Lira University Institutional Repository

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The Lira University Institutional Repository is a digital platform for collecting, preserving, and disseminating the intellectual and scholarly output of the University.

It provides access to theses, dissertations, journal articles, conference papers, learning materials, reports, university publications, and other research outputs produced by the Lira University community.

Through this repository, Lira University strengthens visibility, knowledge sharing, long-term preservation, and worldwide access to its academic contributions.

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Recent Submissions

Social Factors as a Necessity for the Operation of Hairdressing Salons in Lira City, Mid-North Uganda
(Cari Journals, 2026) Angom, Susan Hopestar; Oboi, Alex; Mwesigwa, David
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of social factors on the operation of hairdressing salons within the Central Business District (CBD) of Lira City, Uganda. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires for salon operators and key informant interviews with salon owners, targeting a total sample size of 191 respondents. Findings: Findings revealed that social expectations, such as respect for elders, community identity, and cooperation, play a crucial role in shaping the quality of service and client relations. Lifestyle trends, especially the shift toward beauty enhancement, digital engagement, and cultural pride, significantly influence customer preferences and salon innovation. Interpersonal relationships, including family and community ties, were shown to foster customer loyalty, staff morale, and overall business sustainability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The findings provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, researchers, and development partners interested in the intersection between social behavior and informal business operation. It is thus, recommended that enhanced training on cultural sensitivity, digital marketing, and community engagement for salon practitioners. Policymakers and educational institutions are encouraged to support the sector through strategic interventions and vocational education tailored to these emerging social dynamics.
The Potential of Decentralized Health Service Delivery in Enhancing the Performance of Primary Health Care Workers in Uganda
(International Journal of Health Sciences, 2026) Oboi, Emmanuel; Mwesigwa, David; Okuna, Victor
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the potential of decentralized health service delivery in addressing the performance of healthcare workers in Uganda. Methodology: We adopted desk research in which relevant secondary literature was reviewed throughout to identify the link and gaps existing therein. This is a qualitative research method adopted with a view of understanding the complexities of decentralized healthcare service delivery and its impact on Primary Health Care worker performance. Four research questions are asked and answered in line with resource allocation, training, recruitment, and supervision. Findings: The outcomes reveal that decentralized practices may influence healthcare worker performance. We argue that decentralization fosters improved healthcare delivery and worker effectiveness thus highlighting decentralization as a critical strategy for strengthening primary healthcare systems and addressing community-specific health needs in Uganda. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study contributes to the strategic shift towards decentralized service delivery, particularly in healthcare, as an empowering tool to local governments and communities, by transferring authority from central administrations as a modus operandi to improved service delivery. It is encouraged that policy makers strengthen strategies that promote decentralization in health service delivery. Keywords: Local Governments, Decentralization, Healthcare Services, Resources, Training, Recruitment
Micro-Irrigation for Household Food Security in Alebtong District, Mid-North Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Policy, 2026) Ejang, Juliet; Mwesigwa, David; Okuna, Victor
Purpose: The study examined contribution of micro irrigation to household food security in Cungaciki ward, Apala town council, Alebtong district. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 63 households, employing structured questionnaires to collect data on perceptions of irrigation and its impacts on food availability, nutrition, and economic benefits. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: Results indicate that households perceive irrigation as beneficial, particularly in improving food availability, dietary diversity, and household income. Correlation analysis showed a moderate positive relationship between access to irrigation technology and household food security (r = 0.509, p < 0.001), a modest positive relationship for system effectiveness (r = 0.351, p = 0.005), and a strong positive relationship for capacity for maintenance (r = 0.738, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that capacity for maintenance was the only significant predictor of household food security (B = 0.619, p < 0.001), highlighting that the benefits of irrigation are contingent on proper system upkeep. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study contributes to strengthening the view that while irrigation technology and system effectiveness contribute to food security, sustainable outcomes are largely dependent on households’ ability to maintain irrigation infrastructure. Consequently, it is recommended that local authorities need to build farmers’ technical and management skills, strengthen institutional support, and promote participatory approaches to ensure long-term functionality and food security benefits. Keywords: Micro Irrigation, Irrigation Technology, Household, Food Security, Alebtong
Enhancing community disaster resilience through social capital and local knowledge integration: Insights from recent scholarship
(Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research, 2026) Acanga, Alfred; Mwesigwa, David; Okuna, Victor; Nsisi, Christine
The recent escalation in the global frequency and intensity of compound hazards has prompted a transformation in the discourse regarding disasters, redirecting the focus from recovery to a more profound comprehension of disaster risk, preparedness, risk reduction, and adaptation strategies. However, the policies implemented for post-disaster reconstruction often neglect the significance of place-based social capital perspectives in resilience and recovery efforts, resulting in suboptimal resilience outcomes. This article analyzes strategies for disaster response that prioritize the enhancement of Community Disaster Resilience (CDR) in regions vulnerable to disasters, with a specific focus on the distinctions between the Global North and Global South. The analysis highlights the disparities inherent in disaster preparedness and response systems, emphasizing the importance of social capital and local expertise in formulating effective strategies for disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study employs a systematic literature review methodology to analyze contemporary scholarly contributions, emphasizing that while the Global North benefits from more robust disaster response systems, the Global South faces significant challenges due to inadequate frameworks and governance structures. The findings underscore the imperative to integrate community engagement and indigenous knowledge into disaster management frameworks to bolster resilience. The article concludes by examining the implications for research, policy-making, and practical applications, underscoring the necessity for a thorough understanding of the impact of social capital on disaster resilience. Key words: Community response, disaster resilience, disaster risk, social capital, vulnerability reduction
Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in children diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in Uganda
(BMC, 2025) Nyeko, Richard; Kruger, Mariana; Niyonzima, Nixon; Atwiine, Barnabas; Zungu, Jennifer; Kambugu, Joyce Balagadde; Verhulst, Stijn; Heerden, Jaques van
Background Treatment of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is challenging in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to resource constraints with subsequent poorer outcome. This study evaluated treatment outcomes and the determinants of survival in paediatric AML patients in Uganda. Methods This retrospective cohort study reviewed data from children with AML treated at three centres in Uganda between January 2016 and December 2022. Treatment comprised induction with daunorubicin and cytarabine and consolidation with high-dose cytarabine. Patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia were treated on protocols adapted from Children's Oncology Group AAML 1331. All patients received supportive care. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 20. Results One-hundred and fifty-nine children with AML were included with a median age at diagnosis of 9.0 years (IQR: 3.0–12.0). Of the 149 patients who initiated therapy, 69 (46.3%) achieved complete remission after the first induction therapy (CR1), and 81 (54.4%) achieved complete remission (CR) overall. Treatment-related mortality occurred in 50 (31.4%) of the patients, with an early death rate of 27.7% (n = 44). Among the 81 patients who achieved CR, 37 (45.7%) relapsed, of whom 27 (73.0%) subsequently died. The one-, three-, and five-year OS were 39.0%, 25.1%, and 16.7%, respectively. The corresponding EFS were 37.0%, 22.9%, and 15.2%, respectively. Median OS and EFS were 7.4 months (95% CI: 4.3–10.6) and 6.9 months (95% CI: 4.4–9.6), respectively. Factors significantly associated with poor OS included poor nutritional status (p = 0.026), delayed neutrophil recovery following induction (p = 0.030), failure to achieve CR1 (p = 0.031), and failure to complete treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions Survival rates among children with AML in this study were low. Several clinical and biological prognostic factors influenced survival outcomes in this resource-limited setting. Improving outcomes will require improving supportive care or adopting resource-adapted treatment protocols that address the supportive care challenges in such a resource-limited setting.