Ishaka Adventist Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To understand the factors influencing choice of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV with a view of suggesting measures for increased uptake. DESIGN: Focus group discussions were used to elicit reasons for carrying out VCT and a cross sectional survey to estimate the proportion of people who undertake VCT. SETTING: Bushenyi district, Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: A cluster random sample of 219 people and four purposively selected focus group discussions with 32 participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Elicited attitudinal beliefs, self-efficacy expectations, and social influences that are probably associated with VCT for HIV based on the Attitude Social influence self-Efficacy (ASE) Model. The proportion of people who had ever undertaken VCT for HIV was also determined. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (17%) of the 219 people interviewed had ever undergone HIV. The factors influencing VCT for HIV were consequences of a test result, influences from a sexual partner, cost of VCT, physical accessibility of VCT, awareness, risk of HIV infection, need for linking VCT with care (especially availability of anti-retrovirals) and perceived quality of care of VCT services. CONCLUSIONS: Increased mobilisation and access for VCT, reducing costs of VCT, linking of VCT with care, and emphasising the positive consequences of VCT as well as providing high quality VCT services may increase the number of people seeking VCT.

Abstract Background: The need to map pathogenic bacteria from oral lesions of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains crucial to estimate the potential risk of localized and systemic diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the baseline burden and antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria recovered from oral lesions of patients with HIV/AIDS in South‐Western Uganda. Methods: World Health Organization’s aseptic criteria were adopted in oral examination, sample (605) collection, pathogenic bacteria isolation, and sensitivity testing. The included patients with HIV/AIDS had persistent oral lesions, and they received antibiotic treatment. The study was ethically approved by the institutional and national boards. Results: Pathogenic bacteria (31% Streptococcus mutans, 16.4% Proteus mirabilis, 11.8% nonhemolytic Streptococcus species, 11.3% Staphylococcus aureus, 9.5% Branhamella catarrhalis, 8.6% Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 8.1% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 6.8% Escherichia coli, and 5.5% Streptococcus pyogenes) prevalence varied significantly (p < 0.05) with participating districts, and this may indicate that patients are at an increased risk of systemic infection and antibiotic resistance. Females were more in number than males, and 31–50 years were the most predominant age groups. The variation of oral pathogenic bacteria represents the distribution of two ethnics made of five tribes. Gentamycin was the most effective antibiotic against all isolates. Relative resistance to oral antibiotics and sensitivity to ciprofloxacin/cefaclor were bacteria‐dependent. An effective treatment plan for persistent oral lesions should be against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Conclusions: An observed wide array of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity of patients with HIV/AIDS poses a real problem in the world of antimicrobial resistance, and this clearly provides a higher risk of systemic infectious diseases in these population with HIV/AIDS.

Cleome gynandra is a medicinal plant that is used all over Uganda to hasten childbirth because, it possesses the ability to contract the uterus. It is also used as an abortifacient in the first trimester. In this study, the effects of Cleome gynandra were investigated on the estrous cycle and the histology of the ovary and uterus of adult Wistar rat. Twelve adult female Wistar rats of 130-140g average weight were used. These were divided into three groups of four animals each. Group A received distilled water only, while animals in groups B and C received 250mg/kg body weight and 500mg/kg body weight of extract, orally and daily respectively. Monitoring of estrous cycle continued throughout the three weeks of extract administration. After three weeks, the ovaries and uteri were excised and processed for histological examination. In the ovary, there was a reduction in number of primordia, primary, secondary and graafian follicles in the treated groups. Vacuolations were common to both the ovarian and uterine tissues of treated animals. The estrous cycle of Group B and C, showed a mild disruption when compared to animals in Group A. The results showed that the plant extract studied, exerted negative influences on the estrous cycle and histology of the ovary and uterus of Wistar albino rats, suggesting a disturbance on the reproductive health of the animals. Further studies to determine the mechanism of action of Cleome gynandra on the ovary and uterus and the levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone is recommended.Key Words: Cleome gynandra, estrous cycle, Wistar albino rats, ovarian follicles.

