Books and Book Chapters

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Promoting Equity In Health
(2004-12) Tamburlini, Giorgio; Garofolo, Burlo
To promote health equity is to address a great deal of inequities in society. It is not easy but it can be done. It requires that an upstream action is taken. This action consists of eight steps: analyse inequity, act on determinants of inequity,invest in demand for health services, invest in life cycle improvement, invest in diseases of poverty, invest in the most vulnerable, ensure good quality of health care, and assess progress using well identified equity objectives and indicators. The exact details of the strategies to address inequity in health depend on the economic, administrative, political and epidemiological circumstances of each country.
A system dynamics tool for IT investments.
(Fountain Publishers, 2006-01-01) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
Systems dynamics modeling is the technique of constructing and running a model of an abstract system in order to study its behavior without disrupting the environment of the real system. The process simulated in this study, that is, evaluation of IT investment projects, is one of increasing importance as it has been observed that 90% of all senior IS managers have no idea how to determine the value of information systems. In an era where cost overruns and cancelled projects cost millions of dollars, a simulation tool which can rapidly calculate the benefits to be derived from an information system can be very useful. The existing literature identifies noticeable gaps between academic theories, commercially available methodologies and actual evaluation practices promoted by organizational rules and structures, informal practices implemented by stakeholders and academic recommendations which are not used in practice. Problems relating to evaluation of IT investment projects were established-. Understanding these problems would in the long run reduce losses due to failed IT investments. In this study, five different methodologies were investigated taking into account the suitability or goodness of the framework, bias, focus and complexity. The System Dynamics Methodology was found to be the best as the others had serious shortcomings. A model derived from earlier work by Seddon et al., as well as Delone and Mclean was used to construct a dynamic hypothesis that helps to realize the interrelationships between the critical variables. A causal loop diagram derived from the dynamic hypothesis was also constructed. A simulation tool for evaluating IT investment projects was developed to help managers cut down on time spent debating investment decisions, cut down on costs, reduce information overload and help researchers evaluate related problems. The simulation tool was used to analyze how different variables interact to affect the total benefits of an information system. It was observed that only a strong interaction of people, information, and technology can improve business performance, and consequently lead to Information Systems success.
Complexity and risk in IS projects: a system dynamics approach
(Fountain Publishers, 2007) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
In spite of ongoing research on IS risks and the increased sophistication of the tools and techniques developed, IS risks continue to be a challenge to IS professionals and managers. Increased complexity leads to increased risks. When we are confronted with a complex system, our knowledge and understanding of how different components work and interact, and accordingly how the system as a whole works, will always be incomplete. While many researchers have dwelt on project management techniques, it is apparent that we cannot have all the answers in advance since we cannot foretell the future. Due to the increasing complexity of IS solutions it is seen that existing information system development methodologies do not tackle this adequately. The primary purpose of this paper is to highlight how System Dynamics which employs systems thinking can be used to deal with the study of organizations (companies, public institutions, and other human organizations) as complex systems of human activity, with plurality of interest and values. It also shows how System Dynamics models can help companies to manage the risks and uncertainties related to complex IS projects. This paper partly describes some variables in an ongoing research where we aim to use the system dynamics methodology to create a better understanding of the link between information quality and customer satisfaction. We critically look at two variables that we deem important in the search for this relationship. These are complexity and risk in IS projects
Use of “flight simulator” for training it managers in investment decision making.
(Fountain Publishers, 2008) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Ddembe, Williams
In this paper it has been suggested that the findings of research on managerial decisionmaking may be relevant in IT, but that research needs to be carried out on the factors that influence the decisions of IT managers in order to develop an effective “flight Simulator”. While this is useful as a first step, the paper argues that a systems thinking/ systems dynamics approach is necessary for developing flight simulators as learning environments for managers. The advantage of SD is not merely that it captures the complexity of decision making processes; it also offers a way of exploring the impact of change on decision making over time. The paper describes the model, identifies a number of propositions that can be derived from it and suggests how these may be tested empirically through a flight simulator.
Basooka kwavula
(2008-02-14) Mulindwa, F. Henry
Books
(2010) Angucia, Margaret
Chelpi-den Hamer’s book on the youngest recruits brings to attention the prevalence of the problem of children involved in conflict in Cotê d’ Ivoire. This is important because the problem of the involvement of children in conflict in the West African region has been dominated by the cases in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In this regard, the book flags another area where attention needs to be paid in relation to children in war. However, as the reader goes on, the lack of comprehensive information on the conflict in Cotê d’ Ivoire as the context for Chelpi-den Hamer’s “child soldiering” does not clarify to the reader if the phenomenon occurs in Liberia, Cotê d’ Ivoire or in both countries. By use of the term “child soldiers”, Chelpiden Hamer’s book is part of the dominant literature referring to children who have been involved in conflict as such. This reference is the unforgiving stigma the academia, the humanitarian industry and the common man attach to these children who have been both victims and victimizers. She has no reflections on how to change the discourse on “child soldiers” by use of alternative language to be able to see such children, for instance, as “war-affected”, however differently.
