Bundibugyo District Research Articles

Drawing Therapy and Articulation of Physical Violence by Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District, Uganda

Drawing Therapy and Articulation of Physical Violence by Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District, Uganda

Investigating how Road Development Enhances Agricultural Production in Bubandi Sub County of Bundibugyo District, Uganda

This study investigated the intertwine between road development and agricultural production in Bubandi Sub County of Bundibugyo District, Uganda. Findings revealed that the poor road network in the district is caused by steep slopes, difficulties in compensating project affected residents, government delays in providing cash, and weather variations. This poor road network equally threatens food security. This is because road development increases the agricultural productive capacity of poor households, lowers input and transportation costs, creates a market for agricultural produce, improved regional interaction, opens up new economic areas, and facilitates the flow of goods, especially agricultural produce, from rural to urban areas. Based on this finding, the study calls for the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to build all-weather loose surface roads to connect economically beneficial areas and provinces. The government should directly incentivize and oversee farmers to grow the sub county's agriculture. This is because most farmers lack agricultural incentives to inspire and boost their output. The government should build standardised highways and extend rural electrification, to encourage post-harvest handling technologies. Finally, the government should increase infrastructure and agricultural extension budgets in rural areas. Keywords: Agricultural output, Agricultural production, Feeder roads, Road development, Standard of living.

Knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living around bat roosts in Bundibugyo district, Uganda: implications for viral haemorrhagic fever prevention and control

BackgroundBats are a reservoir for many viruses causing haemorrhagic fevers. Proximity to bats is a risk factor for virus spillover to animals and humans. We conducted this study to assess knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living near bat roosts in Bundibugyo District, Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study using mixed methods with both quantitative and qualitative data was conducted between September and December 2022. Participants for the quantitative data (survey) (n = 384) resided near bat caves and/or roost sites and were selected using multistage random sampling. The survey investigated participants’ prior exposure to bats, as well as knowledge and perceptions of bat exposure. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with bat exposure. Participants for the qualitative data (focus group discussions) (n = 10, 6–8 participants each) were purposely selected based on engagement in guano mining, hunting, and farming activities. Perceived risk associated with bat-related activities were identified and ranked in the focus group discussions using participatory epidemiology tools.ResultsIn total, (214/384, 55.7%) had a history of bat exposure and (208/384, 54.2%) had poor knowledge of risk factors associated with bat exposure. Increased exposure to bats was associated with being male (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.4 p-value = 0.038), staying in urban areas (OR = 1.9; p-value = 0.010), hunting (OR = 10.9; p-value = 0.024), and positive perception to bat guano being safe as fertiliser (OR = 2.5; p-value = 0.045). During the proportional piling process, a total of 7 risk factors were identified by 10 groups with hunting during an outbreak and consumption of bats being the most frequently identified. Overall, there was a strong statistical agreement in the ranking across the 10 focus groups (W = 0.52; p < 0.01; n = 10). Based on the provided data, the adjusted odds ratio of 0.7 for the good measures (p-value = 0.112), suggests a potential protective effect on the risk of bat exposure.ConclusionCommunities living around bat roosts frequently come into contact with bats, yet there is inadequate awareness regarding the behaviors that can lead to the transmission of bat- borne diseases to humans. It is essential to undertake educational initiatives and preventive measures to minimise the risks of bat-related infections. The need for targeted health communication and education efforts to address these knowledge gaps and promote an accurate understanding of bats and disease transmission. Understanding of diseases associated with bats will minimize bat-related health risks especially in communities engaged in wildlife hunting.

Therapeutic Painting and Sexual Violence Expressed by Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District in Uganda

Sexual violence has often caused distress to many people, and a lot has been written proposing solutions to this vice. Restoring hope among people who have been affected by sexual violence in Secondary schools in Bundibugyo District requires concerted effort and adopting ways that help to relieve the affected people of stress resulting from their experience with sexual violence. The current study focused on how therapeutic painting can be utilised to describe in detail lived experiences relating to ever-increasing sexual violence in secondary schools in the Bundibugyo district. Despite the various forms of violence that affect secondary school students, sexual violence seems to be a vice that greatly affects school children, and young children are always shy to verbally express how they are affected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between Visual art therapy and sexual violence expression by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District. The following objective guided the study: To examine the statistical relationship between therapeutic painting and sexual violence expression by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District. 400 S2 students participated in this study, these included; Semuriki High School-Izahura-163, Bukonjo Seed School-17, Bundikahungu Seed school-75, St Mary’s Simbya Secondary School-145. Methodology entailed methods such as in-session semi-structured interviews, observation methods, and focus group discussion. An explanatory sequential design was adopted in this study. The study established that there was a statistically significant difference in means; thus, there was a relationship between therapeutic painting and sexual violence expressed by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District (z =-6.736, p &lt;0.0001). Hence, the null hypothesis was rejected. The findings led to the conclusion that therapeutic painting intervention helped to improve the expression of sexual violence among victims, helped them to gain relaxation, lost hope, and lessened the anxiety that had resulted from their experience with sexual violence

