Department of Development Studies

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Africa: A Continent Exiting and Entering a Century in a ‘Sick-Bay’
(Uganda Martyrs University, 1999) Mataze, Owa Nduhukhire
The paper appears in three parts, which must be read as one. Part One situates the current development crisis in Africa in the relevant theoretical and historical context. It also highlights the global context of the crisis and the extent it has hindered genuine human-centred development in the continent to date. Part Two examines the ideological assumptions that underlie and sustain the development crisis. These are the myths and deceptions on and about Africa, its natural and human resources and the reproduction of these distorted images. The relationship between the ideologies and the anti-social and anti-environmental growth patterns is examined. Part Three examines current philosophies and practices that are increasingly pushing Africa into the fangs of global capitalism on the basis of an intensified `sponsored-peripheral capitalism'. Finally, suggestions as to how the continent can enjoy the twenty-first century outside the `sick-bay' of `mal-development' are made. A select bibliography is included at the end of each part.
Broken Citizenship: Formely abducted children and their social reintegration in Northen Uganda
(2010) Angucia, margaret
Among the large Scale conflict that have defined the African continent in twentieth and twenty-first centuries, is the Lord Resistence Army (LRA) rebellion against President Museveni's government in Northern Uganda. The conflict resulted in insecurity in all forms, including the abduction and use of children in the war, a continuation of the historical involvement of conflict the world over. The children's' war experiences of abduction, captivity and other human rights violations while with the LRA have led to complex and difficult relationships with their community and they now need assistance to be reintegrated back into the society. consequently, the general research question guiding this study was: What are the experiences of the formerly abducted children and can they be reintegrated into their communities?
Engendering Social Capital: Perspectives from Rural Development Networks in Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2010) Esuruku, Robert Senath
This paper examines the link between gender, social capital and rural development in Uganda. Noting that gender relations involve struggles over control of strategic resources and relationships, it highlights the complex interrelationships between power, resources, social networks and collaborations in the analysis of social capital. In so doing, the paper examines the impact of these (ongoing) processes of resistance, negotiation, social networks, collaborations and interdependency on rural development programmes in the country.
Peace and Conflict Monitor:
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2011) Ika, Lino
The discovery of oil in Uganda places high hopes but also poses challenges for the country, thus it is both a blessing and a curse. Various literature and documents are reviewed in this paper to validate my personal experience and observation from the civil society perspective, that many conflicts including land conflicts, the displacement of wildlife, propaganda, a scramble by multinationals, tense political exchanges, anxiety, and high expectations enshrine the discovery of oil in Uganda. Action research and a continuous, conflict-sensitive approach can help achieve sustainable peace.
Business ethics as field of teaching, training and research in East Africa
(African Journal of Business Ethics, 2011) Mawa, Michael; Adams, Jane
The increase in corporate malfeasance has lead to a rising interest in Business Ethics in general and a particular focus on Business Ethics as an academic field, but the proliferation of Business Ethics as an academic field on a global scale is not yet as well known. This paper forms part of the global survey of Business Ethics that has been commissioned to gain a better understanding of the prevalence and scope of teaching, training and research in the field of Business Ethics. The paper provides a summary of the survey and research results regarding the current status of Business Ethics as an academic field in the East African region. The findings lead to a conclusion that Business Ethics has gained momentum and is having an increased presence in the region, but that it is far from well established as an academic field.
