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Women Groups Savings and Household Welfare :
(Bishop Stuart University, 2025-09) Apollo Abareeba
This study examined the contribution of small-scale women’s savings groups to household welfare in Nyakayojo, Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda. Women’s groups have emerged as crucial safety nets in contexts of financial exclusion, providing access to savings, loans, and social support. However, their effectiveness depends largely on their capacity to use technology, adapt to market and social changes, and exercise effective leadership. Guided by the intra household bargaining theory, the study sought to assess how these dimensions influence the welfare of households. The research employed a qualitative design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with members of selected women’s groups. Purposive sampling ensured representation of participants with diverse group experiences. Data were analyzed thematically, allowing for the identification of major themes and sub-themes that illustrate the dynamics between women’s group activities and household welfare. Findings on the role of technology revealed that mobile phone use enhanced household welfare through rapid access to healthcare, securing school requirements, stabilizing incomes, enabling profitable trade, and facilitating direct payments for household needs. the results on the adaptability, demonstrated that flexible saving and loan terms, collective bulk buying, coping with price fluctuations, and strong social support systems helped members manage risks, maintain food security, and sustain education and health expenditures, focusing on leadership and management, results indicated both positive and negative impacts: while collaborative decision-making, accountability, and peer encouragement improved household stability, autocratic tendencies, financial mismanagement, and inequitable distribution undermined group cohesion and household benefits In conclusion, the study established that women’s groups significantly enhance household welfare when they integrate technology, practice adaptive strategies, and adopt transparent, inclusive leadership. However, poor governance and inconsistent management erode trust and limit welfare outcomes. The study recommends that women’s groups formalize adaptive protocols such as emergency loan rules, prioritize transparent leadership through regular reporting and role rotation, and proactively seek training in financial literacy and enterprise management. Policymakers and NGOs should strengthen women’s groups with capacity building programs in leadership, digital finance, and conflict resolution to ensure sustainability and equitable benefits for all members.
Women Savings Groups and Household Welfare :
(International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 2025-10) Apollo Abareeba; Asiimire Donah; Mpairwe Anthony
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of women's savings groups to household welfare, using a case study of selected women groups in Nyakayojo, Mbarara City Southwestern Uganda. The following were specific objectives of this study: To examine how the use of technology (mobile phones) by women's groups affects the well-being of their families; To find out how the ability of women's groups to adapt to changes (like high prices or new trends) affects their families' welfare; To determine how the leadership and management of these women's groups influence the wellbeing of their households. This study employed a qualitative case study research design adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Key findings indicate that technology, primarily mobile money and communication tools, is not merely a convenience but a transformative force that directly enhances household welfare. It was also found out that a group's resilience is fundamentally tied to its adaptive capacity, which manifests through both financial and social mechanisms. The study further revealed that sound leadership, characterized by inclusive Decision-making and transparent Resource Management is the bedrock upon which all other group strengths are built. The study concluded by stating that technology is a powerful catalyst for welfare: The use of mobile money and digital communication tools by women's savings groups significantly improves household welfare by ensuring timely access to healthcare, securing educational continuity, enhancing income stability, and protecting savings. It operationalizes the financial inclusion advocated in Uganda's National Financial Inclusion Strategy.
Depression Predicts Substance Use among Forcibly Displaced Migrants :
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2025-05-20) Florence Tutaryebwa; Jacquiline Kyomuhendo3; Henry Kibedi; Joseph Namanya; Ronald Bahati
Background: Depression has been recorded among forcibly displaced populations especially refugees. Conditions in which refugees find themselves make them predominantly susceptible to substance use as a coping mechanism. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, substance use and the association between depression and substance use among refugees living in Mbarara city, southwestern Uganda. Methods: African refugees who had settled in Mbarara city for at least twelve months before the study totaling 343 were assessed on the prevalence of depression and substance use. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) while Substance use was measured using The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-10) for alcohol and The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20) was used to measure the prevalence of other substances other than alcohol. Using SPSS-V26, descriptive statistics were calculated to determine the prevalence of refugee depression and substance use. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables in step1. Results: The prevalence of depression in the current study was 81% (n = 276). There were no gender differences in the prevalence of depression (χ2 = 0.745, p = 0.389). The prevalence of alcohol use was 43% (n = 146). The prevalence of other substance use other than alcohol was 42% (n = 143). Results showed (χ2 = 8.227, p = 0.042). However, there were no significant differences in alcohol use categories across gender (χ2 = 1.348, p = 0.718). Results indicated that participants who experienced depression were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol use (p < 0.001; OR = 1.24; 95% CI; 1.17 to 1.31) and use of other substances (p < 0.001; OR = 1.32; 95% CI; 1.23 to 1.41). Conclusion: The study results revealed that participants who had depression were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of substance use irrespective of the demographic characteristics. We also recommended that clinical interventions focused on the treatment of depression among refugee communities should focus on substance use as well.
