Northern Uganda Research Articles

The extended recovery ring-stage survival assay is a scalable alternative for artemisinin susceptibility phenotyping of fresh Plasmodium falciparum isolates.

Artemisinin partial resistance (ART-R) has emerged in eastern Africa, necessitating regular surveillance of susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinins. The microscopy-based ring-stage survival assay (RSA) provides a laboratory correlate of ART-R but is limited by low throughput and subjectivity of microscopic counts of viable parasites. The extended recovery ring-stage survival assay (eRRSA) replaces microscopy with efficient quantitative PCR (qPCR) readouts but has been studied only with culture-adapted P. falciparum clones. We measured susceptibility to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) after a 6-h incubation with 700-nM DHA, followed by culture without drug, by comparing survival with that of untreated controls by microscopy (the RSA) or qPCR (the eRRSA) and also performed standard growth inhibition (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]) assays for 122 P. falciparum isolates freshly collected in eastern and northern Uganda from March to July 2022. The median values for RSA survival, eRRSA fold change, and DHA IC50 were 3.0%, 46.2, and 3.2 nM, respectively. RSA percent survival and eRRSA fold changes correlated strongly (Spearman correlation coefficient [rs] = -0.7411, P < 0.0001), with modest associations between the presence of validated P. falciparum Kelch13 ART-R mutations (C469Y or A675V) and RSA (median survival 2.6% for wild type [WT] vs 4.1% for mutant, P = 0.01), or eRRSA (median fold change 63.4 for WT vs 30.9 for mutant, P = 0.003) results. Significant correlations were also observed between DHA IC50 values and both RSA percent survival (rs = 0.4235, P < 0.0001) and eRRSA fold changes (rs = -0.4116, P < 0.0001). The eRRSA is a scalable alternative for phenotyping fresh P. falciparum isolates, providing similar results with improved throughput.

In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda.

The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains. Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulatawere extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4°C (maceration), 60°C (decoction) and boiling water at 87°C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively. Aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains. Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.

Analyses of mwoch: Acholi nicknames

Rationale of Study – Mwoch is an Acholi term for various poetic pronouncements. Depending on the frequency of use and popular reaction, such pronouncements can define individual identity or become community nicknames that work like national anthems. In general, mwoch are folkloric, metaphoric or panegyric statements of opinion on life; in this article, we translate mwoch as nicknames whose main cultural landscape is the Acholi of Northern Uganda. Methodology – Discourse analysis, participant observation, and interviews dating back to the 1940s were among the parameters we used. Yet, we fear that overindulgence in mainstream research methods will ‘get us stuck in a tar baby’ (Disney Walt, 1946). Findings – Though ‘getting stuck in a tar baby’ is culturally North American, it is similar to the Acholi folktale entitled ododo pa apwoyo, oculli ki won poto ngor (tale of the hare, wildcat and the owner of a field of cowpeas). The Hare and Wildcat used to steal the cowpeas; the owner noted goings-on but could not catch the culprits. The theft continued until the owner conceived and crafted a beautiful girl (tar baby) from the latex of a rubber tree and placed it in his field of cowpeas. When the two came to steal the crop, they saw the tar baby, engaged with it and got stuck. Implications – Although Acholi and American folktales strike similar notes, Acholi folktales are often different since they are largely verbal rather than visual and metaphoric rather than overt. Unless analysed and discussed, meanings in such expressions may remain hidden and rather useless to stakeholders, including scholars. Originality – This is an original article whose main goal is to unravel the meanings, if not the knowledge, of a few selected Acholi nicknames.

