Challenges In Uganda Research Articles

Contextual and psychological factors influencing open defecation free status: an exploratory qualitative study in rural South Western Uganda

IntroductionAchieving the Open defecation free (ODF) status remains a major challenge in Uganda, yet it contributes significantly to child health improvement. Literature on social, cultural and behavioral aspects that influence the ODF status in rural Uganda is limited. The study therefore, explored perceived factors influencing the ODF status in rural South Western Uganda.MethodsAn exploratory study employing qualitative techniques and based on deductive analysis between month December 2020 and January 2021 was conducted. Seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs and three Key Informant Interviews (KIs) were conducted in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda. Focus Group Discussion participants were mothers and fathers having children of 2 years and below while KIIs included local community leaders and health extension workers. Data was analyzed using a categorization matrix derived from the Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, and Self-regulation (RANAS) model which is comprised of contextual and psychological factors. Text was further categorized into high and low statements for attainment of ODF status.ResultsThe contextual factors influencing the Open Defecation Free status behavior included; farming activities far from home, financial constraints, rainy seasons, collapsible soft soils, and alcohol use. Psychological factors influencing ODF status included; perceived health risk for typhoid disease, low perceived severity for lack of ODF components, negative attitude of less value attached to ODF components, and a feeling of time wastage practicing ODF status behavior. The perception that the community has the ability to attain the ODF status was high. Although, the capability to maintain ODF was low when it comes to replacement of ODF component if stolen or destroyed.ConclusionOpen Defecation Free status is influenced by contextual and psychological factors. Therefore, it’s crucial for sanitation promotors to always identify such context specific factors in order to design sanitation and hygiene promotion interventions to address the ODF free status related challenges.

Mobility for maternal health among women in hard-to-reach fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda; a community-based cross-sectional survey

BackgroundMaternal mortality is still a challenge in Uganda, at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, especially in rural hard to reach communities. Distance to a health facility influences maternal deaths. We explored women’s mobility for maternal health, distances travelled for antenatal care (ANC) and childbirth among hard-to-reach Lake Victoria islands fishing communities (FCs) of Kalangala district, Uganda.MethodsA cross sectional survey among 450 consenting women aged 15–49 years, with a prior childbirth was conducted in 6 islands FCs, during January-May 2018. Data was collected on socio-demographics, ANC, birth attendance, and distances travelled from residence to ANC or childbirth during the most recent childbirth. Regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with over 5 km travel distance and mobility for childbirth.ResultsThe majority of women were residing in communities with a government (public) health facility [84.2 %, (379/450)]. Most ANC was at facilities within 5 km distance [72 %, (157/218)], while most women had travelled outside their communities for childbirth [58.9 %, (265/450)]. The longest distance travelled was 257.5 km for ANC and 426 km for childbirth attendance.Travel of over 5 km for childbirth was associated with adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) [AOR = 1.9, 95 % CI (1.1–3.6)], up to five years residency duration [AOR = 1.8, 95 % CI (1.0-3.3)], and absence of a public health facility in the community [AOR = 6.1, 95 % CI (1.4–27.1)].Women who had stayed in the communities for up to 5 years [AOR = 3.0, 95 % CI (1.3–6.7)], those whose partners had completed at least eight years of formal education [AOR = 2.2, 95 % CI (1.0-4.7)], and those with up to one lifetime birth [AOR = 6.0, 95 % CI (2.0-18.1)] were likely to have moved to away from their communities for childbirth.ConclusionsDespite most women who attended ANC doing so within their communities, we observed that majority chose to give birth outside their communities. Longer travel distances were more likely among AGYW, among shorter term community residents and where public health facilities were absent.Trial registrationPACTR201903906459874 (Retrospectively registered). https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5977.

"Trading daughters for livestock": An ethnographic study of facilitators of child marriage in Lira district, Northern Uganda.

