Browsing by Author "Amuge, Grace Esther"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Most significant changes from women’s economic empowerment and pathways from Ugandan women in the agro-value chain
(Discover Global Society, 2025-11-07) Kwiringira, Japheth Nkiriyehe; Amuge, Grace Esther; Okimait, David; Perry, Elizabeth W.; Nakalyowa, Luggya Deborah; Isabirye, Alone; Otim, Jude; Ganafa, Sumani; Rujumba, Joseph; Zakumumpa, Henry; Mugisha, James
Traditional evaluation models often rely on predefined indicators set by program designers, limiting the ability to capture emerging and lived outcomes. This study examines the impact of Women’s Economic Empowerment from beneficiaries’ perspectives using the Most Significant Change approach. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda, utilizing focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews among adult women who had waned off WEE support, supplemented by a literature review. Thematic analysis identified (5) significant domains of change at the waning of women’s economic empowerment support, including increased responsibility, community respect, improved mental health, stronger family relations, and enhanced confidence and agency. Challenges such as polygamous relationships, competitive dynamics, and the effects of COVID-19 hindered women’s empowerment outcomes. Pathways to significant change were: goal setting, peer and family support, resilience, and self-recognition of progress. Findings suggest that women’s empowerment should not focus solely on economic empowerment but must also address social and political dimensions of power, participation and inclusion. Women valued respect over power. Sustainable empowerment requires the active inclusion of men to mitigate adversarial gender dynamics. These findings reflect the need for inclusive development approaches to attain lasting societal progress.
Transactional sex, HIV testing and receipt of results among adolescents and young women: a comparative DHS analysis of the four major regions in Uganda
(AIDS and Behavior, 2026-01-20) Amuge, Grace Esther; Paulino Ariho; Peter Kisaakye; Giulia Scarpa
Transactional sex, and HIV remain significant public health concerns in Uganda, necessitating increased HIV testing and results receipt among young females who engage in transactional sex. This study aimed at examining regional variations and factors associated with transactional sex, HIV testing, and receipt of results among young women in the four major regions of Uganda. Stata version 15 was used to analyze the 2016 UDHS data set. The study applied a binary logistic regression model to examine the predictors of HIV testing and receipt of results at multivariate level. Overall, 13.5% of the young women reported engaging in transactional sex. The prevalence of HIV testing and receipt of results was highest amongst respondents who had been involved in transactional sex within Eastern Uganda (24.0%), and lowest among those in Central Uganda (7.2%). The study revealed significant predictors across regions: transactional sex, marital status, and distance to the health facility in the North; age, marital status and frequency of reading newspapers in Central; and age, working status, frequency of reading newspaper and watching television, and stigmatizing attitude in Eastern and Western regions. This study underscores the importance of region-specific programming and the need for an all-encompassing strategy to address the intricate factors driving HIV transmission among young women in Uganda. It is paramount that well designed peer education interventions tailored towards life skills development for young women engaged in transactional sex are implemented.