The conjugal order and long-term reintegration in Northern Uganda. How ideas of sexuality and patrilineality shape reintegration processes of men, women and children born in captivity

ABSTRACT Research on the reintegration of ex-combatants has mostly focused on a short period after the end of conflict. Building on this observation, I analyse the long-term reintegration processes of formerly abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda from a feminist perspective. Specifically, I explore how long-term reintegration differs for returning men, women and children born in captivity (CBC). To understand these long-term processes, it is crucial to analyse the wider societal order into which returnees reintegrate. I argue that in Northern Uganda a conjugal order centred around ideas of sexuality/marriage and patrilineality shapes the different reintegration experiences of returning women, men and CBC. I find that gender affects both short-term and long-term reintegration, with returning women and their children encountering significantly more difficulties than returning men. Interestingly, male CBC transitioning into adulthood are confronted with more problems related to the conjugal order than female CBC. Overall, my findings suggest that reintegration is an open, dynamic, and intergenerational process that cannot be confined to a fixed time frame.

Developing an explanatory model of alcohol misuse among South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda: A qualitative study

BackgroundAlcohol misuse is a significant health problem among forcibly displaced populations including male South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda, yet interventions are sorely lacking. Developing an explanatory model of alcohol misuse in this population is the first step to designing appropriate and effective interventions. The aim of the current study was to examine alcohol misuse in this setting and to conceptualize an explanatory model of alcohol misuse. MethodA total of 57 interviews were conducted with male refugees (18+ years) with alcohol misuse (n=17), their family members (n=15), community and religious leaders (n=15), and mental health and psychosocial support providers (n=10) in Rhino Camp settlement in northern Uganda. A thematic analysis approach was used to inductively analyze the data. ResultsAlcohol misuse was identified as a significant psychosocial problem among men in this setting. The adversity (e.g. trauma, loss, poverty), psychological distress (e.g. demoralization), perpetuators (e.g. ease of availability of alcohol, family conflict), and consequences of alcohol use (e.g. interpartner violence, exacerbated poverty) were identified. An explanatory model emerged from the data showing a reinforcing relationship in which adversity causes psychological distress, which leads to increased alcohol use via a number of personal, interpersonal, community and societal perpetuators, and over time increased alcohol use amplifies psychological distress which further increases alcohol misuse. ConclusionsGiven the need to address alcohol misuse in this population, this explanatory model of alcohol misuse can be used to inform prevention and treatment interventions for alcohol misuse. These interventions should endeavor to address the identified determinants of alcohol misuse while being cognizant of the social and cultural considerations specific to males in this population.

“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

BackgroundFemale Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs.ResultsFindings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified.ConclusionFemale Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.

Factors associated with utilization of oral health services among adults aged 18–70 years in Lira district, Northern Uganda: a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundUtilization of oral health services is a global public health challenge. Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. Uganda is one of the low- and middle-income countries where only 4% of the population has access to oral health services. Northern Uganda is one of the regions in the country with limited information about oral health utilization.ObjectiveTo assess factors associated with utilization of oral health services among adults aged 18–70 years in Lira district, Northern Uganda.MethodsThis was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in Lira District. Multistage sampling was used to select 576 respondents. Data was collected using a researcher-administered structured questionnaire that was adopted, modified, and pretested. Data was analyzed at three levels, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate at 0.05 significance level.ResultsOf the 634 respondents, 576 responded, giving a 90.9% response rate. Results show that utilization of oral health services was 20.5% (118) among adults aged 18–70 years in 6 months. Predictors of utilization of oral services among this age group are: having not attended any formal education (AOR = 0.2, 95%CI 0.06–0.62), having poor attitudes towards oral health services (AOR = 0.55, 95%CI 0.34–0.89), having cultural influence on the utilization of the oral health services (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI 2.77–8.43), accessing the services from private not-for-profit facilities (AOR = 4.67, 95% CI 1.79–12.16), being un sure of the availability of the equipment used (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.9), and availability of friendly services (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.12–5.50).Conclusions and recommendationsUtilization of oral health services is low in Lira district, with only 2 in 10 of the adults aged 18-70years of age utilizing oral health services in 6 months. To improve utilization, targeted health education campaigns should address cultural barriers and attitudes, while ensuring that public health facilities are better equipped and provide more user-friendly services.