Child marriage remains a significant challenge in Uganda despite national policies, legislation and programs for improved rights of girls. This ethnographic study aimed to explore underlying drivers of child marriage in Lira district, Northern Uganda. We applied a triangulation of qualitative methods; in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Our study findings showed that child marriage is still prevalent in the study area and the practice was also carried out at designated markets, at which girls were traded in exchange of livestock. The main drivers of child marriage were identified as poverty and survival strategies; socio-cultural beliefs and norms; and school dropouts. Determined efforts are needed to address the socio-cultural drivers of child marriage, keep girls in school, address poverty through targeting the family and individual level with appropriate incentives to address the economic needs of girls and families to delay marriage, enforce laws prohibiting the practice of child marriage, equip teenagers with accurate information on SRHR and ensure that parents support their daughters to be educated and responsible adults.

Using action research to develop educational managers’ responsibility for whole school development

ABSTRACT This study describes a number of action research projects conducted by educational managers at a teacher training institution in Uganda. The central research question was: how can we use action research to develop educational managers’ responsibility for whole school development? The study participants included 12 managers (6 females and 6 males) following a Certificate in School Leadership and Management programme. This research was guided by action research design , which was applied to the selected educational managers’ action research projects. Using this framework, we examined meaningful results, sense of connection, multiple perspectives, and self-reflexivity. The aim was to provide a framework to improve our teacher education programmes and explain how action research can be used in addressing context-specific educational challenges in Uganda. We used a constructivist paradigm approach and specifically thematic analysis in examining the action research projects and portfolios of evidence within them. The research indicated that school managers examined the meaning and purpose of their actions as researchers and managers (practitioners) as well as engaging in the process of school policy and systemic improvement. It revealed the importance of a comprehensive and critical appraisal of one’s working context, environment, and resources, and involving colleagues in the improvement of practice.

Understanding the diagnostic delays and pathways for diabetes in eastern Uganda: A qualitative study.

Type 2 diabetes is rapidly becoming a significant challenge in Uganda and other low and middle-income countries. A large proportion of the population remains undiagnosed. To understand diagnostic delay, we explored the diagnostic pathways for diabetes among patients receiving care at a semi-urban district hospital in eastern Uganda. Eligible participants were patients aged 35-70 years receiving care at the diabetes clinic of Iganga district hospital between April and May 2019 and their healthcare providers. Patients were interviewed using an interview guide to collect information on patients' symptoms and their diagnostic experience. A separate interview guide was used to understand the organisation of the diabetes services and the diabetes diagnostic process at the hospital. Using maximum variation purposive sampling, we selected 17 diabetes patients aged 35-68 years, diagnosed within the previous three years, and the three health workers managing the diabetes clinic at Iganga hospital. The data was analysed using ATLAS.ti version 8 to code, organise and track the data segments. We conducted template analysis using a priori themes derived from the intervals of Walter's model of Pathways to Treatment to identify the factors influencing diagnostic delay. We identified four typologies: a short diagnostic pathway, protracted appraisal pathway, protracted appraisal and diagnostic interval pathway, and delayed treatment pathway. The pathways of patients with protracted appraisal or diagnostic intervals demonstrated strong socio-cultural influences. There was a firm reliance on traditional healers both before and after diagnosis which deferred enrolment into care. Other health system barriers implicated in delayed diagnosis included stock-out of diagnostic supplies, misdiagnosis, and missed diagnosis. Denial of diagnosis was also found to lead to delayed initiation of care. Reducing diagnostic delay requires addressing both negative socio-cultural influences and the adoption of system-wide interventions to address barriers to timely diagnosis.

The Future of French in Uganda in the Context of Language Policy Challenges: A Situational Analysis

In Uganda, publishing in French dates back to more than a century while its teaching dates from the early 1950s. Despite the position of English as the official language, French has for a long time been enjoying a privileged institutionalised position as a language of culture and a vehicle of international cooperation. French is offered as a foreign language at the secondary and tertiary levels of education and has been introduced in some private primary schools. Currently, however, French is facing language policy challenges in Uganda. One wonders how secure the future of French is in Uganda alongside the triumphant universal English language, the “national” flag bearer Kiswahili and the thunderous new arrival of Chinese. While choices between the indigenous, national and international languages are narrowing down, the promoters and developers of French must search for new niches for French as a language of inter-culturalism and interdependence.

