Meet our Researchers

“Olutindo (translated “THE BRIDGE” research project uses participatory community engaged approach to design a strategic communication intervention to promote effective sexual and reproductive health behavior change in two phases. The first phase involved conducting research to examine and analyze the causes of teenage pregnancy. The second phase involves designing an evidence-based intervention. The major intervention is a card game to initiate a conversation between parents and teenage girls. The team members are: Professor James Kiwanuka-Tondo (PI), Dr. Jeremy Waiswa (Co-PI), Mr. Solomon Kasule, Mr. Martin Kabanda, Mrs. Elizabeth Situma Nagudi, Mrs. Christine Nabadda Mpaulo (Administrator), and Ms. Phiona Twesigomwe (Consultant).

This study explores the indigenous knowledge of traditional foods and nutritional care among mothers of children under five in peri-urban areas of Uganda. It will examine the traditional foods mothers provide, their understanding of the nutritional benefits these foods offer, and the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors influencing their food choices. By understanding how indigenous knowledge shapes food practices, the study aims to demonstrate how traditional, often affordable and accessible, foods can improve child nutrition. The expected outcome is to promote better nutritional care by recognizing and leveraging mothers’ cultural food knowledge to enhance child health in peri-urban communities.

My research is about exploring the prevalence of anxiety and depression among students of Uganda Christian University (UCU), factors contributing to these mental health conditions, and innovative psychotherapy support Programmes to address these conditions. There is still a significant gap in research, policy and practice on prevalence, correlates, and implications of mental health conditions on university students.

The expected outcome is development of group-based psychotherapy models to address depression and anxiety among university students, and the dissemination of knowledge (for policy, practice and further research) on the feasibility of integrating group-based psychotherapy into university settings.

My research is about "An Assessment of Sociocultural Influences on Solid Waste Management in Mbale City," it focuses on identifying common waste management practices in Namatala and Namakwekwe suburbs. It will explore how culture, settlement patterns, and economic status influence these solid waste management practices and assess the adaptability of different cultural groups to proper waste management methods. 

Expected outcomes include insights into the influence of culture on waste practices, recommendations for culturally sensitive interventions, and increased community engagement. Findings will inform policy development and promote sustainable, inclusive, and context-specific solid waste management strategies in Mbale City.

Financial Literacy and Standard of Living.This study aims to develop a financial literacy manual tailored for semi-illiterate populations in Uganda, focusing on Rukiga District. It addresses the challenges they continue to face in understanding traditional financial materials, despite efforts like mobile money, VSLAs, and the Parish Development Model (UBOS, 2023; BoU, 2022). The manual will incorporate visual aids, simplified language, storytelling, and interactive exercises to enhance comprehension and informed financial decision-making. Serving both educational and policy roles, the study will examine savings, budgeting, debt management, and government programs in relation to standard of living, advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment (Nabunya & Ssewanyana, 2021).

This project seeks to explore researchers’ experiences within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) concerns about research management and clearance processes in Uganda. The study is aimed at identifying administrative barriers, the effects of the processes on the research quality, the resources involved in the process, and later suggested mechanisms to rationalize clearance. HEIs have a task of encouraging higher researcher output and promoting quality research which involves adhering to these processes. We hope to gain insightful experiences and ideas how the paradox of quality and process can be balanced.