Factors associated with teenage pregnancy among refugees in Palabek refugee settlement, Northern Uganda

BackgroundGlobally, teenage pregnancy is a public health problem. Low- and middle-income countries in the Sub-Saharan region are more affected with teenage pregnancy. It is worse with teenage girls who have other vulnerabilities like living in refugee camps. However, there is little information about teenage pregnancy in refugee camps especially in resource limited areas like Northern Uganda.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and the factors associated with teenage pregnancy among refugees in Palabek refugee settlement, Northern Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement in Northern Uganda. The study estimated a total sample size of 316 teenage girls and they were sampled using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using researcher administered questionnaire. Conditional logistics regression was employed to identify the associated factors for teenage pregnancy.ResultsA total of 306 teenagers participated in the study with a response rate of 98.6%. The study showed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement, Northern Uganda was 41.2%. The factors associated with teenage pregnancy among teenage girls in Palabek refugee settlement included: being in the 15–19 years age group (AOR = 6.3, 95%CI: 1.8–22.8), not being in school (AOR = 5, 95%CI: 2.3–10.9), not being married (AOR = 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1–0.5), delayed sexual debut (AOR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1–5.5), having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.7), alcohol use (AOR = 6.7, 95%CI: 2.2–18.4), being aware of sexual reproductive health services (AOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2–0.9), and having divorced families (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.9).ConclusionStudy results reveal that 4 in 10 teenage girls in Palabek, Northern Uganda, are pregnant, influenced by individual, community, and health system factors. This highlights vulnerabilities in refugee camps, urging prioritization of sexual and reproductive health for adolescent girls in refugee camps.

Opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the Community Environment Conservation Fund: Implications for conservation of endangered tree species

AbstractThe shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), one of the indigenous tree species in sub‐Saharan Africa, is facing extinction because of its hardwood, which provides the best fuel wood, and its charcoal is the best amongst all tree species in Uganda. To conserve these trees in Northern Uganda, the Community Environment Conservation Fund was implemented to help communities harness its benefits, such as carbon sequestration, microenvironment regulation and income generation through the sale of shea nuts and shea butter. As a result, there was a need to understand the opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the Community Environment Conservation Fund. Qualitative methods like the key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used and a participatory process mapping tool called the Process Net‐Map was applied to identify the actors involved and assess their level of influence in the implementation process, eliciting the opportunities and challenges faced. The research findings showed multiple opportunities in the conservation efforts, including enhanced adoption of community‐conservation by‐laws, positive mindset change towards shea tree and environmental conservation, improved credit access, diversification of income‐generating alternatives and asset creation. However, some challenges existed during the implementation phase, including moral hazard, strategic defaulting, free riding and limited financial resources. Each of these challenges significantly impacted the effectiveness and sustainability of the fund, enlightening the need for adaptive strategies. Some strategies identified were enhancing training, especially regarding fund management and enterprise selection; increasing the startup funds to at least UGX 3,000,000 ($790) per group; incorporating the declining balance approach; and lengthening the gestation period to at least 6 months. By addressing these challenges, more resilient and sustainable conservation efforts can be made, safeguarding the invaluable shea trees for future generations.

Stakeholder influence, local revenue mobilisation and service delivery in district local governments: evidence from districts in Northern Uganda

Stakeholder influence, local revenue mobilisation and service delivery in district local governments: evidence from districts in Northern Uganda

Revisiting forum shopping: navigating normative pluralism, navigating sentiments

People live their lives and experience the conflicts in which they are involved in the context of competing normative orders. But how do people navigate this normative pluralism? To understand this, Keebet von Benda-Beckmann’s model of ‘forum shopping’ and ‘shopping forums’, derived from an ethnographic analysis of conflict resolution, remains an indispensable starting point. Building on this approach, I argue that in order to understand the navigation of normative orders more broadly, it is important to bring the analysis of sentiments to the study of normative pluralism. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork on the International Criminal Court’s transitional justice interventions in northern Uganda, I argue that when confronted with different international, national, religious, and indigenous normative options for dealing with mass violence, people navigate normative pluralism by creating, mobilising, maintaining, and transforming sentiments.

