UMU Institutional Repository
The Uganda Martyrs University Institutional Repository (UMU-IR) preserves research output from the Uganda Martyrs University community
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Recent Submissions
Viral load suppression after intensive adherence counselling among areviously non-suppressed adolescents and young people with HIV in EastCentral Uganda
(Dove Press Taylor and Francis, 2026-03-03) Ejalu David Livingstone; Okello Peter Simon; Puleh Sean Steven; Nangendo Joanita; Izudi Jonathan; Bakeera-Kitaka Sabrina; Katamba Achilles; Katahoire R. Anne; Kalyango N. Joan; Cattamanchi Adithya; Semitala Fred C; Kamya R. Moses
Background: Viral load suppression remains suboptimal among adolescents and young people living with HIV in Uganda
(AYPLHIV). Although Intensive Adherence Counselling is recommended for individuals who remain virally non-suppressed while
on antiretroviral therapy, its contribution to suppression among AYPLHIV is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the
level of viral load suppression achieved following intensive adherence counselling among previously non-suppressed AYPLHIV in
east central Uganda.
Methods: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study among 580 participants aged 10–24 years receiving care at
32 health facilities. Quantitative data were abstracted covering a five-year period from 2019–2024. Suppression levels and subgroup
differences were assessed using chi-square tests. A qualitative study was conducted with 12 purposively selected participants and
thematic analysis were guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior framework.
Results: Participants had a median age of 16.4 years and a median ART duration of 4 years. Overall, out of the 580 participants, 313
(53.9%) achieved viral load suppression after counselling. Participants living more than 5 km compared to less than 5km from a health
facility (p=0.003) and those counselled by counsellors rather than nurses (p<0.001) had significantly higher suppression level. Lower
suppression level was observed among participants who had not disclosed their HIV status versus those who disclosed (p=0.011) and
those reporting fear or stigma compared to those not reporting (p=0.010). Qualitative findings indicated that understanding the purpose
and benefits of intensive adherence counselling (Capability), financial barriers and provider interactions (Opportunity), and nondisclosure (Motivation) influenced suppression outcomes among AYPLHIV.
Conclusion: IAC resulted in modest improvements in VL suppression among AYPLHIV. Low retention and contextual barriers,
including distance, stigma and non-disclosure, limited its effectiveness. Tailored IAC strategies addressing subgroup-specific barriers
are needed to improve VL suppression
Exploring child-based strategies in addressing child-to-child violence in selected primary schools in Kitgum District in Northern Uganda
(Springer Nature Link, 2026-08-21) Omona Kizito; Ouma Richard; Nalela Kizito; Amoding Jane Florence; Kayi Modest O.’dama
Child-to-child violence in schools is a vice in society. Appreciating the views of children in addressing this vice is critical because it helps in valuing the contribution of children in solving problems among themselves. This study explored the child-based strategies used to address child-to-child violence in primary schools in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda. The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design involving conversational focus group discussion and children’s drawings. In- depth interviews were also conducted to collect data from selected teachers. Results showed that children commonly use: individual child based; informal peer group-based and formal peer group based-strategies; and they involve their teachers/counsellors in overcoming child-to-child violence. Conclusively, child-to-child violence cannot be overcome by adults only, but it requires also the involvement of children because children have the resilience, commitment, love and other child-based abilities to overcome child-to-child violence
Insights into home biogas technology adoption dynamics through the lens of the diffusion of innovation theory in Uganda
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-06) Namiremb Grace; Mugagga Frank; Kisira Yeeko; Mukwaya Paul Isolo
Ensuring sustainable development and enhancing socioeconomic conditions hinge on clean energy accessibility. To effectively promote and expedite the adoption of biogas technology, providing current information on crucial elements is vital. Our study delved into biodigester adopter typologies and assessed socioeconomic influencers on small-scale biodigester uptake in homes of Mpigi in Uganda. Employing a cross-sectional research design, we integrated quantitative and qualitative methods by conducting household surveys and key informant interviews coupled with field observations. Utilizing SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics and regression analysis characterized household features and evaluated adoption factors, revealing innovators (17.8 %), early adopters (25.7 %), early majority (33.7 %), late majority (15.8 %), and laggards (6.9 %). Biogas use increased from 2009 to 2017, declining by 2020. Education, income, subsidies, and farm proximity were key adoption predictors. Expanding subsidy access is crucial to accelerating biogas technology use, considering significant socioeconomic aspects. Study results inform ongoing discussions on formulating distinct policies for biogas adoption across developing countries.
Perspectives on Uganda’s education sector services and education quality
(Springer, Cham, 2026-06-02) Namisi Patrick Charles; Byaruhanga Aloysius; Munuve Veronica; Nyadoi Priscilla; Kyamanywa Patrick
Quality education has ripple effects on many aspects of life, including success or not in employment. The government of Uganda has had interventions such as universal free primary and secondary education and the sector liberalization, allowing private institutions to offer educational services. Despite these interventions, the quality of education remains a challenge, as findings from secondary data review and analysis reveal, among others, limitations related to teachers’ competencies, instruction and curriculum design, cost of education, and school completion rates. Our review finding also pinpoints the need for teachers’ capacity building on transformative learning, curriculum and policy review, and research to identify innovative strategies for education financing and servicing to deliver desired standards and quality.
Perspectives on the challenges to timely progress and completion of study programmes among doctoral students
(Springer, Cham, 2026-06-02) Nyadoi Priscilla; Ssekandi Joseph; Ssentongo Jimmy Spire; Esibo Omaada Simon; Byaruhanga Aloysius; Lokolimoi John Bosco; Segawa K. Edward; Otaala Ariko Laura; Kyamanywa Patrick
This chapter presents perceptions of students and staff on factors underpinning timely progress and completion of doctoral studies. Overall, doctoral students perceived that supportive activities such as conferences, publications in university outlets, timely feedback, and frequent interaction with supervisors/managers help them progress. Staff, however, perceived that late or non-payment of supervisors and examiners, poor quality students, and burdensome workload are problems that impede the timely completion of doctoral studies. Together, doctoral students and staff perceived that unharmonized timetabling and teaching in graduate and undergraduate programmes, insufficient supervisor–supervisee interactions, and limited ICT application in pedagogy lead to delayed progress and completion. While an in-depth investigation is still needed, these perspectives provide useful pointers to strategies that may be needed to improve progress and completion rates of doctoral candidates.