The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious leaders in Uganda

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for all categories and communities of people the world over. Its impact on religious practice, religious congregants, and all mankind has been profound. Precursory studies have underscored the significant contribution of religious leaders in mitigating the pandemic. However, few studies exist on the impact of the pandemic upon clerics in their own right as individuals and frontline agents in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, religious leaders are not distinct from other categories of persons and are, therefore, not exonerated from the effects of the pandemic. It examines their contact with the disease, and how they were affected in carrying out COVID-19 mitigating measures. Using qualitative methods of enquiry, forty religious leaders from Christian denominations and the Islamic faith formed the study population. It was established that religious leaders experienced physical, psychological, and socio-economic hardships emanating from their personal experience of the disease on one hand and as societies’ frontline mitigating agents against the pandemic on the other. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among clerics in Uganda varied according to religious affiliation, gender, and rural-urban divide. In attempts to provide auxiliary support to mitigate the pandemic and attend to their own struggles, clerics suffered a double tragedy of trauma. The pandemic experience also changed clerics’ opinions as they attempted to manage and adapt to the situation

AI-Augmented terahertz metamaterial biosensor for rapid and accurate isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines

We present a novel metamaterial-based terahertz biosensor integrated with AI for rapid isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines. The sensor, optimized through COMSOL simulations, delivers exceptional sensitivity (300GHzRIU-1) and detects refractive index changes as small as 0.05 RIU. Its precision is validated by a near-perfect linear correlation (R2 ¼ 99.73%) and stable performance metrics, including a 0.015 THz FWHM and Quality Factor of 47. Uniquely, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network augments predictive capability, achieving R2 values up to 1.00 across diverse conditions. This synergistic approach—combining terahertz spectroscopy, metamaterial-enhanced signal amplification, and AI-driven modeling—offers a transformative solution for standardizing and quality-controlling botanical therapeutics. By enabling fast, accurate, and scalable quantification of bioactive compounds, the system sets a new benchmark for analytical methodologies in natural product research

A multi-hydrological model ensemble prediction uncertainty estimation (e-PRUNE) framework

Among the several hydrological model uncertainty estimation methods, the generalized uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method is popular due to its simplicity. The application of GLUE tends to be limited to the cases when hydrological models are applied individually. Notably, little attention is given to model differences when applying GLUE. This study introduced a framework for multi-hydrological model ensemble prediction uncertainty estimation (e-PRUNE). For demonstration, the framework was applied to real hydrometeorological data while considering three sub-sources of calibration-related uncertainty including the influence of the choice of a sampling scheme, hydrological model (HM), and objective function (OF). Ten SCs, six HMs, and eight OFs were considered. Influences from SCs, OFs, and HMs were combined and assumed to substantially comprise the overall predictive uncertainty (OPU). The sub-uncertainty bound based on HM's choice was larger than that of either SC's or OF's selection. Contributions of sub-uncertainties from HM, SC, and OF to the OPU were additive. Thus, the effect of removing one source of uncertainty (for instance, OF) could easily be realized from the width of OPU's bounds. This study showed the importance of the e-PRUNE framework for insight into the contributions of various sub-uncertainty sources to the OPU

Economic growth through gender parity: evidence from education, labour, and governance in Uganda

P. (1-17) ;This study examines the extent to which gender parity in education, labour force participation, and governance influences Uganda's economic growth. It investigates whether progress in these dimensions of gender equality leads to sustained economic benefits by analysing both short- and long-run effects using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and annual data from 1997 to 2023. The results reveal contrasting effects: while educational parity has a positive but statistically insignificant long-run impact, suggesting that increased female enrolment alone is insufficient for economic transformation, labour force parity exerts a significant negative longrun effect due to structural inefficiencies, such as occupational segregation and under-employment. By contrast, governance parity, measured by female representation in parliament, demonstrates a significant short-run positive effect, indicating that inclusive decision-making can yield immediate economic gains, although its long-run effect remains statistically insignificant due to institutional constraints. These findings highlight the need for structural reforms to enhance the quality of female employment, institutional governance effectiveness, and the alignment between education and labour market demands. Policymakers should prioritize gender-sensitive policies that foster productive employment, strengthen governance reforms, and improve economic returns on educational parity to maximize the contribution of gender equality to economic growth. This study provides empirical evidence supporting gender-inclusive economic strategies, offering valuable insights for Uganda and similar economies in sub-Saharan Africa

Liver cancer risks associated with consumption of groundnuts and maize contaminated with Aflatoxins in Eastern Uganda

17-27 pagesBackground and Objectives: Regular consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins is associated with the prevalence of liver cancer in humans. Aflatoxin contamination of food occurs because of poor handling practices during drying, storage and processing. The cancer risk for children and adults, who consume contaminated maize and groundnut products with aflatoxins, was assessed. Materials and Methods: he level of aflatoxin was assessed using enzyme Enzyme-linked Linked immunosorbent Immunosorbent assay Assay. Cancer risk was characterized using margin of exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Results: The level of aflatoxins ranged from 2.94– to 3.38 μg/kg in groundnuts and 2.25– to 2.38 μg/kg in maize grains. Groundnut pastes and maize flours included aflatoxin levels of 2.12– to 2.53 μg/kg and 1.51– to 1.54 μg/kg, respectively. The quantities of aflatoxin in groundnuts and maize grains were correspondingly higher than those in the pastes and flours. Levels of aflatoxin were less than the maximum limit of 10 μg/kg, set by the East African Community. The margin of exposure of 9.90–185.76 was less than the safety margin of 10000 for aflatoxin exposure in foods. The hepatocellular carcinoma risk varied between 0.94– and 49.86 cases/100,000 individuals/y with the values for children of being 2– to 3 times higher than the World Health Organization acceptable level of one cancer case/y/100,000 individuals. Conclusions: Consumption of groundnut and maize products in Eastern Uganda is greatly a concern and should be prioritized as a public health problem