Understanding the Influential Factors of Teenage Pregnancy in Kirumya Sub-county, Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing global concern, impacting public health and development on multiple fronts. This study focused on probing the specific factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in Kirumya sub-county, Bundibugyo District, in western Uganda. Its objectives centered on determining the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, identifying key contributing factors, and highlighting the challenges faced by adolescents contending with early pregnancies. Engaging fifty teenage mothers and drawing insights from ten key informants, the study employed face-to-face individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for data collection. The research uncovered an alarming prevalence of teenage pregnancy, estimated at 30-40%, surpassing the national average of 25%. Several interconnected factors drove this heightened incidence, including inadequate parental guidance, limited educational opportunities for teenagers, negative cultural norms, challenging socio-economic conditions, insufficient access to youth-friendly services and contraceptives, and a dearth of supportive environments for proper child rearing and development. Furthermore, the study shed light on the significant challenges faced by teenage mothers, encompassing the weight of childcare responsibilities, parental discrimination, and a lack of spousal support. In summary, the study revealed the pronounced prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bundibugyo District, largely stemming from social, cultural, and institutional factors. Its recommendations advocate collaborative efforts among government entities, NGOs, schools, and parents, emphasizing improved sex education, enhanced accessibility to youth-friendly services, and the establishment of comprehensive social, economic, and psychological support networks for teenage mothers navigating this intricate landscape. Keywords: teenage pregnancy, associated factors, women.

Molecular analysis of the 2012 Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak

SummaryBundibugyo virus (BDBV) is one of four ebolaviruses known to cause disease in humans. Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreaks occurred in 2007–2008 in Bundibugyo District, Uganda, and in 2012 in Isiro, Province Orientale, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 2012 BVD outbreak resulted in 38 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection, 13 of whom died. However, only 4 BDBV specimens from the 2012 outbreak have been sequenced. Here, we provide BDBV sequences from seven additional patients. Analysis of the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of the 2012 outbreak with these additional isolates challenges the current hypothesis that the outbreak was the result of a single spillover event. In addition, one patient record indicates that BDBV’s initial emergence in Isiro occurred 50 days earlier than previously accepted. Collectively, this work demonstrates how retrospective sequencing can be used to elucidate outbreak origins and provide epidemiological contexts to a medically relevant pathogen.

Disease prevalence and shade tree diversity in smallholder cocoa (Theobroma cacao) farms: case of Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) growing systems in Uganda consists of shade systems with different tree species. Tree shade systems are the pure stand trees in the cocoa plantation which have been attributed towards reducing on pests and disease incidences, shade provision, boosting fertility, Agro biodiversity, fodder and improving production. The study was aimed at identifying potential shade tree species that can minimize disease threats on cocoa farms. Eighty-two cocoa farmers were reached out of 120 cocoa farmers in Bundibugyo that possessed at least five acres of the plantation in a purposive sampling approach.&#x0D; Black pod disease was non-significantly associated with presence of shade tree diversities. It was established that incidence of black pod rot disease was non-significantly associated with presence of all shade tree species; association between witch’s broom disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant (χ2= 55.41, (p&lt;0.05); Association between witch’s broom and presence of Persea Americana (χ2=9.79), (p&lt;0.05), Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=16.71), (p&lt;0.05), Markhamia obtusifolia (χ2=3.95), (p&lt;0.001), schefflera actinophylla (χ2=4.32), (p&lt;0.001), Mangifera indica (χ2=6.46), (p&lt;0.001) was significant though these trees were planted in small numbers. Association between frosty rot disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant (χ2= 25.90), (p&lt;0.05). there was a significant association between frosty with presence of Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=6.76), (p&lt;0.05); Mangifera indica (χ2=4.85), (p&lt;0.001); though these trees were planted in small numbers. There was a highly significant association between swollen shoot virus with presence of Maesopsis eminii (χ2= 31.55), (p&lt;0.05), and Cinnamomum tamala (χ2= 19.22), (p&lt;0.05). Association between die back disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant (χ2= 52.73), (p&lt;0.05).

