Browsing by Author "Namaganda, Agnes"

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    Catching babies, carrying traditions : the voices and practices of traditional birth attendants in Mayuge District, East central Uganda.
    (BMC, 2025) Kagoya, Enid Kawala; Auma, Proscovia; Mugabi, Joshua; Kawala, Elizabeth; Asabawebwa, Deogratias; Mugahi, Richard; Mutunda, Brenda Doreen; Gamubaka, Richard; Namaganda, Agnes; Nsubuga, Allan G.; Akello, Jackline; Waako, Paul; Mugabe, Kenneth
    Background: Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) continue to support maternal and newborn care in rural Uganda, particularly where access to formal health facilities is limited. Their roles are deeply embedded in local culture and community trust, yet national policies provide inconsistent guidance on their engagement within the formal health system. Objective: To explore the evolution, experiences, practices, challenges, and perceived support needs of TBAs in Mayuge District, and examine their interaction with formal health structures. Methods: A qualitative narrative study was conducted with 15 purposively selected TBAs from all sub-counties of Mayuge District. In-depth interviews lasting 60 to 90 min were held at participants’ homes or workplaces. Participants described and demonstrated their maternal care practices. Audio recordings were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. Results: Seven key themes emerged from the study: (1) Historical Developments and Evolution of TBAs, highlighting diverse pathways into practice such as apprenticeship, family mentorship, formal Ministry of Health training, and community programs; (2) Practices, Methods, and Approaches, detailing TBAs’ provision of antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, and management of maternal and newborn complications using both traditional and modern methods including newborn resuscitation; (3) Infection Prevention and Control, revealing variable use of personal protective equipment and inconsistent waste disposal practices constrained by limited resources; (4) Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Process, illustrating TBAs’ limited participation in formal death notifications and reviews; (5) Referral Process, highlighting complex referral behaviors involving health facilities, fellow TBAs, and traditional healers; (6) Socio-Cultural Influences on TBA Services, encompassing the impact of poverty, gender roles, community trust, and cultural norms; and (7) Challenges in Providing Safe and Effective Care, including barriers such as negative attitudes from health workers, transport difficulties, competition, and lack of formal support. Conclusion: TBAs in Mayuge District play a vital role in culturally grounded maternal care but face numerous challenges due to limited formal integration and support. Strategies are needed to strengthen collaboration, provide targeted training, and clarify policy to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in underserved areas. Keywords: Traditional birth attendants, Maternal and newborn health, Socio-cultural determinants, Referral practices, Health system integration, Rural uganda
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    Coping mechanisms for students with mental disorders : an exploratory qualitative study at Busitema University’s Mbale and Busia campuses.
    (PLOS One, 2025) Kagoya, Enid Kawala; Mpagi, Joseph; Waako, Paul; Muhwezi, Martha R. L.; Namaganda, Agnes; Nsubuga, Allan G.; Atala, Christine Etoko; Okello, Francis; Okibure, Ambrose; Kibuuka, Ronald; Wandera, Ernest; Ndamanywa, Kalisiti; Kirabira, Joseph
    In recent years, Ugandan universities have faced a rising incidence of mental health issues among students, with prevalence rates of mental disorders reaching up to 60% among undergraduates. These challenges significantly impact both academic performance and social interactions. This study aimed to investigate the coping mechanisms among students with mental disorders at Busitema University. We conducted 42 key informant interviews with students diagnosed with mental disorders, as determined by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Interviews were guided by a structured protocol developed by the research team, and all participants provided informed consent. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. This approach was chosen for its efficiency and directness. Nvivo software facilitated the coding and organization of themes. The study identified several coping strategies used by students at the two Busitema University campuses. Five main themes emerged: Alcohol and Substance Use, Use of Sedatives, Social and Personal Initiatives, Seeking Counseling Services, Withdrawal and Confrontation, and Faith Healing. Various subthemes were also noted, including substance use, withdrawal, confrontations, witchcraft, participation in co-curricular activities, abortions, and seeking psychosocial support. These findings are detailed in Table 2. Addressing the mental health challenges faced by university students requires a thorough understanding of their coping strategies. While some strategies are self-developed, others involve university-led interventions. It is crucial to reinforce effective coping mechanisms and address detrimental ones to improve students’ mental health outcomes. Mental disorders, coping strategies, university students, Uganda
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    More Ugandans seek salaried jobs – UBOS
    (Daily Monitor, 2026-05-22) Namaganda, Agnes
    According to the report, persons aged 15 years and above who engaged in subsistence work declined from 30.4 percent in 2021/22 to 26.8 percent in 2024/25.
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    My concept was rejected by the ethics committee twice
    (Daily Monitor, 2026-02-28) Namaganda, Agnes
    Olivia Nakisita recounts the kind of rejection she encountered in her doctoral journey that prompted her to almost give up. Three years later she bounced back stronger and triumphant.