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ItemThe archaeology of Megaliths culture in the Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania(Makerere University, 2025)The study investigated the archaeology of the megaliths’ culture in the Lake Eyasi Basin, the northern part of Tanzania, an area previously noted for megalithic structures whose historical significance and origins were not well-documented. Earlier researchers suggested these sites might be related to the Engaruka cultural complex, but chronological inconsistencies remained. This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data were obtained through archaeological surveys, excavations, archival research, and paleoenvironmental data collection. Secondary data were gathered by reviewing existing literature, including books, research papers, and reports, focused on megaliths and other archaeological topics relevant to the Lake Eyasi Basin. The findings highlight the advanced engineering, craftsmanship, and potential spiritual significance behind the megalithic structures. Various forms, such as dolmens, burial cairns, stone enclosures and stone circles, reflect the societies' complex cultural, social, and possibly religious dimensions. The studied sites (Olpiro, Oldogom, and Barjomajega) exhibited distinctive pottery, microlithic tools, polished axes, grinding stones, and metalworking materials, indicating specialised tool use and metallurgical knowledge. Animal remains indicated reliance on livestock, while decorative beads suggested symbolic cultural practices. Radiocarbon dating places these sites in the Pastoral Neolithic and Late Iron Age, from 2500 years BP to the 14th century AD. The absence of Early Iron Age (EIA) pottery indicates abandonment during this period, with a gap between 300 and 700 AD before resettlement in the Late Iron Age (LIA) time. In addition, the phytolith data suggest that environmental conditions 2,500 years ago were similar to today’s semi-arid environment, implying that cultural developments were likely driven by factors other than environmental shifts. The study proposes further research, including refined radiocarbon dating to resolve chronological gaps, advanced LiDAR and GIS mapping to locate undiscovered sites, and microscopic analysis of artefacts to reveal material, technological, and trade details. Additionally, it recommends investigating links between contemporary pastoralist practices and ancient megalithic traditions. Finally, expanding phytolith and pollen analysis could further clarify the relationship between stable environmental conditions and cultural continuity.
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ItemThe right to reproductive health : a case study of the maternal health status of refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp in Uganda, 2013-2018(Makerere University, 2023)The study was carried out to investigate the maternal health status of refugees in Kiryandongo refugee camp. The general objective was to assess the maternal health situation, with emphasis on reproductive health rights awareness among refugee women in Kiryandongo refugee camp. The specific objective was to ascertain the level of knowledge about reproductive health rights in the camp, to identify the barriers to knowledge about human rights and investigate the challenges faced by both the refugee women and health workers in the realization of the right to reproductive health. The study then generates recommendations to enhance knowledge about maternal health rights and improve maternal health services in Kiryandongo refugee camp. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study, which employed a combination of cross-sectional and case study methodologies. The sample size consisted of 35 respondents who were purposively sampled. The study population included: refugee women, refugee men, health workers within key health facilities, and NGO staff. Methods used in the data collection included: structured interviews, focus group discussions, observation and documentary review. This study found out that refugee women are knowledgeable about human rights in general, but 5 out of 9 women did not know that maternal health in refugee settings is even a right. The few women who appeared conscious about the rights had no idea where, and how to seek help. Specifically, the women faced asylum procedural barriers and did not know how to file complaints, claim their rights, nor did they know where to go for advice or counseling assistance. Although there was a general knowledge of the right to reproductive health, the bigger challenge the women faced was in relation to access to quality reproductive health services. Services are insufficient, and many women did not receive timely maternal health services, in form of cared and attended births. With regard to quality of maternal health services, the study realized that the maternal mortality rate was low. However, availability of maternal wards was inadequate to handle bigger numbers of maternal health cases. Women encountered challenges to access health facilities, due to long distances to the health centers, and faced institutional challenges such as inadequate nurses and midwives, resulting in failure to have safe and healthy births, let alone seek for adequate care, in a timely and consistent manner. The study findings revealed that women developed negative attitudes towards seeking healthcare support, due to the afore mentioned challenges, and due to limited knowledge about where to seek help, in addition to institutional challenges that affect the medical personnel, in providing quality care. The study suggests a need for human rights sensitization and education, and the need to hire skilled personnel to handle refugee numbers and matters.