Factors Associated With School Attendance among Pupil Refugees in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District; a Cross-Sectional Study.
(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2024-09) Nafutari Tuhaisomwe; Benon Muhumuza; Simon Peter Ecodu; Charles Okidi
Introduction The study aimed to investigate the correlation between psychological factors and school attendance among primary school-going refugee pupils in the Rwamwanja refugee settlement, Kamwenge District. Methodology A cross-sectional study involving 205 respondents assessed the impact of psychological factors like depression, anxiety, and stress on school attendance using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress method. Results The response rate for the survey was 95.1%, with 195 out of 205 surveys completed, surpassing the recommended 70% threshold for data collection (Amin, 2006). A majority of the survey respondents were female (56%), and most of them (67%) fell within the 13-15 age group. Participants hailed from four different countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the most represented (45%), followed by Rwanda (41%), Burundi (8%), and South Sudan (7%). The analysis of psychological factors indicated average scores of 6.7 for depression, 5.9 for anxiety, and 6.2 for stress, with slight variations between those who attended low and high school. The data analysis indicated a strong connection between depression and school attendance, as higher depression scores were correlated with increased attendance (cOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.31–1.88, p<0.001). Conversely, anxiety and stress did not exhibit a notable correlation with attendance. Through multivariate regression analysis, accounting for sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, and country of origin, it was confirmed that depression remained significantly linked to school attendance (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.33–1.91, p<0.001), while anxiety and stress still demonstrated no significant impact Conclusion The study concluded that psychological factors are crucial in influencing school attendance among refugee pupils, while socio-demographic factors were insignificant. Recommendations The study suggests that interventions focusing on psychological support and addressing socio-economic barriers can improve school attendance among refugee pupils, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address their educational needs.
Traumatised youth harbour feelings of revenge
(European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2024-10) Herbert E. Ainamani; Godfrey Rukundo; Nolbert Gumisiriza; Christopher Tumwine; Jonathan Hall
Background: Prolonged conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused widespread psychological trauma among civilians leading to maladaptive coping strategies across generations. Despite this occurrence, empirical studies on the prevalence of trauma and its impact on attitudes towards revenge and forgiveness, particularly among the youth, are scarce. This study aims to clarify the relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and the desires for forgiveness and revenge among Congolese adolescents residing in Uganda. Methods: We analysed data from 269 adolescent refugees from the DRC living in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Southwestern Uganda. The assessment included exposure to war-related traumatic events and the MINI-KID for DSM-V PTSD symptom severity. The Heartland Forgiveness and Vengeance Scales measured willingness to forgive and feelings of vengeance. Results: Exposure to war-related traumatic events was notably high in our sample, with severe deprivation of food (260 [97%]), exposure to armed combat (249 [93%]), witnessing bombing, burning, or destruction of houses (245 [91%]), disappearance of family members (239 [89%]), and seeing dead bodies (236 [88%]). PTSD symptom severity was negatively associated with willingness to forgive (b = −0.48; 95% CI −0.71–−0.25; p < .001) and positively associated with vengeance (b = 0.18; 95% CI 0.04–0.32; p = .011). Conclusion: PTSD symptom severity reduces the willingness to forgive and increases the desire for vengeance among adolescent refugees. Mental health clinicians and policymakers should consider addressing maladaptive coping behaviours related to feelings of revenge and unwillingness to forgive in their support strategies for refugees.
