Neo Liberal Economic Theory in Underdevelopment: Trade Liberalization in Uganda

This study attempts to explore whether or not the economic progress for which Uganda has received numerous international accolades is a reality for the majority of Uganda’s population. Furthermore, this study attempts to examine this question within the context of the global economy, to see if and how the international economic system and its policies have contributed towards underdevelopment in Uganda. Secondary research was the principal source of data with limited primary research data drawn from seven interviewees. The majority of these respondents agreed that Uganda’s economy has indeed improved since 1986. It was interesting to find that even though respondents agree that Uganda is enjoying economic prosperity, they had varied responses on whether poverty and economic inequality have decreased during this same time period. The majority also agreed that foreign investment in Uganda has not benefited the majority of Uganda’s population. Finally, and most interesting of all, respondents unanimously agreed that the global economic system is unfair and that it favors its architects in the West. Western protectionism was cited as an example of the unequal terms of trade liberalization that actually sustain poverty Uganda. The enormous economic disparities that exist in Uganda today are obvious. It is clear that policies guiding Uganda’s economic development need to be altered, along the lines of social democracy, in order to allow for a more equitable development. Unfortunately, the world’s economic giants and institutions on which Uganda is dependant for financing, investment, markets, and debt relief, strongly oppose economic policies that deviate from the neo liberal economic ideology

Neo Liberal Economic Theory in Underdevelopment: Trade Liberalization in Uganda

This study attempts to explore whether or not the economic progress for which Uganda has received numerous international accolades is a reality for the majority of Uganda’s population. Furthermore, this study attempts to examine this question within the context of the global economy, to see if and how the international economic system and its policies have contributed towards underdevelopment in Uganda. Secondary research was the principal source of data with limited primary research data drawn from seven interviewees. The majority of these respondents agreed that Uganda’s economy has indeed improved since 1986. It was interesting to find that even though respondents agree that Uganda is enjoying economic prosperity, they had varied responses on whether poverty and economic inequality have decreased during this same time period. The majority also agreed that foreign investment in Uganda has not benefited the majority of Uganda’s population. Finally, and most interesting of all, respondents unanimously agreed that the global economic system is unfair and that it favors its architects in the West. Western protectionism was cited as an example of the unequal terms of trade liberalization that actually sustain poverty Uganda. The enormous economic disparities that exist in Uganda today are obvious. It is clear that policies guiding Uganda’s economic development need to be altered, along the lines of social democracy, in order to allow for a more equitable development. Unfortunately, the world’s economic giants and institutions on which Uganda is dependant for financing, investment, markets, and debt relief, strongly oppose economic policies that deviate from the neo liberal economic ideology

An analysis of factors affecting the development of capital markets in Uganda: a case of the Capital Markets Authority and other market players

A research report submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Master of Business Administration of Makerere University.The study examined the various factors that affect development of capital markets in Uganda, A case study of Capital Markets Authority and various other market players. The study was based on several objectives including, analyzing the effect of financial literacy on development of capital markets, establishing the influence of regulatory framework on development of capital markets and assessing the effect that Tax policy has on development of capital markets. The study was grounded by Efficient Market Hypothesis, capital asset pricing model and the arbitrage pricing theory. The study was quantitative in nature. The study adopted a descriptive and cross-sectional design which enables the researcher to keep track of the research activities and help to ensure that the ultimate research objectives are achieved. The sample size considered was 250 employees as the study adopted census sampling method with a response rate of 90%. Findings established that the role of financial knowledge can never be overlooked. Being a very alienated concept to investors, the policy makers are seen as making great strides in making stock markets an integral factor to investment decisions made by investors. Findings show that stringent regulations have barred majority of players from indulging in the sector. Majority of the respondents decry the inflexible regulations that continuously scare away potential investors. Findings indicated that Uganda’s legal, regulatory and supervisory framework for capital markets is inflexible and restrictive. Findings also indicated that policymakers consider the impact of any tax changes on the capital market to ensure the stability of the market. It was concluded that an announcement of changes in tax policy will impact on investment in the short run. The study further recommends that there is a need to build trust and confidence in the market by the government and the regulator. Aggressive public education and advertisements, development of an effective legal system, reduction or complete removal of uncertainty regarding the benefits of the resulting investments, ensuring political stability to guarantee safety of investments, a failsafe banking sector and economic environment and strict enforcement of capital market regulations. There is also a need to speed up the process of the liberalization of the pension sector, compilation of potential issuers of both equity and debt and raising their awareness of the benefits and relevance of capital markets for their operations. The minimum requirements for trading securities also need to be relaxed in order to accommodate companies that have shares that are transferable to members of the public, yet they do not meet the stringent listing requirements

