Kabale University

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Wildlife crime poses a severe threat to biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity, and sustainable development, particularly in biodiverse developing countries. In Uganda, protected areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) continue to experience persistent wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, and wildlife trafficking, despite the presence of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Prosecution of wildlife offenders is widely recognised as a central deterrence mechanism and a key pillar of environmental justice and conservation governance. Yet the persistence of these crimes raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of existing prosecution processes. This study assessed the effectiveness of wildlife crime prosecution in QENP, with particular attention to legal, institutional, and operational determinants of enforcement outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to wildlife officers, community members, and law enforcement personnel with key informant interviews involving prosecutors, magistrates, park wardens, and conservation officials. These data were complemented by a systematic review of wildlife legislation, prosecution records, and policy documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that prosecution effectiveness is undermined by weak investigations, poor evidence management, limited technical and financial capacity, corruption, and judicial delays, resulting in low conviction rates and weak deterrence. Nonetheless, opportunities exist through strengthened legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, community-based intelligence, judicial reforms, and support from conservation partners. The study underscores the need to enhance investigative capacity, professionalise prosecutorial practices, and institutionalise coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve wildlife crime prosecution and conservation outcomes in QENP

Abstract This letter discusses Mohamed et al.'s prospective study on nerve ultrasound (US) as a complement to nerve conduction studies (NCS) in early Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) diagnosis, noting excellent CSA-based accuracy at key sites (e.g., median nerve mid-forearm ≥ 0.0695 cm 2 : 100% sensitivity/specificity). It proposes critical next steps: incorporating proximal nerve segments into standardized protocols and developing composite US-NCS-clinical diagnostic scores to boost GBS precision and evaluation.

Purpose: This study evaluates the impact of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in combating corruption in Uganda, examining their strategies, achieved outcomes, and the contextual factors influencing their effectiveness. Method: A qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected through interviews with 58 purposively selected respondents drawn from CSOs, government agencies, and faith-based institutions engaged in anti-corruption initiatives. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti software. Findings: The findings reveal that CSOs play a significant role through advocacy campaigns, monitoring of government programs, civic education, and follow-up on Auditor General recommendations. These interventions have contributed to increased public awareness and enhanced grassroots demand for accountability and improved service delivery. However, the persistence of high corruption levels indicates structural constraints, including limited political will, intimidation of CSO actors, bureaucratic resistance, selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and institutional fragility. Originality: Although legally recognized as partners in governance frameworks, CSOs operate within a politically restrictive environment that substantially limits their transformative impact. The study argues that CSO participation in anti-corruption efforts in Uganda often reflects institutional tokenism rather than genuine empowerment. The research contributes to broader debates on societal accountability, governance reforms, and the structural limits of civil society influence in corruption-prone environments.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a systemic disease that extends beyond metabolic dysfunction to include accelerated neurocognitive decline driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that essential micronutrients may interact synergistically or antagonistically with biguanides, particularly metformin, to influence neurocognitive function. This systematic review synthesized preclinical and clinical evidence on the interactions between essential micronutrients and biguanides (notably metformin) in modulating neurocognitive outcomes in T2DM. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published between 2010 and 2025. After screening 226 records in Rayyan, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Both preclinical and clinical studies were analyzed descriptively to identify patterns of mechanistic and functional outcomes. Extracted data covered intervention types, doses, duration, biomarkers, and cognitive outcomes. Of the 40 studies, 27 (67.5%) were preclinical and 13 (32.5%) were clinical, spanning 14 countries. Most interventions involved vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, or polyphenols, either alone or combined with metformin. Synergistic effects were observed in 77.5% of studies, with significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and oxidative balance. Key molecular pathways involved AMPK, PI3K/Akt, GSK3β, and Nrf2-CREB, which mediated enhanced glucose utilization, mitochondrial function, and synaptic plasticity. Antagonistic effects (10%) were mainly linked to metformin-induced vitamin B12 depletion, which impaired neurotrophic signaling and elevated homocysteine levels. Across studies, neuroprotective benefits correlated with increased BDNF, PSD-95, and SIRT1 expression, and reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels. Most (75%) of the studies showed a synergistic interaction between biguanides (metformin) and micronutrients save a few that showed antagonistic interaction. Integrating micronutrient supplementation particularly vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidant compounds into T2DM management enhances both metabolic control and cognitive function. These findings support a paradigm shift toward combined nutraceutical-pharmacologic therapy within clinical and public health frameworks. Future research should focus on dose optimization, mechanistic validation, and long-term clinical evaluation to develop evidence-based, nutrition-sensitive diabetes care models.

