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Investigating the cost of mechanized unpaved road maintenance operations in Uganda
No full textP. (1-15) ;Force Account Mechanism (FAM) is the predominant road maintenance system in Uganda’s local government setup and a similar, though slightly different approach, is used in some large private sector agriculture plantations.
With the Uganda Road Fund (URF) 2021/2022 annual report and previous research citing challenges in cost management and efficiency of the FAM method of road maintenance, it becomes paramount to analyse how FAM is implemented in government-led operations, in comparison to similar private sector approaches, while proposing possible solutions to these challenges. This research offered to analyse unpaved road maintenance cost drivers alongside providing a cost model solution to improve on cost prediction of the FAM system. Gulu District Local Government (DLG) and Kakira Sugar Limited (KSL) were selected as case study areas. Two descriptive research methods were used: observations and case study approach. The selected case study areas were accessible and reachable in terms of data. Control parameters affecting unpaved mechanized road maintenance were
identified as machine repair costs, tool costs, labour costs, material costs, fuel costs and machine fuel costs. Unpaved mechanized road maintenance costs at KSL and Gulu DLG were computed as a cost/km ratio of 26,442,032Ugx/km (6,958.4USD/km) and 32,674,895Ugx/km (8,598.65USD/km) respectively. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) unpaved road maintenance costs were calculated as an average of 34,987,122.9Ugx/km (9,165USD/km) while the World Bank ROCKS database provided a comparable figure of 7,971USD/km (30,553,440.83Ugx/km). A USD to Ugx conversion rate of 3,800 was used. Two linear regression cost models with a 0.679 and 0.687 R2 value were computed, and these can be used in preliminary road maintenance cost prediction. The study recommends the need for an effective, digital road maintenance cost database system for mechanized unpaved road maintenance works, cost driver analytics and management, alongside improvement in aspects of maintenance processes at both the DLG and KSL. Further research can be conducted on equipment condition level prediction and analytics in the private sector and at the DLG
Bachwezi Bashomi in western Uganda : origins, beliefs and practices
No full textxiii, 89 p. : col.The study explored the origins, beliefs and practices of the Bachwezi Bashomi religious movement in Western Uganda. It also examined the theological contributions of Bachwezi Bashomi in the study of religions in Africa. The phenomenon of Bachwezi Bashomi has since the introduction of foreign religions in Africa presented a theological challenge as the study of African traditional religions came into perspective. This theological challenge is exhibited in the double lives of Bachwezi Bashomi practitioners - they fully embrace and practice Christianity while having very strong belief in their ancestral spirits of the Bachwezi (mystical people who are believed to have lived in the interlacustrine region, and eventually morphed into ancestral spirits) as angels or messengers sent by the supreme God. In this sense, Bachwezi Bashomi are truly Christian and truly African traditionalists. Its adjectival name as Bachwezi Bashomi (literally means Bachwezi who are Christians, who read or enlightened) is a theological problem. Does Bachwezi Bashomi represent theological transactions between African ancestral religious ideas with the foreign religions, especially missionary Christianity, which was associated with the art of literacy? To understand this problem, the study examined their origins, beliefs and practices by targeting both practitioners. This study was based on the following objectives: To explain the meaning of Bachwezi Bashomi; To trace the origins of Bachwezi Bashomi; To explain the beliefs and practices of Bachwezi Bashomi; To examine the theological contributions of Bachwezi Bashomi. The study is qualitative in outlook employing descriptive and analytical approaches. The methods used for data collection are semi structured interviews and observation photography and document analysis. The study established the following key findings: The name as Bachwezi Bashomi denotes the idea of an African religious system which has been Christianized; Bachwezi Bashomi is a blend of African traditional spirituality with other foreign religious ideas especially Christianity; The African spiritual realities like ancestors are central and given prominence as angels or messengers of God; Bachwezi Bashomi stands for the ongoing quest for Africans to express their spirituality and culture in the face of the changing world, by blending modernity with their cultures. Through the encounter with the participants, the researcher recommends that: Bachwezi Bashomi deserve respect, mutual understanding for harmonious co-existence; other religions like Christianity should recognize Bachwezi Bashomi in its right without bias or prejudice; The Bachwezi Bashomi continued growth needs more scholarly work for it holds the Africanism that we cannot deny