Traumatised youth harbour feelings of revenge
(European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2024) Herbert E. Ainamani; Godfrey Rukundo; Christopher Tumwine
Background: Prolonged conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused widespread psychological trauma among civilians leading to maladaptive coping strategies across generations. Despite this occurrence, empirical studies on the prevalence of trauma and its impact on attitudes towards revenge and forgiveness, particularly among the youth, are scarce. This study aims to clarify the relationship between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and the desires for forgiveness and revenge among Congolese adolescents residing in Uganda. Methods: We analysed data from 269 adolescent refugees from the DRC living in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Southwestern Uganda. The assessment included exposure to war-related traumatic events and the MINI-KID for DSM-V PTSD symptom severity. The Heartland Forgiveness and Vengeance Scales measured willingness to forgive and feelings of vengeance. Results: Exposure to war-related traumatic events was notably high in our sample, with severe deprivation of food (260 [97%]), exposure to armed combat (249 [93%]), witnessing bombing, burning, or destruction of houses (245 [91%]), disappearance of family members (239 [89%]), and seeing dead bodies (236 [88%]). PTSD symptom severity was negatively associated with willingness to forgive (b = −0.48; 95% CI −0.71–−0.25; p < .001) and positively associated with vengeance (b = 0.18; 95% CI 0.04–0.32; p = .011). Conclusion: PTSD symptom severity reduces the willingness to forgive and increases the desire for vengeance among adolescent refugees. Mental health clinicians and policymakers should consider addressing maladaptive coping behaviours related to feelings of revenge and unwillingness to forgive in their support strategies for refugees.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEER INFLUENCE AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENTS IN KASESE MUNICIPALITY, UGANDA
(Journal of Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Studies, 2023) Musomboli, Priscilla; Nyemara, Novatus; Nzamuhiki, Stephen
Peer influence is a major contributing factor to the upsurge in risky alcohol behaviors among school-going adolescents. This trend has become a public health concern in many parts of the world. Debate continues as to whether peer influence, age, gender, and religion predict alcohol use in this adolescent group. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between peer influence and alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Kasese Municipality. Two -structured questionnaires; the Peer Inventory Tool (PPI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were used to obtain information from 233 adolescents. Adolescents aged 12-19 years, were randomly sampled from 10 secondary schools. Results indicated that 35.6% were hazardous drinkers, 10.7% were harmful drinkers, and 5.2% were dependent drinkers. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a weak positive correlation (r=0.18) between age and alcohol use among school-going adolescents. A positive peer influence was established between adolescents and their peers and friends (PPI score of 12.18, on a scaled range of -66 to +66). The Chi-square test confirmed that there was no association between religion (p>0.05) or gender (p>0.05), and alcohol use among school-going adolescents. The results provide outcomes that can be used to promote positive peer relationships among school-going adolescents and policy regulation of alcohol use and abuse in schools
Social Capital and Quality of Life among the Refugees residing in Mbarara City Southwestern Ugand
(Research square, 2023) Kakai, Brenda; Bahati, Ronald; Otwine, Anne; Nzamuhiki, Steven; Ainamani, Herbert
Introduction: Globally, social capital is considered a significant resource in improving quality of life among human beings. In this study, we aimed at assessing the proportions of forms of social capital and their association with the quality of life among the refugees living in Mbarara City southwestern Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study used consecutive sampling method to select 344 refugees that were living in Mbarara city at the time of data collection. Refugees were assessed on their social capital using the World bank Social Capital Integrated Questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization questionnaire of quality of life. Data were analyzed using STATA. Descriptive statistics determined the occurrence of social capital while linear regression model determined the association between social capital and quality of life. Results Almost all participants endorsed one form of social capital, with majority of the participants [251(73%)] endorsing sociability, followed by trust and solidarity 186(54%), groups and networks were the least endorsed [170(49%)] within our sample. Our findings further showed that having high levels of trust and solidarity, positively correlated with quality of life (b = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.09 to 1.51; p = 0.027). Conclusions High social capital is likely to be associated with quality of life among refugees. Interventions aimed at building strong social capital are encouraged.
UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG REFUGEE TEENAGE MOTHERS AT NAKIVALE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT IN WESTERN UGANDA. A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
(Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2023) Ecodu, Simon Peter; Muhumuza, Benon; Rukundo, Lydia; Kazibwe, Francis
Introduction: Antenatal careis crucialforpositivepregnancyoutcomesandisdependentonthetimingandquality of care. It promotes health education and helps identify and manage maternal complications and risk factors.InSub-SaharanAfrica, pregnancy complications andchildbirthare the leading causeofdeath for women aged 10-19. This study examined teenage mothers’ experiences and perceptions of accessing and utilizing antenatal care services in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district. Methodology: A phenomenological study was conducted on teenage mothers in Nakivale, using a snowball sampling method. Key informant interviews were conducted, lasting 45 minutes -1 hour. Ethical clearance was obtained from Bishop Stuart University REC and informed consent was obtained from participants. Data was analyzed thematically using Nvivo version 12. Results:Teenage mothers face challenges utilizing antenatal care services including negative treat ment from family and community members. However, positive feelings of responsibility alleviate stress, making early mothers more resilient. Conclusions: Access toANCservices is closely linkedto itsutilization, but societal discriminationagainstteenage mothers affects ANC utilization. Teenage-friendly spaces in Nakivale significantly influenced access and utilization of ANC services. Recommendations: The study suggests establishing customized ANC services for teenage mothers in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Isingiro district, to enhance access and utilization of ANC.
Community Participation and Sustainability of Community Based Water Projects in Mbarara City North Division
(American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science (ARJHSS), 2023) Mpora, Vicent; Turyamureba, Robert; Mpairwe, Anthony
The study was about the influence of community participation on sustainability of communitybased water projects in Mbarara City North Division in Mbarara City. The study was aimed at assessing thedifferent ways of community involvement in community based water projects in Mbarara City North Division,examining the level of sustainability of community based water projects in Mbarara City North Division anddetermining the extent to which community participation influences sustainability of community based waterprojects in Mbarara City North Division in Mbarara City. The study used a descriptive survey design for qualitative data and cross-sectional research design forquantitative data. The study employed simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The study used asample size of 70 of the total of 73 populations. Data was collected from primary and secondary data sources.Questionnaire, interview guide and documentary review guide were used as data collection instruments.Analysis was done quantitatively whereby descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were determined usingSPSS. Thematic content analysis was used for qualitative analysis. From the findings, correlationco efficientshowsthatCommunityparticipationinimplementationstageofthecommunity basedwaterprojectshasinfluenceonSustainabilityofCommunity BasedWaterProjectsbecausethePvaluewas.000orP<0.05whichmeansCommunityparticipationinimplementationstageofthecommunity based waterprojecthasasignificant influenceonSustainabilityofCommunityBasedWaterProjects. Furthermore, correlation co efficient shows that Community participationinmaintenancestageofthecommunity based waterprojectonSustainabilityofCommunityBasedWater Projects hasno influence on sustainability of Community Based Water Projects because the P value was .006or P> 0.05which means that Community participation inmaintenance stage of the community based water project has nosignificant influence on SustainabilityofCommunityBased Waterprojects. Also correlation co-efficient showsthat Community participation in evaluationstage of the community based water projects has influence onSustainability of Community Based WaterProjects because the P value was .002or P< 0.05, which means thatCommunity participation inevaluation stage of the community based water projects, has a significant influenceon Sustainability ofCommunityBased WaterProjects. The study concludes that, since communityparticipation inplanning stage of the community water project has a significant influence onSustainability of Community BasedWater Projects. It implies that the water committees,donorsandthegovernmentofficialsintheministryofwaterholdpriorconsultationswiththecommunity members beforethe water projects are deliberated, more so community members areinvolved in decision making when designingthe project structure,location of water standpoints,determiningthe sourceof water amongotherkeyissues. Thestudy recommended that the community water projects should hold capacity building sessionsfor the membersand the committee members so as to equip them with appropriate knowledgeconcerning the designing anddevelopment of community water projects. This will enable themembersto makesuitablecontributions to theproject design.