Stakeholders\u2019 perceptions of the nutrition and dietetics needs and the requisite professional competencies in Uganda: a cross-sectional mixed methods study

BackgroundEffective implementation of nutrition and dietetics interventions necessitates professionals in these fields to possess the requisite competencies for health systems performance. This study explored the stakeholders’ perceptions of the community nutrition and dietetics needs, the nature of work done by graduates of the Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition/Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HN/HND), and the competencies required of Nutrition and Dietetics professionals in Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed methods design was used. Respondents included 132 graduates of the Bachelor’s degrees in HN/HND obtained from the Makerere and Kyambogo Universities in 2005–2016; 14 academic staff that train HN/HND in the two universities; and 11 HN/HND work/internship supervisors. Data from the graduates was collected through an email-based survey; data from other participants was through face to face interviews using researcher administered questionnaires.ResultsMost HN/HND respondents (84.8%) obtained their Bachelor’s degrees from Kyambogo University; 61.4% graduated in 2013–2016. Most (64.3%) academic staff respondents were females and the majority (57.1%) had doctorate training. All stakeholders viewed communities as facing a variety of nutrition and dietetics challenges cutting across different Sustainable Development Goals. The nutrition and dietetics interventions requested for, provided, and considered a priority for communities were both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive. Work done by HN/HND graduates encompassed seven main competency domains; the dominant being organizational leadership and management; management of nutrition-related disease conditions; nutrition and health promotion; research; and advocacy, communication, and awareness creation.ConclusionsThis study shows that nutrition and dietetics challenges in Uganda are multiple and multifaceted; HN/HND graduates are employed in different sectors, provide nutrition-specific and sensitive services in a multisectoral environment, and are expected to possess a variety of knowledge and skills. However, graduates have knowledge and skills gaps in some of the areas they are expected to exhibit competency. We recommend using these findings as a basis for obtaining stakeholder consensus on the key competencies that should be exhibited by all HN/HND graduates in Uganda; developing a HN/HND competency-based education model and a national HN/HND training and practice standard; and undertaking further research to understand the quality and relevancy of HN/HND curricula to Uganda’s job market requirements.

Salary, Suppression, and Spies: Journalistic Challenges in Uganda

ABSTRACT Despite enduring “some of the worst political and economic chaos anywhere in the world” (Mwesige, P. G. 2004. “Disseminators, Advocates and Watchdogs: A Profile of Ugandan Journalists in the New Millennium.” Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism 5 (1): 69–96. doi:10.1177/1464884904039556), for the last quarter century Uganda has seen significant progress under President Yoweri Museveni, who is credited with liberalizing the media and instituting a constitutional guarantee of free press (Kalyango, Y., and P. Eckler. 2010. “Media Performance, Agenda Building, and Democratization in East Africa.” Communication Yearbook 34: 355–389). Now, Uganda has “one of the more vibrant media scenes in east and central Africa” (Freedom House. 2017. Freedom of the Press 2017. Uganda. https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2017/uganda, para. 5–6). Still, journalist continue to face challenges. This study utilized in-depth interviews to examine the challenges Ugandan reporters face and what could be done to alleviate them. Through the lens of Shoemaker and Reese’s (2013. Mediating the Message in the 21st Century: A Media Sociology Perspective. Routledge) Hierarchy of Influences Model, findings reveal that journalists’ challenges come from almost every level. At the individual level, journalists lack professionalism and engage in unethical behavior. Some of these challenges can be blamed on news organizations due to low pay and failed efforts to create a united professional organization to train reporters to act ethically. Extramedia forces, namely, government restrictions, also pose significant challenge. And some restrictions, such as limited access to information, are influenced by ideological factors. As Tabaire (2007. “The Press and Political Repression in Uganda: Back to the Future?” Journal of Eastern African Studies 1 (2): 193–211. doi:10.1080/17531050701452408) suggests, “Only a much more democratic Uganda will ensure a freer press” (208).