Ethnobotany, total polyphenol content, and cytotoxicity of African olive (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.) Fruit Pulp
No full textIn Uganda, indigenous knowledge, total polyphenol content and cytotoxicity of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. have
not been documented, which may limit its utilization. Henceforth, this study aimed at conducting an ethnobotanical
survey and determining total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of C. schweinfurthii fruit pulp. The
ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Kamuli, Luwero, and Mayuge districts, Uganda using validated questionnaires
following purposive and snowball sampling. Following cold and hot water extraction of the fruit pulp extract, Total
Polyphenol Content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method while the antioxidant capacity on human
colon (Caco-2) cell lines was determined using the oxidative stress and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofuorescein diacetate staining
model. Cytotoxicity at 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:25, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200 and 1:1000 concentrations was determined using the human
colon (Caco-2) cell lines and resazurin assay. The study revealed that various parts of C. schweinfurthii are used in the
management of various health complications whereas the fruit is utilized as food. The TPC obtained for C.schweinfurthii
fruit pulp was 2.48 ± 0.10 and 2.88 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g dry weight for cold and hot extracts, respectively. There was no
signifcant antioxidant activity observed after treatment of human colon (Caco-2) cell lines with the diferent fruit pulp
extract concentrations. Zero to very low cytotoxicity was observed in cell lines treated with 1:10, 1:25, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200
and 1:1000 fruit pulp extract. The fndings of this study suggest that in addition to its utilization as a food, C.schweinfurthii
fruit pulp is a potential therapeutic agent
Language expression and clergy-laity ministry conflicts in central Busoga diocese
No full textix, 101 p.This study examined the connection between language expression and persistent conflicts between the clergy and laity in the central Busoga diocese. The specific objectives were, to investigate the indicators of clergy-laity conflicts, to examines forms of language expressions in fueling conflicts and to investigate the impact of language expression in the clergy-laity conflicts. The study took qualitative approaches. It is descriptive and analytical in nature. Data was collected through field interviews, observations and examining some written documents. Findings indicated that both the clergy and laity use language expressions to either launch offensive or defensive attacks. These language expressions further deepen the differences and create hostilities between the laity and clergy, which further affect the Christian activities in various parishes. The study further revealed that language expressions are a manifestation of attitudes, personal human differences, theological biases and sectarianism which arise from a section of people having preference for some clergy over others. The atmosphere of hostility may result into chaos and murders unless the problems are addressed or the church finds the lasting solution. Unity, which is the core value of Christians is being lost as the clergy and laity are busy exchanging hostile expressions. A culture of empathy needs to be cultivated. There is need to develop accommodative spirit by both the clergy and laity. The laity, which is largely constituted by youthful people need to be allowed to participate in various church services, as they identify with human suffering and often volunteer. Laity can lead Sunday services and take discipleship seminars. The clergy should be sensitive to the local people and should be keen to understand their audience. Sermons can be dangerous and complicate pastoral partnerships, but oral language expression by clergy can strengthen relationships. Conflict resolution between clergy and laity involves treating others as they are, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. Scripture guides leaders, and humility, compassion, and relational wisdom promote transparency. Effective communication and involvement of laypeople foster inclusivity and democracy, resulting in a resilient religious community
Associations between mild depression and anxiety and physical inactivity among school-going Ugandan adolescents aged 14 to 17 years
No full textObjective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate associations between physical activity levels and emotional and behavioural problems in school-going adolescents aged 14 to 17 years in Uganda.