Cognitive impairment and the associated factors among women with a history of pregnancy complications in rural southwestern Uganda
(PLOS ONE, 2023-10-30) Kihumuro, Raymond Bernard; Peace, Kellen; Chun, Sarah; Wakida, Edith K.; Obua, Celestino; Ainamani, Herbert E
Background Worldwide, there is a growing concern about the rising number of people with declining cog nitive functioning. However, findings on this phenomenon are inconclusive. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the associated factors in women with a history of pregnancy complications in rural southwestern Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out among women above 40 years of age in the greater Kabale district of southwestern Uganda between March and April 2022. Study par ticipants were identified using a consecutive sampling method. Predictor variables included pregnancy complications and other social demographic factors that were assessed by semi structured interviews while cognitive functioning as an outcome variable was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-B) tool. Data were analyzed using STATA at a 95% Confidence level. Logistic regression analyses were selected for statistical modelling while odds ratios were calculated to assess the strength of associations between the predictor and outcome variables.Results In total, 75% (212/280) of participants had some form of cognitive impairment, with 45% (123/280) falling into mild CI, 31% (86/280) moderate CI and 4% (10/280) severe CI. Twenty-three percent (68/280) of participants fell into category of normal cognitive function ing. Participants with >65 years of age had higher odds of developing cognitive impairment (OR = 2.94; 95%CI: 0.96–9.04, p = 0.06) than those with < 65 years of age. Protective factors to cognitive impairment include delivering from a health facility (OR = 0.31,95% CI:0.16–0.60, p = < .001), primary and post primary levels of education (OR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.13, p<0.001, OR = 0.04; 95%CI: 0.02–0.23, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion Results from this study show a high prevalence of cognitive impairment among women with a history of pregnancy complications in rural southwestern Uganda. Interventions geared toward preventing cognitive impairment among females with a history of pregnancy compli cations should be emphasized.
THE EFFECT OF APPRAISAL STANDARDS SETTING ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023) Emily, Ankunda; Dorcus, Mureebe
The study aimed at establishing the relationship between the appraisal standards and performance of employees in selected private universities in Uganda. It was carried out in two universities which were Kampala International University Bushenyi Campus and University of St. Joseph Mbarara. The study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. It involved the administrative staff of the universities. The study was hence carried out amongst 60 staff members. The results were analysed using the descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages, the mean distribution and regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship amongst the variable. The study generally revealed that there was a significant relationship between appraisal standards and employee performance. The standards the appraisal focused on were mainly the employee behaviours, competences and achievements. The results indicated that the main behavioural targets were the employees’ relations with colleagues, relations with clients, relations with supervisors and the extent to which employees observed the code of conduct including the disciple. The competences assessed related to relevance of the staff qualifications are assessed, staff members ability to counsel students, the ability to communicate with clients, he staff skills to do the work is assessed and the staff skills to do the work is assessed. On achievement, the study examined the application of appraisal on determining participation and ability to contribute in meetings, the staff performance, the research output, the clients attracted to the organization, the level of attendance to duties and participation in training activities. On the whole the study recommended the need to enhance appraisal standards and ensure that all staff members are aware of the standards that are usually assessed so that they work towards achieving them.
Income Levels and Gender based Violence among the Civil Servants in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2019) Mary, Nomugisha; Peter, Turyamuhaki; Allen, Nuwamanya
The study was about income levels and gender-based violence in Kamukuzi Division, Mbarara Municipality, Mbarara District Uganda; the study focused on the following objectives; to determine income levels of civil servants in relation to gender based violence, to document the experiences of civil servants on gender-based violence (nature, magnitude etc.) in Mbarara Municipality and to ascertain the relationship between income levels and the rate of gender-based violence. A case study design was adopted in this study; it involved both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The study targeted civil servants in kamukuzi division where samples of 150 respondents were selected from teachers, social workers, administrators and health workers. The study employed questionnaire and interview method for investigation. Basing on the study findings there is no significant relationship between income levels and gender-based violence. The study explored the different income levels basing on the salary scale for Uganda and the respondents studied ranged from U8-U3 as per the government of Uganda. The findings established similarly conditions, nature and perceptions towards gender-based violence. The study further established that civil servants have a negative attitude towards gender-based violence. It was also established that gender-based violence affects staff performance; it causes depression, stress and anger that undermine work performance. Leaders especially the cultural, religious and human rights activist should clearly come to an understanding on the gender roles, positions and participation in family, government agency should always organize a come together sensitization campaign to discuss and explore domestic issues in general and NGOs and other private sectors should intervene to curb down the gender based violence among the working class, life planning.
