Kampala University

The increasing population and urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa are escalating the demand for acceptable alternative protein sources such as insects to conventional ones such as soy and animal protein. This study investigates the perception and cultural influence towards native and non-native insects' use for food and feed, and the consumption of animal products raised on insect-enriched feed in urban Uganda. The study that surveyed 384 participants spanning 24 ethnic groups from both formal and informal sectors, revealed a substantial 87% engagement in entomophagy, predominantly among the youth (81%). Native edible insects i.e. grasshoppers (58%) and white ants (41%) were preferred to non-native ones such as house crickets (1%). Cultural influence was the predominant motivator, significantly (X-2 (1) = 238.6, p <= 0.001) driving 83% of respondents' entomophagous behaviour. A noteworthy 57% affirmed willingness to consume livestock raised on insect-enriched feed, majority (90%) support insect rearing and using insect-enriched feeds, with maggots (larvae) being the most preferred (chi 2 (3) = 285.8, p < 0.001) for feed. Familiarity and prior exposure through entomophagy significantly (p < 0.05) influenced respondents' attitudes towards using insects for food, feed, and consumption of livestock raised on insect feed. Ethnicity did not influence insects' use as food but significantly influenced their attitude towards rearing insects for feed (p < 0.001), supported by the Ganda, followed by Acholi and Ankole, and not other ethnic groups. Education was a significant (p < 0.05) predictor of the respondents' thinking that insects can be harmful and that packaging and hygiene associated with insect trade are poor. Emerging trends, such as purchasing insects from formal stores and consideration of safety and hygiene, especially among the educated, reflect a shift toward appropriate guidelines/policies to ensure safe and hygienic insect farming, processing and marketing/distribution.

Abstract Background Nutrition education and physical activity support are important components of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) care, but their association with body composition outcomes in routine Ugandan diabetes services remains uncertain. We evaluated a culturally tailored health promotion programme among adolescents and young adults living with T1DM. Methods We conducted a trial study in Wakiso Health Centre IV, Uganda. Sixty participants aged 13–26 years were allocated through an alternating clinic-week schedule to an intervention group or usual-care control group, with 30 participants per group. The eight-week Active Hearts, Healthy Lives programme combined nutrition education, personalised dietetic counselling, physical activity support, and practical self-management activities. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measurements were obtained at baseline and six months after baseline. Separate linear regression models compared follow-up outcomes, adjusting for the corresponding baseline measurement, age, and sex. Results Participants had a mean age of 19.45 years (SD 3.02), and 33 (55.0%) were female. Compared with controls, the intervention group had lower adjusted fat mass (mean difference −1.70 kg; 95% CI −2.48 to −0.92) and BMI (−0.72 kg/m²; −1.39 to −0.06), and higher fat-free mass (4.39 kg; 3.93 to 4.84) and muscle mass (1.73 kg; 0.84 to 2.62). These differences reflected modest changes among intervention participants alongside increased fat mass and decreased fat-free mass and muscle mass among controls. Conclusion Participation in the programme was associated with differences in estimated body composition at six months. Larger randomised evaluations incorporating clinical and functional outcomes are needed to establish whether the programme provides meaningful health benefits.

Radiation protection is essential in healthcare, where workers face repeated exposure to ionising radiation during diagnostic imaging. Lead-based aprons remain the standard protective gear but are often criticised for their weight, discomfort during extended use, and environmental disposal issues. This study investigated the development of an alternative radiation protection apron using Barium Sulphate (BaSO4) and starch as non-toxic, lightweight shielding materials for healthcare facilities in Uganda. Three fabrics-SA (polyester scrub), SB (cotton scrub), and SC (khaki blend), were cut, sewn, and coated by immersion in a BaSO4-starch mixture (0.125 kg of each in water). After drying and ironing to ensure adhesion, the coated fabrics were analysed for density, thickness, and tensile strength, and their elemental composition verified using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. X-ray irradiation tests were carried out at 60, 80, and 100 kV following IEC 61331-3 standards. Comfort and usability were assessed by 10 radiographers using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Results showed that SB (cotton) achieved a radiation attenuation ratio of 91.1 % at 60 kV, closely matching a standard 0.5 mm lead apron, while also receiving the highest scores for comfort and usability. SC (khaki), despite its higher density and tensile strength, demonstrated lower shielding efficiency due to its limited absorbance, resulting in a thinner coating layer. Across all fabrics, attenuation decreased significantly at 80 and 100 kv. These findings suggest that cotton-based aprons may strike a balance between radiation protection and comfort at lower tube voltages, although their poorer performance at higher energies limits their potential as a substitute for lead aprons. The findings highlight the need for further optimisation of coating thickness and material properties to achieve reliable radiation protection across a broader range of diagnostic energies.

Background: This study aimed to assess health facility factors influencing waiting time among pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic at Kira Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods was conducted among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Kira Health Centre IV. 80 respondents were selected using simple random sampling, and data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. Data were coded, entered and analysed in Microsoft Excel. Results were presented using frequencies, percentages, tables, graphs and charts. Results: 34(42.5%) of the respondents were aged 18 – 25 years, while 4(5%) were aged above 45 years. The majority of the respondents, 51(63.7%), had attained secondary education; 7(8.8%) had never gone to school, 59(73.8%), were married, while 2(2.5%), were divorced. 42(52.5%), were unemployed; 3(3.8%), belonged to public employment. 36(45%), were Catholics; 2(2.5%), were Seventh-day Adventists. 40(50%) respondents spent 1–2 hours at the registration desk while obtaining their antenatal cards, whereas only 7(8.8%) spent less than 30 minutes. 44(55%) reported that health workers never communicated about the flow of services. 58(72.5%) reported that signposts or arrows were present in some departments, while 9(11.2%) reported that none were present. 48(60%) perceived the speed of health workers as slow, and 68 (85%) reported that the antenatal clinic was understaffed. Conclusion: Delays at registration, inadequate communication about service flow, limited directional signage, slow movement of health workers, and understaffing were the major health-facility factors associated with prolonged waiting times. Recommendation: More health workers should be recruited, directional signs should be installed in all departments, and health workers should improve communication about service flow and timely delivery of antenatal services.

This chapter develops the concept of moral orders of repair, defined as the specific norms, rules, values, and expectations that structure and support joint work and exchange in repair worlds and other spheres of collaborative practice. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in mobile phone and computing repair markets in Kampala, Uganda, we identify three key dimensions of moral orders: fair exchange, collaboration across hierarchy, and relational accountability. We show how moral orders provide a detailed specification of informal rules gestured as implicit in moral economies, and how these rules inform the practical and ethical work of repair.