Maternal monitoring: lowering child mortality by use of ICTs.
(Fountain Publishers, 2010) Ssemaluulu, Paul Mukasa; Muma, Wycliff; Katongole, Paul; Mwase, Maria
In this paper, we describe the creation and development of an Electronic Health Records System that automates record keeping procedures for both patients and medical practitioners in a health facility. We also demonstrate how maternal monitoring by use of ICTs can lower child mortality in developing countries. It should be realized that lowering child mortality is one of the 8 Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by less developed countries by 2015. The Infant and Maternal Monitoring System (IMM System) seeks to lower infant mortality rates by encouraging pregnant women, as well as mothers to take their new born babies and infants to visit the nearest health centers for required healthcare checkups, vaccinations, or immunizations. This can be achieved through the creation and use of SMS functionality on the created system. This system improves communication and collaboration between medical practitioners through discussion forums, thus increasing the rapidity and quality of patient care Keywords: ICTs, Maternal, Mortality
Rural Poverty Eradication and Sustainability Consciousness in Kyanamukaaka Sub-County’s Decentralised Framework
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2011-01) Ssentongo, Jimmy Spire
Development and governance literature is affluent with theorisations that a decentralised system of governance stands high chances of translating into improved service delivery. Some of such literature hardly qualifies this expectation with a value addition that there are some minimum requirements for decentralisation to realise not only poverty eradication but 'sustainable poverty eradication'. They also seem to hold a limited view of decentralisation just as a development strategy and less as the ethical mandate that it is through the socio-ethical principle of subsidiarity. This paper is based on research carried out in Kyanamukaaka Sub-County in Masaka District which was prompted by the observation that despite the fact that a decentralised system of governance had been adopted there seemed to be (some but) minimal impact on the trend of poverty. In some instances, where there seemed to be traces of a downward trend of poverty, there were quite a number of inherent sustainability issues. The sustainability concerns within the scope of this paper are mainly social and economic. Thus the analysis focuses on the nature of poverty eradication initiatives in the area, the role of the community in the poverty eradication initiatives, and the life of the initiatives after the Sub-county hand. The findings indicated that some of the eradication measures through direct provision are not sustainable, as a number of them had died out. Further still, the level of community involvement in the conception and implementation of poverty eradication initiatives was found to be inadequate for the sustainability of the related projects.
New Public Management Reforms and Efficiency in Urban Water Service Delivery in Developing Countries: Blessing or Fad?
(Sage, 2012) Mukokoma, Maurice
Abstract Managing publicly owned entities using private sector principles, commonly known as New Public Management (NPM), is a widespread reform in Developing Countries. The theoretical and empirical debate on the effect of NPM on the performance of Public entities is still ongoing, yet limited research has been conducted in the water sector in developing countries. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression on 300 observations, the influence of adopting NPM reform dimensions of segregation of functions, managerial autonomy, accountability for results, customer orientation, and market orientation on technical efficiency of urban public water utilities has been addressed. The results indicate a high likelihood of the NPM reform causing a change in the technical efficiency of the Decision-Making Units (DMUs) in National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Uganda though it was not the case for the DMUs of Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Corporation (DAWASCO) in Tanzania.
Inquiry into a Withering Heritage: The Relevance of Traditional Baganda Approaches to Sustainable Environmental Conservation Today
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2012-01) Ssentongo, Jimmy Spire
Humanity is currently faced with several environmental problems. From North Pole to South Pole it is vividly clear that there is much still wanting in environmental conservation on this volatile planet, our only home. It is therefore a daunting task to scholars and all other stakeholders to think out possible strategies and mechanisms of conserving our environment. But before we stretch too far for viable answers, it would be very important to critically search out into our traditional knowledge which has been relied on for generations to pick out knowledge and practices that could still be relevant. Unfortunately, most of this 'wealth' of knowledge is disappearing so fast due to the homogenising effects of globalisation! The aim of the research whose findings are reported in this book was to specifically explore and analyse Baganda (a Ugandan ethnic group) traditional approaches in light of their relevance to sustainable environmental conservation in the current era. An attempt is accordingly made not to nostalgically romanticise the heritage but to look out for what can still be useful.