Coronavirus Disease-2019
(Nigerian Journal of Peace, Development & Humanitarian Affairs (NJPDHA), 2021) RUKUNI, Tinashe; KANSIIME, Noel; ASANI, Collin; Oyinloye, O.B.A
The outbreak of the “Coronavirus Disease 2019” on a worldwide basis has brought about an unprecedented threat to the already fragile global peace and security position. The epidemic has had catastrophic social, economic, and political consequences on a global scale. The global pandemic which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 has become a source of serious international debate, a humanitarian crisis of fearsome proportions, and sparked conflict among the world's major powers. It is against this background and perturbing development that this paper interrogates the implications of Coronavirus disease 2019 as a threat to global peace and security. Thus, the fulcrum of the ensuing discourse is anchored on the examination of the post-Covid-19 outbreak humanitarian crisis, surge in domestic violence in lockdown periods the world over, the imminent world economic recession, food insecurity, revival of xenophobia related violence and the ignition of geopolitical conflict mainly among the world's major economic and political powers. The paper is based on the qualitative research paradigm, as it sought to probe deep into contemporary issues around the novel Covid-19 pandemic. The paper found out that Covid-19 is a serious threat to global peace and security and has also perpetuated a global humanitarian crisis, gender-based, economic recession violence, and xenophobia. Based on the salient findings and major conclusions reached the paper ends by proffering recommendations tailored to promote global peace and security in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak
A Reflection on how Peacebuiding skills can Mitigate Gender Based Violence in Kenyan Universities.
(American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science (ARJHSS), 2020) Kansiime, Kiiza Noel; Milimu, Shanyisa Wilkister
Gender based violence (GBV) is a cross-cutting issue that continues to attract prominent attention as a serious violation of human rights. It is deeply rooted in unequal gendered social norms and power imbalance. It is one of the major topical issues in Kenya’s daily media mainstream. Attempts to mitigate the effects of GBV have remained futile both at local and international levels even after launching different frameworks and interventions. This research was part of the bigger research which sought to explore how peacebuilding skills could be used to mitigate GBV with a focus on female university peer counsellors.The study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR). It also adopted a transformative worldview with a focus on mixed methods design. Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), were used during data collection.Data was analysed using SPSS and thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that GBV was prevalent in the institutions of higher learning and mechanisms to mitigate it remain superficial. It was also revealed that when youth are equipped with peacebuilding skills like peer counseling, they have the potential to transform and create a culture of peace where they can enjoy the right to education and uphold human rights
Gender differences in substance use and associated factors among urban refugees in Uganda
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2023) Ronald, Bahati; Scholastic, Ashaba; Cathy Denise, Sigmund; Godfrey Zari, Rukundo; Herbert Elvis, Ainamani
Background: Alcohol and other substances use related problems among refugees is a global public health concern. Although there is substantial research on the use of alcohol and other substances among the refugees, little is known about gender and other factors that might be associated with the use of alcohol and other substances. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol and substance use across gender and other specific associated factors among urban refugees living in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 343 refugees were interviewed on the use of alcohol and other substances using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. The associated factors included, age, marital status, occupation, duration (length of stay) in Uganda, educational levels, stigma and depression. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables. Results: No significant gender difference in alcohol use was found, and the overall prevalence of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use among our sample of refugees living in Mbarara city was 43%. There were however, statistically significant gender differences in the use of other substances, with a significantly higher percentage of men than women reporting intermediate, substantial, or severe substance use (45% among men, 37% among women). Higher levels of depression and being separated from one’s spouse were associated with higher levels of alcohol and substance use. In addition, higher age and being male were associated with the use of substances other than alcohol. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use among both male and female refugees. Clinical interventions focused on the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance use among the refugee communities may benefit from focusing on depressive symptoms as well
Gender differences in response to war related trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder – a study among the Congolese refugees in Uganda
(BMC Psychariatry, 2020) Ainamani E., Herbert; Thomas, Elbert; Kani Olema, David; Hecker, Tobias
