Uganda is one of the first African countries affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the early 1980s. The country did not have the resources to provide the required treatments and prevent the spread of the virus. The poor and sometimes non-existent health care services increased the spread of HIV in the country, especially in rural areas where some communities are hard to reach. This study sought to explore the services and supportoffered to children in different Ugandan communities, as well as to understand their perceptions about these interventions. Structured interviews using a mapping technique with 15 children aged between 13 and17 years were conducted in five districts in Jinja town. Direct observations were also conducted in five different sub-counties through The AIDS Support Organization (TASO). Content qualitative analysis was used to capture the children’s perceptions. There were 6 themes identified in this study: 1) Children identified family, friends, pastors and teachers as key actors in their social circle as people who are respecting their rights; 2) Chairpersons were crucial to the daily functionality of their communities, where they provide safety and consultation services; 3) Although some children acknowledged the presence of local, national and international organizations for developing and implementing projects, most children were unaware of the presence, specific functionalities, or the operation centres of the organizations. In consort, they were unaware of the services out there designed to help vulnerable children; 4) Children had various sex disaggregated responsibilities, from financial support for their families (girls) to subsistence activities (boys). Work responsibilities and childbearing expectations hindered girls from staying in school after the secondary level; 5) Children felt more comfortable discussing perceived delicate and sensitive topics (e.g. secrets) with friends. Children were least comfortable expressing their opinions with adults to whom they could not relate (e.g. educational aspirations). Children were mainly afraid to openly discuss sensitive and difficult topics with adults due to fears of the negative consequences, such as physical beatings, of disobedience; 6) Unavailability and inaccessibility of secondary and post-secondary schools in remote communities hindered children from receiving education past primary levels. The findings revealed some key challenges that vulnerable children in Uganda can face, including discomfort and fear about speaking with adults, responsibilities and unavailability or inaccessibility of education, as well as the lack of knowledge and awareness of the available services.

The study aimed at deforestation and its impact on climate changes in Kisoro district with a case study of Nyundo sub-county and it was guided by the following objectives; To find out the level of deforestation in Nyundo sub county in Kisoro district, to find out extent of climate changes in Nyundo sub county in Kisoro district and to find out the relationship between deforestation and climate change in Nyundo Sub County in Kisoro district. The researcher employed a descriptive survey research design that helped in gathering information where little knowledge is known. The researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms in data analysis for purposes of methodological triangulation in-order to enhance the validity and reliability of the study findings. From the findings, the researcher found out that the leading effect of deforestation on climate change is Un expected heavy rainfall by 47.2%, followed by pro-longed drought with 29.1%, floods by 15.2%, and loss of biodiversity by 8.3%. The research also recommends that mass sensitization of people about the importance of natural resources, putting strict laws against human activities, encouraging reafforestation and afforestation, and electricity extension to rural areas as possible measures that can be undertaken to reduce deforestation causing climate change.

This research study investigated “Drug and substance abuse on the health of street children in Central Division Kisoro Municipality Kisoro District. The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which drug and substance abuse has affected the health of street children in Kisoro Municipality. The study focused on three objectives which included; to find out the effects of drug and substance abuse on the health of street children, to find out the factors leading to drug and substance abuse among street children and finally to find out the drugs commonly abused by street children in Central division Kisoro District Kisoro Municipality. The study employed descriptive research design where both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection was used (Questionnaires and interview guide). Collected data was analyzed thematically using tables in form of frequencies and percentages and some graphs. The study found out that the drug and substance abuse had a lot of effects on the health of street children. The effects discovered out of the study included; suicidal thoughts, mental illnesses, depression, verbal abuses, loss of weight and appetite, prolonged illnesses, fights among others. The study furthermore discovered some factors leading to drug abuse which included; idleness, culture, peer influence, mass media, examination pressure and religion. And among the drugs abused include Cannabis, tobacco, Opiates, Nicotine, Cocaine, Marijuana among others. The study therefore recommended that parents should provide enough parental guidance to their children and also encouraging them to attend youth religious camps. The government should also put strict laws regarding drug abuse and alcoholism especially to children as well as taking children practicing drug abuse and alcoholism to rehabilitation centres where they can receive counseling and guidance to reshape their lives hence becoming responsible citizens of the nation