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ItemAn analysis of the Apaa land conflict in Amuru District(Makerere University, 2024)The Apaa Land Conflict in Uganda, ongoing since the 1960s, remains unresolved despite numerous government interventions. These efforts include land demarcation, forced evictions, mediation, deployment of security forces, and legal reforms. The situation has been further complicated by the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have settled in the East Madi Wildlife Reserve, escalating tensions between the local communities, the UWA, and the displaced populations. The conflict continues to challenge peacebuilding, community cohesion, and sustainable development. This study examines the conflict's future prospects and opportunities for sustainable peace and development, focusing on key stakeholders, historical and socio-economic factors, current state, potential solutions, and policy recommendations. An investigation of the underlying causes and dynamics of the Apaa Land Conflict was done using a qualitative research methodology. Data were accurately collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observations. NVivo Plus software was used for data analysis to ensure a thorough examination of the qualitative data. The analysis revealed that the conflict's root causes are multifaceted and consistent, encompassing historical grievances, instances of land grabbing, and ambiguities surrounding land ownership and boundary demarcations. The Apaa Land Conflict involves various stakeholders, including government authorities, local communities (Acholi and Madi ethnic groups), and NGOs, with NGOs playing a key mediating role. Historical factors like colonial-era demarcations and post-colonial policy changes, along with socio-economic pressures such as land scarcity and economic competition, contribute to the conflict. Potential solutions include inclusive dialogue, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and neutral third-party involvement. Resolving the conflict could lead to sustainable development, agricultural growth, improved food security, economic transformation, and social development, including the return of displaced families and investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The findings indicate that while the conflict has led to significant challenges, there are also opportunities for resolution. The Ugandan government has taken steps to address the issue, including the formation of a committee tasked with investigating the conflict and proposing solutions. Additionally, ongoing dialogue and negotiations are being facilitated among the involved stakeholders—local communities, the UWA, and government representatives—aiming to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
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ItemCultural influences on violation of women’s rights in Kiboga District(Makerere University, 2023)Violation of women’s rights is a worldwide occurrence and it has been noted that one in three women will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime as stated by (U.S. Embassy In Uganda, 2017). The study was to assess cultural influences on violation of women’s rights in Kiboga District. The study targeted cultural leaders, citizens, government and non-government organizations that are key in fighting for women’s rights. The research looked into identifying cultural practices and beliefs that promote violation of women’s rights and established commonest forms of violation of women’s rights. The research examined the interventions put in place to mitigate the violation of women’s rights in Kiboga District. The researcher relied on qualitative and quantitative primary and literature review in data collection process. Qualitative data collection methods were used to enable the researcher has in-depth data about cultural practices and beliefs and violation of women’s rights in Kiboga district. The data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews of key informants and other informants. Quantitative responses were tallied into tables and graphs. The study indicates that though the government through police and local authorities, clinical officers, non-governmental organizations and religious leaders are doing their best to sensitize and fight violation of women’s rights, its levels are still high in Kiboga District. Cultural practices and beliefs are still highly practiced and valued in most families these include women being taken as properties and controlled by men due to the payment of bride price, cultural beliefs of boys being the only heir, a belief that women are meant to persevere, putting the blame of barrenness and giving birth to single sex children to the woman which appear in different forms of violation that include physical, sexual, economic and psychological. The research recommends continuous raising of awareness and also engaging the cultural leaders and put-up policies for them to reduce or put away cultural practices and beliefs that influence violation of women’s rights. There should also be clear guidelines on coordination and referral mechanisms that are necessary to support effective case management and to ensure that survivors are identified, their needs are correctly assessed, and they receive cross sectorial support. Reforming culture is key as majority of the population in Kiboga District is rural and deep rooted in culture with mainly informal education that is mainly cultural education. The study also recommends that cultural practices be modified to avoid being used as a tool for violating women’s rights.
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ItemThe realization of the right to education of Somali Refugee Children in Kampala(Makerere University, 2023)Most Somalis refugees have lived in Uganda since 1991 when Somali government collapsed. Following to the fall of Somali Government the whole country entered in state of anarchy and civil war started among Somali clans. The extension number of Somali refugees started moving to Uganda, settling in some areas of the capital Kampala especially in Kisenyi, Lubaga and others in the Nakivale refugee camp, located in the Western of the country. Education is a tool critical for a good future and success in an individual‟s life. Without education, opportunities are lost. For vulnerable populations, including refugees, education is often not an indivisible right; living in a foreign country fleeing violence and persecution creates a difficult situation for learning hence the purpose of the study is to examine the extent to which Somali refugee children have access to primary education in Kampala City. The study objectives were; to investigate the factors influencing the realization of the right to education of Somali refugee children in Kampala to find out how the realization of the right to education of Somali refugee children in Kampala city is encountered in its relation to social mobility, to find out the challenges Somali refugee children face in the realization of their right to education in Kampala city. The study employed a cross sectional research design using both mixed method approaches. The sample population was 384 respondents and attained a response rate of 100% percentage. The study results revealed that, most of Somali refugee children in Kampala city schools were positively influenced or affected by relevance and familiarity of curriculum, Culture of the school in terms of the religion, school ownership, sex of the household head and duration of being in Uganda. Furthermore, results of the study found out that distance to the school, average size of the pupils in class, occupation and education level of the parents had no significant effect on quality of primary education by Somali refugees. English language was a major factor that influences education provision for Somali refugee children in Kampala city school., however, most refugee children did not understand the language and this affects education provision. The study recommends that, the government of Uganda and the development partners (NGOs) should ensure that the policy guide lines are put in place in implementing provision of education to Somali children need to be effectively implemented in all the schools in Kampala city.