Mbarara University of Science and Technology Institutional Repository (MUST-IR)

MUST-IR preserves research output from the MUST Community

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Central Administration 120
This community will contain collections from the general Administrative staff
Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology 53
Faculty of Business and Management Sciences 93
Faculty of Computing and Informatics 132
Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies 197

Recent Submissions

Religiosity: Mediator of Tax Knowledge and Tax Compliance among Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)
(Technology and Investiment, 2025-02-20) Francis Tamale; Violah Mpangwire; Laura A. Orobia; Benjamin Musiita; Thomas Kisaalita; Brian Ssembatya; Kalimu Ndaazano; Brenda Kabasinguzi; Richard Mwesige
This study uses data from small business enterprises (SBEs) in a developing African economy to investigate the role of mediating religiosity in the link between tax Knowledge and tax compliance. This study used closed-ended questionnaires and a quantitative research design. This study employed a cross-sectional and correlational approach. A total of 283 SBE managers provided usable questionnaires, and SPSS v23 and the MedGraph application (Excel version) were used to analyze the data. Religion acts as a partial mediating factor in the relationship between tax compliance and tax knowledge. The results also indicate a strong relationship between tax compliance, tax awareness, and religiosity. Only one methodological research procedure was used, and triangulation may be attempted in future interviews. Furthermore, the results of this study were cross-sectional. More research should be conducted to assess the mediating effects examined in this study over time. A valid interpretation of the correlations between research variables always requires an analysis of the involvement of a third variable (religiosity) in the connection. This enables specialists and researchers to comprehend and reach valid conclusions and selections that might aid in improving tax compliance. Despite the abundance of research on tax compliance, this study uses SBE findings from Uganda, a developing economy in Africa, to provide the first empirical evidence of the mediating role of religiosity in the relationship between tax awareness and tax compliance.
Health economics of snakebite envenomation: A sub-Saharan African perspective
(Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2025) Innocent Ayesiga; Jonathan Mawutor Gmanyam; Alex Akaka; Olivier Kubwimana; Joshua Naatey Ternor; Ukasha Musa Hashim; Gertrude Ahenewaa Gyabaah; Justice Kwadwo Turzin; d Ivan Kahwa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is affected by the high direct and indirect costs of snakebite envenomation. With >30% of global mortality, different economic barriers still exist, and effective strategies must be employed to avert the burden and promote quality of life. With the WHO target of reducing the number of snakebites by one-half by 2030, different aspects concerning snakebite envenomation economics must be evaluated, and potential strategies must be developed. Strategies such as exploring the different snakebite prevention interventions, and the costs associated with these interventions, must be prioritized through extensive research and targeted surveys. Information obtained from these surveys can be used to draft effective policies to minimize snakebite envenomation incidence, reduce the economic burden associated with envenomation and improve the quality of life of people at risk. In this narrative review, we evaluate the different aspects concerning the health economics of snakebite envenomation and explore the financial capacity of SSA countries to mitigate envenomation. Additionally, we propose multiple steps that could be undertaken to mitigate the financial burden of envenomation in SSA. Furthermore, we propose critical research strategies to minimize direct and indirect costs arising from snakebite envenomation in the region.
Identification of training needs in schistosomiasis research to build capacity for schistosomiasis control in Uganda
(Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2025) Damalie Nakanjako; Moses Egesa; Helen Byakwaga; Casim Umba Tolo; Anatol Maranda Byaruhanga; Prudence Beinamaryo; Grace Banturaki; Lydia Nakiyingi; Ponsiano Ocama; Moses R. Kamya; Alison M. Elliott
Background: Schistosomiasis is the leading cause of fatal upper gastrointestinal bleeding among adults in East Africa. The prevalence among school-aged children in villages along the Albert–Nile shoreline in North-Western Uganda is estimated at 85%. Efforts to control schistosomiasis in low- and-middle-income countries remain limited due to an incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis, disease manifestations, transmission mechanisms, preventive measures and interventions. In addition, there is insufficient capacity to analyse, model and predict relevant clinical case management systems, biological interventions and disease control efforts. We conducted a needs assessment for schistosomiasis research training at academic and research institutions in Uganda to inform the development of a structured training programme to build capacity to conduct locally relevant research to control the disease. Methods: Using an online survey, we collected data on training needs, potential trainees, available resources including local and international collaborations, as well as priority areas for schistosomiasis research and training at academic and research institutions in Uganda. Data were analysed and presented in frequency tables and figures. Results: Overall, schistosomiasis had the lowest number of studies conducted, based on the studies approved by research ethics committees at the two leading medical schools in Uganda: Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) between 