A comprehensive examination of network protocols, including their fundamental principles, significance, and potential security ramifications in Uganda

The fundamental protocols of networks provide the indispensable basis for communication networks in our digital era. They enable these systems and devices to exchange data seamlessly, even though they are diverse by nature. Technological development in Uganda happens at a fast pace, which requires the bare minimum of basic information, knowledge, and relevance of the Internet Protocols to support socioeconomic Darwinism. This article will delve into the intricacies of Ugandan network protocols, highlighting their role in safeguarding various technical services. This article aims to examine various tasks and duties associated with a technology, such as data transmission, its compatibility with other systems, and its broad support for emerging services like audio/video streaming and real-time communication. Furthermore, it frequently entails combining network protocols into protocol suites, either in the form of the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) or OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. Network protocols present numerous opportunities and challenges in Uganda. Examples include limited infrastructure, restricted rural connections, and financial constraints. Other than that, the report deals with some security issues caused by protocols and emphasises the importance of strong security measures like encryption, authentication, integrity verification, and access control protocols to protect Uganda’s digital infrastructure. We utilised relevant published data (2004–2014) from diverse, reliable databases. This highlights the significant role that network protocols play in Uganda’s technological progress. They emphasise the need for parties to adopt safe communication tactics in conjunction with the implementation of network security best practices. This will ensure that there is a permanent extension and owner data in a digital context. Keywords: Network Protocols, Fundamentals, Significance, Security, Uganda

Sustainable Development for Uganda: A Switch to Followership Model

ABSTRACT Leadership, as a habit of thinking, assumes the alpha and omega position for pursuance of sustainable development in Uganda. However, what if we considered followership first? Using literature review, a conceptual framework, and critical reflexivity as data source and analysis, this paper provides a new approach to understand challenges in Uganda. The argument is to transcend leadership models and switch to followership model for possibilities of achieving especially sustainable development. This will not only strengthen democratic practices, but also offers more efficient and effective leadership methods. Followership remains the critical yet silent element that has caused the shift in focus from traits, behavior, and lastly, contingent leadership theories. It is why some leadership theorists are considering feminine styles as more effective because they are prejudiced as natural followers. I suggest possibilities of exploring a followership model where followership is the main factor upon which Empowerment for Sustainable Development (ESD) directly depends.

The Current Status and Constraints of Drought-Tolerant Maize Adoption in Uganda

Agriculture is an economic backbone of many sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda. However, the country is grappling with slow agricultural development and food insecurity. Concurrently, Uganda faces climatic challenges that likely become further constraints for agricultural production. Maize is one of its major crops and serves as a food and cash crop for smallholders. However, its productivity remains low. To improve maize productivity under increasing temperatures and droughts, drought-tolerant maize (DTM) has been released, but it is not widely adopted. The objective of this study is, therefore, to review the current situation of DTM adoption in Uganda and identify characteristic differences between adopters and non-adopters and possible constraints for wider adoption. In doing so, available literature, policy documents and relevant reports on the subject were reviewed. The systemic approach was not feasible due to limited availability of reliable sources. Drought-tolerant maize adopters in Uganda appeared to be better endowed with production resources such as larger farmland, be more informed, educated and experienced, have a larger household, use more inputs more efficiently, earn higher income and harvest better yield. Major constraints to DTM adoption included lack of awareness, limited seed availability and accessibility, complementary input requirement, existing DTM attributes and dubious market quality of seed and fertilizer. These constraints and adoption characteristics seemed intertwined as a virtuous or vicious cycle for DTM adoption. Although a broad range of DTM adoption constraints is identified at a household, market and national level, DTM can be an effective means to improve maize productivity under climatic challenges in Uganda. To promote its adoption, the government should take more supportive measures and effective strategies for sustainable DTM uptake.

Will there be lunch? Wry reflections on research-feedback challenges in Uganda, from a newly-minted academic

ABSTRACT This research-praxis think-piece presents some wry musings from recent experience in Uganda attempting to bridge the research-practice interface and share research findings in the context of small African towns. It is written from the perspective of a recent doctoral graduate in a light-hearted but enquiring manner, with sometimes humorous, sometimes frustrated, reflections on the ethical/practical challenges of sharing findings. The article reminds us of the importance of relationship-building and maintenance, and how mundane practicalities can be critical for engagement, yet present ethical dilemmas. The paper also provides an opportunity for practitioners to reflect on their own interaction with researchers.

