from lower-income backgrounds engaged in the practice primarily for socialization or peer bonding. Peer influence was identified as a key factor, with 68% of users citing friends as the main source of introduction to shisha. Perception data showed that 73% of respondents believed shisha to be less harmful than cigarettes, and 56% reported using it for stress relief or relaxation. Interviews further revealed low awareness of the health risks associated with shisha smoking. The study found out that Shisha smoking among female university students at Makerere University can be attributed to a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Many students engage in shisha smoking as a form of socialization and relaxation, often viewing it as a trendy or fashionable activity that enhances social bonding in groups. Peer influence plays a significant role, as students are likely to experiment with shisha when encouraged by friends or when it is normalized within their social circles. Additionally, misconceptions that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes contribute to its popularity, alongside the appealing flavors and aroma that mask its health risks. Stress related to academic pressure and personal challenges may also drive some students to use shisha as a coping mechanism or means of escapism. Peer influence also played a significant role, as many students smoked shisha to fit in or impress others. The study concluded that many female students perceive shisha smoking as less harmful than cigarette smoking due to a lack of awareness about its health risks. The researcher recommends the implementation of targeted health education and awareness campaigns at Makerere University to educate female students about the dangers of shisha smoking. The university should also enforce policies limiting smoking areas on campus, ensuring they are located away from student activity zones to reduce exposure. Keywords: Smoking in females