Introduction Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive endocrine-disrupting chemical, impairs male reproductive health via oxidative stress, hormonal dysregulation, and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis disruption. Flavonoids, widely present in plant-derived foods and medicinal herbs, possess antioxidant and steroidogenic modulatory properties that may counteract BPA toxicity, yet preclinical findings remain inconsistent. This study aims to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize preclinical evidence on the protective effects of flavonoids against BPA-induced male reproductive toxicity. Methods Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched up to September 2024. Eligible studies involved BPA exposure in male rodents with flavonoid co-treatment and reported reproductive endpoints. Hormonal and oxidative stress biomarkers were pooled using a random-effects model, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs), with heterogeneity assessed by I 2 statistics. Twenty studies were included. Results BPA significantly reduced testosterone (SMD = −4.91), estradiol (SMD = −2.72), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (SMD = −7.71), and luteinizing hormone (SMD = −5.54), while increasing malondialdehyde and reducing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH). Discussion Flavonoid co-treatment significantly improved hormonal profiles and oxidative balance, with the greatest recovery in FSH. High heterogeneity (I 2 > 84%) reflected variability in doses, treatment duration, compound purity, and species. Flavonoids exhibit marked ameliorative potential against BPA-induced reproductive toxicity in preclinical models, largely through hormonal regulation and oxidative stress mitigation. Standardized protocols and dose–response studies are essential to enhance reproducibility and translational relevance.

Background: ) is a significant cereal crop, which, due to its nutritious content, especially in terms of dietary energy and nutrients, is globally important. Its nutritive status does not just end with macronutrients, but it also encompasses nutrient status that promotes health-giving micronutrients and phytochemicals. Objective: This review aims to consolidate recent advancements in maize nutrient profiling and highlight current challenges in optimizing its nutritional potential across global food systems. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 in English. Search terms included "Zea mays nutrition," "maize macronutrients," "maize micronutrient biofortification," and "phytochemicals in maize". Studies included both empirical and review papers reporting on maize nutritional quality, bioavailability, and impacts on human health. Results: Maize is composed primarily of carbohydrates, with starch as the dominant fraction, alongside moderate protein and low lipid content concentrated in the germ. Biofortified varieties, including Quality Protein Maize (QPM), provide enhanced levels of lysine, tryptophan, and provitamin A. Maize also supplies essential B vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium; however, their bioavailability is reduced by antinutrients like phytates. In addition, maize is shown to be rich in phytochemicals, including ferulic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which exhibit antioxidant and therapeutic properties. Conclusion: Maize is more than a staple food crop; it is an indispensable crop for global food and nutrition security. However, challenges such as low bioavailability due to antinutritional factors limit its full nutritional potential. Therefore, strengthening genetic and agronomic interventions to improve its nutritional quality is essential to address hidden hunger and enhance population health worldwide.

Surgery has been largely neglected within global public health despite growing evidence that the overall burden of disease requiring surgical intervention is rapidly growing and affordable access to surgical care can avert many deaths and disabilities. This study assessed the factors influencing delayed access to essential surgical care in Uganda. A descriptive multi-center cross-sectional survey was carried out in 3 hospitals designated for major surgeries in Uganda from December 2019 to December 2021 across 3 regions of the country i.e. Eastern – Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Northern – St Mary's Hospital Lacor and Central region – Mulago National Referral Hospital in a prospective manner. Patients admitted to the above-mentioned hospitals and required surgical intervention were included. Data was analyzed using STATA 16 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, USA). Bivariate analysis using, the chi-square test or Fischers’ exact test and multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for confounders were done. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 635 patients participated in the study of which the majority were males (n=399, 63%) from the Northern region (n=347, 54.7 %.). Most patients (n=406, 63.9%) and (n=402, 63.3%) sought surgical help immediately and were operated on time respectively however only 23.3% (n=148) were able to reach the hospital for care on time. Caretakers’ hesitancy on the surgical procedure contributed to all surgical delays in seeking care (aOR: 2.41 95% CI: 1.07 – 5.43; p=0.035), hospital inaccessibility (aOR: 5.35 95% CI: 1.82 – 5.75; p=0.002), and delayed surgical procedure performance (aOR: 6.37 95% CI: 2.64 – 5.34; p<0.001) among other factors in each category. All three factors contribute to surgical delay but most significantly access to hospital. Several socioeconomic factors like education, long distances, and poverty interplay in a complex web to hamper access to essential surgical care. None