The domestic relations legislations’ debates in Uganda : towards a 69 Perspective

9 p. ;The article sets out to explore the historical controversies that have shrouded Uganda’s Domestic Relations legislations. It posits that the controversies are due to differing ideological standpoints between the proponents and the opponents in the legislative debates, all aiming at protecting the Ugandan-African family. Whereas the proponents’ approach is influenced by the contemporary liberal and emancipation doctrines, the opponents’ views are hinged on the Afro-cultural and religious standpoints. The article employs the analogue of 6 or 9 and 69 to illustrate challenges and prospects of positionalities and perspectives in the legislation debates. The article uses document analysis methodology, and is informed by symbolic interaction theoretical frameworks. In its conclusion, the article advocates for a 69 perspective, as the tete e tete positionality if meaningful legislation on Domestic Relations is to be achieved. The 69 perspective is a fresh perspective resulting from interactions and negotiations between the proponents’ and opponents’ worldviews hence creating a meaningful and harmonious standpoint

Ethos of librarians in academic libraries in Uganda: a study of unethical practices

49 - 61 p. ;This paper analyses the ethical practices of Ugandan academic librarians by studying student service experiences at Kyambogo University (KyU) and Uganda Christian University (UCU). Through focus group discussions conducted with twenty-three (23) Library and Information Science (LIS) students (n=14 Kyambogo; n=9 UCU) who served as participants sampled by convenience and purposive strategies, the study analysed the multifaceted aspects related to ethical conduct. The research revealed that students’ perceived expectations of research assistance, ICT, and reference services differed substantially from actual practice. Current unethical conduct includes librarian absence and book restrictions, as well as resource misuse. This ethical deficit arises from three main factors: insufficient and enforceable ethical standards at the national level, inadequate professional oversight systems, and cultural norms within UCU, which exemplify faith-based higher education that sometimes conceals underlying ethical difficulties. This research develops an Ubuntu-based ethical system to supplement the IFLA Code of Ethics tailored to the Ugandan sociocultural setting. The study promotes LIS education that focuses on ethics, along with continuous professional development initiatives, and the development of a code of conduct between libraries and the delivery of psychosocial services to librarians. The study brings sophistication to African library ethics scholarship by supplying ethical recommendations tailored for academic institutions based upon empirical findings

Validating Measures of Technological Acceptance Model in the Context of Lecturers at Kyambogo University

The study validated the measures of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of lecturers at Kyambogo University. Based on Davis (1986), the TAM was studied in terms of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. In this correlational study that involved a sample of 195 lecturers at Kyambogo University, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM) using Smart PLS for partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to determine the presence of the three constructs of the TAM, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention. Descriptive results indicated that the above three constructs of the TAM were highly practised by lecturers at Kyambogo University. PLS-SEM showed that the indicators that were used to measure the above three constructs of TAM were appropriate measures. The study concluded that the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM, namely, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and behavioural intention, are valid and reliable. It was recommended that researchers use the indicators assessed in this article to measure the three constructs of TAM

Assessment of landslide susceptibility and settlement exposure via Geospatial techniques in Bulambuli distrcit, eastern Uganda

17 p.Landslide susceptibility is a significant concern in Elgon County, Uganda, particularly during the rainy season. This vulnerability is attributable to several factors, including steep slopes, fertile soils, and dense settlements on volcanic ridges. Landslide susceptibility maps are important in mitigating the risk particularly at the local level. The objectives of this study were 1) to model landslide susceptibility via an interpretable machine-learning model, 2) to identify the most influential factors for landslide susceptibility in the study area, and 3) to assess the exposure of settlements to landslide risk. This study employed the XGBoost model trained on nine conditioning factors via GIS data. Exposure analysis was performed through the zonal statistics and spatial overlay of the landslide susceptibility map with the settlement footprint data and classified into four risk exposure classes. The results show that the XGBoost model attained an AUC of 95.2%, indicating its precision. The results further revealed that approximately 50% of the slopes are susceptible to landslides and that 76% of the settlements in the study area are highly exposed to landslide risk. Bulugunya, Sisiyi, Lusha, and Buginyanya subcounties located on the middle slopes are the most susceptible areas in Elgon County and have relatively high settlement exposure because of the overlap of dense settlements with unstable terrain. The SHAP analysis identified slope, elevation, and the NDVI as the key influencing factors of susceptibility. This study highlights the importance of conducting detailed, local-scale landslide susceptibility and risk exposure mapping as necessary for risk and vulnerability assessment. The generation of such maps has the potential to inform land-use planning and risk-reduction strategies, thus offering significant advantages over regional models. Furthermore, by interpreting the XGBoost model, this study provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes of machine learning models, promoting their practical application in designing appropriate disaster mitigation plans

Children and libraries: innovative library services at marko lukooya memorial community library during the Covid-19 pandemic, Uganda

P. (151-169) ;Community libraries do not receive financial support from the government, unlike public and academic libraries in Uganda. This study explored the provision of library services during the COVID-19 period by Marko Lukooya Memorial Community Library. The study investigated library services provided by the library, challenges encountered, and strategies that were used to address the challenges faced during the pandemic. A qualitative case study research design was used. Data was collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews and observation methods with library staff and patrons. Standard Operating Procedures were followed during the pandemic by both the participants and researchers to mitigate the risk of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Key findings revealed that the library adapted innovative ways to provide library services to children and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic amidst many challenges. The study recommends training of library staff in information management and more material and financial support by donors, the government, and all well-wishers to support the good work being done by Marko Lukooya Memorial Community Library in Uganda