The Role of Performing Arts in Educating the Youth Against Harmful Gambling in Uganda

This event is free to attend.

To attend the event online, please register on Zoom. 

1:00pm - 2:00pm (GMT): Seminar

Speakers: 

Dr. Lawrence Branco Sekalegga:

Lawrence Branco Sekalegga (a Fulbright Scholar) is a Lecturer of Music in the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University. He earned his PhD in Music Education at Texas Tech University (USA). His main research areas include: Music Therapy, Music Pedagogy and Music in Society. Some of his recent research include: “Pedagogical Models of Teaching and Leaning Music Composition in Higher Education” (Routledge) and “Effects of Music Therapy on Emotional Distress of Cancer Patients in Uganda” (under review). Branco has won a number of research grants and awards such as the current Bristol Hub for Gambling Harm Award (2024), Choral Music-ISME Grant (2023), Use of Theatre in Social Mobilization for Development (MAK-RIF-2022), It is Safe to Vaccinate: Mobilizing Masses for COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Using Performing Arts (MAK-RIF-2022), and the Weston Award for Academic and Professional Development (IIE, 2010). Branco is now actively involved in International Society for Music Education (ISME) and Society for Research in Music Education. He is currently the PI on examining the role of performing arts in addressing harmful gambling practices in Uganda. 

Dr. David Kakeeto: 

David Kakeeto is a Senior Lecturer and Dean at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Victoria University, Kampala-Uganda. He holds a PhD in Education (Educational Technology) and a Master’s in Education (Educational Technology) from Makerere University. David leverages technology to enhance learning experiences. He serves as a consultant for the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), where his expertise focuses on program assessment, auditing, institutional inspection, accreditation, and research. David’s research spans a wide range of topics, including: IoT applications, online resources for scientific research, and multimedia technology. He is currently serving as co-PI on examining the role of performing arts in addressing harmful gambling practices in Uganda.   

 

Seminar Abstract:

Uganda, with a young and growing urban population, has witnessed a rise in gambling, especially in urban centers. The aim of our study was to examine the role of performing arts in shaping responsible gambling practices among the youth in Uganda. This study involved participants 25–34 years (66%) which constituted the largest proportion of participants, followed by 18–24 years (34%). Data were gathered using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) deploying; interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Findings suggested that gambling behaviors are more prevalent among young adults, who are either in school or starting to pursue their careers. Results showed that a significant majority had engaged in gambling (68%), underscoring its widespread in the urban population. Music was the most preferred (68%) followed by theatre/drama (32%) as a tool for promoting responsible gambling messages. Although financial problems were identified as the main consequences of harmful gambling (87%), mental health was equally affected (63%) among others. Results were discussed in terms of implications for increased awareness of harmful gambling practices by use of culturally relevant interventions as well as policy change initiatives and community engagement.              

 

Lawrence Branco Sekalegga

David Kakeeto