Browsing by Author "Akugizibwe, Mathias"

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‘I no longer worry about money for transport to the health centre’ - economic empowerment of caregivers of children living with HIV through Village Savings and Loan Associations: experiences and lessons from the ’Towards an AIDS Free Generation Program in Uganda (TAFU)’
(BMC Health Services Research, 2025-02-04) Rujumba, Joseph; Roebersen, Carmen ; Namara, Susan ; Ochen, Richard ; Ahumuza, Sharon Eva ; Tushabe, Allen ; Akugizibwe, Mathias ; Bitira, David ; Mwesigye, Innocent ; Kentusi, Stella ; Zakumumpa, Henry ; Kwiringira, Japheth ; Natukwatsa, Musinguzi Merian
Background In Uganda, social economic challenges continue to hinder attainment of HIV prevention and treatment targets for children. Aidsfonds and partners in Uganda implemented an eight-year ‘Towards an AIDS Free Generation in Uganda’ (TAFU) programme in central, western and eastern, Uganda with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as a key component. In this paper we document experiences of caregivers, children and health workers and lessons learnt from VSLAs as part of the TAFU programme in Uganda. Methodology A qualitative case study was conducted between July and August 2022 in Ntungamo, Kyenjojo Mityana, Mubende and Soroti, districts. Data were collected through 31 focus group discussions (FGDs) with VSLA members, children and adolescents living with HIV, networks of people living with HIV and Village Health Team members (VHTs). In addition, we conducted 11 interviews with children and their caregivers at TAFU supported health facilities as well as 43 interviews with health workers and district ofcials involved in HIV programming. Content thematic approach was used for data analysis. Results The VSLAs under the TAFU programme were a source of economic resources in form of loans for income generation activities and to pay for health care costs which facilitated access to HIV care for children. Members developed lasting friendships and networks of support which helped them to meet the material and psychological needs of children. The VSLA groups provided safe spaces for caregivers to share challenges and to learn more about HIV prevention and treatment from expert clients which improved the care for children living with HIV. Group training,
Urban agriculture as an evolved sustainable urban livelihood: evidence from Kampala city, Uganda
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2024-12-22) Japheth, Kwiringira; Elizabeth, W. Perry Mohling; Akugizibwe, Mathias; Paulino, Ariho; James, Mugisha; Henry, Zakumumpa; Joseph, Rujumba; Innocent, Kamara Tumwebaze
Background For centuries, urban agriculture has been a vital livelihood strategy of urban households in developing countries. Previous studies looked at urban agriculture at a point in time as an urban livelihood for the urban poor that struggle with eking out a living, without the current dynamism, which attracts the non-poor into the practice. Having become an integral part of the urban economy, the study objective was to use poultry farming, to explore the role of urban agriculture as an evolved and dynamic urban livelihood that attracts the non-poor. Methods The study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The unit of analysis were urban farming households. Data were collected through four (4) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), sixteen (16) key informants and twenty (20) In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected for a period of two (2) months using unstructured research instruments, triangulated and thematically analysed. Results Our results indicate that; urban agriculture is an evolving urban activity. This evolution and continuities were driven by the merits of urban agriculture (food, jobs and income) to urban dwellers. Urban agriculture also contributed to the economic inclusion of women and the urban poor. There was household resource logic in practicing urban agriculture, especially in the private sector, where jobs were scarce. In view of these innovations, the urban authorities were supporting urban farmers with demonstrations and certifed inputs for farmers in Kampala and beyond. To further develop urban agriculture, it is recommended that farmers organize themselves into viable groups to further realize corporate advantages such as better resource access such as afordable fnancing, access to better inputs and linkages with various institutions and stakeholders in production, value addition, policy and marketing for better returns and sustainable farming practices. Conclusions These fndings if used in perspective by planners and regional managers have utility for the anchoring of urban agriculture in the urbanisation agenda for Uganda and beyond. It is envisaged that, stakeholders can draw useful actions relating to sustainable urban food production (consumer food shed), waste management, incomes, job creation, training, research and innovations in urban areas.
Urban child poverty in Kampala city, insights from children’s drawings
(Discover Global Society, 2025-08-08) Kwiringira, Japheth Nkiriyehe; Okimait, David; Perry, Elizabeth W.; Akugizibwe, Mathias; Otim, Jude; Bhangyi, Venesio Bwambale; Balyejjusa, Moses Senkosi; Mugisha, James; Isabirye, Alone; Rujumba, Joseph
In many urban areas, rapid urbanization, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, has overwhelmed technical and administrative capacity to provide adequate services. This has led to various challenges of urban sustainability, including urban child poverty, known to worsen the cognitive and emotional well-being of such children. We aimed to gain an understanding of and provide evidence on urban child poverty in Uganda through children’s diagrammatic representations of the drivers, effects, and needed interventions. We used children’s drawings, in-depth interpretations of these drawings, and observations. Using a two-stage sampling strategy, data were collected from four poor slum zones within Kampala city. Through purposive sampling, 26 deprived slum dwelling children aged between 7 and 15 years, who were willing to take part in the study, were asked to share their stories regarding their experiences of urban poverty using drawings, and generating narratives about them. Data analysis was done using a participatory design of the code-book, drawing visualization, and analysis. Some verbatim statements were also picked directly from raw data and used to strengthen this analysis and reporting. Children were well conversant with the problem of urban child poverty based on its causes, manifestations, and effects. Children expressed that urban child poverty was linked to domestic violence, lack of parental care, chronic sickness, orphanhood, and the absence of child support services in the community. Effects of urban poverty included the inability to use medical facilities, lack of access to information, ill health, coping with street life through violence, poor shelter, overcrowding, lack of social capital, and being excluded from basic decision-making processes at all levels. There is also a need to build on the available child rights initiatives in urban areas and elsewhere as a means to reduce these urban distortions. Continuous investment in research to present the different experiences of urban vulnerable groups should also be done to underpin evidence-based urban programming.
When will the doctor be around so that I come by?!’ Geo-socio effects on health care supply, access and utilisation: experiences from Kalangala Islands, Uganda
(BMC Health Services Research, 2021-10-26) Kwiringira, Japheth Nkiriyehe; Mugisha, James; Akugizibwe, Mathias; Ariho, Paulino
The study set out to give an in-depth intersection of geo, eco-socio exposition of the factors relating to geography, healthcare supply and utilization in an island setting. This analysis is informed by what has emerged to be known as social epidemiology. We provide in-depth explanation of context to health care access, utilization and outcomes. We argue that health care delivery has multiple intersections that are experientially complex, multi-layered and multi-dimensional to the disadvantage of vulnerable population segments of society in the study area.