An ethnobotanical survey of plant species used for medicinal purposes in Amuru district, northern Uganda

An ethnobotanical survey of plant species used for medicinal purposes in Amuru district, northern Uganda

Community-Based Mycetoma Surveillance in Uganda: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Training of Community Health Workers to Improve Case Detection.

Mycetoma is an uncommon and neglected tropical disease in Uganda. We aimed to assess baseline knowledge and provide community health workers (CHWs) in Northern Uganda with knowledge to identify and refer presumptive mycetoma cases. Between March and August 2023, we conducted a concurrent triangulation mixed methods study among CHWs in Gulu and Pader districts on mycetoma. We conducted a 1 day in person training on mycetoma. Quantitative data were collected before (pretest), immediately (immediate posttest) and six months (6-month posttest) after the training and results compared using paired sample t test or one-way ANOVA. Qualitative data were collected using four focused group discussions, audio recorded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Forty-five CHWs were enrolled, mostly male (66.7%, n = 30), with a median age of 36 years (IQR 29 43). Out of a total score of 18, the baseline mean knowledge score was 7±2.42, improving to 11±1.99 immediately posttest (p<0.001), and 10±2.35 at 6 months (p<0.001), without additional training. Significant knowledge improvements at 6 months were observed among female participants (p = 0.004), those aged 30 40 years (p = 0.031) or 40+ years (p = 0.035), and those with secondary education (p = 0.007). Over 6 months, CHWs screened 2,773 adults, identifying and referring 30 presumptive mycetoma cases. Qualitative findings revealed challenges and barriers to early identification and referral of mycetoma presumptive cases including limited knowledge, stigma, myths, lack of an indigenous name for mycetoma, delayed decision making, and transportation barriers. This study highlights a significant knowledge gap among CHWs about mycetoma, with substantial improvement following training. The identification of presumptive cases by CHWs reflects their potential in community-based surveillance, emphasizing the need to integrate well-trained CHW to lead efforts for mycetoma surveillance and capacity building to enhance health outcomes in Uganda.

Complementary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers in a semi-urban setting in Northern Uganda

Background: Complementary feeding practices influence the nutritional status and health of children, especially in developing countries where sub-optimal infant feeding practices are the major cause of childhood undernutrition, morbidity, and mortality. This study sought to characterize the adequacy of complimentary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in a semi-urban setting. Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in Adyel division, Lira district in Northern Uganda among 127 child-caregiver pairs randomly selected from three villages. Caregivers were interviewed about their child-feeding practices, complementary foods used, and common practices in handling and preparation of foods used as complementary feeds. Results: Overall, children’s feeding patterns met the recommended dietary intake when assessed using the child feeding index (CFI) whereby children aged 6-8, 9-11, and 12-23 months scored 8.03, 9.17, and 7.59, respectively. However, most children were complemented with foods from the household meals and dietary diversity was limited by frequent use of food leftover from the previous meals. Conclusions: Inappropriate meal patterns and food handling practices identified are likely to compromise child nutrition and health. Nutrition education is needed to improve the caregivers’ child-feeding and food handling practices within their socio-economic and cultural context. Keywords: Complementary feeding practices; food handling; diet quality; food safety; children; Uganda.

Oral health status and factors associated with oral health of primary school children in Gulu district, northern Uganda

