Research Articles

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Farmers’ education and food security at the household level in Lira City, Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Development Research, 2024) Akite, Rebecca; Obici, Gilbert; Mwesigwa, David
The study highlights the contribution of Farmers' Education to food security among selected households in one division of Lira City. The research questions addressed; the contribution of farmers' Education to food availability, the contribution of farmers' Education to food accessibility, and the effect of Farmers' Education on food utilization in Amuca Ward. A descriptive research design was adopted. The findings revealed that males dominated the study with a youthful population of 40% and were fairly literate though majority of the respondents (63%) were married, 16% were cohabiting, 9% were widows and 6% were divorced. 50.78% were farmers, followed by the business community (7.11%) and politicians were just 4.6% and civil servants were only 3.5%. It was revealed that the lead organizations that conducted farmers' education were government-aided (25%), followed by non-governmental organizations standing at 18%, while fellow farmers stood at 7% and private household arrangements at 27% and others (23%). This demographic made majority of the respondents to believe that continuous farmers education coupled with timely agri-inputs; and better government policies aimed to support food security interventions can guarantee household food security in Lira city. Basing on the findings, we recommended that Lira City pateners with other stakeholders in funding farmer Education programs and consider extending the program to its peri-urban areas. Key Words: Farmer education, Food security, Food availability, Food Accessibility, Food utilization.
Unpackaging E-governance within the Perceptive of Community Development: A review of Selected Services in Uganda
(International Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 2024) Ayoma, Godfred; Ajok, Semmy; Amito, Catherine; Obele, Phedru; Okullu, Daniel; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to review the relationship between e-governance and local community development by specifically, focusing on four selected services, viz., universal education, youth welfare, reproductive health and agricultural development in Uganda. Methodology: The study took a review of obtainable secondary literature by specifically looking at online materials both published works such as journal articles, policy statements, statistical reports as well as annual and/or quarterly reports. The choice of secondary literature, organized thematically, provided a wider purview of the scattered, yet vital aspects, pertaining e-governance in social service delivery. Findings: The outcomes, from the review, indicate that Uganda has made several in-roads regarding universal primary education, youth welfare programs, reproductive healthcare services and agricultural development through various interventions aided by e-governance platforms. However, a number of systemic and structural challenges continue to pull-back national and local efforts especially seen from online mechanisms. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This review contributes immensely to the modern community transformation mooted in a digital era where enabling policies and practices can benefit from by reversing the impingements as well as the consolidating the success stories. We encourage the need for government to prioritize lowering the cost of internet services as a way of enhancing local community development; government should make sure that schools offering universal education should be facilitated with functional computer laboratories; government hospitals, at district level, should have a computer laboratory for data storage; and handy apps for farmers should be given priority so as to enhance smart agricultural development. Key words: E-Governance, Universal Education, Youth Welfare, Reproductive Health, Agricultural Development
Working Conditions and Employee Performance in Lira city, Northern Uganda: A Twin Challenge to Service Delivery
(American Journal of Strategic Studies, 2024) Akoko, Susan; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of working conditions on employee performance in Lira City, Northern Uganda. Methodology: A descriptive research was adopted among a population of primary school teachers in both public and private schools in Lira city as the main study participants, other stakeholders were the City Education Officer, the Head teachers of the schools and the chairperson school management committee of the schools and pupils. The study was gender sensitive, both male and female participants were involved women account for 48% and 52% for male. Findings: The results revealed that prompt payment was not enforced, this vacuum accounted for 50% in many private schools where payment is even made after three month and you are paid a salary for one this demoralizes many teachers and it has resulted in to large numbers of teachers’ turnover. Furthermore, management have weak administrative skills and capacity to manage people they lead due to incompetence, ignorance about rule of law and the need for working together, failure to balance between position, responsibility and work. Contribution to theory, policy and practice: The findings of this study are vital to both school managers and education planners at the macro-level to evolve policies and frameworks that prioritize working conditions rather than merely focusing on salaries. Further, the findings will help re-awaken school managers to balance environmental conditions that are conducive for both work and education for children. Recommendations: We implore the need for evidence-based and/or targeted capacity building, strengthening available labor laws and policies, in addition to enforcing compulsory implementation of school feeding program in every school.
