Browsing by Author "Ikoja, O. J. R."

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    Genesis, evolution and current thrusts of Soroti University
    (RUFORUM, 2023) Ikoja, O. J. R.; Okello, J. G.; Too-Okema, L.
    Abstract Elders from Teso sub region in Eastern Uganda nursed a dream that one day, they would have a University in their area. This dream came true on 11th December 2011 when Uganda Government decided to set up a Public University known as Soroti University, located in Teso sub-region. The University was established by Statutory Instrument No. 34 of July 2015 as the 9th Public University under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institu tions Act of 2001 as amended. Soroti University is governed by the University Council and Council Committees plus Senate and its Committees as stated the act. Based on its Vision of being an institution of Professionals and Innovators, the Niche of Soroti University is to provide knowledge, skills and innovations in applied sciences. The University’s thematic areas are: - Health Sciences; Engineering and Technology; Renewable Energy; Ap plied Science and Science Education; Value addition courses and Food Science and Technology and currently has a population of 474 students.
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    Ikoja Odongo, J. R. (2024). Information Needs and Uses of the Informal Sector Entrepreneurs: A Conceptual, Contextual and Historiographic Review.
    (Springer, 2025-02-02) Ikoja, O. J. R.
    This chapter reviews extant literature on information needs and uses of the informal sector entrepreneurs of Uganda. The review is based on the study conducted from 1999 to 2002. By this time, studies on information needs were already forty years old since the early writing and exposition by Taylor in 1962, 1968. Motivation to the study is that the informal sector whose entrepreneurs were studied, had during this time relatively few studies of information needs and uses undertaken in developing Africa and within Uganda there was no empirical evidence to rely on to the size, nature, range, and activities of the sector. There is also a wide information gap in government, NGOs and other stakeholders on the sector regarding what they do and yet the sector contributes to the national economy. However the sector is part of the Ugandan economy that is deeply rooted in the history, customs and culture of the country. It is the second economy that has demonstrated remarkable ability to survive and expand in recent years. To understand the information needs and uses of entrepreneurs, their demographic and business characteristics are highlighted and empirically tested. Qualitative research methodologies, applying critical incidence technique for interviews of informal entrepreneurs from various trades was employed. Observations of entrepreneurs’ work environments and historical methods were engaged. Results suggest modern/exotic models of information transfer based on textual media and ICT, exhibit less impact on the entrepreneurs’ information needs and use at macro levels because of illiteracy, low levels of education and poor information infrastructure. Most ‘elite’ models share a platform with information behavior of entrepreneurs at the micro levels. The conclusion is drawn that an appropriate model for information behavior for information poor communities like the informal entrepreneurs must be grounded on oral traditions and indigenous knowledge and should be sensitive to poverty, infrastructure and illiteracy. There is need for information repackaging and use of appropriate media for information provision.