Business & Management
Govt. urged to integrate parent-child communication in sexual reproductive health programs
The government has been asked to integrate parent-child communication into sexual reproductive health programs in an effort to reduce teenage pregnancies.
The call was made by a team of researchers from the Department of Population Studies (DPS), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in collaboration with a team from Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
The group was presenting research findings of their paper titled “Parent-Child Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health in border districts of Eastern Uganda”.
During a dissemination workshop held on March 10, 2022 in Kampala, Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, the principal Investigator, said research revealed that both parents and children were afraid of talking about sexual reproductive health issues. The study showed that 79% of the parents and 61% of the children reported discussing sexual reproductive health issues.
“Parents feel like things to do with sexual health should not be discussed between a parent and a child. It is considered a taboo,” Assoc. Prof. Betty Kwagala, a member of the research team said.
The research also showed that good quality of parent-child relationships, close monitoring and keen interest in children and their behaviours facilitate good Parent-Child Communication (PCC). Support from religious leaders and Institutions was identified as a facilitator of PCC.
Dr. James Wokadala, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP) remarked that “Issues of health are very strongly emphasized in the National Development Plan III and the results of this research will inform not only knowledge and skills but also will guide policy engagement and policy direction, particularly on issues of sexual and reproductive health in Uganda.” Dr. Wokadala also thanked the research team, led by Dr. Stephen Wandera for the wonderful work done and appreciated the Ministry of Health for joining the research by providing the technical eye from the Ministry.
“This is an appetizer for us moving forward.” Dr. Wandera said. “It will pave the way for the monthly seminar series such that output like this can be shared country-wide and provide an opportunity for us to receive feedback from stakeholders so we can improve on our research outputs.”
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, Principal of the College of Business and Management congratulated the study team for winning the grant and also for being able to successfully execute the work in a timely manner. He also appreciated the Government of Uganda through the Research and Innovation Fund for supporting the research work. Prof. Hisali noted that there has been a considerable breakdown in the structures of society today. In the past, the responsibility of raising a child wasn’t for only the nuclear family, but rather was the responsibility of a larger community. He called for the researchers and guests to reflect on the past, looking at the practices in raising children and adopt the good, neglecting the bad in them.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Senior Lecturer of Paediatrics and Child Health, who represented the Chair of the Grants Management Committee of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) congratulated the research team on their dissemination.
“As a paediatrician and as an adolescent health expert, this topic is pertinent to me. Many girls got pregnant during the COVID-19 lockdown and one of the studies we conducted in the districts of Kamuli and Wakiso showed that many of the girls who got pregnant had very poor parent-child communication,” Dr. Kitaka said.
“As an adolescent health expert, one of the things that children always tell me is that they would like parents who have a very small mouth and big ears- parents that talk less and listen more to their children.”
Young adolescents in developing countries prematurely experience a host of sexual and reproductive challenges. These include early sexual debut, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unsafe abortions and childbirth with detrimental sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and socio-economic consequences. This project assessed children and parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and the determinants of PCC about SRH in in the boarder districts of Busia and Tororo in eastern Uganda.
Recommendations
Mr. Fred Ngabirano, the Commissioner, Children and Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development presented the recommendations of the research. He explained that, according to the research, Government should develop and implement a “Responsible Parenthood” programme for parents. The study also recommended that the government develops age appropriate, and contextualized SRH information, education, and communication (IEC) package and approaches.
Mr. Ngabirano, also a researcher on this project also explained that according to their findings, government should recruit and equip parent peer educators and promote shared/community parenthood and should also strengthen child protection mechanisms at various levels and address the gaps in the enforcement of child protection laws.
Dr. Wandera appreciated the study participants, children, adolescents and parents for giving the team valuable feedback and input, through a very engaging process. Dr. Wandera also appreciated the research team, which was composed of Assoc. Prof. Betty Kwagala, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Dr. Martin K. Mbonye, Mr. Fred Ngabirano and himself. He thanked them for the amount of effort and dedication put into seeing the study to completion. “Let this be the start of conversations about parent child communication, regarding sexual reproductive health. Let’s not close the conversation” I am very glad for the opportunity we had to conduct research together with government. This has been a day where policy makers, researchers and programmers have met to dialogue on critical issues that affect the country.
The dissemination workshop was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, representatives from Civil Society, religious leaders and the press.
Business & Management
URA Officials Visit CoBAMS to Discuss Research Collaboration and Awareness Campaign
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University held an insightful Career Guidance Day on September 6th, 2024, under the theme, “Navigating Your Future Career Choices: Preparing for the Evolving Job Market.” The event aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed career decisions in a fast-changing employment landscape.
