This paper discusses the nexus between research and quality assurance in contemporary higher education, with specific reference to Uganda Martyrs University. Starting with discussion of the concept of research—touching on the conceptualization of what constitutes research; disambiguation of key terms and concepts in research; and discussion of major research paradigms and designs—the paper discusses the place of research as an aspect of quality assurance in university education. Thereafter, it articulates a case for research in higher education and discusses the state of research, quality assurance and the meeting points of the two at Uganda Martyrs University.Keywords · Research · Quality assurance · Higher education

This article sought to examine the position of women in the traditional African society in Kenya before colonialism (before 1895). It narrowed down to the social organisation in the Luhya traditional society and the space women occupied in the same. It further delved into exploring the possibilities of empowerment or disempowerment for women in the social sphere among the Abaluhya. It addressed the aspect of women's agency in the Luhya social organisation, answering the question of what role women played in elevating their position socially. This article was supported by Lesley Ogundipe's African Feminist theory which holds that women had an essential role in the pre-colonial African society and that the structure of the society had room for women empowerment as opposed to the common belief that the African society disempowered women. Data for this study was collected using primary and secondary sources. Primary sources involved oral interviews, while secondary sources focused on analysing existing literature on the topic under study. The study analyzed five major aspects of the Luhya society and the role women played in them, namely: the clan and the family, initiation and marriage, informal education and apprenticeship, traditional religion and sex roles, and division of labour. The study found that women were centrally placed in the social structure of the Luhya society and that while some social aspects empowered them, others disempowered them. The study then concluded by assessing the role of women in elevating their own social status.

The feasibility of a multidimensional African Standby Force (ASF)

This paper evaluates the evangelisation opportunities in the historical development of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega since 1978. The study adopted a historical research design. The study's target population was one million catholic faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega. A sample size of 384 catholic Christians was further deduced using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. Data collection tools used included questionnaires, interviews schedule, focus group discussions, observations, secondary sources, archival records, and internet materials. The respondents consent to be quoted in this work was given.  Data obtained was qualitatively analyzed. The study unravelled the following opportunities: Education, health, human resource, rich documentation in the Catholic Church, stable hierarchy, rich scripture and long history, among others. These opportunities are important because they help the church to advance in her efforts of evangelisation. That is why this study employed the challenge and response theory as propounded by Arnold Toynbee. The area under study is a multi-ethnic with rich cultural diversity, the dances and music, that when blended well can enrich evangelisation and the liturgy.

With the collapse of the central government, Somalia was engulfed into a predatory violence from the warlords. It saw deaths and acute humanitarian crisis amidst the vulnerable population. In nearly over two decades, peace still remains a dream in the failed state. The efforts to restore peace and stabilize the nation have proved to be futile. The weak Federal Government of Somalia struggles to run the state from the comforts of Mogadishu since most parts are still under the control of Al shabaab and other clan militias. Even in the capital mortar shells fired by the militants can be heard regularly. Suicide bombers pose a major threat to Mogadishu and other high value targets within the town. The researchers targeted AMISOM personnel and locals. The primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Secondary data was gathered and reviewed from journals, books, magazines, newspapers and published proceedings that corroborated the primary data. The study found out that the nature of AMISOM needs to be realigned to facilitate the peace building efforts. The study recommends that operations should major on winning the hearts and minds of the locals which is vital in fighting asymmetrical warfare; and the mandate should not be changed frequently. The findings generated a body of knowledge that informs designing of peace support operation practices, processes and strategies for ensuring durable and sustainable peace in Somalia and elsewhere.