Decentralization and Efficient Service Delivery in Local Governments
(2011) Ngabirano, Maximiano; Omaada, Esibo; Asiimwe, Elizabeth
This collective volume on decentralization and service delivery in local governments, notably in Uganda, is the outcome of a conference organized in Kampala in 2009 by Uganda Martyrs University and University of Groningen. The volume highlights the importance of citizen participation in local governance as a foundation for efficient service delivery. Contributions: Decentralisation and efficient service delivery in local governments: special reference to Uganda (Ephraim Kamuntu); Participatory service delivery: processes, opportunities and challenges for local government in South Africa with respect to the urban-rural divide (Betty Claire Mubangizi); Politics of decentralization and local governance in Uganda -1986 to 2010 (Bidandi-Ssali Jaberi); Civil society organizations in public accountability and democratisation in local governments of Uganda: case study of CSOs in Kabale District (Maximiano Ngabirano); Mobilisation and utilization of financial resources and effective service delivery in a decentralised system: a case of Mbale District local government of Uganda (Jacinta Bwegyeme); Rural poverty eradication and sustainability consciousness in Kyanamukaaka sub-county's decentralised framework (Jimmy Spire Ssentongo); Procurement management and its implications on service delivery in decentralized urban local government systems in Uganda: empirical findings from Kampala City Council (Olive Nantume and Benon C. Basheka); Partnerships in decentralised health services delivery: the utility of stakeholder theory in a three sector development model (Josephat Itika); Exploring behavioural patterns: provision of and access to healthcare services in Bushenyi District (Elizabeth Asiimwe); Mobilising rural community participation in education: community development and decentralisation in South Africa -2003 to the present (Michael Gardiner); Towards a fully decentralised education system in Uganda: lessons from Abek in Karamoja (Mary Cecilia Draru); Challenges and prospects of decentralised agriculture system of service delivery: a case of Kiboga District (Tabitha Naisiko). [ASC Leiden abstract]
Africa Peace and Conflict Journal, v. 4, no. 1, June 2011
(2011) Ngabirano, Maximiano; Karbo, Tony; Abdalla, Amr
Two sets of standards are often applied to Africa: in one, the international community takes decisive action when there is sufficient geo-political interest in a state, and in the other, the international community remains on the sideline as belligerents; typically, sub-Saharans fight on without intervention until a clear winner emerges. In North Africa the ‘Arab Spring’ emerged from confrontations between citizens demanding new and better governance and positive changes in their lives and those benefiting from the status quo. The articles in this edition address governance or gender and sometimes both. They touch on pertinent aspects of governance and security that affect not only Africa, but the international community as well.
Beyond Masculinity: Gender, Conflict and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Northern Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2011) Esuruku, Robert Senath
Masculinity and femininity debates of armed conflict in Africa have always regarded men as fighters and women as passive victims of war. The exclusion of women from the armed forces in most traditional societies originated from the assumption that women are a weaker sex and therefore cannot manage military life. Nevertheless, women in Uganda have voluntarily joined the armed forces, while some of them have been abducted and forcefully recruited into the rebel forces. Notwithstanding the central role women have played in the armed conflict in Northern Uganda, they have been side-lined in the processes of peace negotiation and post conflict reconstruction of the region. This paper looks at how masculinity is manipulated in conflict and the role women have played in the conflict, peace process and post conflict reconstruction in Northern Uganda.
Impact of Human Activities on Wetlands in Kampala: Critical Reconciliation of Ecological Sustainability and Human Development
(Kisubi Brothers University College, 2012) Byaruhanga, Aloysius; Ssozi, Leonard
Wetland ecosystem services are central to a nation’s sustained growth and development. For this reason, human development ought to be undertaken while maintaining the ecological character of wetlands if meaningful sustainable development is to be achieved. However, in Kampala, we are witnessing unwise use of wetland resources, ranging from pouring of untreated wastes (sewerage and industrial effluent) and reclamation (for settlement and industrial construction). This article examines the impact of these activities on the wetlands in the city. Within the framework of deep ecology and systems thinking, the article maintains that reconciliation of human development and ecological sustainability is vital to the wellbeing of both the humans and wetland ecosystems.
Overcoming Poverty: Accounting for Stagnation and Upward Mobility in Central Uganda
(Kisubi Brothers University College, 2012) Ssempebwa, Jude; Ndagire, Abisagi Kasoma; Kule, Abraham; Ssekyewa, Charles; Nnyanzi, David; Kisolo, Gelvan; Nyende, Jeremiah; Masereka, Joseph; Nambuubi, Juliet; Otaala, Laura; Akello, Lucy Dora; Odong, Moses; Okullo, Nellie Florence; Kanyandago, Peter; Lugemwa, Peter; Ouma, Richard; Akabwai, Steven
Poverty in Uganda has been the subject of extensive scholarship and policy attention. Subsequently, several poverty alleviation programmes/ projects have been implemented in the country over the last five decades. Although successive surveys have reported notable improvements in the quality of life, there is evidence that many households are still stagnating in poverty. Why? How come the poverty alleviation programmes/ projects that are enabling some households to transit poverty are not working for the households stagnating in poverty? This study delved into these questions, taking the case of Central Uganda. The findings were that the households that are stagnating in poverty suffer from a broad syndrome of disadvantage, which affects their capacity to transit from poverty. However, it was also found that, despite their indisputable challenges, many of them are stagnating in poverty because they don’t feel that they are poor. Differences were noted between their view of poverty and the traditional view of poverty (by which they are characterized as poor). It was concluded that poverty alleviation programs/ projects have not transformed them because the interventions delivered under the programmes/ projects are based on the traditional view of poverty. Thus, it is recommended that those designing/ implementing these programs/ projects synchronize their view of poverty with the views of the poor whose poverty they are working to alleviate.