Pteropine Orthoreovirus in an Angolan Soft-Furred Fruit Bat (Lissonycteris angolensis) in Uganda Dramatically Expands the Global Distribution of an Emerging Bat-Borne Respiratory Virus.

Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV; Reoviridae: Spinareovirinae) is an emerging bat-borne zoonotic virus that causes influenza-like illness (ILI). PRV has thus far been found only in Australia and Asia, where diverse old-world fruit bats (Pteropodidae) serve as hosts. In this study, we report the discovery of PRV in Africa, in an Angolan soft-furred fruit bat (Lissonycteris angolensis ruwenzorii) from Bundibugyo District, Uganda. Metagenomic characterization of a rectal swab yielded 10 dsRNA genome segments, revealing this virus to cluster within the known diversity of PRV variants detected in bats and humans in Southeast Asia. Phylogeographic analyses revealed a correlation between geographic distance and genetic divergence of PRVs globally, which suggests a geographic continuum of PRV diversity spanning Southeast Asia to sub-Saharan Africa. The discovery of PRV in an African bat dramatically expands the geographic range of this zoonotic virus and warrants further surveillance for PRVs outside of Southeast Asia.

Diversity, Transmission, and Cophylogeny of Ledanteviruses (Rhabdoviridae: Ledantevirus) and Nycteribiid Bat Flies Parasitizing Angolan Soft-Furred Fruit Bats in Bundibugyo District, Uganda.

Obligate hematophagous ectoparasitic flies of the superfamily Hippoboscoidea are distributed worldwide, but their role as vectors and reservoirs of viruses remains understudied. We examined hippoboscoid bat flies (family Nycteribiidae) parasitizing Angolan soft-furred fruit bats (Lissonycteris angolensis ruwenzorii) from Bundibugyo District, Uganda. Using metagenomic methods, we detected 21 variants of the rhabdovirid genus Ledantevirus, which contains medically important “bat-associated” viruses. These 21 viruses, representing at least two divergent viral lineages, infected 26 bat flies from 8 bats in a single roost. Cophylogenetic analyses of viruses and bat flies resulted in strong evidence of virus-host codivergence, indicating vertical transmission of bat fly ledanteviruses. Examination of oral swabs from bats revealed ledantevirus RNA in the saliva of 1 out of 11 bats, with no evidence of insect genetic material in the mouth of this bat. These data demonstrate that bat flies can harbor diverse ledanteviruses even in a single roost and that the predominant mode of transmission is likely vertical (among bat flies), but that bats can become infected and shed viruses orally. In conclusion, bat flies may serve as ectoparasitic reservoirs of “bat-associated” viruses that only transiently or sporadically infect bats.

Social Dynamics of Ebola Virus Disease: A Case of Bundibugyo District, Uganda

Background: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) presents with a high global mortality and is known to be a highly infectious disease with devastating and gendered effects on the social fabric, yet most of the science has focused on the disease’s biology. However, little has been documented with regard to the gender and social aspects of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in two sub counties (Kikyo and Bundibugyo Town Council) in Bundibugyo District in Western Uganda. The study was set to examine the gender differences in the level of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about EVD. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A structured questionnaire was administered to 254 respondents, 50% of whom were women. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. Questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS at univariate and bivariate levels. Qualitative methods such as key informant interviews (with 6 participants) and Focus Group Discussions (three, one with men alone, another with women alone and the last one with both men and women) were also used to collect additional information from participants. Results: The findings indicated that socio-demographically, the majority (35%) of the respondents were aged between 20 and 29 years, 53% of whom were females. More women (about 56%) compared to men (44%) attained secondary education while more men (about 51% versus 49% of the women) reported that they were married. In terms of religion, the majority of the survey participants were Catholics (59% females and 49% males). With regard to communities’ knowledge about EVD, there was no significant relationship between men and women in terms of prior knowledge about EVD, risk factors and control measures. However, slightly more males (about 51%) than females (49%) had heard about EVD and more males (about 52%) than females (48%) admitted that they were at risk of contracting the disease. On the control measures, slightly more females than males (about 53% vs. 47% respectively) proposed avoiding contact with infected persons. The results further revealed that more males (about 51%) than females (49%) were willing to relate with EVD survivors, and this was due to the latter’s fear of contracting the disease. The major devastating effects of EVD that were reported included loss of lives, disruption of peoples movements, isolation of people, disruption of children’s school activities, stigma and discrimination of survivors. More females (about 52%) than males (about 48%) reported that EVD survivors were discriminated during the EVD outbreak in Bundibugyo District. Conclusions: This study has shown that whereas both men and women demonstrate average knowledge about EVD, there is need for more training and sensitization targeting women who have delusions about the severity of the disease, its risk factors, stigma and the integration of survivors in the affected communities. Communities also need to be sensitized about the gender roles that increase both the burden of EVD and the risk of men and women contracting the disease. This will lead to more culturally sensitive responses to EVD outbreaks in future.

