School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collections
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
1 - 5 of 526
-
ItemInstitutional and political reforms for the fourth industrial revolution in Africa: a case study of Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)This paper critically examines the institutional and political reforms necessary for Uganda’s successful transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), positioning the country as a microcosm for broader African experiences. Through a qualitative analysis grounded in extensive secondary sources, it explores the current state of Uganda’s 4IR landscape, identifies key political and institutional deficits, and proposes context-sensitive strategies for fostering innovation, accountability, and inclusive digital growth. The study foregrounds the imperative of building national capacity through human capital development, institutional reform, and political will, while situating these within broader frameworks such as Vision 2040 and Agenda 2063. Findings reveal a complex dynamic between Uganda’s aspirations for technological modernization and persistent extractive political tendencies, echoing Acemoglu and Robinson’s thesis that extractive institutions hinder innovation and growth. The paper argues that Uganda’s 4IR future depends on shifting from passive adoption to active digital agency, asserting sovereignty through inclusive and grounded innovation. It also underscores the need for a balanced regulatory framework to govern digital platforms, protect expression, and promote digital literacy, particularly among marginalized populations.
-
ItemCare giving practices among parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kampala City, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)This study examined the caregiving practices of parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder in Kampala city, Uganda. It was guided by three objectives, namely: (i) to describe parents‘ understanding of ASD in Kampala city; (ii) to explore the nature of caregiving practices by parents of children with ASD. (iii) to identify strategies employed by parents to support children with ASD in Kampala City. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design that explores, describes, and interprets the lived experiences of parents caring for autistic children. This aimed to uncover experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of care among these parents. The findings of the study revealed that parents understanding of ASD was defined by physical, mental, and communication behaviors varying from child to child, which influenced the nature of care given. (ii) Whereas a diverse range of care existed in Kampala district, caregiving practices are largely dependent on the different behaviors exhibited by autistic children, and the majority of parents provide physical care because it is affordable and available compared to medical and educational care, which have financial implications; and (iii) most of the strategies were home-based; they were developed by parents at home without any other intervention from outside. Some strategies included spiritual guidance and counseling plus informal education support. The study concluded that care is hectic and inadequate because it is mostly physical and financially straining, which consequently impacts the lives of children negatively. Parents understanding of ASD is not clear, but rather they define it by behaviors exhibited by their children. These behaviors vary from child to child. The different strategies being employed by parents to support children‘s well-being do not seem to contribute adequately towards the improvement of the children‘s welfare. The study recommended increasing public awareness and education by government, local leaders, medical workers, NGOs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders. Understanding a condition helps take appropriate ways to address it. According to UNICEF 2022, understanding care and support is one of the solutions that can drastically help children with autism live a happy life. Parents should be trained in proper care approaches like counseling to manage the psychosocial challenges of their children and themselves. This could be through using trained medical personnel, local leaders in the community, and others.
-
ItemEvaluating the environmental impact of the East African crude oil pipeline(Makerere University, 2025)This study examines the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline; a 1,443-kilometer transboundary pipeline designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The Environmental Impact Assessment identifies a range of environmental risks associated with the project, including potential degradation of ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, forest reserves, and biodiversity hotspots. Key concerns include habitat fragmentation, threats to endangered species, deforestation, and pollution of critical water bodies including the Lake Victoria basin. The assessment further highlights the long-term implications of increased greenhouse gas emissions and the pipeline’s contribution to climate change. Although the Environmental Impact Assessment outlines a suite of mitigation strategies—including route optimization, spill prevention mechanisms, and community engagement plans—questions remain about the adequacy and enforceability of these measures. This paper critically evaluates the methodological rigor of the Environmental Impact Assessment, the stakeholder consultation process, and the alignment of the project with regional and international environmental standards, ultimately questioning the project's sustainability within the broader context of climate justice and ecological preservation.