Methods: Two-hundred and five adolescents [median (interquartile range) age = 16.0 (1.0) years; female = 61.9%] completed the interviewer-administered Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) measure. Spearman’s rho correlations and Mann–Whitney U-tests were applied.
Results: Among 205 adolescents, 97.1% were physically inactive (PAVS < 420min/week), while 64.4% reported either mild depressive (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) or anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5) symptoms. Higher PAVS scores correlated significantly with lower SDQ emotional problems (ρ = −0.23, p < 0.001), lower PHQ-9 (ρ = −0.26, p < 0.001), and lower GAD-7 (ρ = −0.22, p < 0.001) scores. Those with emotional problems (SDQ ≥ 5) (n = 86) were significantly less physically active than those without (n = 119) [30.0 (62.5) versus 60.0 (105.0) min/week, p < 0.001]. Those with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) were significantly less physically active than those without [35.0 (70.0) versus 60.0 (120.0) min/week, p < 0.001].
Conclusion: Physical inactivity and mental health problems are related important public health concerns in school-going adolescents in low-income countries such as Uganda. The efficacy and effectiveness of school-based mental health literacy programs, including physical activity promotion, should be explored in these low-resource settings
Determinants of import demand for rice in Uganda
No full textxi, 45 p. ;This study uses a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) framework to analyze the factors influencing Uganda's import demand for rice. The study focuses on the causal effects of the average price of imported rice, GDP, domestic rice production, real effective exchange rate, domestic consumption of rice, and domestic production of maize on the demand for imported rice in both the short-run and long-run. The findings reveal a significant relationship between GDP and demand for imported rice both in the short and long run and also indicate that the average price of imported rice and domestic rice production have significant long-run effects on import demand for rice. These findings offer valuable insights that can guide policymakers and stakeholders in shaping strategies to reduce reliance on imported rice by promoting domestic rice production. Results shed light on the need to put in place measures to promote domestic rice production by supporting domestic rice producers through providing support to farmers, such as access to improved seeds, subsidies, improved access to credit, fertilizers, and agricultural technologies, as well as training programs to increase productivity and competitiveness of the domestic rice industry
Determination of mealybug population density for transmission of pineapple mealybug wilt disease in Central Uganda
No full textPineapple mealybug wilt disease (PMWD) is a complex and most destructive viral disease constraining pineapple production
world over. Pineapple mealybug wilt disease is transmitted by mealybugs (Dysmicoccus species). Currently, in Uganda, the
population of Dysmicoccus brevipes that can transmit PMWD is not known. Yet, closing this knowledge gap would provide a better
understanding of PMWD etiology and development of sound management strategies. Experiment was laid out in a completely
randomized design (CRD) with four replications in the screenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyambogo University during
the period 2017 and 2018. Pineapple variety Smooth Cayenne was inoculated with fve levels of viruliferous mealybugs including
one (1), fve (5), ten (10), ffteen (15), and a control (uninoculated). Data collection commenced on symptoms appearance and
continued on a 15-day interval for a period of two months. Data were collected on the incidence and severity of PMWD. All the
data collected were analysed using Genstat computer programme. Results showed that the number of mealybugs signifcantly
(p < 0.05) afected the incidence and severity of PMWD during both trials. Although one viruliferous mealybug was able to
transmit PMWD virus, the efcacy of transmission was recorded with the highest number of mealybugs per plant. It was,
therefore, concluded that the higher the number of viruliferous mealybugs colonising a pineapple plant, the higher the incidence
and severity of PMWD. Te result of this study, therefore, adds to the pool of knowledge on the understanding the population
density of mealybugs transmitting PMWD as well as provide insights to improvement of mealybug vector monitoring as a key
component of integrated PMWD management
Determinants of tax-to-GDP growth in Uganda: 2008 – 2023