Ebola Shapes Society: No Partner, No Family, No Friends

Ebola is examined as a Critical Event which shaped the communities in Bundibugyo district. The local framing of ebola epidemic 2007-8 as a curse to the particular ethnic groups affected the social networks and individual identities within communities. Ethnographic interviews and observations among victims of ebola were used as data, and a phenomenological approach was used to guide the research process. The paper recovers the lost moments and experiences of ebola survivors. The epidemic altered the socio-cultural set-up of the community and its impact have lasted for a long time; including stigma, discrimination, trauma, poverty and the orphan problem.Keywords: Ebola, Bundibugyo, Constructions, Critical Events

Proportion of Deaths and Clinical Features in Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Infection, Uganda

The first known Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) outbreak caused by Bundibugyo Ebola virus occurred in Bundibugyo District, Uganda, in 2007. Fifty-six cases of EHF were laboratory confirmed. Although signs and symptoms were largely nonspecific and similar to those of EHF outbreaks caused by Zaire and Sudan Ebola viruses, proportion of deaths among those infected was lower (≈40%).

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Associated with Novel Virus Strain, Uganda, 2007–2008

During August 2007-February 2008, the novel Bundibugyo ebolavirus species was identified during an outbreak of Ebola viral hemorrhagic fever in Bundibugyo district, western Uganda. To characterize the outbreak as a requisite for determining response, we instituted a case-series investigation. We identified 192 suspected cases, of which 42 (22%) were laboratory positive for the novel species; 74 (38%) were probable, and 77 (40%) were negative. Laboratory confirmation lagged behind outbreak verification by 3 months. Bundibugyo ebolavirus was less fatal (case-fatality rate 34%) than Ebola viruses that had caused previous outbreaks in the region, and most transmission was associated with handling of dead persons without appropriate protection (adjusted odds ratio 3.83, 95% confidence interval 1.78-8.23). Our study highlights the need for maintaining a high index of suspicion for viral hemorrhagic fevers among healthcare workers, building local capacity for laboratory confirmation of viral hemorrhagic fevers, and institutionalizing standard precautions.

Newly Discovered Ebola Virus Associated with Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Uganda

Over the past 30 years, Zaire and Sudan ebolaviruses have been responsible for large hemorrhagic fever (HF) outbreaks with case fatalities ranging from 53% to 90%, while a third species, Côte d'Ivoire ebolavirus, caused a single non-fatal HF case. In November 2007, HF cases were reported in Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda. Laboratory investigation of the initial 29 suspect-case blood specimens by classic methods (antigen capture, IgM and IgG ELISA) and a recently developed random-primed pyrosequencing approach quickly identified this to be an Ebola HF outbreak associated with a newly discovered ebolavirus species (Bundibugyo ebolavirus) distantly related to the Côte d'Ivoire ebolavirus found in western Africa. Due to the sequence divergence of this new virus relative to all previously recognized ebolaviruses, these findings have important implications for design of future diagnostic assays to monitor Ebola HF disease in humans and animals, and ongoing efforts to develop effective antivirals and vaccines.

