Book Description
Approached from a socio-physiological perspective, this study examines with reference to Africa, the role of cultural and social capital in the efforts of individuals, communities and other networks to overcome poverty and achieve a sustainable way of life. Moving beyond the familiar poverty indicators as from a conventional development-economics perspective, the study contests that culture plays a major role in development, as the psychological attitudes that determine human behavior and interaction are usually rooted in the cultural environment. It argues that socio-psychological individuals and their actions are the key to determining livelihoods and influencing communities; and that cultural and social capital - the shared values, knowledge, attitudes and expectations of a group or society - is vital for social cooperation and overall human-centered development. ... Read more

Book Description
Since achieving independence from Great Britain in 1962, the East African country of Uganda has been ravaged by political turmoil and the more recent crisis of the AIDS epidemic, but is now in the process of rebuilding and democratizing. Culture and Customs of Uganda is a fascinating overview of the current state of Ugandan society, where largely rural ethnic groups are experiencing the pull of urban centers, while the changes brought about by Western influences bear on practically every aspect of people's lives. Examples from the main ethnic groups are used to explain traditional culture and adaptations to modern life in religion, gender roles, courtship and marriage, work, education, family life, ceremonies, the arts, media, and more. This is the essential reference source to turn to for solid insight into Uganda. The wealth of detail in the coverage of the subjects above plus the land, people, history, literature, architecture/housing, cuisine, dress, gender roles, social customs and lifestyle, provides readers with broad sense of the country and its inhabitants. The sensitive narrative conveys the nuances between old and new, urban and rural, elite and poor for each topic. In addition, the evolution of Ugandan peoples is superbly demonstrated. Highlights include a discussion of the ways in which adherents of world religions such as Christianity and Islam mix these with traditional African religious belief in spirits, diviners, and rainmakers. The book also explores patriarchy and the social and inheritance system that has hindered women's education and prospects and exposed them to HIV/AIDS. Finally, there is a celebration of the various forms of artistic expression, such as drumming, ceremonial dance, and handicrafts, particularly ceramic pottery, that have won accolades, as well as a look at artists who excel in writing poetry, producing hip-hop, and painting batiks for popular consumption. ... Read more

Book Description
Uganda's linguistic situation is complex. These papers from two conferences at Makerere University present a coherent and current picture. The book is divided into five parts: an overview of language and literacy issues in both Ugandan and international contexts; the issue of language for national communication; the role of local language in the education system; national policies and practices in teaching literacy and literature; and ways of encouraging a reading culture in Uganda. ... Read more

Book Description
Uganda has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more

Book Description
This book, the first of its kind to treat Uganda, provides a historical analysis of the role of student voice in the development of Uganda's higher education. It not only chronicles incidents of student protests, but also explores and analyses their trigger points, the underlying issues as well as the strategies employed by the university, the government, and the students to manage or resolve those crises. In addition, the book highlights the role played by national politics in shaping student political consciousness, in particular their involvement in protests, riots and demonstrations. The book, therefore, limits its scope to the unfolding and impact of student crisis on the process of higher education.Byaruhanga recommends that colleges and universities need to increase communication with students, as well as promote student involvement in decision and policy making, among other things, in order to forestall future conflicts.

Most distinctively, the book aims to address the current paucity of research on student activism in Uganda's higher education, and highlights the critical need for research on higher education in Africa as a field of study. The book also may serve as a base for cross-national comparative analysis. ... Read more

Book Description
This collection argues for a new conceptualization of intellectual disability that stresses its cultural variability and social construction, and deemphasizes its medicalized, physiological nature. It is aimed at disability specialists in social anthropology, sociology, social policy, and psychology, and at the broader health/medical anthropology audience. It is novel and radical in its treatment of intellectual disability not purely as an inherent property of individuals, but also as a social phenomenon. ... Read more

Book Description
Cultural values provide the context in which we act and negotiate regarding new ideas. When culture can be mobilized, it has the potential to serve as a resource in fighting poverty and facilitating development.

The studies reported in "Cultural values and development in Uganda" are both theoretically interesting and practically applicable. Individual level values are shown to be directly related to whether people participate or not in projects that enable them to move out of poverty.

Community level values can either enhance the effectiveness of attempts to promote development, or clash with and frustrate these attempts. Social capital is another important factor: its far-reaching effects can help to explain differences in the degree of development and the conditions required for change.

The research confirms the hypothesis of a Black African cultural profile, shared by Uganda, as well as that of differences between the value systems of developing countries and those of Northern donors and NGOs. The conflict and strain that is apt to result is a serious opportunity cost.The authors consider the implications for cultural change in Uganda. ... Read more