This narrative review examines how strategic decisions shaped by the entrepreneurial mindset sustain agribusiness SMEs in emerging economies, highlighting pathways to resilience. Recognising a critical knowledge gap in understanding the cognitive mechanisms that drive SME sustainability, the review is anchored in Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework. The study synthesises empirical evidence from 2020 to 2025 using a qualitative research design with systematic data collection from peer-reviewed journals and grey literature. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial cognition guides strategic resource allocation, innovation adoption, market positioning, risk management, and the integration of social and environmental sustainability, collectively enhancing economic, social, and ecological resilience. Persistent challenges include structural constraints, unequal access to finance and technology, gender disparities, and sustainability trade-offs in niche markets. Policy and practical implications emphasise cooperative models, targeted innovation financing, market intelligence support, and incentives for sustainability-aligned practices. The review contributes empirically by consolidating evidence across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offering comparative insights into how SMEs navigate complex and resource-constrained environments. Theoretically, it extends the application of Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework to context-specific decision-making in agribusiness SMEs, demonstrating how cognitive processes underpin sustainable strategic actions. By linking entrepreneurial decision-making to resilience outcomes, the review provides actionable insights for policymakers, development partners, and SME owner-managers seeking to enhance competitiveness, long-term viability, and inclusive growth in emerging economies.

Snakebite envenoming is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease and causes mortality, morbidity, and economic impacts for hundreds of thousands of people per year, particularly in tropical, low- and middle-income countries. Most research on snakebite interventions focuses on improving clinical management rather than bite prevention. However, prevention may provide a better mechanism to minimise snakebite impacts, particularly in rural areas where access to effective medical treatment is limited. This study reports on the preliminary testing phase of a participatory workshop intervention run in rural Uganda in 2022-23, which used a community engagement approach designed to reduce snakebites through discussing snake behaviour and biology. A mixed methods survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted, both with workshop attendees and non-attendees, after the delivery of the workshops. We found that a fearful attitude toward snakes often led to human-snake conflict, with snake killings occurring commonly, and some bites occurring during attempted killings. Workshops appeared to challenge negative attitudes, as understanding snake behaviour seemed to build compassion toward snakes and therefore has the potential to reduce human-snake conflict. Those who attended workshops were more likely to suggest 'giving snakes space,' rather than attempting to kill them, and were more likely to suggest hospital treatment if bitten. We also found that many effective methods for snakebite prevention are already known to the community, but those who attended the workshop were aware of a wider range of prevention methods and were more likely to implement less ecologically damaging and more effective strategies. This emphasises that appropriate knowledge resides within the community to prevent snakebites, and so community engagement approaches can improve prevention practices while recognising that the ownership and knowledge for such changes is generated by the local people themselves.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) still remain a great public health problem of major significance in most parts of the world. The incidence of acute STD is believed to be high among sexually active adolescents worldwide due to changes and development in their lives. The study aims at establishing the attitude, knowledge and practices on STDS among students studying at Kampala International University Western Campus in Ishaka town. The study aims at establishing the attitude, knowledge and practices on STDS among students studying at Kampala International University Western Campus in Ishaka town. A great percentage of anticipated respondents participated in this study making the response rate 96%. Among these respondents (65%) were males and (35%) were females. The age distribution of the respondents showed that most of the respondents (50%) were between 20- 25 years old. Respondents (50%) were followers of the Catholic faith and followed other religions. The majority (76%) of the respondents were living near campus and (24%) of them are from rural areas. The majority of (60%) of respondents were single, and others were in a relationship. During the study period (70.9%) of the respondents were living in a hostel, (15.6%) were living in a rented house, and (13.5%) were living in another relative house. Most of the respondents have knowledge about STIs, but there are still misconceptions and their practice remained quite low. Keywords: STDs, Sexually active adolescents, Females, Sexual transmission infection, Health institutes.