Preaching that touches and changes lives: today’s preacher’s handbook
(2013) Mulindwa, F. Henry
Dude you're a fag: masculinity and sexuality in high school
(Taylor and Francis, 2013-05-07) Namatende-Sakwa, Lydia
Through a picturesque ethnographic description, Pascoe’s Dude, you’re a fag: masculinity and sexuality in high school gives a fly-on-the-wall experience of sexuality in high school. Informed by an interactionist approach to gender, the book unveils taken-for-granted ways in which masculinity is constructed through interactions, discourses and traditions like prom, sports and drama. The study was conducted at River High, a high school in California. I found the descriptions of setting, characters, discourses and events so archetypical that I was reminded of my own high school experiences in an African context. The setting is indeed a helpful case to think through contemporary constructions of masculinity, sexuality and inequality.
Living with Ethnic Difference in Uganda: Reflections on Realities and Knowledge Gaps with Specific Reference to Kibaale District
(Cultural Foundation of Uganda, 2014-01) Ssentongo, Jimmy Spire
Contemporary Uganda is embroiled in a number of inter-ethnic challenges at varying degrees of intensity and complexity. Kibaale presents a curious case that is grounded in a complex history of pre-colonial inter-ethnic rivalry; colonial ethnic manipulation; a colonial legacy of strained ethnic relations; and contemporary trends of massive immigration into the area with attendant immigrant-phobia catalysed by memories of foreign domination and humiliation. In 2002, the ethnic tension in the area peaked with the outright rejection by the Banyoro of an ‘outsider’ (immigrant) who had been elected to the post of District chairman. While the Banyoro feel threatened by the rising number and influence (political and economic) of immigrants in their area, the immigrants are also insecure about their future in the area without a political power base. Moreover, it is their constitutional right to stand for political office as legitimate residents of the district. The above situation raises nagging questions about the possibility of pluralism in the area. Within the painful memories (history) of the Banyoro in relation to domination by the ethnic other (Baganda), do possibilities remain for living in ethnic difference even when the ‘new other’ becomes politically or/and economically influential? It raises a query on how the different ethnic groups in the area feel and what they make out of the situation. This query is further raised by the observation that the people of Kibaale have harmoniously co-existed at some points of their history (1960s – 2000) when they went to the same schools, churches, markets and even intermarried (Schelnberger 2005). This paper particularly focuses on explaining the realities of living with ethnic differences that the Kibaale case presents and the questions raised by those realities. The questions specifically concern the possibilities of pluralism in Kibaale and the conclusive suggestion is that these are best answered through a study that focuses on the perceptions of the people themselves. This suggestion is grounded on the researcher’s constructivist theoretical outlook by which social reality is viewed as constructed by the people through whose agency meaning and relations are formed
Mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development in Uganda Martyrs University: A critical analysis of the strategy
(Rhodes University Environmental Learning Research Centre, 2015) Ssentongo, Jimmy Spire; Byaruhanga, Aloysius
It has been observed by several scholars, commentators, and sustainability-related bodies that one of the most important ways of realising sustainable development is by integrating it in both what is taught and how it is taught (pedagogy). This is because education is very important in shaping people’s attitudes and informing their choices. The approach of mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development in our education systems should rise above the traditional boundaries that build walls, which tend to limit communication between different disciplines and faculties/ schools. Yet, for this to be realised, managers of education institutions and teachers ought to be coopted into the sustainability ideals. This chapter explains the steps that have been taken by Uganda Martyrs University towards mainstreaming Education for Sustainable Development in the university’s ‘way of doing things’. It also explains the challenges met, some of the achievements realised so far, and what still needs to be done
Challenges of Diagnosis and Treatment of Epilepsy at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda
(Springer, New York, NY, 2015) Ddumba, Edward
Epilepsy is a common condition in Low Income Countries like Uganda. These countries are overburdened by infectious diseases like Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Uganda is going through an epidemiologic transition from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases including epilepsy. The country has not put in place strategies to address the new realities of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and epilepsy. There are tremendous challenges in terms of infrastructure, human resources for health, diagnostics and medical supplies for effective treatment of these conditions. Many communicable and non communicable diseases may present with symptomatic seizures which are often mistaken for epilepsy the disease. This article discusses the challenges health workers meet in diagnosing, investigating and treating epilepsy in a limited resource setting at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.