Background: The wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo have left indelible marks on the mental health and functioning of the Congolese civilians that sought refuge in Uganda. Even though it is clear that civilians who are exposed to potentially traumatizing events in war and conflict areas develop trauma-related mental health problems, scholarly information on gender differences on exposure to different war-related traumatic events, their conditional risks to developing PTSD and whether the cumulative exposure to traumatic events affects men and women differently is still scanty. Methods: In total, 325 (n = 143 males, n = 182 females) Congolese refugees who lived in Nakivale, a refugee settlement in the Southwestern part of Uganda were interviewed within a year after their arrival. Assessment included exposure to war-related traumatic events, and DSM-IV PTSD symptom severity. Results: Our main findings were that refugees were highly exposed to war-related traumatic events with experiencing dangerous flight as the most common event for both men (97%) and women (97%). The overall high prevalence of PTSD differed among women (94%) and men (84%). The highest conditional prevalence of PTSD in women was associated with experiencing rape. The dose-response effect differed significantly between men and women with women showing higher PTSD symptom severity when experiencing low and moderate levels of potentially traumatizing event types. Conclusion: In conflict areas, civilians are highly exposed to different types of war-related traumatic events that expose them to high levels of PTSD symptoms, particularly women. Interventions focused at reducing mental health problems resulting from war should take the context of gender into consideration
Gender differences in substance use and associated factors among urban refugees in Uganda
(European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2023) Ronald, Bahati; Scholastic, Ashaba; Cathy Denise, Sigmund; Godfrey, Zari; Herbert Elvis, Ainamani
Background: Alcohol and other substances use related problems among refugees is a global public health concern. Although there is substantial research on the use of alcohol and other substances among the refugees, little is known about gender and other factors that might be associated with the use of alcohol and other substances. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol and substance use across gender and other specific associated factors among urban refugees living in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 343 refugees were interviewed on the use of alcohol and other substances using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. The associated factors included, age, marital status, occupation, duration (length of stay) in Uganda, educational levels, stigma and depression. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables. Results: No significant gender difference in alcohol use was found, and the overall prevalence of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use among our sample of refugees living in Mbarara city was 43%. There were however, statistically significant gender differences in the use of other substances, with a significantly higher percentage of men than women reporting intermediate, substantial, or severe substance use (45% among men, 37% among women). Higher levels of depression and being separated from one’s spouse were associated with higher levels of alcohol and substance use. In addition, higher age and being male were associated with the use of substances other than alcohol. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use among both male and female refugees. Clinical interventions focused on the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance use among the refugee communities may benefit from focusing on depressive symptoms as well.
Social Capital and Livelihood among The Congolese Urban Refugees
(American Research Journal of Humanities Social Science (ARJHSS), 2023) Asiimwe, Enock; Gershom, Atukunda; A Ivan, Kimpanga Mukibi
ABSTRACT:- In this article, the authors review literature related to Social Capital and Livelihood among urban refugees using a narrative literature review methodology. The literature reviewed forms a vital part of the data available on how social capital has contributed to the welfare of refugees living in urban settings. The purpose of reviewing literature related to Social Capital and Livelihood among urban refugees is to provoke thought and controversy among scholarly writings and assumptions in order to stimulate scholarly discourse. The article specifically seeks for literature related to: Networking, Bonding, Bridging, and Linking, Social Capital formation. This narrative review methodology, proceeded by evaluating and integrating the results of several studies to address gaps and recommend useful ideas among them. By reviewing the literature, we critically analyze how Social Capital is formed and theoretical assumptions underlying it. We also examine the applicability of Social Capital on the Urban Congolese livelihoods
THE INFLUENCE OF COVID 19 ON THE SOCIAL ECONOMIC WELFARE OF REFUGES
(American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science, 2023) Noel Kiiza, Kansiime; Ronald, Bahati; Prossy, Kobusingye
ABSTRACT : The study investigated the influence of COVID 19 on the social economic welfare of refugees in Nakivale refugee settlement. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of COVID 19 on the education welfare of refugees, influence of COVID 19 on the health services and influence of COVID 19 on the incomes of refugees living in Nakivale refugee settlements. The study used a case study research design encompassing qualitative approaches in data collection on refugees, refugee leaders, project officers of WFP, USAID, UNHCR and FRC, Refugee welfare Committees members, OPM staff and commandant of Nakivale Refugee settlement. Data were collected using an interview method and analysed using NVIVO. The study revealed that lockdown posed a serious threat in education sector whereby refugees lost hope in education because they lacked guidance from their fellow colleagues and teachers. It was also found out that Covid19 pandemic strained healthy systems and disrupted essential health services at the hospital. Some of the measures totally disrupted the supply chain and health care service delivery system as all efforts were focused on covid19 patients. Refugee patients who were infected with other diseases were rarely attended to. Refugees who couldn’t afford medication from private hospitals were forced to go back and get treatment from their homes which caused increased deaths among refugees due to lack of income. Also, refugee patients with diseases like AIDS, sickle cell as well as mental health, maternal and childhood conditions faced an increased risk of complications and death due to inability to access health care because of transport restrictions, lack of energy and fear of contracting with covid19 virus from the healthy centers. Lastly, it was revealed that lockdown caused lack of income and loss of employment among refugees. Findings of study pointed out that refugees whose businesses were not closed like those that worked in markets faced a problem of reduction in their income and salary.

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