The question whether secondary school students should be allowed to use mobile phones in school remains a controversial one. In this study carried out in a rural district of Bushenyi in Uganda the researcher sought to establish the usage of mobile phones among secondary school students in boarding schools. The researcher also sought the views and opinions of students, teachers and parents about the use of mobile phones by students in the schools. The study established that despite the official ban on use of mobile phones by students in school, 34% of the students said they were aware that some students own and use mobile phones in school. It was further established that 40% of teachers said they were aware that some students owned and used phones in school while 20% of them supported the use of phones by the students. Meanwhile, 40% of the parents supported the use of mobile phones by students in school. It was noted that the battle against the use of mobile phones by students in secondary schools might soon be lost due to the increased availability and benefits associated with their use.

Abstract: The systematic study valued the relationship between Parents Contribution and academic performance Performance in Bushenyi District in western Uganda. The research project used a cross-sectional and descriptive research design with quantitative paradigm. The academics employed simple random sampling and stratified random sampling techniques to select the respondents for the research project. A sample of 72 participants was selected from 157 target population using a table developed by Morgan & Krejcie (1970). Information was garnered while utilizing the questionnaires and analyzed by employing Descriptive statistics such as Bar graphs and inferential statistics such as Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative data scrutiny. The study findings discovered that there was a significant correlation between Parents Contribution and academic Performance in Bushenyi District in Western Uganda . The study concluded that Parents have a strong influence on their children. They have a direct influence that is stronger than that of teachers, friends, and media. For this reason, a parent’s positive attitude and support towards their children’s education is key to the success of their children in secondary schools. From the study findings, the investigators recommended that the school administration should enhance communication with the parents by sending to the parents regular newsletters, scheduling regular parents-teachers meetings to discuss the children’s academic progress. This can go a long way in improving the standards of education in secondary schools.

Abstract: The systematic study valued the relationship between Parents Contribution and academic performance Performance in Bushenyi District in western Uganda. The research project used a cross-sectional and descriptive research design with quantitative paradigm. The academics employed simple random sampling and stratified random sampling techniques to select the respondents for the research project. A sample of 72 participants was selected from 157 target population using a table developed by Morgan & Krejcie (1970). Information was garnered while utilizing the questionnaires and analyzed by employing Descriptive statistics such as Bar graphs and inferential statistics such as Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative data scrutiny. The study findings discovered that there was a significant correlation between Parents Contribution and academic Performance in Bushenyi District in Western Uganda . The study concluded that Parents have a strong influence on their children. They have a direct influence that is stronger than that of teachers, friends, and media. For this reason, a parent’s positive attitude and support towards their children’s education is key to the success of their children in secondary schools. From the study findings, the investigators recommended that the school administration should enhance communication with the parents by sending to the parents regular newsletters, scheduling regular parents-teachers meetings to discuss the children’s academic progress. This can go a long way in improving the standards of education in secondary schools.

Congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) are structural abnormalities resulting from disrupted Müllerian duct development and have been associated with adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes. However, the magnitude of these risks and variation across anomaly subtypes remain incompletely defined. To evaluate the association between CUA and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and to examine subtype-specific risk patterns using contemporary evidence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies identified from MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Eligible studies compared women with imaging- or surgically confirmed CUA to those with normal uterine anatomy and reported at least one predefined obstetric outcome. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Thirty studies comprising over 3.3 million pregnancies were included. Compared with women with normal uterine anatomy, CUA were associated with increased odds of miscarriage (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13–1.86), preterm birth < 37 weeks (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.99–7.02), fetal malpresentation (OR 19.28, 95% CI 6.27–59.24), and caesarean delivery (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.11–11.09). Heterogeneity ranged from low to high across outcomes (I 2 0.0–94.9%). Subtype-specific patterns were observed, with septate uterus more frequently associated with miscarriages, and unicornuate and didelphys uteri associated with higher risks of preterm birth and malpresentation. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of findings for preterm birth. Congenital uterine anomalies are associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, with distinct subtype-specific patterns. Septate uterus is primarily associated with early pregnancy loss, whereas unicornuate and didelphys uteri are more strongly associated with later gestational complications. These findings support classification of pregnancies complicated by CUA as high risk and highlight the need for tailored antenatal surveillance and subtype-specific clinical management.