The Rise of Systemic Corruption in Uganda: Strategic Interventions for Public Sector Managers
(International Journal of Developing Country Studies, 2024) Ojok, Flavia; Nuwagaba, Albert; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This paper examined the rise of systemic corruption, the engagement in walks-against-corruption, the alternative carrot and stick as well as the observable challenges facing Uganda. Methods and design: This study adopted a desk review of obtainable experiential and theoretical works on digital revolution in Uganda and other countries of the world. Desk research is essentially the gathering of information from available sources. Findings: The paper indicates that in Uganda, reforms may be both home-grown and supported or initiated by donors and some have direct anti-corruption focus, others not. Further, the four pillars of public finance management approach to systemic corruption are: prevention, detection, deterrence, and behavior change. Also, walks-against-corruption face a number of challenges and or limitations including limited policy impact as WAC impact on policy reforms was limited, Deficiency of sustained momentum as their momentum was not sustained, and anti-corruption efforts fizzled out; and political will as the political will and implementation gaps hindered the walks-against-corruption’s effectiveness Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The results of this study suggest the need for enhanced public sector accountability and better value for money are significant for an effective governance system. To thwart corruption, using carrots, there must be protections and incentives for whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation. Likewise, the government should focus on protecting anti-corruption activists, developing oversight capabilities to fight corruption among foreign partners, and partnering with governments to offer consistency and risk analysis across its foreign assistance programs.
The efficacy of Merit-based Recruitment in Amolatar district in Northern
(CARI Journal, 2024) Ocwer, Bruno; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the success of merit-based recruitment in Amolatar District Local Government Administration, Uganda. Methodology: A case-study research design was adopted backed by quantitative and qualitative analysis that involved a careful and in-depth investigation of a particular unit or events under study for the purposes of generalization. It was conducted in Amolatar District. We chose this area because merit-based recruitment had failed as a result of weak decision-making processes by the district service communion and the influence-peddling by political leaders in the district. We took a sample of 60 respondents and interviewed 52 respondents living within the District Headquarters and in Amolatar Town Council. Findings: The results revealed that the success of merit-based recruitment in Local Government Administration is very essential in terms of stakeholder responsibility, enhancing citizen confidence in the local government institution, and enabling the district service commission to recruit the best human resources for the provision of quality service. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study is central as it strengthens the merit-based recruitment model over and above other models of recruitment as well as enabling local governments to prioritize meritocracy over political patronage in every staff recruitment cycle. Keywords: Recruitment, merit-based, meritocracy, local government, system
Theorizing E-Governance: A Review of The World Bank’s 3-Stage Model Versus The Model Of Pc Utilization
(International Journal of Development Research, 2024) Adoko, Ketty; Anume, Gloria; Okello, Nelson Mandela; Okullu, Daniel; Anyono, Jenifer; Akidi, Eva; Alemo, Mike; Angwen, Sarah Jenniffer; Abuka, Geoffrey Alex; Were, Andrew; Owera, Francis; Okello, Daniel; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Over the recent decades, governments, both in the global north and the global south, have been undergoing and continue to counter several challenges in delivering services to citizens given the everburgeoning human population interposed with/by escalating community demands as well as rapid urbanization. A few of these challenges have been addressed through better scientific innovation and digitization of governance. Even though there are several models through which digital governance can be executed, in this paper, we have made a comparative review of two models (the World Bank’s 3- stage model and the PC utilization model) with the view of unpackaging the intricacies involved in each and how they have been addressed. We have exposed the parallels between the two models with perceptions drawn from the environments of governments in the global south before presenting potential interventions. Our central view emerged from our own practical experiences drawn from our places of work that are largely rural-based, and knowing that, while Uganda boosts of promoting a comparatively higher number of municipalities to city-status within a short period, the situation in those cities remains, almost, semi-rural or sub-urban and so, digital governance presents rather unvarying challenges entwined in ruralism. While we did not present particular cases due to dearth of primary studies, our arguments can be supportive in guiding the country’s policy makers as they contend with a pseudo-digital governance phase.
