Kyambogo University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
2178 research outputs found
Sort by
One bird, one stone: professionalization of sport structures as a strategy for harnessing elite sport success in Uganda
No full textThis paper explores the significance of professionalization of sport in harnessing elite sport success in Uganda’s sport system. The study adopted qualitative and case study designs involving an exhaustive review of literature; in-depth semi-structured interview data analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that professionalization unblocks the channels for improved sporting training, competition, and performance; at elite sport events while at the same time triggering other unanticipated cross-level ‘ripple’ effects that buttress Uganda’s elite sport success. The professionalization process has however been punctuated by eminent barriers. This paper argues that professionalizing Uganda’s sport structures not only boosts the medal winning potential but also maximize its chances of tapping into the interminable benefits including; reducing amateur structures, bolstering mass sport, competitive and elite sport participation, raising the revenue generation potential of sports, and improving the general success on the pitch, all of which maximize sport contribution to Uganda’s economy
Resilient agriculture in semi‑arid Zimbabwe: adaptation strategies and influencers among smallholder farmers
No full text17 p. ;Despite extensive research on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Zimbabwe, their effectiveness from the perspective of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Gwayi catchment remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated adaptation strategies in response to land use change and climate variability using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through a survey of 483 smallholder farmers, 10 focus group discussions (8–12 participants), and interviews with 25 key informants. Results show that despite farmers’ awareness of improved practices, adaptation remains constrained by limited access to water, quality seeds, and technology (64%), financial constraints (46%), and knowledge gaps (19%). The most common adaptation strategies include soil water conservation (85%), drought-resistant crops (80%), early planting (55%), and diversification (49%), with soil water conservation and drought-tolerant crops being the most widely practiced and perceived as most effective. Regression analysis indicates that livestock ownership, participation in community climate-resilient programs, and recent drought experiences significantly (p < 0.05) influence both the choice and number of adaptation strategies adopted. These findings highlight the need for context-specific interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate and land use changes on food security. Strengthening resilience among smallholder farmers requires improved resource access, livestock support, community-based resilience programs, capacity building, financial aid, and enhanced drought preparedness. Implementing these measures will bolster adaptive capacity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate uncertainty
The Politics of Seeds and Agricultural Crisis among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda and Tanzania, 1960–2024
No full textThis paper examines how the politics of seeds have limited smallholder farmers’ access to seeds in Uganda and Tanzania, thereby contributing to an agricultural crisis. Using secondary and primary sources, the study found that smallholder farmers were encouraged to use improved seeds but the production and supply of such seeds remained inadequate, too expensive, and driven by politics. Consequently, smallholder farmers continued to use traditional seeds whose supply was dwindling. The adoption of hybrid and genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds also led to a loss of seed sovereignty among smallholder farmers, exposing them to exploitation by multinational private seed companies
Sustainable renewable biofuel production toward pyrolysis of fibers biowaste Agave Americana L. and thermodynamics mechanisms kinetic parameters triplet assessment
No full text26 p.derived from the flower stalk of Agave americana waste (FSSAW), aiming to assess their suitability for bioenergy applications. Non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at heating rates of 30, 40, and 50 °C/min. Kinetic modeling using the Coats – Redfern method evaluated 36 solid-state reaction models to determine the
activation energy-Ea and pre-exponential factor (lnA). The highest Ea was observed for Model M22, increasing from 218.87 kJ/mol at 30 °C/min to 252.73 kJ/mol at 50 °C/min, while the lowest Ea, 4.22 kJ/mol, was recorded for Model M19. These results indicate the presence of both complex and simple reaction mechanisms, with a general increase in Ea at higher heating rates, consistent with the kinetic compensation effect. Thermodynamic analysis revealed a maximum enthalpy change (ΔH) of 249.65 kJ/mol, a maximum Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of 390.81 kJ/mol, and a minimum entropy change (ΔS) of −0.31 kJ/mol·K, confirming that the pyrolysis process is endothermic and non-spontaneous, leading to a more ordered transition state. Criado’s master plot technique further validated Model M16 (random nucleation and growth) as the most representative mechanism during early decomposition stages. However, deviations at higher conversions suggest the occurrence of multi-step processes, including diffusion and char
formation
‘I no longer worry about money for transport to the health centre’ - economic empowerment of caregivers of children living with HIV through Village Savings and Loan Associations: experiences and lessons from the ’Towards an AIDS Free Generation Program in Uganda (TAFU)’
No full textBackground
In Uganda, social economic challenges continue to hinder attainment of HIV prevention and treatment
targets for children. Aidsfonds and partners in Uganda implemented an eight-year ‘Towards an AIDS Free Generation
in Uganda’ (TAFU) programme in central, western and eastern, Uganda with Village Savings and Loan Associations
(VSLAs) as a key component. In this paper we document experiences of caregivers, children and health workers
and lessons learnt from VSLAs as part of the TAFU programme in Uganda.
Methodology
A qualitative case study was conducted between July and August 2022 in Ntungamo, Kyenjojo
Mityana, Mubende and Soroti, districts. Data were collected through 31 focus group discussions (FGDs) with VSLA
members, children and adolescents living with HIV, networks of people living with HIV and Village Health Team
members (VHTs). In addition, we conducted 11 interviews with children and their caregivers at TAFU supported health
facilities as well as 43 interviews with health workers and district ofcials involved in HIV programming. Content thematic approach was used for data analysis.