The event commenced with welcome remarks from the Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Bbaale, who applauded the students for their enthusiasm in taking control of their career trajectories. He emphasized the crucial role career guidance plays in preparing students to face future challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities in an ever-evolving job market.
Byamukama Junior, Chairperson of the CoBAMS Career Guidance Committee (CGC), also addressed the gathering, encouraging the students to actively engage with the day’s discussions and to seriously consider the career advice offered by the panelists. His message focused on the importance of informed decision-making and personal initiative in shaping one’s career path.
The opening remarks were delivered by Basalirwa Jonathan, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, who underscored the importance of the event in helping students clarify their career goals. He extended his gratitude to the organizing team and the speakers for their dedication in making the event a success.
The keynote address was given by renowned economist Dr. Fred Muhumuza, who shared profound insights into career development. He emphasized the significance of self-awareness, urging students to “know what you want and be determined.” Dr. Muhumuza encouraged the attendees to strive for excellence in all they do and to remain open to the diverse opportunities available in emerging fields such as climate change, population growth, human rights, information technology, computer programming, and project analysis.
In an inspirational moment, Dr. Muhumuza advised students to “train your brain to come up with something important,” highlighting the need for continuous innovation and skill development to stay competitive in today’s dynamic job market.
A lively panel discussion followed, featuring industry experts and mentors who shared their experiences and offered practical career guidance. The panelists addressed students’ questions, providing insights on various career pathways and offering mentorship advice on how to successfully navigate the complex job market.
Students took advantage of the interactive session to inquire about career challenges in their fields of interest and how to align their academic pursuits with future job opportunities. The panelists offered thoughtful responses, empowering students with actionable guidance for making informed career decisions.
The event concluded on a positive note, with many students expressing appreciation for the valuable insights shared and a renewed sense of direction in their career planning.
This year’s Career Guidance Day at CoBAMS reaffirmed the importance of proactive career planning and underscored the need for students to remain adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking as they prepare to enter the global job market.
Business & Management
Economics researchers launch Study on Accelerating Just Transition to Clean Energy for Youth Entrepreneurs
On August 29th, a team of researchers from the School of Economics at Makerere University held an Inception and Methodological Workshop to kick off their groundbreaking study titled “Supporting African Youth Entrepreneurs to Accelerate Just Transition to Clean Energy and Climate-Resilient Businesses.” The workshop, which marked the official launch of the project, was attended by various stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector representatives, civil society members, and development partners.
The research team, led by Dr. Fred Matovu, provided an overview of the study’s focus and outlined the methodology that will guide the research process. The project is centered on developing climate-smart energy solutions for Youth-led Small and Medium Enterprises (YSMEs) in Uganda and Tanzania, with the ultimate goal of accelerating a just transition to renewable clean energy sources. This transition is seen as crucial for establishing climate-friendly businesses that can thrive in a low-carbon economy.
Dr. Matovu highlighted that the study will be conducted in three key phases. The first phase involves researching how YSMEs can effectively contribute to low-carbon growth through the adoption of clean energy. This phase will also identify institutions capable of providing training and mentorship in green practices, as well as assess the existing policies and regulatory frameworks related to clean energy in Uganda.
In the second phase, the research team will conduct a comprehensive survey of 50 YSMEs to evaluate their potential for adopting clean energy practices. The survey results will help pinpoint specific areas where technical assistance is needed. From these 50 enterprises, 15-20 YSMEs with the highest potential for transition will be selected for further support. Each selected enterprise will receive a tailored clean energy and gender-transformative transition plan.
The third and final phase of the project focuses on scaling these clean energy solutions. The research team will develop detailed scaling plans for the selected YSMEs, mobilize sector experts to provide mentorship, and connect the enterprises with relevant funders, investors, and networks. This phase aims to ensure that the YSMEs have access to the capital, information, and technologies necessary to support their transition to low-carbon, green growth.
The workshop was officially opened by the Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who commended the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (UGGDS). The UGGDS underscores principles such as resource efficiency, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth—all of which are central to the project’s objectives.
By engaging youth-led enterprises in the transition to clean energy, the project not only contributes to the fight against climate change but also supports Uganda’s broader goal of achieving inclusive economic development and creating decent green jobs. As the project progresses, it promises to play a vital role in shaping the future of Uganda’s YSMEs, making them more resilient to climate change while fostering sustainable growth.
Research Team
UGANDA
- Prof. Fred Matovu (Team lead)
- Dr. John Mutenyo (Co-researcher – Energy Economist)
- Dr. Phiona Atuhaire (Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity)
- Ms P Taaka (MA student)
TANZANIA
- Prof. Jehovaness Aikaeli (Project leader)
- Prof. Beatrice K. Mkenda (Co-researcher)
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