Employee Safety Measures as a Means for Enhancing Occupational Health among Casual Laborers in the Manufacturing Industries of Lira City, Uganda
(Human Resource and Leadership Journal, 2024) Auma, Morine; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: Occupational health remains a public health concern worldwide and given that occupational health hazards are disproportionately high among casual workers in the manufacturing industry, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of employee safety measures on the occupational health of casual workers in the manufacturing industries of Lira City. Methodology: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design using quantitative methods to assess and describe the efficacy of employee safety measures on occupation health of casual workers in Mt. Meru Millers, which is an Agri-processing company dealing mainly in processing of Soya, Sunflower, among other agricultural products into oil, soap, fuel and animal feeds. A sample size of 58 respondents was reached using semi-structured questionnaires. Also, a univariate logistic regression test was used to estimate the bivariate level of association between the dependent and independent variables. Findings: The results revealed that majority of the respondents (60.8%) reported to have experienced work-related accidents caused by chemical reactions (49.0%), machines (33.3%), sharp objects and falls. The overall occupation health of casual workers in Mt. Meru millers was poor with the biggest occupational health problem being disruption of social relationships as well as violation of workers’ ethical, moral and cultural values. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study contributes to the understanding of occupational health risks and hazards affecting majorly the low-level laborers who contribute much to the global manufacturing industry (especially those that are still relying on crude methods of production) despite being less-valued by a number of industrialists.
Impact of the Digital Revolution on Indigenous Technical Knowledge of Land Managers in Kole District, Northern Uganda
(Akali, A., Okuna, V., & Mwesigwa, D. (2024). Impact of the Digital Revolution on Indigenous Technical Knowledge of Land Managers in Kole District, Northern Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Policy, 7(1), 48–61. https://doi.org/10.47941/jap.2386, 2024) Akali, Alfred; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: Considering the various challenges and the evidence of the dwindling agricultural productivity among a good number of farmers in Uganda, the focus of this paper was on how Ugandan farmers can produce higher yields for the exploding national and regional population. Methodology: A desk review method was adopted on selected definitions and earlier models of indigenous technical knowledge are discussed as a basis gauging the consequence of digital revolution on indigenous technical knowledge. Findings: The outcomes suggest that as a result of advancement in technology, there has been an increasing shift; that the traditional conservation wisdom in the cultural and artistic elements of communities in the development and management of biodiversity and its strategies and policies has no proper application in these modern times. Likewise, traditional knowledge systems in the cultures of people do not have any correlation with the scientific conservation models used in modern farming societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is encouraged that an increase in the number of agricultural workers, involvement of higher institutions of learning and proper acknowledgement of land managers for their unique indigenous technical skills should be prioritized by the government of Uganda. With global connectivity, technological advancement and data driven decision making, an improvement in efficiency of production and way of thinking of land managers will culminate in the best resource utilization of agricultural resources in Kole district.
Integrated Financial Management System and Financial Control in Uganda: A Review of Issues and Concerns
(American Journal of Strategic Studies, 2024) Akidi, Stella; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the issues and concerns within the government’s policy on Integrated Financial Management System as a financial control in Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a literature review approach in which the reviewers identified, assessed and studied obtainable literature from a variety of sources majorly on line and from the government libraries. Results: The review indicated that IFMS contributed to financial control in many ways, such as enhanced internal controls, improved budget execution and control as well as strengthened cash and debt management. However, a number of challenges emerged mid-way viz, resistance to change, inadequate user training, technological challenges and weak project management. To counter, the challenges there is need to strengthen change management strategies, enhance capacity building and training, improve technological infrastructure and integration, strengthen governance, and ensure strong political commitment and support. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This review contributes to the understanding and further appraisal of the government policy on IFMS learning from its successes as a way of thwarting the emerging threats and failures. The review encourages for a deliberate investment in comprehensive training programs for users at all levels to ensure they understand FMIS functionalities and can utilize them effectively; regularly reporting on the IFMS performance and sharing lessons learned with key stakeholders so as to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement; Developing a robust and resilient IT infrastructure and establishing robust data quality assurance processes to validate the accuracy and reliably of information entered into IFMS, ensuring decision making is based on reliable data.