BackgroundGlobally, oral diseases remain a major public health problem. However, there is limited information about the oral health status and factors associated with oral disease among children in Uganda. The aim of this study was to examine the oral health status and factors associated with oral health of primary school children in urban and rural areas of the Gulu district of northern Uganda.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 school children aged 11–13 years attending six schools located in urban and rural areas. The children received a clinical oral examination and participated in a questionnaire survey that collected information on sociodemographic and oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices. All data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp statistical software. Logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with dental caries and gingival bleeding.ResultsOf the 356 children (11–13 years) included, the mean age was 12.2 years, 140 (39.3%) were male and 176 (49.4%) were from urban areas. The proportion of school children with dental caries was 33.6% (n = 119), with the mean decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of 0.81 (25th percentile = 0; 75th percentile = 1.00). There was no significant difference in caries prevalence between rural and urban children (31.6% versus 35.6%, p = 0.33). Of the children involved in the study, 141(39.8%) had gum bleeding. The mean oral knowledge score was 2.85 ± 1.53 (range, 0–7), while the mean attitude, hygiene practice, frequency of sweets consumption, and oral health related impact scores were 4.25 ± 1.23 (range, 1–6), 5.40 ± 1.81 (range, 0–9), 25.66 ± 4.29 (range 9–54) and 2.1 ± 1.65 (range, 0–6), respectively. Using logistic regression analyses, as oral health knowledge score increased the odds of not having dental caries increased (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.39).ConclusionThe prevalence of dental caries and gum bleeding of primary school children in Gulu district is high. Children lacked knowledge on causes of oral disease, and behaviour towards oral disease prevention. In addition, oral health knowledge scores were significantly associated with dental caries. Oral health education programs in schools should emphasise providing skills-based education.

The influence of Uganda women’s entrepreneurship program on livelihoods and cultural dynamics in Amolatar, Northern Uganda

This article examines the influence of women’s economic empowerment initiatives under Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) on livelihoods and cultural dynamics in Amolatar Sub-Region, Northern Uganda. The study focused on how UWEP has contributed to improving women’s economic status and their roles within the cultural practices in the region. A Qualitative interpretive framework as well phenomenological research design was employed in this study involving in-depth and key informant interviews as well as focus group discussion with 28 participants. The study is grounded in Agency theory by Kabeer and Cultural Capital Theory by Bourdieu, which emphasise women’s participation in entrepreneurship to transform their economic lives and well-being within existing social structures. This research indicates that, UWEP greatly contributes to women’s active agency, allowing them to challenge obstacle within the communities, particularly gender inequality and social stratification. In addition, women’s participation in entrepreneurship coupled with the positive shifts in cultural attitudes in Amolatar sub-region have improved their livelihoods through self-employment. This study emphasise the significance of continuous support by Uganda government through Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MoGLSD) for UWEP. Constant support is important to further empower women as well as improve their economic status and well-being within their families and communities.

Surface-derived groundwater contamination in Gulu District, Uganda: Chemical and microbial tracers

Groundwater is consumed by over 2 billion people globally, though it can be impacted by microbial and chemical contamination in both rural and (peri-)urban areas. This issue is particularly pertinent in regions like East Africa, where rapid urbanisation has strained local infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems. We use selected tracers of human and animal waste to assess the quality of community drinking sources with regards to surface-derived groundwater inputs and to compare urban versus rural water quality, under the rapidly developing urban area of Gulu, Northern Uganda. Specifically, we examine bulk and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (DOM), microorganisms (total coliforms, E.coli) and inorganic tracers of anthropogenic waste (NO3−, SO42−, Cl/Br) from various sources: boreholes (12–76 m depth; n = 90), protected springs (n = 11) and municipal taps (n = 4). Our results show that NO3− and SO42− were elevated in groundwater sources in the Gulu city urban area and the Cl/Br ratio was elevated in springs, compared to concentrations in the more rural Aswa and Omoro County area (p < 0.05). Interestingly, human and animal waste indicators E.coli and Tryp:FA (the ratio of tryptophan-like to fulvic-like fluorescence) displayed no significant difference between rural and urban settings (p > 0.05), though total coliforms were significantly higher in rural boreholes (p < 0.05). The presence of a pollution source, pollution carrier and a breakdown of a sanitary barrier at the borehole, as spot-checked by a visual sanitary risk assessment, was significantly associated with groundwater E.coli abundances. Evidence suggests monitoring and mitigation should be improved for all water types in Gulu District to meet WHO and Uganda Standard guidelines for potable water. This study offers valuable insights for water management planning and risk assessment of community water sources particularly in the context of East Africa and similar settings.

