Kabale University Digital Repository (KAB-DR)
KAB-DR preserves research output from the Kabale University community
Communities in KAB-DR
Select a community to browse its collections.
- The collections in this Community are comprised of Indigenous Knowledge emanating from communities in the neighborhoods of Kabale University. These are communities in the great Kigezi Region.
- This community holds students (Graduates) dissertation and Thesis, Staff field reports, Students (undergraduate) study reports
- The community includes research article publications in journals both local and international, conference papers in proceedings and reports, abstracts and reviews by Kabale University Staff and Students
- This community archives publications by individual University Staff and Students, Faculty and Departmental Publications (i.e. University Journal, Newsletters, University official publications etc.), groups and Association operating in the University (i.e. Convocation and Staff and Students Association}
Recent Submissions
Setting Priorities for African Postoperative Pain Research Through an International Delphi Process
(International Anesthesia Research Society, 2025) Asfaw, Gebrehiwot; Melkie, Tadesse B.; Shiferaw, Ananya A.; Mwiti, Timothy M.; Nyirigira, Gaston; Retief, Francois; Mikailu, Alfa A.; Zacharia, Amos; Jarju, Ensa; Lakew, Esubalew; Epiu, Isabella; Vishaal, Kissoon; Abed, Lynda; Yimer, Mequanent; Mohamed, Mubarak; Ekor, Oluwayemisi E.; Bukuru, Prudence; Djagbletey, Robert; Ayad, Amany E.; Forget, Patrice; Gebremedhn, Endale G.
Acute postoperative pain remains a significant challenge in Africa, with prevalence rates of moderate-to-severe pain reaching 91.4–95%, exacerbated by resource constraints, inadequate training, and policy gaps in low- and middle-income countries. This perspective article employs a modified two-round Delphi process involving 174 multidisciplinary experts from 25 African countries to identify the top 10 research priorities and three key strategies for addressing postoperative pain. Priorities, ranked by consensus magnitude, include evaluating current practices, developing cost-effective multimodal analgesia, enhancing regional anesthesia training, assessing patient satisfaction, identifying barriers/enablers, examining impacts on surgical outcomes, exploring preemptive analgesia roles, addressing pediatric barriers, and predicting acute/chronic pain risks. Strategies emphasize developing regional anesthesia guidelines, harmonized multidisciplinary curricula, and context-specific pain assessment tools. These priorities aim to inform evidence-based policies, optimize resource allocation, and improve patient-centered care across diverse African settings.
Transformation of communities’ perceptions towards women’s participation in Uganda’s politics
(East African Journal of Peace & Human Rights,, 2023) Mutuuzo, Peace Regis; Makara, Sabiti; Ssali, Sarah
Despite the fact that Uganda reserves 30% of electoral seats for women alongside open seats to promote gender equality in politics, the increase in women’s political representation is largely due to these reserved seats and not success in the open seat contests. This study investigated whether communities’ perceptions have shifted to support equal gender representation in politics. It specifically assessed the local communities’ willingness to vote for a woman competing against a man for an open seat, and the willingness of Members of Parliament (MPs) to support a policy of equal gender representation in politics. The study used a cross-sectional design and employed random sampling techniques to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 400 respondents across four Ugandan districts: Kasese, Mukono, Jinja, and Arua. It also included 16 gender-segmented focus group discussions and 38 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Findings revealed that communities’ perceptions have transformed. For instance, 91.8 per cent of respondents expressed willingness to vote for a woman contesting with a man on an open seat. The main reasons for this willingness were; leadership qualities, ability to represent women's issues, and transparency. However, actual voting patterns did not reflect this willingness. In addition, male MPs expressed unwillingness to support a gender parity policy, citing concerns about losing dominance over women, disruption of the male-led social order, and a belief that women are adequately represented in other sectors. The study recommends amending Articles 79 and 189 of the Ugandan Constitution to guarantee equal gender representation in all elective positions and close the gender gap in politics.
Election and post-election management of the 2021 elections in Uganda.
(Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Uganda & South Sudan and The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre., 2025) Makara, Sabiti
On January 14, 2021, Uganda conducted its fourth multiparty general elections under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime, which has governed since 1986. This chapter appraises the performance of the Electoral Commission (EC) and associated institutions in managing these polls, emphasizing key processes such as the electoral roadmap, voter registration and register updates, candidate nominations, freedom to campaign, and results management. It contextualizes the 2021 elections within historical trajectories of electoral administration since independence, including the shift from no-party to multiparty politics in 2005, persistent demands for reforms, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis highlights a persistent trust deficit in the EC stemming from its composition, presidential appointments, and perceived bias toward procedural focus over substantive fairness while questioning whether regular multiparty elections have truly advanced democratic consolidation in Uganda. Drawing on legal frameworks, observer reports, and stakeholder critiques, the chapter underscores how issues like violence, incumbency misuse, and inadequate autonomy undermine electoral integrity, yet notes incremental administrative improvements in areas like voter verification.
Optimal Pavement Maintenance Strategy Based on the Relationship Between Pavement Condition Index and Roughness
(7th FUTA Engineering Conference, 2024) Kabiru, R. U.; Abbas, U.; Hassan, Aliyu; Terseer, A; Muhindo, D
Pavement maintenance is crucial for ensuring road safety, reducing congestion, and minimizing repair costs. However, determining the optimal timing and strategy for pavement maintenance remains a challenge. This study investigated the correlation between the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Roughness Index (RI) to develop a numerical model for describing relationship of the two indices for pavement maintenance decision-making. Using statistical analysis and data visualization techniques, a significant correlation was found between PCI and RI. The study revealed a moderate correlation between PCI and IRI (R² = 0.47), indicating that 47% of PCI variations can be explained by IRI. While this suggests that the model is capturing a significant amount of the relationship between PCI and IRI, there is still room for improvement, as about 53% of the variance in PCI is not explained by the model. Since the PCI is a measure of road pavement conditions (on a scale typically ranging from 0 to 100), an RMSE of 7.77 means that the model's predictions for PCI are, on average, about 7 to 8 PCI units off from the actual value. The study established a clear relationship between pavement condition and surface roughness, enabling the development of a model to guide maintenance decisions. The study recommends prioritizing roads with PCI ≥ 50.3 and RI ≤ 5.12 m/km, alongside regular monitoring to ensure timely, cost-effective maintenance. Regular monitoring of PCI and RI values is also recommended to ensure timely maintenance and prevent costly repairs.
Fruits and Vegetables Used in Treating Respiratory and Other Troubles in Africa: Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry
(Springer Nature, 2025) Gumula, van; Buyinza, Daniel; Onen, Patrick; Kyarimpa, Christine
Respiratory troubles, which encompass conditions such as cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, common cold, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pose significant health challenges globally. This chapter explores the diverse array of biologically active agents (BAA) found in vegetables and fruit plants used not only as sources of food but also for treatment of respiratory troubles in Africa. A total of 38 vegetables and fruit plants from 22 families were encountered. The plants are sources of antimicrobials that help the lungs to resist infection as well as boost the immunity of the host; expectorants which stimulate the coughing up of mucus; anti-inflammatory agents and demulcents which soothe irritated membranes, while others are spasmolytic which relax the bronchial muscles. The BAA include allicin from garlic, quercetin from onions, theobromine from cacao, and anethole from fennel. BAA, such as bromelain in pineapple, beta-carotene in carrots, vitamin C in lemon, and glucosinolates in radish, play pivotal roles in mucolytic activities and enhancement of immune function as well as repair of the bronchial membrane. Some of the vegetables/fruits are a source of mineral salts that are vital to the integrity and functioning of lungs. Thus, Cleome gynandra contains selenium, a key component that inhibits HIV-associated tuberculosis. The available research evidence underscores the importance of integrating the BAA into human daily diets as a prophylactic approach and therapeutic strategy against respiratory troubles.