Accountability as a Precursor to Improving the Performance of Local Governments: A Case in Lira District, Mid-North of Uganda
(International Journal of Developing Country Studies, 2024) Awor, Jennifer Harriet; Okuna, Victor; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of accountability on the performance of Lira District Local Government. Methodology: The research was conducted this study the Research Designs was cross-sectional and used using quantitative approach. Questionnaire was used for the purpose of collecting primary data from the respondents. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences where conclusions were drawn from tables, figures from the package. The study took on a sample of 70 employees from a population of 76. Findings: The study findings reveled that administrative accountability positively influences the level of performance of Lira district local government, financial accountability does not while stakeholder engagement negatively influences the level of performance of the district. The study concluded that respondents believe administrative accountability boosts performance, service quality, and cost-effectiveness, but note its effectiveness depends on organizational culture and political factors. Financial accountability is seen as beneficial for organizational performance, but its effective implementation faces a number of challenges. Stakeholders see engagement boosting financial performance, productivity, brand loyalty, and customer satisfaction, but note challenges to effective engagement. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study contributes to the understanding of the practice and policy of local government performance from the perspective of accountability. The study suggested the need for Lira district to implement strong accountability mechanisms tailored to their organizational culture and political environment so as to enhance performance, service quality, and cost-effectiveness. Also, there is need to strengthen financial accountability mechanisms to enhance organizational performance, while addressing the specific challenges that hinder their effective implementation.
The Relevance of Prismatic Sala Model to Village Administration in Otuke District: A Critical Look at Kamdini as a Presidential “Neighbourhood” Village
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), 2024) Oboi, Alex; Ejang, Mary
The paper aims at analyzing the relevance of Prismatic Sala Model to village administration. Village administration in Uganda was formalized by Article 181 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), and CAP 243 of the Local Government Act (1997). Conceptually, in Kamdini village, traditional elements of village administration covered the field of agriculture, health and environment. Heterogeneity was categorized under constructs such as political diversity, religious affiliations, literacy levels, and employment status while village administration was looked at the elements of mobilization and conflict resolution. The Prismatic Sala Model was highly considered to guide the development of this paper. Despite having over 70,626 villages in Uganda, there are currently limited empirical researches that provide comprehensive analyses of in-house challenges of village administration, thus this paper was premised with a view of analyzing the relevance of Prismatic Sala Model to village administration with two specific objectives set: to identify the traditional elements posing threats to Kamdini village administration, and to analyze the effects of heterogeneity on the administration of Kamdini village. The paper adopted a mixed research approach and descriptive design. It targeted the entire population of Kamdini village but purposively sampled the 20 elders, 09 Local Council One executive members and 01 Parish Chief to provide interview and avail the necessary secondary data. Data was analyzed using computer generated software, notably SPSS and STATA to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. In the first study objective, the finding reveals that Kamdini village is still majorly a traditional community, and that tradition negatively affects the village administration in the study area. In the second study objective, the finding from correlation analysis reveals that heterogeneity positively affects village administration where political diversity (r=.811; p-value = 0.05) was found to be positive, very strong and statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level; that religious affiliation (r=.449; p-value = 0.05) was positive, moderate and statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level; that literacy level (r=.614; p-value = 0.05) was positive, strong and statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level; and that employment status (r=.179; p-value = 0.05) was positive, very weak and statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level. The paper concludes that traditional practices negatively affect the administration of a village; and that having heterogenic village is more conducive in enhancing better village administration. The study recommends that a spirited campaign be made to transform villages from the elements of prismatic societies to a modernized society. Keywords: Traditions, Heterogeneity, Village Administration, Mobilization