The Ponseti method is the current global standard for the management of idiopathic clubfoot and achieves high initial correction rates. However, relapse during childhood remains a clinically important challenge, with widely varying estimates reported across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of relapse following Ponseti treatment and synthesize associated risk factors. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 1 January 2015 and 30 January 2026. Observational studies evaluating relapse in children (0–18 years) with idiopathic clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method were included. Random-effects meta-analysis with logit-transformed proportions was used to estimate pooled relapse prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 and τ 2 , and prediction intervals were calculated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for prevalence studies and the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool for prognostic factor studies. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were performed. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Twenty-five studies involving 1,624 children met the inclusion criteria. In the primary analysis restricted to patient-level data, the pooled relapse prevalence was 26.4% (95% CI 20.4–33.5%), while sensitivity analysis including mixed units of analysis yielded a slightly lower estimate of 22.4% (95% CI 17.9–27.7%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I 2 ≈ 75%), with a wide prediction interval (approximately 10–38%). Brace non-compliance was strongly associated with relapse (pooled OR 22.35, 95% CI 10.09–49.53). Higher baseline severity and delayed treatment initiation were also associated with increased relapse risk. Definitions of relapse varied considerably across studies, contributing to heterogeneity in pooled estimates. Sensitivity analyses supported the stability of findings. There was borderline evidence of small-study effects. Relapse following Ponseti treatment remains clinically significant, affecting approximately one in four to one in five children. Brace non-compliance is the most important modifiable factor associated with relapse. Variability in relapse definitions, follow-up duration, and program implementation likely contribute to heterogeneity in reported outcomes. Strengthening brace adherence, ensuring prolonged follow-up, and standardizing clinically meaningful relapse definitions may improve long-term outcomes.

This narrative review examines how strategic decisions shaped by the entrepreneurial mindset sustain agribusiness SMEs in emerging economies, highlighting pathways to resilience. Recognising a critical knowledge gap in understanding the cognitive mechanisms that drive SME sustainability, the review is anchored in Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework. The study synthesises empirical evidence from 2020 to 2025 using a qualitative research design with systematic data collection from peer-reviewed journals and grey literature. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial cognition guides strategic resource allocation, innovation adoption, market positioning, risk management, and the integration of social and environmental sustainability, collectively enhancing economic, social, and ecological resilience. Persistent challenges include structural constraints, unequal access to finance and technology, gender disparities, and sustainability trade-offs in niche markets. Policy and practical implications emphasise cooperative models, targeted innovation financing, market intelligence support, and incentives for sustainability-aligned practices. The review contributes empirically by consolidating evidence across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offering comparative insights into how SMEs navigate complex and resource-constrained environments. Theoretically, it extends the application of Entrepreneurial Cognition Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework to context-specific decision-making in agribusiness SMEs, demonstrating how cognitive processes underpin sustainable strategic actions. By linking entrepreneurial decision-making to resilience outcomes, the review provides actionable insights for policymakers, development partners, and SME owner-managers seeking to enhance competitiveness, long-term viability, and inclusive growth in emerging economies.

The systematic study examined the influence between electronic System of Record Keeping and OrganizationalPerformance in Mitooma District in Western Uganda. The research task encompassed a cross-sectional and descriptive research designwith quantitative paradigm. The researchers utilized simple random sampling and stratified random sampling stratagems to select thecontributors for the research project. A sample of 72 members were selected from 157 persons of the target population using a tabledeveloped by Morgan & Krejcie (1970). Facts were congregated by means of questionnaires and scrutinized by utilizing Descriptivestatistics such as Bar graphs and inferential statistics such as Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative dataexamination. The research project findings discovered that there was a significant influence between Electronic System of RecordKeeping and Organizational Performance in Mitooma District in Western Uganda . The research project concluded that with the useof an electronic records management system, the company can regain complete control over its documentation, replacing antiquatedmanual record-keeping procedures with sleek, user-friendly digital systems that need little effort to search, backup, and secure. Fromthe research project results, the academics recommended that there is need to have a paradigm shift from the use of Paper based systemof record keeping to Electronic system in order to reduce expenditure on the purchase of papers and save time associated with paperwork. Local Governments all over the cosmos should enhance on the budget for capacity building so that workforces can go foradditional training in electronic records management system. This can help organizations to blossom for growth and development.