Traditional health systems and the conventional system in Uganda

In IDL-1633

Drug-related problems and associated factors among patients with kidney dysfunction at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Uganda: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background Kidney dysfunction is a common, progressive condition that is increasingly becoming a global public health issue. Because the kidneys are the major route for drug excretion, impaired renal function can change the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs that are renally excreted. Additionally, patients with kidney dysfunction often have co-morbidities and the associated use of multiple medications which increases the risk of drug-related problem (DRP) occurrence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and factors associated with DRPs in patients with kidney dysfunction. Method We conducted a prospective observational study over 3 months among hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease who were hospitalized in the medical ward, and patients attending the renal outpatient clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. A total of 183 participants were enrolled through the use of a consecutive sampling technique. DRPs were classified according to the PCNE classification version 9.1. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. Results A total of 174 patients with kidney dysfunction were included in the study with a mean ± SD age of 50.34 ± 18.13 years. A total of 219 DRPs were incurred by 138 (79.3%) study participants. The most common DRPs were ‘Untreated symptoms or indication’ (35.6%) followed by ‘adverse event (possibly) occurring’ (28.3%), and ‘effect of drug treatment not optimal’ (23.3%). Antimicrobials were the most involved drugs in suboptimal drug treatment (31.3%) and unnecessary drug treatment (32.1%). The study showed that length of hospital stay ≥ 5 days (AOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.75–23.27; p-value = 0.005) significantly increased the risk of DRP occurrence. Conclusion The current results, in agreement with previous literature, showed a high burden of DRPs among patients with kidney dysfunction. Antimicrobials were the most involved drugs in suboptimal as well as in unnecessary drug treatment. Longer hospital stay significantly increased the risk of DRPs. The high prevalence of DRPs in patients with kidney dysfunction and the potential impact on antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of regular medication reviews and close monitoring of patients with renal dysfunction

Treatment failure among children under 5 years hospitalized with pneumonia at the pediatric ward of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Southwestern Uganda: a prospective observational study

Background: Pneumonia remains a significant global health concern, particularly for children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite advancements in medical care and the availability of effective medication, treatment failure still occurs. Objective: This study evaluated the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of treatment failure among children under 5 years with pneumonia. Design: A prospective observational study. Method: We conducted this study among children under 5 years hospitalized with pneumonia at the pediatric ward of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital over a period of 3 months. We enrolled the participants in the study consecutively. Data was analyzed using SPSS software Version 27. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with treatment failure. Results: A total of 216 children aged between 0 and 59 months were included in the study. The incidence of treatment failure after 48 h was 53 (24.5%). A total of 32 (60.4%) cases of treatment failure occurred early (between 48 and 72 h), while 21 (39.6%) occurred late (after 72 h). Distance of >5 km from the nearest health facility (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.4, p -value = 0.029), severe acute malnutrition (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.4–16.1, p -value < 0.001), and adverse drug reaction (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 2.6–18.4, p -value < 0.001) were independent predictors of treatment failure. The outcomes of treatment failure included prolonged hospitalization, death, referral to a higher-level facility, and complications of pneumonia. Conclusion: Our study identified a high incidence of treatment failure among children under 5 years in this setting. There is a need for early and accurate diagnosis, which includes culture and sensitivity tests, timely initiation of effective antibiotic therapy, active pharmacovigilance, and close monitoring of patients with acute malnutrition to reduce the likelihood of treatment failure

A scoping review of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention among female sex workers in Africa

# Background Global initiatives have emphasized the elimination of cervical cancer (CC) among female sex workers (FSW) in Africa. Yet screening remains low, and few interventions have been outlined to target this group. This scoping review sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among FSW in Africa regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and CC prevention, and to identify the most effective intervention strategies. # Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Index Medicus for work published between January 2012 through August 2022. Eligible studies included those relating to HPV and CC prevention among FSW in Africa. Studies were categorized as KAP, intervention, or both. A Logic Model was used to guide content analysis of the interventions, and a thematic analysis of all studies was performed. # Results The search resulted in 79 articles of which 11 were included in the study. Six African countries were represented including South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Five of the articles described KAP, while the other six described interventions. The intervention studies were categorized into 3 groups: "screen and treat", self-collection HPV testing, and a "diagonal intervention" which included a multi-faceted approach. # Conclusions Limited literature exists regarding KAP and interventions for HPV and CC prevention among FSW in Africa. While FSW in the literature had a moderate level of knowledge regarding HPV and CC prevention, studies identified a lack of detailed and nuanced knowledge. Successful uptake of screening was seen when services were provided at convenient locations, integrated into routine or HIV care, and recommended by healthcare providers. Future interventions should be context-specific, include improved counselling and education, and be integrated with other services