Browsing by Author "Japheth, Nkiriyehe Kwiringira"

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Deconstructing the psychosexual myths of female circumcision among the Pokot in Eastern Uganda: hints for public health campaigns
(Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 2023-05) Noah, Kalengo; Japheth, Nkiriyehe Kwiringira; Isabirye, Alone; Laban .K., Musinguzi; Janestic, Mwende Twikirize
Sexualization of the woman’s body has for years been used to promote the practice of female circumcision in practicing communities. In this study, we provide an insight into the constructive psychosexual experiences of uncir- cumcised Pokot women in Eastern Uganda. This phenomenological study was based on thirty-five In-depth interviews with uncircumcised women. A thematic analysis revealed six constructive psychosexual experiences; less exposure to early marriages, fewer complications during menstrual periods, amplified sexual pleasure, ease to reach orgasms, less exposure to sexually transmitted infections, and good reception by men from non-female circumcision communities. These experiences provide grounds for public health campaigns against female circumcision and fighting stigmatization of uncircumcised women.
“Here, your only relative is money…” why slum social networks do not facilitate neighborhood community development: insights through a sanitation lens
(BMC Public Health, 2023-11) Japheth, Nkiriyehe Kwiringira; Joseph, Rujumba; Paulino, Ariho; James, Mugisha; Henry, Zakumumpa; Liz, Perry Mohlin; Mathias, Akugizibwe; Innocent, Kamara Tumwebaze; Charles, Onyutha
Introduction Though social networks which are deemed vehicles of community development exist in slum areas, underdevelopment still persists in these areas. We explored the nature and role of social networks in facilitating community development in the slums of Kampala through a sanitation lens. Methods Qualitative Social Network Analysis (SNA) was done to understand the nature of slum social networks primarily through the analysis of sanitation behavior. Data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions (FGD), six In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and 18 Key Informant Interviews (KII) with Government, civil society and private stakeholders. We used both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged in our analysis; i); Unsupportive environments, uncooperative neighbours and uncertainty of tenure: participants reported slums as unsupportive of community development due to a shortage of space, poverty and unplanned services. Tenants perceived landlords as exploitative and predatory and wished the tables are turned. This notion of cyclic exploitation did not encourage collective action for community good. Short-term economic survival trumped long-term community interests ii) Patronage and poor service delivery: varying degrees of patronage led to multiple forms of illegalities and violations such as tax evasion. Due to vested interests and corruption among public officials, the slum population was lethargic. iii) Intersecting realities of poverty and unemployment: slum dwellers lived on the margins daily. Hence, poor living conditions were a secondary concern. iv) Social relations for personal development: Slum social networks were driven by individual interests rather than community good. Slum dwellers prioritized connections with people of common socio-economic interests. As such social networks were instrumental only if they ‘added value’. Conclusion Social networks in slums are only concerned about survival needs. Slums require responses that address the complexity of slum formation and broader livelihood challenges, as well as re-assessing the meaning of community. We posit that more needs to be done in understanding the meaning and workings of a sociology beyond physical societies. Poverty is a modifier of social systems and processes and should be a concern for all stakeholders involved in slum development.
Improving household water treatment: using zeolite to remove lead, fluoride and arsenic following optimized turbidity reduction in slow sand filtration
(Sustainable Environment Research, 2024-03) Charles, Onyutha; Emmanuel, Okello; Rebecca, Atukwase; Pamella, Nduhukiire; Michael, Ecodu; Japheth, Nkiriyehe Kwiringira
Despite the United Nations 2030 agenda, large number of both urban and rural dwellers in low-income countries continue to lack access to improved water. Thus, increased effort is required towards enhancing low-cost drinking water treatment technologies especially for developing countries. Slow sand filter (SSF) is one of the most commonly used low-cost and efficient technologies for treating household drinking water. However, effectiveness of SSF is sub- stantially affected by very high turbidity and relatively large amounts of dissolved heavy metals. To enhance removal of both turbidity and heavy metals, this study optimized sand bed depth (SBD) of SSF and investigated the potential of natural zeolite from Uganda for removal of lead, arsenite (As(III)) and fluoride ions from water. To remove lead ions, the zeolite was used in its natural form. However, to remove As(III) and fluoride, the natural zeolite was modified using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide solution. Removal of high turbidity was found to require a large optimal SBD. Furthermore, efficiency of treating synthetic turbid water increased with increasing initial turbidity. Variation of final turbidity with SBD was found to be best described by an exponential function. Optimal SBDs on top of an underdrain gravel layer of 0.2 m were 453, 522, 561, and 580 mm for turbidity of 60, 80, 100, and 120 NTU, respectively. Opti- mized SBD used achieve at least 95% efficiency in removing suspended particles from water with turbidity 120 NTU was found to save up to 35% of the total cost for acquiring sand volume required by a conventional SSF. For a par- ticular zeolite mass, removal efficiencies of lead, As(III) and fluoride generally increased with increasing contact time. Removal efficiencies of lead, As(III), and fluorides were also shown to increase with increasing zeolite mass. Lead removal efficiencies using natural zeolite were 75 and 98% under 20 and 40 min, respectively. Removal of As(III) using modified zeolite mass was 91% within contact time of 10 min. Adsorption of fluoride on modified zeolite was 80% within 5 min. Adsorption of lead, As(III), and fluorides indicated promising potential of natural zeolites from Uganda for treating polluted water.