Browsing by Author "Asiimwe, Solomon"

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Conflict threats to human security: the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) case, Gulu District, Northern Uganda
(Science Research Publishing, 2019-12-03) Abaho, Anne; Mawa, Micheal; Asiimwe, Solomon
The study recognised that conflicts threaten human security in various ways. When prolonged, for example, they have a direct damage on physical infrastructure such as medical and educational facilities. Using a qualitative research approach, the study focused on Gulu district in Northern Uganda, to unearth the threats to human security as a result of the protracted Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict. The data collection methods included: Focus Group Discussions, Interviews and Document Review. Samples of 44 participants were purposively identified. From the field findings, it was discovered that the dimensions of human security threatened by conflict ranged from personal, health and community security. The study recommended that there needs to be a deliberate effort in the post-conflict period to rehabilitate infrastructure especially schools and hospitals while counselling services should be supported to mitigate the psychological effects of the conflict.
Effectiveness of the education in building self-reliance skills among refugee students in Uganda
(UniversePG, 2023) Ssimbwa, Peter; Asiimwe, Solomon; Mawa, Michael
The study sought to find out the effectiveness of education interventions for refugees in refugee communities in Uganda’s Districts of Kiryandongo and Kampala. It explored practices used in management of education programs, how programs enabled refugees to become self-reliant, the efficiency ratios obtained across education initiatives implemented by mandated organizations in the beneficiary schools. Stories of change through output of education in terms of relevant training and solving major refugee challenges of mutual existence with host communities in diverse and complex refugee settlement environments. For example, the implementation of Refugee regulations (2010) and the refugee response framework called for integrated support and cooperation of all stakeholders including the beneficiaries. 193 persons participated in the studies which were students, staff of education civil society organizations, teachers and district education leaders and heads of schools. Implementation mechanisms were examined to ascertain facts about creative initiatives, participation of parents, community leaders as well as efficiency ratios achieved in performance of students. The study revealed educational facilities provided and enrolment rates at different educational levels. Significance of impact and outcomes made through education infrastructure available in schools, and competencies built for students among refugee communities to be able to reconstruct their life increased. Enrollment in several practical education programs increased and students gained useful knowledge and skills to resolve the major challenges in refugee settlements or returned home capable of getting employed or starting their own businesses.
Level and patterns of access to education by refugees in refugee communities of Uganda
(UniversePG, 2023) Ssimbwa, Peter; Asiimwe, Solomon; Mawa, Michael
The study sought to examine factors influencing refugee access to education and the programs of education available for students in refugee communities of Uganda namely Kiryandogo and Kampala. It explored the levels and patterns of access to education programs in settlements. As such to find out how refugees and leaders of institutions engage in initiatives aimed to ensure that national education objectives for refugees enshrined in the Uganda Refugee Act, (2006) are achieved. A sample of students and education administrators in the districts and refugee education mandated organizations were involved in the study. Structured questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions were administered to 193 study participants. A descriptive study revealed that education of refugees had a positive impact. Despite bottlenecks experienced, education programs are accessible to refugees from primary school, vocational colleges to universities. Early childhood development centers (ECDCs), students’ clubs and adult literacy centers increased education opportunities for refugees irrespective of age or socio-economic status. Partnerships created with beneficiaries, international development institutions, local governments, and host communities ensure that each makes a contribution to refugee education. Education programs available to refugees enabled the outcomes of education achieved by UNHCR and implementing partners. Results show improved efficiency ratios in school enrollment, ratio of refugees to nationals, education infrastructure, and funding opportunities for refugees to reconstruct school life significantly eliminated factors limiting refugees’ education. Refugees accessed education programs and gained useful knowledge and skills to resolve community challenges. They are capable of getting employed or starting their own businesses.
Strengthening district health teams capacity in surveillance systems and response to public health threats in Western Uganda through field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)
(Science Research Publishing, 2020-05-07) Tumwebaze, Mathias; Asiimwe, Solomon; Tukahirwa, Anna; Kamukama, Saul
To strengthen the District Capacity in surveillance for effective detection, Reporting and Response to Public Health threats. Background: The overall aim of a good surveillance system is to strengthen the capacity of a Health system through training of health personnel who can conduct effective surveillance activities. A good surveillance system is achieved through improved use of complete and timely health information to detect changes in time to institute a rapid response to the suspected outbreak of Public Health events. This assessment followed a 3-month Field Epidemiology Training program undertaken by the investigator who applied the acquired knowledge and skills in completion of the assessment. Study Design: It was a descriptive cross-sectional, institutional based epidemiological investigation conducted at district level and Health Centre 1V in Kabarole from 15th December 2019-March 2020. eReports were retrieved from DHIS-2 for epidemiological weeks 44 in 2019 to week 3 in 2020. Data analysis: Micro soft word excel program was used to determine the reporting rates, epidemic disease trends and construction of malaria channel. SWOT analysis was done to identify poor HMIS reporting as the lead surveillance quality challenge and route cause analysis done to determine underlying causes. Results: Weekly reports analyzed were from a total of 53 Health facilities and one Health Centre four for malaria channel construction. Of the 53 functional Health facilities assessed in the district, the average reporting Timeliness was 32% and Completeness at 63% from week 44 in 2019 to week 3 in 2020. This finding shows that the district was not achieving the 80% Timeliness and 80% Completeness national target. The poor reporting situation implies that the district may not detect an emerging Public Health Event and respond in time. Poor reporting rate was linked to knowledge gap among reporting staff in completion of the newly revised HMIS tools and lack of support supervision. The analyzed data revealed that the district had increased dysentery, measles and typhoid fever cases. The dysentery and typhoid fever cases had reached and surpassed the Alert and Action thresh hold levels however there was no reported death from these diseases. Further inquiry revealed that Typhoid fever was being diagnosed using WIDAL test as opposed to WHO recommendation of stool or blood culture. The noted typhoid fever outbreak in the district was therefore being based on wrong laboratory tests hence regarded by the researcher as speculative. Findings on malaria channel revealed a normal and expected trend of malaria in Kabarole district in 2020. Conclusion: knowledge and skills from FETP-training enabled the investigator to establish the fact that the district’s surveillance system was less sensitive in detecting Public Health events for a quick response. Intensified targeted support supervision and mentorships of all health workers on reporting could help improve the districts surveillance system.