Results
The VSLAs under the TAFU programme were a source of economic resources in form of loans for income
generation activities and to pay for health care costs which facilitated access to HIV care for children. Members developed lasting friendships and networks of support which helped them to meet the material and psychological needs
of children. The VSLA groups provided safe spaces for caregivers to share challenges and to learn more about HIV
prevention and treatment from expert clients which improved the care for children living with HIV. Group training
Multi-resonator plasmonic metasurface biosensor with graphene enhancement for ultra-sensitive terahertz pregnancy detection using machine learning optimization
No full text23 P. :This study presents a multi-resonator plasmonic metasurface biosensor operating in the terahertz range for detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a primary pregnancy biomarker. The sensor consists of four resonators with different geometries and dimensions made from graphene, copper, aluminum, and gold. Its operation is based on surface plasmon resonance. Finite element simulations showed that transmittance varied from 98.428% to 30.736% as the graphene chemical potential changed from 0.1 to 0.45 eV. The optimized sensor achieved a sensitivity of 1000 GHz per refractive index unit (RIU) and a figure of merit of 13.333 RIU−1 . A Gradient Boosting Regressor model was used to predict sensor behavior. The model produced R 2 values between 0.90 and 1.00 for variations in incident angle, square ring geometry, and graphene chemical potential. Resonance frequency shifted from 0.32 to 0.30 THz with refractive index changes, following a linear relationship (R2 = 0.88947) that allows calibration for hCG detection
Collaborative management of wildlife for promotion of tourism in Africa : a case of Semuliki national park, western Uganda
No full text12 p. : col.Collaborative management of natural resources has overtime received overwhelming support in developing countries after decades of colonial preservative approach. It is considered as the most appropriate management practice for all-natural resources including wildlife resources. The aim of this study was to identify the management strategies used and their performance in promoting sustainability of wildlife and tourism around Semuliki National Park, South Western Uganda. Across-sectional research design was used in the study. Methods of data collection included interviews, focus group discussions, observation, questionnaires and document review. A sample of 199 households living around the protected area were randomly and selected. The key informants were purposively selected. The findings indicated that strategies used in the area included : resource harvesting, problem animal management and land use planning, revenue sharing and sensitization. The local communities perceived resource harvesting, land use planning and problem animal management as the most effective strategies in managing the protected area. The community appreciated that some success had been recorded and these include among others ; reducing encroachment to the protected area and illegal resources harvesting, and improvement in park–community relationship. However, the problem animal management strategies had not performed well and therefore affecting sustainable wildlife management and tourism development in the area. This calls for reassessment of the strategy with the aim of strengthening community involvement in the management of the protected area. It was concluded that there a mix in the perception of the community around the protected area as far as collaborative management was concerned. Many believe that their level of participation is mainly passive though there is small level active involvement and participation. It was recommended that the participation of local communities need to be enhanced and the successful strategies should be strengthened and cascaded to other protected areas in the country and in Africa as a whole
Navigating educational disruptions : resilience in Ugandan vocational education during COVID-19
No full textP. (1-8) ;This research article investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary schools in Uganda, focusing on the strategies adopted to cope with disruptions in educational processes. It utilises a mixed-methods approach, gathering data from 16 schools in Uganda's Western, Northern, and Eastern regions, and focusing on vocational subjects. Its findings reveal that schools observed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including social distancing, mask-wearing, and handwashing, despite resource constraints and spatial limitations. Remote learning for candidate classes reduced exposure but highlighted rural disparities due to inadequate internet infrastructure. Despite significant challenges, school administrators exhibited resilience by implementing innovative measures, including staggered attendance and restricted student movement to minimize contact. However, vocational education encountered notable setbacks, such as inadequate practical facilities, especially within private institutions. It highlights the critical need for enhanced government support, particularly for vocational teachers, to sustain education post-pandemic. While Uganda's education sector has shown resilience during the pandemic, sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher support, and vocational education is vital for long-term stability and growth
Relationship between primary school children’s right of expression and self-esteem in bugiri district, Uganda
No full textThis study investigated the relationship between primary school children’s right of expression and their self-esteem in Bugiri District, Uganda, using the explanatory mixed-method approach. The study used a sample of 236 learners through a questionnaire. Data treatment involved mean scores and Pearson correlation. The study established that while children experienced limited freedom of expression, the school culture undermined their sense of belonging and agency. The lower level of self-esteem suggests that the children were emotionally vulnerable, which may negatively affect their academic performance, social relationships, and ability to cope with challenges. Therefore, school teachers should create safe and inclusive spaces that actively promote child participation. The Directorate of Education Standards should recognize children's expression as legal right and developmental need
Optimizing implementation of an evidence-based self-help intervention program for people living with HIV (PLWH) with depressive symptoms in Botswana
No full text10 p.depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana. Its effectiveness was evaluated in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), with a sample of 72 PLWH. The program was shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms (d = 0.76). Good implementation is an important step. This paper aims to present an evidence-based implementation strategy for the booklet self-help intervention. A reflexive methodology was adopted. An implementation model based on the stepwise approach of Versluis et al. ([2020]. SERIES: eHealth in primary care. Part 4: Addressing the challenges of implementation. European Journal of General Practice, 26(1), 140–145.) was applied to the present study. Barriers were identified and deductively coded based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) categories. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework was used to develop implementation strategies to address the identified barriers. Barriers encountered during implementation included costs, lack of screening, lack of trained professionals, etc., with the most important and changeable barrier being the lack of screening and referral into the self-help program. The most important implementation strategies include good collaboration with stakeholders and training of staff and coaches. Standard screening for depressive symptoms is critical to accessing the intervention. A coordinated strategy including stakeholder engagement and ongoing training and support, and structural support is necessary