No full textxii, 53 p. ;Uganda is among the countries that implemented tax policy and administration reforms with the aim of increasing performance of revenue. Much as these tax reforms yielded some success and improved the tax revenue performance, early tax revenue performances have not been maintained. It is acknowledged that tax revenue is one of the resources needed to finance expenditure in several economies, Uganda inclusive, fail to mobilize sufficient revenue, necessitating borrowing. The study empirically examined the factors that determine the growth of Tax-To-GDP in Uganda, utilizing quarterly data spanning from 2008/2009 to 2022/2023. Data for the study was obtained from MoFPED, URA, UBOS and BoU. The study objectives were to; determine the impact of agriculture, industry and services on growth of Tax-To-GDP in Uganda; examine the impact of trade openness on growth of Tax-To-GDP in Uganda and examine the impact of exchange rate and inflation on growth of Tax-To-GDP in Uganda. The study was based on the Laffer Curve Theory, the Cobb Douglas Theory and the Marshall Lerner Theory. An ARDL-ECM model augmented by the bounds test were estimated. The findings demonstrated that Agriculture, Industry and Services negatively and significantly affect the growth of Tax-To-GDP in the long-term while Trade Openness and Exchange Rate positively and significantly affected Tax-To-GDP growth. The study recommends linking agriculture to value addition through agro-processing and trade in manufactured products which will result in high income. From the findings, services sector indicated that it had a negative and significant coefficient of -1.998022. Therefore, the study recommends the need to direct policy towards addressing the difficulty of taxing the sector with focus on strengthening tax administration capacity in Uganda, the need to enhance trade openness through further economic integration, more trade facilitation, removing trade barriers to ensure that there is increase in the volume of goods crossing borders
Unravelling the potential benefits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in cropping systems, nutritional, health, and industrial uses of its seeds – a review
No full textSesame (Sesamum indicum l.) is considered as one of the important oilseed crops produced
throughout the world especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Sesame crop is
grown mainly for its highly nutritious seeds that also offer medicinal value. Sesame seed is
rich in edible oil, fatty acids mainly linoleic acid and oleic acid, lignans, tocopherols,
phytosterols, phenolic acids, and minerals. Due to these essential contents, the consumption
of sesame seeds promotes good health not only in humans but also in livestock. Hence,
sesame crop has gained significant attention throughout the world due to its several benefits.
Although the global production of sesame is increasing, there is need to understand its
various uses right from benefits in cropping systems to nutritional, health and industrial level.
Several reviews have been conducted with the central focus on sesame nutritional and health
promoting benefits but none has provided a holistic review of its benefits in cropping systems
such as intercropping sesame with other crops, inclusion in crop rotation, utilization of its
crop residues as nutrient recycling, and nutritional, health and industrial uses of sesame seeds,
which this study sought to address
Assessing the effectiveness of information and technology on maternal health care access: evidence from Uganda DHS 2016
No full textBackground: The growing importance of information and technology in
improving healthcare access, though increasingly stressed, is not adequately
researched. Seventy-five percent of maternal deaths in Uganda still arise
from preventable diseases, partly due to a lack of awareness. The current
study sought to establish the role of information and technology; and other
demographic factors that affect maternal healthcare access. Methods: We
estimate an ordered logistic regression on the UDHS 2016 data set. The study
sample consisted of 11311 mothers aged 15-49. The study model distance
and money to measure the severity of accessing health care services. Results:
Information and technology play significant roles in improving access to
healthcare. The significance increases the higher the frequency. Those who
listen to the radio or watch television at least once a week are less likely to
report severe problems in accessing health care than those who do not listen
or watch at all (-0.11; -030) respectively. Reading newspapers or magazines
less than once a week significantly affects healthcare access (-0.09).
Possession of a mobile phone improves health care access (-0.60). Aging
limits health access while urban residence (0.12), wealth (-0.42), education
(-0.26) and partner’s occupation (-0.30) improve maternal health access.
Conclusion: Information and technology play an essential role in improving
maternal access to health care services and the frequency with which the
information is provided matters. Access to maternal health care is positively
related to urban residence, more education, a higher level of wealth index,
and the partner’s occupation and negatively related to aging