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The mediating role of individual adaptability in the relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being: evidence from Uganda’s small enterprises
(International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 2025-01-10) Agnes, Tabala; John Munene; James Kagaari; Samuel Mafabi; Janatti Kyogabiirwe Bagorogoza
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate whether individual adaptability mediates the relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being (PWB) of Ugandan small enterprise employees. Furthermore, the paper examines whether psychological capital and individual adaptability also affect PWB.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey design using a quantitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 726 employees of small enterprises in Uganda using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists and uploaded into AMOS version 23. The hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
Results confirm that individual adaptability partially mediates the relationship between psychological capital and PWB. Findings further indicate that psychological capital is positively related to individual adaptability and that individual adaptability is positively related to PWB.
Research limitations/implications
First, the sample of this study consisted of employees working with small enterprises in Uganda with different demographic characteristics; thus, the generalizability of these findings to other sectors or contexts needs to be established. Secondly, the study was quantitative in nature. This study has managerial implications in a way that managers should have people management skills that support their employees to develop psychological capital and individual adaptability.
Originality/value
This study may be among the first to demonstrate that individual adaptability partially mediates the relationship between psychological capital and PWB in the context of small enterprise employees of Uganda, an African developing country. Consequently, this study contributes to both theory and literature via the broaden-and-build theory and the complex adaptive systems theory, hence adding to the scant existing literature on psychological capital, individual adaptability and PWB.
6 Exploring the intersection of disability and religion in the context of COVID-19 and sustainable development in Africa. Religion, Disability, and Sustainable Development in Africa.
(Religion, Disability, and Sustainable Development in Africa., 2025-01) Nakawesa, Swabra; Nuwagaba, Ephraim Lemmy
This chapter talks about the intersection of disability and religion in the context of COVID-19 and sustainable development in Africa. Acknowledging the persons with disabilities are a vulnerable group with the SDGs framework. It further elaborate the intersectionality of religion, COVID-19 and disability.
Semi-field experiments reveal contrasted predation and movement patterns of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of Anopheles gambiae larvae
(Malaria Journal, 2025-01) Hudson, Onen; Emmanuel W. Kaindoa; Joel Nkya; Alex Limwagu; Martha A. Kaddumukasa; Fredros O. Okumu; Jonathan K. Kayondo; Anne M. Akol; Frédéric Tripet
Background Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex are major malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. Their larval stages inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats in which, under natural circumstances, they are preyed upon by different taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators. Understanding the potential impact of predators on malaria vector larval population dynamics is important for enabling integrated local mosquito control programmes with a stronger emphasis on biocontrol approaches. This study experimentally evaluated the predation efficacy and foraging strategy of three common aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of An. gambiae, diving beetles (Coleoptera), backswimmers (Hemiptera), and dragonfly nymphs (Odonata) in a semi-field system in South-Eastern Tanzania. Methods An array of alternating small and large basins used as aquatic habitats was created in two compartments of a semi-field system and filled with well water. Field-collected adult diving beetles, backswimmers or dragonf ly nymphs were randomly assigned to these habitats and Anopheles arabiensis larvae were added as prey in half of the habitats. The number of mosquito larvae consumed, predator mobility across habitats and mortality were recorded at 24, 48 and 72 h. Results The presence of An. gambiae larvae in habitats significantly increased the survival of backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs, which are not mobile. In contrast, diving beetles survived well under any initial condition by preferentially flying away from habitats without prey to nearby larger habitats with prey. The larval predation rates of predacious diving beetle, backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs were stable over time at a mean of 3.2, 7.0 and 9.6 larvae consumed each day. Conclusion This study demonstrates that aquatic macroinvertebrate predators display adaptive foraging behaviour in response to prey presence and aquatic habitat size. It also confirms the ability of these predators to significantly reduce An. gambiae larval densities in aquatic habitats, thus their potential for consideration as additional biocontrol tools for mosquito population reduction.
Valuation of regulating ecosystem services in Africa: a review of policy impact reporting
(Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 2025-01-06) Gertrude, Akello; Godwin Opinde; Sammy Letema
Regulating ecosystem services (RES) play a very critical role in the sustenance of environmental health and human well-being, yet their valuation remains a complex and dynamic field. The variety of valuation methods, each with its strengths and limitations, as well as the limited methodological guidance for the selection of appropriate methods, poses a challenge in the valuation of RES. This review examined RES valuation studies in Africa, focusing on growth trends, methodological preferences, and policy reporting approaches. Drawing on the existing literature, we also explored the use of decision trees to support the choice of appropriate methods. A synthesis of peer-reviewed literature identified 31 studies, and their analysis revealed the dominant use of single-valuation methods in the assessment of RES and a varied growth rate in the number of valuation studies over the period under review. Furthermore, a notable heterogeneity exists in the methods used to report policy impact across various value assessments. This review contributes valuable insights into the current state of RES valuation research, necessary to advance methodologies, guide future research, and inform policy discussions on the sustainable management of ecosystems.
Teacher support and students’ academic resilience in universal secondary education schools in luwero district, Uganda
(Interdisciplinary Journal of Education, 2024-12-02) Justine, Nansamba; Wilson Mugizi; Joseph Rwothumio; Joshua Kimata Kato
This study investigated the impact of teacher support on students' academic
resilience in Universal Secondary Education schools in Luwero district,
Uganda. Specifically, the study examined whether teacher investment of effort,
positive regard, and accessibility significantly influenced students' academic
resilience, defined as perseverance, help-seeking, and positive affect. Using a
quantitative approach and correlational research design, the study surveyed
324 students selected through simple random sampling. Data collection
employed a self-administered questionnaire, and analysis involved structural
equation modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS. The results revealed that teacher
investment of effort, positive regard, and accessibility had a positive and
statistically significant impact on students' academic resilience. The findings
suggest that teacher support, particularly positive regard, followed by
investment of effort and accessibility, fosters students' academic resilience. The
study recommends that head teachers sensitise teachers to provide
comprehensive support by creating a supportive learning environment that
involves being invested in students' academics, accessible, and showing positive
regard. This study's practical contribution lies in demonstrating how teacher
support can promote students' resilience, providing valuable insights for
educators and policymakers.