Financial Inclusion and Access to Higher Education: An Empirical Study of Selected Districts in Eastern Uganda

Access to higher education has continuously been a challenge in Uganda. The research brought out the relationship between financial inclusion and access to higher education. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and the findings established that digital financing eases making deposits in banks, transacting via mobile money and switching from one bank to the other. Students find it easy to deposit tuition in the bank just as they find it easy to access money via mobile money. While financial inclusion makes financial services available in the economy, students, especially those from low-income families find difficulty accessing a wider range of these products, which hinders their access to higher education. The study also establishes that a good number of students fail to meet admission requirements. Since students from low-income families attend high schools of low quality, they have insufficient understanding of some subjects, and thus unable to join higher education. Online registration and payment, students’ decision not to join, peer influence, and rigidity of university programs; are deeply flawed to limit accessing higher education. However, financial services remain accessible to rich individuals who demonstrate ability to pay. The study recommends that the government of Uganda through the concerned ministry should review the implementation of their policies on Students loan scheme and district quota systems. The government should always publish the lists of students admitted to higher education institutions in popular media and newspapers to create awareness to those being admitted to particular institutions. Keywords: Financial Inclusion. Digital Financing, Financial Services, Access to Higher Education, Higher Education Financing DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-17-10 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Using the right to health framework to tackle non-communicable diseases in the era of neo-liberalism in Uganda

The main objective of this article is to reflect on how the right to health framework may be used to tackle non-communicable diseases in the era of neo-liberalism in Uganda. NCDs, also known as chronic or lifestyle diseases, cause many deaths. The risk factors for NCDs include the harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, salt intake, tobacco use, raised blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, as well as ambient and household air pollution. The article moves beyond the recognition of these important risk factors and interrogates the contribution of neo-liberalism to the prevalence of NCDs. The article argues that neo-liberalism, which emphasises the role of market forces in dealing with socio-economic questions, significantly contributes to the NCDs challenge in Uganda. The article concludes that the right to health can and should play a critical role in tackling the challenge of NCDs in Uganda. Unless policy challenges associated with neo-liberalism are tackled, current NCD prevention, control and management efforts that focus on individual behaviour or lifestyle approaches and place the burden of responsibility on the individual may not achieve the desired results.

Factors associated with tobacco-smoking in Uganda’s leading tobacco-growing regions

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of the determinants of health and social challenges in Uganda. Although ample information exists about smoking prevalence, less is known about the determinants particularly in the leading tobacco-growing regions of the country. Data and methods: Secondary data were extracted from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey dataset. The un-weighted and weighted samples were 16,800 and 14,791 respectively. Tobacco-smoking status, the outcome variable, was dichotomized into those who smoked and those who never smoked. Binary logistic regression was used to model the dichotomous outcome variable against a combination of predictor variables. Findings: Overall being male, having low education, belonging to the poor wealth quintile and being of advanced age increased the odds of tobacco-smoking. Conclusion: Sex, level of education, wealth index and age predicted tobacco-smoking. We recommend strengthening educational programmes, increased advocacy for reducing tobacco-smoking and improvement of socioeconomic status of the population.

Pryloysis of Coffee Husks for Biochar Production

Effective utilization of coffee wastes has been a great challenge in Uganda despite their wider use to replenish soil organic matter. This study explored the possibility of producing biochar from coffee husks that could be used as a soil amendment for replenishing soil nutrients and also for enhancement of soil water holding capacity. Pyrolysis of coffee husks was done in a batch bio-reactor under slow pyrolysis conditions of temperatures 350°C - 550°C and residence times 30 - 60 min. For easy characterization, biochar was grinded, sieved through a 1 mm sieve and then analyzed using a computerized Thermo Graphic Analyzer with an inbuilt and integrated ELTRA 84 GmbH Precision Digital weighing scale. Proximate analysis (wet basis) of biochar gave a moisture content of 5.2%, ash content of 14.7%, volatile matter of 13.2% and fixed carbon of 66.9%. Biochar was applied to soil at different rates (0%, 5%, 10% and 20% w/w) and its effect on water holding capacity was investigated. Results show that bio-char amended soils had higher water holding capacity (p ≤ 0.05) compared to biochar free soils. The water holding capacity also increased with increase in biochar amendment with a 1.5% increase in soil water holding capacity for each 1% increase in biochar application rate. Biochar was also rich in soil nutrient elements with 0.96% N, 0.39% P and 1.97% K; this increased the availability of soil nutrients for crop growth. The results suggest that biochar could be a better tool to improve soil conditions thus enhancing the sustainability of agriculture.