Commercial Soyabean Farming and Household Livelihoods in Kole District Northern Uganda, A Critical Analysis of Farmers Cooperative Society
(International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 2024) Ejang, Mary; Oboi, Alex
This paper presents the relationship between commercial soyabean farming and household livelihoods of members of Alito Joint Christian Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited (AJCFSL) in Kole district, Uganda. We used mixed method approach and generated quantitative and qualitative data from registered members of AJCFSL. We sampled 155 respondents out of 259 using simple random technique and purposive sampling techniques and collected data using questionnaires and interview guide. The findings reveal that the number of acres cultivated by soyabean farmers (p<0.01, β= 0.637) is significant in predicting household food security, income, provision of basic needs and responding to emergencies. However, owning storage facilities by farming households is least significant in explaining the contribution of soyabean farming to household livelihood elements (p<0.01, β= 0.216). The study concludes that planting soya bean on more acres strongly enhance family stability. The study recommends the introduction of easy means of acquiring land titles by farmers; and the introduction of subsidized tractor-hire services to boost production of soya bean and achieve a stable family environment. Further research can be considered with a view of analyzing the relationship between commercial soya bean farming and the financial, human, and physical capitals of farmers in Kole district. Keywords: Commercial Farming, Soyabean, Farmers’ Cooperative, Household Livelihoods
Intimate Partner Violence in Emergency Situation, Lessons from Lango Sub-Region, Northern Uganda, Implications for Future Marriage Partnership
(International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 2024) Ejang, Mary
This paper examines the implications of intimate Partner violence (IPV) on marriage relationships in emergency situation taking a case of the post covid-19 pandemic in Lango sub-region, northern Uganda. The paper brings forth the emerging evidence of victims of intimate partner violence, opinions of key stakeholders and analysis of North Kyoga Police records on cases related to intimate partner violence from the nine districts that make up Lango sub-region in northern Uganda. Qualitative research approach was employed to generate data from personal experience, interviews and review of Police crime records on Gender-based and intimate partner violence between 2020-2023. Analysis was guided by the gendercide and femicide theories. The findings indicate that intimate partner violence existed in the pre and post covid-19 period. However, regardless of gender, both men and women alike suffered violence in marriage relationship. Thus, IPV in Lango sub-region seemed a perennial vice among couples which manifested severely in the forms of physical injuries, emotional, suicide and murder in extreme cases. The significant causes of the IPV consisted of proximity between couples and family members, economic insecurity, parental meddling in couple’s affairs, culture, patriarchy, infidelity and loss of trust and suspicion. Intimate partner violence had negative implications on future marriage partnership especially with the rise in mariticide that juxtaposed the femicide ideology of female vulnerability in marriage relationships. Intimate partner violence has dire consequences on couples’ life, health, marriage and social and economic costs. Thus, this paper contributes a new dimension to the application of gendercide and femicide theories in emergency situation and informs interventions to protect vulnerable men in marriage partnerships. Keywords: Emergency, Intimate Partner, Marriage Partnership, Northern Uganda, Violence
Bridewealth in Northern and Eastern Uganda: Transformations of generosity between partners and generations
(IMAGENU, 2024) Ejang, Mary; Otim, Jimmy; Meinert, Lotte
Bridewealth – in different forms of gifts and services – constitutes social and economic exchange and cohesion between families and generations that can serve to express, confirm and acknowledge partners’ and generations’ mutual respect. Yet, bridewealth is sometimes (mis)conceived as ‘payment’. Consequently, amounts of bridewealth have escalated over time and many now cannot ‘afford’ marriage. A Marriage Bill has been formulated but not yet been passed, due to political disagreements. Bridewealth in public debates is often considered from male and older generations’ perspectives and seldom from women’s and children’s. Families, cultural leaders and politicians all have roles to play in creating transformations. Parents can lower their expectations and use expressions such as ‘gifts’ rather than ‘payment’, and cultural leaders and politicians can suggest ceilings on bridewealth. Refund of bridewealth in case of divorce is prohibited, and we recommend further enforcement of this prohibition.