Title: Exploring the Relationship between Drug Use, Criminality, and Socioeconomic Factors in Western Division, Fort Portal City: This research investigates the intricate relationship between drug use, criminality, and socioeconomic factors within the Western Division of Fort Portal City, Uganda. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the study aims to deepen understanding of the multifaceted dynamics influencing illicit behaviors in the community. Quantitative data collection involves surveying a sample population to assess perceptions regarding the influence of socioeconomic status, community cohesion, and law enforcement presence on drug use and criminality. Additionally, qualitative interviews provide rich insights into participants' experiences and perspectives on these issues. Preliminary findings suggest diverse perceptions among participants, highlighting the complex interplay between socioeconomic disparities, social cohesion, and law enforcement strategies in shaping illicit behaviors. The study's outcomes aim to inform evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at addressing substance abuse and crime, fostering safer and more resilient communities in the Western Division and beyond. Implementing targeted interventions to address socioeconomic disparities and promote social cohesion within the community, such as youth empowerment programs, economic development initiatives, and community-building activities.

The role of ecotourism as a means of influencing the path of local development or encouraging conservation activities was not unproblematic. Indeed, an increasing body of literature not only challenges the assumed benevolence of ecotourism but critically questions the role of ecotourism in contributing to the greater social and economic justice so often assumed under these programs. This paper sought to contribute to this growing body of critical literature through an analysis of the impact of ecotourism on the everyday lives of rural villagers adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, paying particular attention to the social forms of access to and control over the process through which decisions about ecotourism take place. Drawing on a year of ethnographic-based fieldwork, this paper focused on how the commodification of Bwindi as a product of wilderness, a wild and un-spoilt destination marketed to foreign visitors, promotes the external control of conservation spaces by international organizations that ultimately contribute to, rather than alleviate, poverty and dependency in local communities. F r o m t h e f i n d i n g s , 80% of the respondents said they were following what they have learned. This answer raised doubt. Most of the respondents thought the investigator was a spy to nab those involved in illegal activities. 18% respondents could not commit themselves as to whether the local population really abide by what they have been told. Beyond providing just another case study, however, this analysis argues that the ‘new’ relations between people and parks created under ecotourism in Bwindi have in actuality created new forms of control and vulnerabilities

This research investigates the correlation between healthcare worker motivation and the quality of healthcare service delivery in Lugazi Municipality. Through a mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires and interviews, the study explores global, regional, and local perspectives, drawing on recent research data. Motivational theories and contextual frameworks are employed to establish a solid foundation. The research identifies gaps in evidence-based understanding, with the general objective of comprehensively examining the relationship between healthcare worker motivation and service quality. Lugazi Municipality serves as the geographical scope due to its representative healthcare setting, with a focused two-month study period from September to November. The findings highlight a positive impact of training programs, recognition systems, and well-being initiatives on healthcare worker motivation. The findings related to recognition and rewards systems reveal a robust positive perception among healthcare workers. Mean scores ranging from 4.09 to 4.43 indicated a high level of agreement that recognition and tangible rewards significantly contribute to motivation. Respondents expressed a belief in the importance of consistent and fair recognition systems for enhancing motivation. Recommendations include refining existing strategies, and areas for further research encompass long-term impacts, regional variations, and program effectiveness. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare administrators and policymakers, offering a roadmap for enhancing healthcare services in Lugazi and beyond.