Purpose: The study aims to assess the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations and provide an acceptable solution to address the identified challenges. Methodology: The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires; the unit of analysis was corporate organizations based in Lira, Uganda, and the unit of inquiry was employees. The study assessed discriminant validity among the latent variables using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio, and correlations among the latent variables were computed. To enhance validity and reliability, the study addressed common method bias. A structural equation model was also developed to assess its predictive value and the strength of relationships among the latent variables. Results: The study found that high-quality reporting is associated with good accounting standards. A positive change in financial reporting strategies improves the quality of financial reporting. It is also noted that the use of qualified staff and ICT would enhance the quality of financial reporting. Implications: Corporate organizations that apply sound accounting standards, integrate ICT, and empower boards to perform oversight roles in accordance with established policies will always grow faster. Originality: This study examined the often overlooked, yet significant aspects of quality financial reporting in most corporate organizations, whereas the existing literature focuses primarily on regulatory issues and compliance. The study focused on specificities and hindrances to accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.

<title>Abstract</title> Peatlands are critical for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and water management, yet they face growing threats from unsustainable and extractive land use practices. Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are increasingly recognised as essential actors in peatland restoration, but the effectiveness of different engagement strategies remains poorly understood. This Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) synthesises empirical evidence on IPLC engagement in peatland conservation, restoration, and sustainable management. Our final dataset included 48 studies, predominantly journal articles. Engagement methods identified include participatory decision-making and co-design, community-based monitoring, awareness campaigns and capacity building, integration of traditional knowledge, and financial incentives. Multi-method, bottom-up approaches were generally more effective than single interventions. Key challenges include structural constraints, method-related issues (e.g., limited participation, knowledge gaps), and poorly aligned incentives. Our findings highlight the need to promote community-led governance, integrate local knowledge, align incentives with livelihoods, secure land and resource rights, invest in education and capacity building, embed adaptive management, and link local initiatives with national strategies. Evidence gaps remain in evaluating effectiveness, documenting non-tropical peatlands, and assessing locally led initiatives in local languages.

This chapter reveals the hidden yet profound struggles of international students as they navigate financial stress, health-related trade-offs, and academic pressures. Using narrative inquiry and autoethnography, it exposes systemic inequities within global higher education. Financial insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and institutional neglect are shown as structural issues, not exceptions. Yet, amid these challenges, students demonstrate resilience, agency, and strategic adaptation. Their stories connect personal experience with broader policy failures, offering a compelling call for more inclusive, equitable systems that uphold dignity and human potential.

This study examined how ICT adoption influences its integration in the management of selected secondary schools in Southern Division of Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. A qualitative research approach using an exploratory case study design was employed. The sample consisted of 24 administrative staff selected from four secondary schools (two government-aided and two private), including head teachers, deputy head teachers, directors of studies, bursars, secretaries, and librarians. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and an observational checklist and analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that ICT integration processes were largely uncoordinated, reactive, and unsupported by formal policies or strategic plans. The lack of continuous training and inadequate infrastructure significantly hindered both adoption and integration. Motivations for ICT use were primarily external driven by competition, inspections, or community expectations rather than internal strategy. Adoption was often ceremonial, with minimal influence on management transformation. However, isolated best practices emerged through individual staff efforts, peer-to-peer support, and practical use of simple, reliable tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Schools develop structured ICT plans, ensure inclusive decision-making, allocate dedicated resources, and institutionalize peer-led training programs. Keywords: ICT integration, school management, adoption

Resource planning is a key determinant of the success of community-based projects, yet there is limited consolidated evidence on how its core practices influence project performance. This systematic literature review examines the relationship between resource planning and community-based project performance, focusing on three central constructs: resource identification, resource distribution, and scheduling and budgeting. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies from African contexts, the review examines how effective identification of human, financial, material, and informational resources ensures alignment with community needs. Resource distribution is analyzed in terms of equitable and efficient allocation across project activities, which enhances implementation effectiveness and community satisfaction. Scheduling and budgeting practices are examined for their role in ensuring timely project execution, cost control, and long-term sustainability. Project performance is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct encompassing efficiency (time and cost), effectiveness (achievement of project objectives), and sustainability (enduring project impact). The review further highlights the moderating role of community participation, local partnerships, and transparency in planning, which strengthen the relationship between resource planning and project outcomes. Theoretical perspectives from the Resource-Based View, Contingency Theory, and Stakeholder Theory are integrated to explain the mechanisms through which resource planning influences performance. The findings indicate that community-based projects with structured resource planning processes, supported by active stakeholder engagement, demonstrate higher levels of efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. A conceptual framework linking resource planning constructs to multi-dimensional project performance under the influence of moderating factors is proposed, providing a foundation for future empirical research and practical decision-making. This review contributes to knowledge on resource management in community-based projects and offers practical guidance for project managers, policymakers, and development practitioners. Keywords: Resource Planning, Community-Based, Project Performance, Africa