Determinants of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda

This study assessed factors influencing shea nut actors’ choices of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda. An understanding of these factors is vital in influencing the choice of the different marketing arrangements. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 325 shea nut actors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model. The shea nut actors in this study were composed of 78% collectors, 16% traders and 7% processors. About 73% and 43% of shea collectors and traders, respectively, sold their shea nuts and/or products through spot markets, while, 45% of the processors sold their shea nut and/or products through informal contracts. Formal contract was the least common marketing arrangement among all the actors. The probability of choosing each the marketing arrangement were influenced by several factors including experience, education, income level, access to extension, training, access to credit, awareness of innovations in the shea value chain, awareness of value addition supporting institutions, main occupation (farming), distance to the market, access to information and means of transport used (head portage). Efforts to increase formal contract participation should focus on providing extensions and creating awareness about institutions that support value addition. There is need for a location and actor specific approach in promoting the different market arrangements in shea products marketing.

First evidence on the occurrence of multi-mycotoxins and dietary risk exposure to AFB1 along the cassava value chain in Uganda

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of multiple mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, fumonisins B1, B2, ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and citrinin (CIT)) in cassava products and as assessed the potential risk of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure among cassava consumers. A total of 192 samples of cassava products (96 flour and 96 chips, each with 48 samples from farmer and 48 from wholesaler) were analysed using LC/MS–MS. All positive samples irrespective of their origin (flour or chips) exhibited AFB1 levels exceeding the EU regulatory threshold of 5 µg/kg. The sum of fumonisins (FB1 + FB2), ZEN, and DON were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cassava flour (14.3 µg/kg; 3.71 µg/kg; 25.1 µg/kg) compared to chips (6.54 µg/kg; 1.25 µg/kg; 0.25 µg/kg), respectively. Aflatoxins G2 was not detected in any of 192 samples. Cassava flour samples from farmers exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of AFB1 (27.1 µg/kg), total aflatoxins (78.2 µg/kg), and ochratoxin A (79.6 µg/kg) in contrast to wholesalers, whose mean levels were notably lower at 8.91, 5.79 µg/kg, and 2.44 µg/kg, respectively, pointing the likely critical source of mycotoxin contamination. Cassava consumers in Northern Uganda are at a higher risk, with an estimated 2.06 cancer cases per 100,000 individuals per year compared to those in Eastern Uganda at 0.25. This study underscores the urgent need for interventions to manage aflatoxins in cassava flour, particularly at farm level in Northern Uganda. It accentuates a shift market to household-level sampling and the need for analytical methods targeting multiple mycotoxins.

Comparative Analysis of Profitability Drivers of Pig Production Systems in Northern Uganda

Pork consumption has risen significantly in many emerging nations, with producers using various systems to meet demand. However, the profitability of these systems remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the drivers of profitability of pig production systems in Northern Uganda were examined. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey of 240 randomly selected pig farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and ordinary least squares model. Results revealed that the cost of initial stock (p &amp;lt; 0.1), cost of feed (p &amp;lt; 0.05), cost of vaccines (p &amp;lt; 0.01), output (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and quantity of feed (p &amp;lt; 0.05) were drivers of profitability in the farrow-to-finish pig production system. Further, profitability in the farrow-to-weaner pig production system was influenced by access to credit (p &amp;lt; 0.1), household size (p &amp;lt; 0.1), access to extension service (p &amp;lt; 0.01), and cost of initial stock (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, drivers of profitability included access to extension service (p &amp;lt; 0.1), cost of feed (p &amp;lt; 0.1), cost of vaccines (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and cost of initial stock (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Researchers recommend that the government arrange sufficient capacity-building initiatives and training, particularly on the farrow-to-weaner pig production system to increase the output and profitability of this production system. Further, the government and non-governmental organizations should make inputs such as vaccines, drugs, and breeding stock available to pig farmers at competitive market prices to enable farmers to make price-responsive decisions.