-
ItemResilience of refugees experiencing World Food Programme food aid cuts in Kyaka II settlement, Kyegegwa District, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)World Food Programme (WFP) was providing considerably reasonable food assistance (food and cash rations) to refugees in different parts of the world over the years. However, COVID-19 pandemic affected its funding and consequently resulted into reductions in food assistance for refugees. Such cuts in food aid could not have happened without noticeable impact on the affected individuals and families as well as ways in which they were coping. Thus the study set out to explore the resilience of refugees affected by WFP food aid cuts in Uganda specifically in Kyaka II Settlement, Kyegegwa District. Specifically, the study aimed at examining the socio-economic and psychosocial effects of food aid cuts on the wellbeing of refugees at individual, family and community levels. Besides, it set out to explore the coping strategies and protective factors for refugees at individual, family, community level and institutional level. Methodologically, the study utilised a purely qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design based on an interpretivism epistemology and constructionism ontology. With a sample of 84 participants, 8 Focus Group Discussions (51 participants), 4 group interviews (19 participants), 9 in-depth interviews and 5 key informant interviews were conducted. Ethical approval was obtained from Makerere University School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Ref: MUSSS-2023-324) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (Ref: SS2412ES). Data was analysed thematically with the support of NVIVO 14. Findings indicated that socio-economic effects of food aid cuts included: reduction in income, poor personal hygiene and increased debts at individual level; increased food insecurity, family neglect and child marriage at family level; increased school dropout, increased crime rates, mobility, collapse of business and increase in commercial sex at community level. Regarding the psychosocial effects, refugees experienced: insomnia, overthinking, stress, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts at individual level; parents lost respect from children and men lost respect from for their wives at family level; intragroup and intergroup social tensions at community level. The coping strategies that were adopted to boost the resilience of refugees were involvement in causal labour (digging, washing clothes and fetching water), farming, engagement in income generating activities (boda boda riding, crafts making, vending food items and carrying luggage) and leveraging vocational skills (tailoring, hair dressing and cosmetology) at micro level; seeking for support from neighbours, host community, religious institutions and local leaders, and accessing credit through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) at meso-level. Support was in inform of in kind items (food, sanitary pads, scholastic materials, clothing), counselling, psychosocial support, referral services and advocacy for the needy individuals. However, refugees employed some negative coping strategies, these were reductions in the number of meals, theft, begging, school dropouts, child labour, child marriage, commercial sex and substance abuse which had negative consequences on the psychosocial, cognitive and social functioning of children, youth, adults, older persons, males and females. Protective factors were: possession of personal assets (bicycles, attestation cards and land), psychical strength and skills possession at individual level; social support networks and family friends at family level; supportive neighbours and host community, availability of land, access to VSLAs, schools (school feeding programmes), supportive Non-Government Organizations and government and a favourable refugee policy at community and institutional level. In conclusion, social work aims at fostering normal social functioning of individuals when faced with challenges. The study demonstrated that despite the shocks experienced by refugees as a result of food aid cuts, they utilized their strengths or locally available resources to remain resilient. Hence there is need to support them through socio-economic empowerment programs which promote resilience.
-
ItemExperiences of anti-gender based violence non-governmental organizations in integrating the national male involvement strategy in their programs to prevent GBV : a case of selected organizations in Kampala, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention efforts have expanded globally, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes often embedded in power imbalances between men and women and societal norms. Male involvement has emerged as a key strategy for preventing GBV. Male involvement as a critical component underscores the importance of engaging men and boys in challenging harmful norms and stereotypes and promoting gender equality. In this regard, the National Male Involvement Strategy was developed to guide anti-GBV programming in Uganda and promote men's involvement in the fight against GBV. While several studies have examined why male involvement is needed in GBV prevention work, many have not reviewed the experiences of anti-GBV Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in using the existing National Male Involvement Strategy as a tool for GBV prevention. This study provides insights into the experiences of anti-GBV NGOs in Uganda as they integrate the National Male Involvement Strategy, 2017, as a tool for preventing GBV. This study explores NGOs' barriers, facilitators, and practices in incorporating the National Male Involvement Strategy into their GBV programs. The study employed an exploratory cross-sectional design and a qualitative approach. The sample included eight primary participants from 4 purposively selected anti-GBV NGOs in Kampala City and three key informants. The main methods of data collection were in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. I found that the National Male Involvement Strategy has significantly impacted GBV prevention efforts in Kampala, where many anti-GBV NGOs have developed approaches and best practices based on its implementation. The study highlights various approaches used by organizations to engage men in preventing GBV. These include the SASA! approach, the male engage approach, and the model parenting approach. These strategies focus on community mobilization, long-term gender norm transformation, and positive role models for GBV prevention. The key facilitators of integrating the National Male Involvement Strategy identified in this study include community engagement, tailored interventions, and gender-sensitive frameworks. Community willingness, local context, and accessible language facilitate participation. Policies like the National Policy and Domestic Violence Act support male involvement initiatives. The National Male Involvement Strategy for GBV prevention faces barriers like ideological differences, patriarchal norms, poor strategy conceptualization, and evidence-based approaches. As highlighted by the study, language and framing issues also alienate men from participation. In conclusion, the study explored how Anti-GBV NGOs integrate the National Male Involvement Strategy in GBV prevention, revealing both enabling factors and ongoing practical challenges. Using an implementation science determinant framework, success depends on contextual, organizational, and individual factors, while emphasizing community participation and gender-inclusive advocacy. The NGOs showed diverse and innovative approaches, shifting toward inclusive, context-driven male involvement, offering key insights for improving future strategy implementation.