Gender Equality, HIV/AIDS, and Marriage:
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2016) Mutonyi, Harriet
The overarching goal of this book is to increase our understanding of how marriage impacts the fight against women’s inequality and HIV/AIDS, and how the HIV/AIDS and gender equality discourse is taken up by married teachers in Uganda. Teachers act as role models and spearhead the HIV/AIDS and gender equality campaigns in schools and therefore their positioning impacts how they convey the content to young people. The assumption is that the current HIV/AIDS infection trends and subsequent reports on women’s vulnerability within the marriage, has direct impact on the education of young people on these issues. This book explores the teachers’ lived experiences touching on issues of their conceptions of gender equality, domestic violence, and the applicability of HIV/AIDS and gender equality knowledge in real life situations like marriage. Scholars and educators will find this book full of rich narrative on teachers, their lives, and practice.
The Church in Africa:
(Little Sisters of St. Francis Publication., 2016) Namuli, A.; Bwangatto, A.; Kamweri, J. M. M.; Okello, L.; D’Arbela, P. G.
The authors of this book have attempted to assemble in one volume basic information about the Church in the setting of the Uganda social fabric, in many respects applicable to the African situation south of the Sahara, with some local variations. They have tracked the Church’s evolution right from mid nineteenth century when explorers and colonizers plotted their advance into the continent then referred to as the Dark Continent – for development and business. Alongside these missions for exploration and business exploitation came the missions for evangelization... The Catholic Church in Uganda thriving on the seed of the blood of the Uganda Martyrs, is well entrenched in the community. The clerical profession has been well accepted and continues to attract a good number of young people, and shows increasing growth. The Church is exerting its moral influence on national policy; it has impacted in a major way on the development of educational, health and other social services in the country. Outstandingly, the Church in Africa has started sending out missionaries to the West where often personalities there refer to the status of their countries as post-Christian. They need to be re-evangelized (By His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala Archdiocese).
The Motivation Dilemma:
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2016) Mukokoma, Maurice
Motivation cannot be avoided or ignored at any level and in whatever context. Managers use motivation in the workplace to inspire people to work, both individually and in groups, to produce the best results for business in the most efficient and effective manner. It was once assumed that motivation had to be generated from the outside, but it is now understood that each individual has his / her own set of motivating forces. Realistically though it is acknowledged that motivating workers is enigmatic. This book does not provide specific answers given the complexity and multidimensional nature of motivation. Instead it provides performance guidelines and highlights controversial areas to trigger an innovative approach toward managing motivational issues. The broad challenges discussed include failure to understand and identify relevant motivational theories and variables to use; wrong motivation assumptions held by management; failure to balance motivational variables; linkage with other organisation factors; and the effect of chronic diseases on the approach to motivation, motivation strategies used by selected organisations and a tenpoint motivation tool kit. The book blends empirical data collected from twenty-four (24) randomly selected organisations and views of 396 respondents with theories. This blend acts as a basis for advancing a balanced argument on the motivational dilemma and the possible options of handling it in form of a motivational rhombus and toolkit.
Language and Girl Child Education:
(Uganda Martyrs University, 2016) Namusisi, Speranza
This book focuses on the role language plays in the education of girls in Uganda’s primary education. It provides a historical and theoretical background to genders socialization education and language. It further discusses the theories and policies of Language and gender in education The study brings to light the impact of language use on the girls’ life in school. It shows that the nature of language and how it is used can be a roadblock to girls’ attainment of education. This is because language has symbolic power which influences interaction. Evidence from the girls and other stakeholders show how girls have dropped out of school as a result of the way language issued at school and its surroundings. The author recommends a supportive environment for girls’ education while paying special attention to the language policy in Uganda’s education system, a review of the study materials (especially those that are pictorial) used in children’s academic textbooks to portray gender balance, and training teachers in communication skills as a measure to retain girls in school.
African Concept of Participation:
(Asian Trading Corporation, 2016) Mutyaba, E. M.
This chapter presents the African concept of participation as having a theological foundation. The African notion of participation is understood in terms of appurtenance to God our source and in whose fraction of vital force we participate. Man cannot give life to another if not by participating in God’s creative power through which he communicates life. This explains why the traditional Banyarwanda leave a small hole in the middle of the roof of their hats called endoleroy’Imana through which God (Imana) sees when the couple have intercourse and together with them creates a new life (baby). This common appurtenance and participation in one source makes us participate in each other’s vital force too. This explains why the life of an African is tied to his community (expressed by John Mbiti as “I am because we are, because we are therefore I am”) and it has a religious overtone, so much so that he does not distinguish between the sacred and the profane.

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