This document provides context and outlines the objectives of Kristina Roesel's PhD thesis on assessing the parasitic burden in the smallholder pig value chain in Uganda. The thesis aims to 1) understand if parasites are perceived as a production constraint by farmers, 2) estimate parasitic burden in pigs at farm, slaughter, and retail levels, 3) identify risk factors for parasitic infections, and 4) assess risks to public health from pork consumption. Preliminary results from farm surveys found worms and mange to be top health issues. The thesis is funded by the Safe Food, Fair Food project and aims to improve pig value chains and reduce health risks from pork-borne parasites in Uganda.