A Review on the Commercialisation of Scrap within the Perspective of the Circular Economy in Uganda
(International Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 2023) Ogwang, Patrick; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to review commercialisation of scrap with a view of stimulating the circular economy of Uganda. Methodology: A desk review method was adopted seeing that the researchers did not have any funds devoted to this research coupled with limited time as a result of busy work schedules. This method is handy in unearthing important issues using secondary data such as academic journals, text books, periodic reports, policy documents and other official documents of government and non-state actors such as the civil society. Findings: The circular economy in Uganda offers opportunities for the reuse of materials, job creation, waste reduction, and resource preservation, but challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, the informal sector, health and safety risks, limited access to raw materials, insufficient financing, and a lack of regulation and enforcement need to be addressed. Solutions to promote a safer and more sustainable circular economy include reducing waste at the source, promoting reuse and repair, and designing products for circularity. A multi-stakeholder approach that involves collaboration and partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities is needed. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This review acts as an eye opener to the urban authorities in uganda and the region seeing that commercialisation of scrap serves as a form of employment for several youths, generates revenues and more importantly helps to mitigate climate change variability on top of maintaining cleaner cities and towns.
Household Size and Household Food Security in Ngetta Ward, Lira City, Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Developing Country Studies, 2023) Akello, Mercy Catherine; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: The study examined the effect of Household size/family size on Household food security in Lira city East Division. Specific issues that were studied are; the impact of average household size on household food security, the level of household food security and the effect of household size on household food security ‟household food security and whether household size affects household food security. Methodology: A purposive sampling and simple random sampling method for the study was used to select houses in each cell for the distribution of the questionnaire. Questionnaires and interview guide served as the main tools for data collection. The study targeted a sample population of 300 respondents out of which 60 participants were drawn from the small family and the other 240 from the large family in the study area. Findings: The findings indicated that, large family size puts an extra burden on food consumption and is more likely to experience food insecurity in contrast to households with a small and average family size. Large households, with more young or school-going children, also tend to fall below the poverty line and vulnerable to food insecurity. The results further revealed financial problems, lack of parental care and poor heath as the challenges faced by large families. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between household size and household food security so that policy makers can plan for an ever growing human population especially in the rural and peri-urban areas. The study recommends the need for intensive education on population related matters for parents and various incentives packages to families with smaller sizes.
Adolescent Pregnancy and Education Attainment of Female Learners in Iceme Sub County, Oyam District, Northern Uganda
(Journal of Gender Related Studies, 2023) Alyai, Joseph; Acanga, Alfred; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed at determining the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy, motivating factors for girls to stay in school and the effects of adolescent pregnancy on education attainment and livelihoods in Iceme Sub County, Oyam District. Methodology: The study adopted exploratory study using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Using the principle of data saturation, the study engaged thirty-five participants that included adolescent mothers, school head teachers and other education stakeholders in two selected parishes in Iceme Sub County. Findings: Analysis of the responses about the causes of adolescent pregnancy generated five major themes, economic status, peer influence, substance use and abuse, inadequate sex education and domestic violence. Factors motivating girls to stay in school included becoming national leaders, better living condition and independence. It was revealed that the effects of adolescent pregnancy include dropping out of school, being chased away from home, developing complications during and after delivery, poverty and producing so many children. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study suggests adoption of remedial policy measures that include; provision of income generating opportunities to families, strengthening the implementation of policy on domestic violence and violence against children, strengthen peer to peer education/ learning, policy that does not allow sale of drugs and other substance in shops that are not licensed as drug shops and regulated by the National drug authority, provision of counselling and guidance, identification of role models who can offer guidance to girls for them to have a bright future and become national leaders and affirmative action towards girls who return to school after delivery such that they are able to complete their education. This study contributes to the understanding of the plight of adolescent girls face in a post-war region situated in a less-developing nation.