This research sought to investigate and examine the effects of the swift expansion in industrialization that has recently occurred throughout Kenya and its implications on the advancement and prosperity of small-scale businesses located within the Namaingo District, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to ascertain insightful perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders engaged in small and medium-sized entrepreneurial operations across varied industries located in the region. The swift growth in the number of sizable manufacturing firms establishing factories and production plants within proximity to Namaingo District has generated significant involuntary external consequences for pre-existing small-scale enterprises that previously comprised the nucleus of the local economy as these corporations now vie for the same pool of resources, including acquiring land and property at lower costs, recruiting skilled and semi-skilled laborers by offering higher salaries and benefits, and dominating market access both within the district and at broader provincial and national levels by attaining economies of scale that enable them to mass produce standardized goods and services at cheaper prices, which small businesses struggle to compete with given their more limited production capacities and financial capital. Through interviewing shop owners, artisans, agricultural producers, and other self-employed micro-business owners, the study found widespread sentiments that the breakneck growth of manufacturing monoliths within proximity was encroaching upon their enterprises’ viability through higher land rents, wage inflation, and diminished customers due to consumers substituting to less costly manufactured products, leading to declining revenues, downsizing of operations, and in some tragic cases even bankruptcy and enterprise dissolution, diminishing entrepreneurial opportunities and local self-employment options. However, through also engaging stakeholders from the burgeoning manufacturing sector, the research likewise identified perspectives painting rapid industrialization positively as generating much-needed formal sector job opportunities that uplift living standards and as driving infrastructure development and localized economic multiplier effects through ancillary firm linkages.

The study aimed at relief and land use in kisoro district: a case study of Nyakinama sub county and it was guided by the following objectives; To find out the level of land use in Nyakinama sub county, to find out the extent to which relief influence land use in Nyakinama sub county and to find out the relationship between relief and land use in Nyakinama sub county. The study used descriptive research design because of the nature of the variables that were at hand to produce data required for qualitative and quantitative analysis to allow simultaneous description of views, perceptions and beliefs at any single point in time. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis in which all the responses were categorized according to their thematic areas and analyzed according to their contents. Presentation was done on tables, and figures. From the findings, 20 (71.4%) of respondents revealed that relief influenced land use to a larger extent followed by some extent responses with 05 (18.0%), followed by smaller extent responses with 02 (7.1%) and finally some respondents were not sure of the statement with 01 (3.5%). This implied that the richness and the composition of plant communities are influenced by relief characteristics such as slope orientation, slope position, altitude, and slope. Local members should use all the resources available to achieve their goals and this would be done by using the land available effectively and appropriately. The shift of population from relatively lowproductivity rural areas to higher productivity urban areas has been a major aspect if not a driver of economic progress.

Waste management is increasingly becoming a great concern to most urban centers of most developing world including Kisoro Municipality. The uncollected waste from households, manufacturing (plastic and metal) sector, agriculture products, institutions (health and education) center, and market places are not properly disposed, others are scattered in open spaces, along the roads, water sources and drainage systems. This report is from the study conducted to find out; the level of waste management practices, challenges encountered by the community in waste management, the level of environmental conservation and the impacts of poor waste management practices on the environment in Kisoro Municipality. This study has mainly employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection where 90 respondents were sampled from Kisoro Municipality. The analysis of the findings was performed using Microsoft excel package. The findings revealed that the level of waste management practices was low indicating that people use poor waste management practices like use of plastic bags and dumping wastes in open space. Many challenges were found to be faced by the community including lack of funds and inaccessibility of waste dumping sites. The study also established that the level of environmental conservation is low in Kisoro Municipality. Among the impacts of poor waste management practices on the environment were land degradation, blockage of drainage systems, and creation of breeding sites for insects and vermins, extinction of bio-diversity, air/water pollution. The communities suggested the following solutions; financial support to facilitate waste management and community sensitization. The study recommended the following: allocation of enough funds to National environment management authority (NEMA), supervision and enforcement of strict laws and, sensitization of community about the consequences and the dangers of environmental degradation by the government, Strict implementation of bye-laws that tasks the residents to pay garbage collection fee by Municipal authorities, the community were urged to improve the type of facilities they use in relation to the nature and volume of wastes produced i.e. covered dust bins should be preferred to plastic bags since plastic bags add more problems to the environment and also they were discouraged from dumping of wastes in an open space or along the road sides, and the individuals were advised to manage wastes at their exposure before criticizing the authority for poor sanitations.