Centrality of the family in the pursuit of sustainable development
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Luswata, Albert
The complex nature of the concept of sustainable development requires an integration of knowledge, other than basing on a particular science or model. This article widens the horizon by bringing onboard an approach based on the family. Contrary to the adversely and reductionist tendency that relegates it to a marginal role, this article argues that the family, understood in the normative sense and as the mediating institution between the individual and society, has a central role to play in the pursuit of sustainable development. It is the guarantee of the harmonious realization of the three interdependent pillars of sustainable development namely, the economic development, the social development and the environmental protection. Given the dialectical relationship between the family and society, the article not only implores society to put the family at the heart of public policy but also to follow the principle of subsidiarity while dealing with the family.
Research as a Cornerstone of Quality Assurance in University Education with specific Reference to Uganda Martyrs University
(African Journals Online, 2012) Okoth, Pontian G.
This paper discusses the nexus between research and quality assurance in contemporary higher education, with specific reference to Uganda Martyrs University. Starting with discussion of the concept of research—touching on the conceptualization of what constitutes research; disambiguation of key terms and concepts in research; and discussion of major research paradigms and designs—the paper discusses the place of research as an aspect of quality assurance in university education. Thereafter, it articulates a case for research in higher education and discusses the state of research, quality assurance and the meeting points of the two at Uganda Martyrs University.
Prospects for Africa's socioeconomic development despite marginalisation
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Buchana, Josef Kisoga
This paper discusses the external and internal factors hindering holistic and sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa. The factors are identified as: 1) marginalization engineered by manipulation of market forces, transnational corporations, the globalization stream, the debt trap and the ‘consumption syndrome’; and 2) internal cracks within Africa’s political and economic systems exemplified by the aspects of bad governance on the continent. Therefore, the paper advocates for a revolution by Africa against the north as well as an internal revolt against her own tendency to self-destruct.
Democracy and rural development in post-apartheid South Africa
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Matunhu, Jephias; Nengwenkhulu, Ranwedzi
The research addresses the contentious link between democracy and sustainable rural economic development in post-apartheid South Africa. Historically, in 1994, the democratic state in South Africa inherited a legacy of high economic inequality between the urban areas (first economy) and rural areas (second economy). Fifteen years into democracy: about 65% of the 48 million South Africans live in the rural areas; and 75% of the rural residents still survive under extreme poverty and are disconnected from the first economy. This paper argues that lack of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge keeps the rural residents out of the first national economy.
Inter-religious Discourse on Climate Change Roman Catholic and African Traditional Perspectives
(The Ecumenical Review, 2012) Byarugaba, George William
The future of our planet poses many challenges for our generation, possibly more than ever before. Overpopulation, rapid industrialization, heightened consumerism, unrestricted technologies, and other human activities are affecting every region of land and water, and causing environmental degradation on an enormous scale. Indeed, not only are we altering the climate and radically undermining life, but we are also triggering a mass extinction of species and putting future generations in a predicament. The Catholic Church values this world and believes that the transcendent creator and an immanent Spirit dwell deep in the created world and that one finds God when one loves the world God has created and redeemed. Any activity that demeans and devalues creatures demeans the creator, as much as reverence for and joy over everything and every person becomes the sign of the love for God. Human sinfulness is doubtless the major cause of the environmental crisis. Consequently, this contribution argues that through the ritual of prayer that weaves humans into the rhythm of natural cycles, the Catholic Church can lead to changing people’s hearts and contribute to restoring the environment. The essay also argues that in order to effectively fulfil its role of changing people’s mindsets toward the environment, the church must dialogue with African Traditional Religions.