The systematic study examined the influence between electronic System of Record Keeping and OrganizationalPerformance in Mitooma District in Western Uganda. The research task encompassed a cross-sectional and descriptive research designwith quantitative paradigm. The researchers utilized simple random sampling and stratified random sampling stratagems to select thecontributors for the research project. A sample of 72 members were selected from 157 persons of the target population using a tabledeveloped by Morgan & Krejcie (1970). Facts were congregated by means of questionnaires and scrutinized by utilizing Descriptivestatistics such as Bar graphs and inferential statistics such as Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative dataexamination. The research project findings discovered that there was a significant influence between Electronic System of RecordKeeping and Organizational Performance in Mitooma District in Western Uganda . The research project concluded that with the useof an electronic records management system, the company can regain complete control over its documentation, replacing antiquatedmanual record-keeping procedures with sleek, user-friendly digital systems that need little effort to search, backup, and secure. Fromthe research project results, the academics recommended that there is need to have a paradigm shift from the use of Paper based systemof record keeping to Electronic system in order to reduce expenditure on the purchase of papers and save time associated with paperwork. Local Governments all over the cosmos should enhance on the budget for capacity building so that workforces can go foradditional training in electronic records management system. This can help organizations to blossom for growth and development.

ABSTRACT The study conducted was about Microfinance Institutions (MFI’s) and Economic Empowerment of women in Mutara Sub-county Mitooma District, Mutara Development Cooperative Savings and Credit Society was used as a case study. The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of the MUDSCO to economic empowerment of women. This study used a cross sectional research design method where Quantitative approach was employed. Survey questionnaire method was used to collect data. A total of 113 respondents were used. A closed ended questionnaire was administered to respondents. Data collected during the study revealed that economic empowerment of women improved after joining MUDSCO, for example there was increased income, increased decision making by women, increased asset ownership and increased access to many services such as education, health among others. The study findings indicated that MUDSCO has promoted economic empowerment such as asset ownership, independence in decision making, increased productivity, access to and control over income and access to services such as health education, increased value addition, has created opportunity for self-determination, increased value addition, increased access to market information, has created descent jobs for women among others. The Major conclusion from the study was that MUDSCO has contributed to economic empowerment of women and the society at large. It has succeeded in creating employment and has minimized the government responsibility with its scarce resources to organize and support rural women. It was recommended that, the government should give enough attention to women in terms of financial and technical assistance and reduce taxes imposed on Microfinance Institutions and the government policies should be designed to ensure adequate support of MFI’s in all parts of the country and especially in rural areas.

The study examined the role of SACCOs in poverty reduction. The aim of the study was categorically to; establish the strategies of reducing poverty among the Sacco members in selected districts of Greater Bushenyi, Uganda. A cross-sectional design was used. Qualitative research approach was employed. The Key informants were selected from SACCOs Management and leadership resource persons who provided the qualitative data. Purposive sampling was used to select the 19 Key Informants from 250 SACCOs Management and leadership. A key informant interview guide was used to obtain the data from the SACCO members and the Key Informants respectively. The findings revealed that both financial and non-financial services reduce poverty. The findings also indicated that the key strategy to reduce poverty among the Sacco members is through enhancing the provision of SACCO financial and non-financial services to their members and government revisiting the fiscal policy to provide an enabling environment in which SACCOs operate.

The study examined the role of SACCOs in poverty reduction. The aim of the study was categorically to; establish as to whether SACCO’S are doing enough in as far as reducing poverty among their members in selected Districts in Greater Bushenyi is concerned. A cross-sectional design was used. Qualitative research approach was employed. The Key informants were selected from Sacco’s Management and leadership resource persons who provided the qualitative data. Purposive sampling was used to select the 19 Key Informants from 250 Sacco’s Management and leadership. A key informant interview guide was used to obtain the data from the SACCO members and the Key Informants respectively. The findings revealed that both financial and non-financial services reduce poverty. The findings revealed that SACCOs are applauded as doing enough in as far as reducing poverty among their members is concerned drawing from financial literacy training and entrepreneurship skilling training services to their members. The findings revealed that for each additional increase in overall rigour of financial services (credit services and saving services), poverty reduction among the Sacco members in Greater Bushenyi was likely to get an average increase of 0.683 units in their poverty reduction (β =0.683, p = <0.000); overall increase in rigour of non-financial services leads to a higher likelihood of poverty reduction among the SACCO members in Greater Bushenyi.