2016 and 2022. The top ranked schistosomiasis focus areas of interest, by scientists at MakCHS, MUST, the Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases Division of the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), were schistosomiasis prevention and transmission, vector biology, diagnostics, treatment and clinical trials, respectively. The top ranked training needs were schistosomiasis prevention and control, research ethics, data analysis, epidemiology and research methods (quantitative and qualitative), malacology, infectious diseases modelling, scientific writing and communication skills. Conclusion: Priority areas for schistosomiasis research and training will be utilised to develop a robust, collaborative, multidisciplinary schistosomiasis research training programme, to increase the critical mass of scientists with the competencies required to design, execute and utilise schistosomiasis biology, clinical, laboratory and epidemiology research to advance disease control interventions and minimise/eliminate schistosomiasis-associated morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Effectiveness of School Inspection in Secondary Schools in Uganda: A Case Study of Kasese District
(East African Journal of Education Studies, 2025-04-07) Wilson Mathembele; Imelda Kemeza; Richard Twebaze
The study investigated the efficiency of school inspections in secondary schools in Uganda, using Kasese District as a case study. A mixed-method approach was utilized, with a convergent parallel design. The study had a total population of 850 respondents drawn from 34 schools, with only 326 being investigated. Questionnaires served as the primary data collection instrument. The data were examined using simple percentages, means, and standard deviations. According to the study's findings, stakeholders such as the PTA and BOG had little engagement in inspection planning (mean: 1.63; 32.6%). It was also discovered that inspectors provided insufficient notification of the inspection exercise (mean: 1.69) (33.8%). The study also found that inspectors spent only a short amount of time inspecting (mean: 1.36; 27.2%). Furthermore, the study found that there was limited stakeholder involvement in judging educational quality (Mean: 2.69) (53.8%), as well as insufficient refresher training (Mean: 1.71) (34.2%), diminishing the overall effectiveness of the school inspection activity. The overall effectiveness of school inspection was moderate (Overall mean: 2.79) (55.8%). Based on the findings, the study recommends that school inspection authorities should provide sufficient notice before inspection visits, allocate more time for inspection exercises to enable a thorough evaluation of all key aspects and regular refresher training programs to be designed and implemented to close any gaps identified during the inspection exercise to enhance the effectiveness of inspection.
Characterizing stroke presenting to a regional referral hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda: a retrospective analysis
(International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2025) Josephine Nambi Najjuma; Timothy Mwanje Kintu; Jane Nakibuuka; Mark Kaddumukasa; Scovia N. Mbalinda; Martin Kaddumukasa; Christopher Burant; Shirley Moore; Martha Sajatovic; Edwin Nuwagira
Introduction: Stroke, a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, disproportionately impacts low and middleincome countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which reports the highest stroke burden. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated this situation, emerging as a significant stroke risk factor. The pandemic also disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, affecting stroke management and care accessibility, and leading to deteriorated conditions in stroke patients upon hospital admission. In this pre/during COVID-19 pandemic analysis of acute stroke cases presenting to a Ugandan hospital, we investigated the relationship between stroke admissions, management and treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective medical record review in which we analyzed medical charts of stroke patients admitted to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020 (during COVID-19). Sociodemographic data, stroke subtypes, medical history, and physical examination findings were extracted from the hospital records. Data analysis was performed using R-Studio, employing descriptive statistics and inferential analyses to compare stroke characteristics and outcomes across the two periods. Results: Data from 175 stroke patients was analyzed, with higher admission numbers in 2020 (69.7%), but a slightly higher mortality rate in 2019 as compared to 2020 (22.6% versus 18.9%, p=0.711). A significant increase in acute ischemic stroke cases was observed in 2020, with no significant differences in stroke severity or functional ability between the two years. Clinical parameters such as admission oxygen saturation, blood sugar, temperature, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, along with complications like aspiration pneumonia and infections, correlated with mortality. There was no significant difference in survival probability between pre- and during-pandemic periods. Admission GCS, pulse rate, and aspiration pneumonia were significant predictors of 14-day in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: The surge in acute ischemic stroke cases during the pandemic highlights the need for robust stroke care systems, especially in high-burden regions like SSA. Some key predictors of mortality are potentially modifiable, suggesting that early intervention and vigilant monitoring of risk parameters could improve survival rates. Findings also highlight the need for tailored care strategies and health system improvements especially during public health emergencies to enhance patient outcomes.