‘I felt very bad, I had self-rejection’: narratives of exclusion and marginalisation among early school leavers in Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2013-09-02) Tukandane, Cuthbert; Zeelen, Jacques; Minnaert, Alexander; Kanyandago, Peter
Uganda has one of the highest rates of early school leavers (ESLs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the highest in East Africa, despite impressive school enrolment rates. While studies have been conducted on the possible causes of this phenomenon, little is known about the experiences and social world of these ESLs. This study aimed to explore the lived realities of ESLs by listening to their stories and experiences. The study draws from 16 in-depth interviews conducted with ESLs aged between 16 and 24. A narrative-based, qualitative method was used to analyse the data according to four broad themes: ESLs' experiences at school and eventual leaving, their feelings about leaving school, their life and work in the community and their future aspirations. Most participants in the study interpreted early school leaving (ESLg) as a bad and traumatising experience that undermined their sense of self-worth, limited their life opportunities and exposed them to social exclusion. Accordingly, interventions to address ESLg should not only seek to address the ‘risk factors’ for and causes of ESLg but also to rebuild the self-image of ESLs and to equip them with the relevant practical skills to help them overcome vulnerability, marginalisation and social exclusion.
Amnesty and Prosecution of International Humanitarian Law Violations in Uganda:
(Journal of Development Studies, 2015) Kabiito, Bendicto
In continued human search for peace and justice, which are pertinent to development, post-war societies are confronted with a dilemma of either letting go of the past through legalized amnesty or embarking on comprehensive prosecution of perpetuators of that violence, in response to the troubled past. What remains important is to know that the path taken in the post-war atmosphere leads to either possibility or impossibility of sustainable peace and development. This was a challenge northern Uganda is facing after two decades of unspeakable suffering. With the contextual, epistemological and experiential perspectives, this study delves into the nexus between granted amnesty in Uganda and the subsequent call for retributive justice. Though disputed, amnesty was opted for in a bid to deliberate on the necessity of compromise in the justice-peace search. Moreover, although it presented with some weaknesses, Uganda’s amnesty gesture was indeed a necessary path to peace. Its necessity and credibility are vividly stamped by various amnesty examples from elsewhere, and sealed by an eventual call for the harmonization instead of polarization of peace and justice efforts.
Uganda’s Vision 2040 and Human Needs Promotion
(AJOL, 2015) Balyejjusa, Moses Senkosi
In 2013 the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched Uganda’s Vision 2040, a thirty-year development master plan which has received both praise and criticism from Ugandans. Although Vision 2040 has received both praise and criticism in almost equal measure, in this article I argue that Vision 2040 does not adequately promote the satisfaction of the human needs of Ugandans, yet the satisfaction of these needs is a prerequisite for achieving genuine development. Using a human needs framework in general, and Doyal and Gough’s intermediate needs in particular, I show that the Vision’s strategies adequately promote the satisfaction of only three intermediate needs of Ugandans, partially promote the satisfaction of seven intermediate needs of Ugandans, and that there is no single strategy to promote the satisfaction of one of the intermediate needs. This is because some of the Vision strategies do not adequately tackle the current and likely future challenges and bottlenecks to the satisfaction of the human needs of Ugandans. This is mainly due to the central role placed on the private capital (sector) in Vision 2040. I argue that in order for Vision 2040 to adequately promote the satisfaction of the human needs of Ugandans, all and not just some of the needs must be adequately satisfied since human needs are interrelated and interdependent. In addition, Vision 2040 should also be in position to satisfy the human needs of all Ugandans and not just some.
Building vocational skills for marginalised youth in Uganda:
(Elsevier, 2015) Tukundane, Cuthbert; Minnaert, Alexander
Educational exclusion leads to the marginalisation of many youth in regards to employment and other livelihood opportunities. Vocational education and training (VET) is expected to offer skills to ameliorate this situation. This paper presents findings of an exploratory study conducted on four VET programmes for marginalised youth in the rural areas of Mbarara district, south-western Uganda to examine the current VET practices and how the youth are prepared for the labour market and livelihood opportunities. The findings show that VET can improve access to labour market and livelihood opportunities, but a number of areas require improvement.
Using participatory action research to improve vocational skills training for marginalised youth in Uganda:
(International Journal of Training Research, 2015) Tukundane, Cuthbert; Zeelen, Jacques
Although vocational education and training is considered to be a good option for improving livelihood opportunities for marginalised youth in developing countries, it often suffers from an image problem. This situation affects the quality of entrants, instruction and skills acquisition in training programmes. In this article, the researchers report on results and experiences from a participatory action research (PAR) project initiated to work towards the improvement of vocational education and skills training for early school-leavers. The research project was conducted in Mbarara district, south-western Uganda. The results show that the project created an awareness and change of attitude on the part of participants towards vocational education and training. It also established links between training institutions and employers; that is, between the skills supply and demand sides. Based on experiences and reflections from this project, the researchers argue that PAR can be a productive approach for facilitating skills development in vocational education and training.

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