School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collections

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 519
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    Decision-making dynamics in the use of female sterilisation among women living with HIV/ AIDS in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Birungi, Edith Mwebaze
    Family planning programmes have shifted focus from controlling population growth by increasing contraceptive use to providing rights-based family planning services. However, the power dynamics that facilitate inequity in contraceptive decision-making persist. This study explored the power dynamics in decision-making regarding the use of female sterilisation as a method of contraception among women living with HIV in Uganda. The study utilised a multiple case study and phenomenology research designs and a qualitative approach to explore the contraception decision-making experiences of women living with HIV. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 23 women (14 sterilised and 9 using long-term methods) and key informant interviews with 12 healthcare providers. Informal conversations (with 5 out of the 23 women and 6 out of the 12 key informants) and document analysis methods were also used to supplement the data collected from the interviews. Concepts under each level of the social-ecological framework and the intersectionality theory were used to conceptualise the interactions and interdependence between individual-level, micro, and broader macrostructural contexts that influence the contraception decision-making process. The study suggests that contraception decision-making is a complex process influenced by multiple actors and intersecting structural forces operating at various levels of society. Variations in contraception decision-making autonomy and agency seem to have been affected by an intersection between individual-level factors, such as having comprehensive knowledge about all the available contraceptive methods and health status, which interacted with hierarchical and gendered structures of privilege and discrimination at multiple levels of society. These included social and gender norms influenced by reference groups such as peers and family members and macro-level structural factors such as the family planning policy and ethical guidelines. The study recommends that family planning programmes should focus on providing comprehensive information and counselling about the benefits and side effects of all methods of contraception. In addition, the Ministry of Health should collaborate with social networks that reinforce harmful social norms and practices that negatively influence sterilisation use by providing outreach services, recruiting and training Village Health Team members, and utilising peer counsellors to provide information about all methods. Lastly, family planning programmes that aim to deliver rights-based and justice-oriented services for people with diverse needs and experiences should incorporate measures that examine the gendered power dynamics affecting individual and group agency in contraception decision-making at all policy and programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation stages.
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    Mobile banking and the pursuit of financial inclusion in the age of leaving no one behind
    (Makerere University, 2025) Ainembabazi, Annie
    The pursuit for financial inclusion has emerged as an important component of strategic global development, with focus on reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and attaining equitable access to resources. In particular, mobile banking has become a critical tool in promoting financial inclusion, especially in low- and middle-income countries where traditional banking infrastructure is often limited. With emphasis on the importance of inclusive growth and ensuring that marginalized populations are not excluded from financial systems, United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced the concept of "leaving no one behind” (UN, 2022). In this milieu, mobile banking provides an innovative solution to bridge the financial services gap, offering a way for unbanked and underbanked individuals to access a range of financial services, including savings, loans, and payments.
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    Adoption of agroforestry land use practices among female small-holder farmers in Nabilatuk District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Namuloki, Susan
    The Study was conducted to explore context-specific strategies tailored to the socio-economic conditions of the dry land regions of Karamoja, which can enhance capacity of female small-scale holder farmers to adopt agroforestry practices. The basic problem that led to this research work was to investigate strategies that enhance female small holder farmers to adopt agroforestry as a sustainable land management practice. The study is a cross-sectional study that applied Focus group discussions and household surveys as data collection methods. The sample size was 116 of which 83 female and 33 male respondents. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The findings include intrinsic and extrinsic factors that motivate female small holder farmers to adopt agroforestry as a sustainable agricultural practice, as well as institutional, technological and sociocultural factors that influence or prevent female small holder farmer to adopt agroforestry. Shade, boundaries, and alternative food sources in the homestead, as well as support from NGOs, are some of the intrinsic and extrinsic reasons that drive female small holder farmers to adopt agroforestry. Some of the obstacles that prevented the adoption of agroforestry include insecure land tenure, where land is owned solely by elders, and inadequate sensitization. Strategies to enhance adoption of agroforestry are exchange visits/familiarization tours. This can be supplemented by enlisting traditional leaders/elders to steer the agroforestry campaign at the grass root level.
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    Urban refugees and host community relations in Kampala Capital City, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Fatima, Dek Mohamud
    The contemporary global landscape of refugee protection and integration is undergoing significant transformation, marked by the surging phenomenon of urban displacement driven by persistent conflicts, escalating persecution, and intensifying climate change impacts. Shifting focus to the African continent, a region experiencing significant forced displacement, the urban landscape of Kampala, Uganda, serves as a compelling case study. Uganda, renowned for its progressive refugee policies, hosts a substantial refugee population, with a significant proportion residing in its capital. Within Kampala, the interactions between urban refugees and the host community are shaped by a complex interplay of economic pressures, cultural differences, and disparities in access to essential services. This study examined the dynamics of the relationship between urban refugees and their host community in Kampala. Specifically, it examined the challenges and opportunities that arise from their shared urban space; thus, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of urban refugee integration within the Ugandan national context. The study conducted a secondary analysis of the existing literature, which suggests that refugees and host communities tend to compete for limited economic opportunities—especially in the informal sector. They also face linguistic barriers to accessing socio-economic opportunities in a host country, and this eventually impacts upon their social cohesion. A focus on Uganda indicates that while Uganda's progressive "opendoor" policy fosters a generally positive environment, significant strains exist due to intensified competition for scarce urban resources, particularly in the informal economy. Despite these challenges, urban refugees make substantial economic contributions through entrepreneurship, and social capital plays a crucial role in integration. However, systemic vulnerabilities persist due to limited access to formal support and xenophobia. The study recommends that governments and international organizations prioritize comprehensive, multi-sectoral integration frameworks; host governments invest in strengthening urban infrastructure; implementing agencies focus on community-based strategies; international donors address fragmented Global Compact implementation; and research institutions conduct nuanced, localized analyses of refugee experiences.
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    Exploring the factors responsible for repeated adolescent pregnancies among single teenage mothers in Ikumbya Subcounty, Luuka District in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2025) Nampala, Monicah
    This study explored the perceptions of single teenage mothers on repeat adolescent pregnancy in Ikumbya sub-county, Luuka district, Uganda. The specific objectives were to examine the personal, family, and community risk and protective factors associated with repeat pregnancy, and to explore the psychosocial issues and access to support services among single teenage mothers. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Life Course Perspective, the study adopted a qualitative research design using descriptive phenomenology to capture lived experiences. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit eight single teenage mothers aged 15–19 years, and data were collected through narrative interviews. Verbatim transcripts were subjected to content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that repeat adolescent pregnancy was driven by intersecting vulnerabilities: individual-level factors such as financial dependence, myths about contraception, inability to negotiate safer sex, and defilement; family-level factors including poverty, neglect, and history of teenage mothering; and community-level influences such as peer pressure, stigma, and limited access to services. Psychosocial issues included distress, low self-esteem, and hopelessness, although some resilience was observed. The study concludes that without addressing these multi-level risks, single teenage mothers remain trapped in cycles of poverty and disadvantage. It recommends provision of adolescent-friendly mental health services, improved access to contraception, vocational and livelihood support, and strengthening of family and community support systems. The findings provide important insights for social work practice and policy, contributing to efforts to reduce repeat adolescent pregnancy and promote the well-being of vulnerable adolescent mothers in Uganda.