Decentralisation and political empowerment of citizens in Karamoja, Uganda
(Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, 2023) Obonyo, Jimmy Francis; Muhumuza, William
For centuries, centralisation was the dominant model of governance in most parts of the developing world. However, since the mid-1980s many countries in Africa have adopted decentralisation owing to the failure of centralisation to deliver public goods to citizens. In 1992, Uganda adopted decentralisation policy reforms to give ordinary citizens more control over their own administration and development agenda. This article reports case study research conducted in Karamoja, Uganda to establish the extent to which decentralisation reforms have indeed empowered local people. Research findings revealed mixed results. Although decentralisation resulted in the creation of the local government system, which in principle offers representational governance for different interest groups in local communities, ordinary citizens have fallen short of being politically empowered. State–society power relations have remained unaltered in favour of local elites. The authors contend that for political empowerment of citizens to be achieved, there is a need to devolve a considerable amount of autonomy to local governments and review the law to make local elites subordinate to citizen representatives. Keywords: Decentralisation, political empowerment, accountability, ordinary citizens, Karamoja
Functionality of Farmers’ Stores and Local Economic Development Initiatives in Oyam District: A Case of Aber Sub-County
(Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 2023) Otim, Emmanuel Clement; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study examined the relationship between the functionality of farmers’ stores and LED initiatives. Specifically, the study determined the effect of farmers’ stores functionality on resource mobilisation; assessed the contribution of farmers’ stores functionality on resource management; and assessed the effect of farmers’ stores functionality on resource utilisation. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design, which employed a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of 322 respondents, which involved both political leaders and civil servants of Aber Sub County in addition to members of the farmers’ groups. Both the Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used to select a sample of 177 participants. The researcher adopted Self-Administered Questionnaires to collect quantitative data and an interview guide to collect qualitative data. Both descriptive statistics (mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) were used to analyse numerical data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between functionality of farmers’ stores and LED initiatives. The functionality of farmers’ stores yielded a significant effect on resource mobilisation, resource management and resource utilisation. It was concluded that the functionality of farmers’ stores significantly affects LED initiatives in Aber Sub County, Oyam district. Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: It is recommended that the production and agricultural department of Oyam district local government strengthens the capacity of farmer groups by training them on activities such as value addition and financial management so that they can be in position to mobilise more financial resources. This study contributes an original and empirical-evidence of the functionality of farmers’ stores towards LED initiatives in Uganda.
The Influence of Social Factors on the Performance of Elected Leaders to the Council: A Case of Lira District Local Government Councilors
(International Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 2023) Okello, Adem Morris; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: The study assessed the influence of social factors on the performance of local government councilors in Lira District Council. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of selected social factors (gender, age and education attainment) on the performance of local councilors. Methodology: A case study design was used, and 28 respondents were sampled using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques from which questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics (version 23) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics which are presented in tables, percentages, and frequencies. Findings: Findings reveal a strong and positive relationship between education attainment and the performance of councilors (r=0.719, p<0.01); and a positive and strong relationship between age and the performance of councilors (r=0.625, p<0.05). However, the study revealed a weak and positive relationship between gender differences and the performance of councilors (r=0.061, p<0.05). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Given that social factors yielded an Adjusted R2 of 0.13.5, we conclude that education attainment and the age of councilors are significantly correlated to the performance of local councilors. From the study, it is encouraged that a policy aimed to regulate the minimum education requirement be set to a post-primary level now that the Local governments act does not stipulate any educational qualifications for one to become a local councilor. This study is relevant to policy makers, in Uganda as well as those advocating for better local government performance, to formulate policies that aim to address the dynamics of local governance in the country.

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