Global Health forum urges training programs

When it comes to staffing levels at Bundibugyo District Hospital in western Uganda, the gap between the ideal and the reality is as jarring as the rough drive through the Rwenzori Mountains to reach the isolated community. Though government guidelines say the hospital should have 7 doctors, they

Surviving but Not Quite Thriving: Anthropometric Survey of Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in a Rural Western Uganda District

Located in Western Uganda, Bundibugyo District has enjoyed nearly a decade of relative political stability. However, the current nutritional status of young children is not known. A survey conducted in 1999 assessed the prevalence of global malnutrition, but not stunting. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of global malnutrition and stunting in three of the 10 subcounties in Bundibugyo District, and to describe efforts to address malnutrition in Bundibugyo. An anthropometric survey of children aged 6 to 59 months was conducted, informed by guidelines for two-stage cluster sampling. Ten villages from each subcounty were chosen at random. The following indicators were measured for 30 children (not randomly selected) per village: age in months, sex, weight in kilograms, length/height in centimeters, mid-upper arm circumference in centimeters, presence of edema, presence of mother in the home, and presence of father in the home. The overall prevalence estimate of global malnutrition, defined as weight-for-height less than −2 z scores, was 2.7% (includes severe malnutrition). The prevalence estimate for stunting, defined as height-for-age less than −2 z scores, was 44.8%. There were no observed cases of kwashiorkor. Because results indicate that stunting is a major problem, programmatic efforts should emphasize young child feeding practices that will lead to decreased incidence of stunting, which would likely contribute to the development potential of the district. The authors describe efforts to address global malnutrition as well as stunting in Bundibugyo.

Resistance in vivo of Plasmodium falciparum to co-trimoxazole in western Uganda

In the context of the ‘integrated management of childhood illnesses’ (IMCI) programme the World Health Organization recommends treating children in malarious areas presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms with co-trimoxazole. In order to verify its effectiveness in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria we carried out a study in vivo in western Uganda: 180 children under 5 years old were enrolled and treated with 40 8 mg/kg/d co-trimoxazole over 5 d, and 159 could be followed on days 3, 7 and 14. Effectiveness of treatment was found to be significantly different in various parts of the study area. In Bundibugyo District, bordering République Democratique du Congo (Zaire), 59·1% ( 39 66 ) of children were clinically cured after 14 d and 56·1% were parasitologically cured. In the east of Kabarole District (43 children), the figures were 76·7% and 65·1%, respectively. In western Kabarole (50 children) the rates were 96·0% and 90·0%, respectively. We conclude that, in view of the high level of clinical failures in parts of the study area, co-trimoxazole should not be used in the IMCI programme for combined treatment of malaria and pneumonia in the region. Assessment of therapeutic effectiveness of antimalarial drugs needs to consider the microepidemiology of resistance.

Occurrence and diagnosis of Mansonella streptocerca in Uganda

During filaria surveys Mansonella streptocerca was found for the first time in Uganda, in 12 widely scattered villages in the Bundibugyo district between the Ruwenzori mountains and the Ituri forest, an area not endemic for Onchocerca volvulus. The crude prevalence in 806 examined adult persons ranged from 5 to 89% with an average of 61%. In 148 children the prevalence was 36%. The geometric mean of microfilaria (mf) densities in adult mf carriers was 1.7 mf/mg skin and the community microfilarial loads ranged from 1.0 to 13.7 mf/skin snip. In 476 persons skin snips from the shoulder contained mf in 58% and those from the buttocks in 48%. Skin snips from 68 persons digested with collagenase showed that only 30–37% of the mf emerged during 24 h incubation at 30°C in isotonic salt solution. An itching acute or more often chronic papular dermatitis, predominantly on the upper parts of the body, was the typical skin lesion observed in 24% of 177 M. streptocerca mf carriers.

Preliminary ethnobotanical studies of the Rwenzori Mountain forest area in Bundibugyo District, Uganda

Ethnobotanical studies of the Rwenzori Mountain forest area in Bundibugyo District in Uganda were carried out between May and December 1991, and covered the northern part of the Rwenzori Mountain slopes occupied by the Bakonjo people. The presence of a major footpath through the forest with numerous utility trails radiating from it showed that some forest resources are being sought by the local population. Plant biodiversity is high, as is indicated by the fact that in a study plot of only 4 250 m , a total of 115 plant species, 101 genera and 57 families were identified from a collection of 300 plant specimens. Seventy-seven plant species were found to be of some importance to the local communities. Out of the 77 useful plant species recorded: 22 species were used for medicinal purposes; 16 for firewood; 13 for construction, joinery and furniture; 12 for craftwork; 10 provided edible fruits and vegetables; and 27 were used for a variety of other purposes. These other purposes include construction of shrines, covering of granary floors, use as toilet paper, carry ing luggage, and fodder for goats, sheep and cattle. Arundinaria alpina K. Schum. (bamboo) is the species that is most extensively harvested from the forest.