Occupational safety and health regulations and implementation challenges in Uganda

The burden of occupational diseases and injuries is high in developing countries due to several challenges including poor regulatory frameworks. To explore the status of occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and related implementation challenges in Uganda, we reviewed OSH regulations and conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders. We found that the existing OSH laws were largely outdated compared to the current needs of workplaces. Challenges affecting implementation are related to: gaps in the legal framework, low public awareness about OSH, poor planning, and limited human capacity, transparency, and accountability. Measures to address these gaps including training, upgrading OSH laws and policies, and prioritization are warranted to improve the status of OSH in Uganda.

Strengthening mental health and research training in Sub-Saharan Africa (SMART Africa): Uganda study protocol

BackgroundChildren in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) comprise half of the total regional population, yet existing mental health services are severely under-equipped to meet their needs. Although effective interventions for the treatment of disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs) in youth have been tested in high-poverty and high-stress communities in developed countries, and are relevant for widespread dissemination in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), most of these evidence-based practices (EBPs) have not been utilized in SSA, a region heavily impacted by poverty, diseases including HIV/AIDS, and violence. Thus, this paper presents a protocol for a scale-up longitudinal experimental study that uses a mixed-methods, hybrid type II, effectiveness implementation design to test the effectiveness of an EBP, called Multiple Family Group (MFG) aimed at improving child behavioral challenges in Uganda while concurrently examining the multi-level factors that influence uptake, implementation, sustainment, and youth outcomes.MethodsThe MFG intervention will be implemented and tested via a longitudinal experimental study conducted across 30 public primary schools located in both semi-urban and rural communities. The schools will be randomly assigned to three study conditions (n = 10 per study condition): (1) MFG delivered by trained family peers; (2) MFG delivered by community health workers; or; (3) comparison: usual care comprising mental health care support materials, bolstered with school support materials. A total of 3000 children (ages 8 to 13 years; grades 2 to 7) and their caregivers (N = 3000 dyads); 60 parent peers, and 60 community health workers will be recruited. Each study condition will comprise of 1000 child-caregiver dyads. Data will be collected at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks, and 6-month follow-up.DiscussionThis project is the first to test the effectiveness of the MFG intervention while concurrently examining multi-level factors that influence overall implementation of a family-based intervention provided in schools and aimed at reaching the large child population with mental health service needs in Uganda. Moreover, the study draws upon an EBP that has already been tested for delivery by parent peers and community facilitators, and hence will take advantage of the advancing science behind task-shifting. If successful, the project has great potential to address global child mental health needs.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03081195. Registered on 16 March 2017.

An exploratory study of Eastern Ugandan adolescents' descriptions of social withdrawal

IntroductionResearchers have identified a variety of motivations for solitude and for social withdrawal. These motivations may differ across cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore Ugandan adolescents' descriptions of solitude and social withdrawal, with the aim of guiding future research on social withdrawal in Uganda. MethodsUgandan adolescents' (M = 14.23 years old, SD = 1.63 years) descriptions of solitude and social withdrawal were investigated in a cross-sectional, exploratory study. The sample (N = 219 [106 girls, 90 boys, 23 missing sex data]) was drawn from two primary schools and a secondary school in Eastern Uganda. Adolescents' responses to open-ended questionnaire items about general solitude, conflicted motivations for social withdrawal, and non-conflicted motivation for social withdrawal were coded and categorized. ResultsSome of the adolescents' descriptions were consistent with the literature. For example, they described shyness and internalizing emotions, externalizing and socially incompetent behaviors, and poor peer relationships. Some descriptions were unique and likely reflected Uganda's challenges, for instance, family or household factors such as being an orphan. ConclusionsResults underscored the importance of exploring contextual processes (e.g., parental loss) that might affect Ugandan adolescents' solitude. More generally, the results suggested that solitude should be researched using a broad, synergistic lens that incorporates potential determinants from adolescents and their environments at multiple levels (e.g., person, peer, household, culture).

Dealing With Legal Capacity and Its Related Challenges in Uganda

Dealing With Legal Capacity and Its Related Challenges in Uganda