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Assessment of the cold storage capacity used in bulk handling of perishable agricultural produce in Ugandan cities{fr}Évaluation de la capacité d'entreposage frigorifique utilisée pour la manutention en vrac de produits agricoles périssables dans les villes ougandaises
No full textInvestment in the food cold chain has been reportedly identified as a solution to extensive postharvest losses worldwide. However, cold chain investment in the Ugandan food value chain is largely unknown. This study located, characterised, and determined the efficacy of bulk cold storage facilities used in handling perishable agricultural food produce in the 16 city districts of Uganda. Only 9/16 city districts had bulk cold storage facilities, translating to a cold storage capacity of 4.5 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants. The private sector owned the highest proportion by volume (90.3%) of these facilities with the highest volume used for handling multiple perishable products (11,590 m3). Generally, temperature varied significantly from the respective set points in the facilities. Variations were observed for between 1/3 to 3/4 of the logged period above maximum allowable storage temperatures for the different products, showing efficacy lapses. These results indicate investment and management gaps and opportunities in this indelible sector in food value chain by both government and private sector players
Quality assurance practices that enhance employability of students from public universities in Uganda
No full textxvii, 126 p.An investigation was conducted on Quality Assurance Practices (QAPs) that enhance employability of students from public universities in Uganda. Kyambogo University was a case institution. Employability of students was investigated with emphasis on Curriculum Review, Industrial Training, and Career Services as Quality Assurance Practices that inform quality assurance structures in developing professional and lifelong learning. The objectives of this study were to: evaluate students’ and employers’ perceptions of employability; determine the relationship between curriculum review and employability of students; examine the relationship between industrial training and employability of students; and to analyse the relationship between career services and employability of students. The study used explanatory mixed methodology. Quantitative data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitatively, the study established that: there was a significant difference in the perception of employability between employers and students; while curriculum review, industrial training and career services had a strong positive statistically significant correlation with employability of students. Qualitatively, the study established that: employers expect students to have theoretical knowledge and competences from their degrees but also require them to demonstrate a range of broader personal and interpersonal skills. The following recommendations that could help to improve employability of students were made: A collaborative curriculum review should be emphasized by engaging key stakeholders of university education to promote relevance and lifelong learning. Universities should collaborate and develop partnerships with industry to resolve the problems of industrial placements for students and career services provision. Also, the Government of Uganda should develop a well-structured legal framework that will enable all key stakeholders of university education to work in collaborative partnerships to deliver high quality education in terms of training and research for sustainable economic and social development
Assessing the effect of integrated farm planning (PIP) approach on soil erosion control on the slopes of Mount Elgon, eastern Uganda
No full textxiii, 79 p. : ill. (some col.) ;Soil erosion is a major contributor to land degradation, attributed to inappropriate farming practices, rigid cultural beliefs, and the steep nature of the landscape. This has resulted in a reduction in soil productivity, leading to food insecurity. The government of Uganda has enacted natural resource management policies, such as the NUSAF (Northern Uganda Social Action Fund), Uganda's wildlife conservation policy, Environment Act, and afforestation in degraded land areas, however, these efforts have been largely ineffective due to their top-down nature. The PIP approach, which is a bottom-up strategy involving the lowest-level stakeholders, aims to address these issues. The study objective served to assess the effectiveness of the PIP approach (Integrated Farm Planning) on soil erosion control practices. A quasi-experimental design was used to draw a comparison between the selected sub-counties of Bumasheti (control) and Bushika (intervention) in Bududa District, Eastern Uganda. This was achieved by evaluating the impact of farming practices by smallholder farmers on soil erosion risk, identifying the constraints farmers face in using measures that control soil erosion and assessing various factors determining the adoption of the approach. The study used is based on primary data collected from 277 georeferenced respondents using the Global Positioning System (GPS). To map the extent of soil erosion risk, Remote Sensing and GIS, along with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), were employed in the study area between 2019 and 2023. The study used mixed methods, and household interviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather socio-economic data. A total of 277 records were analyzed; data cleaning was performed in Excel, and statistical analysis was carried out using STATA. 15. Descriptive tools such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used for univariate analysis, chi-squared tests for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The study's findings revealed that fanning practices such as agroforestry (69%), trenching (86%). planting Napier grass (67%), and planting cover crops (49%) have contributed to a reduction in soil erosion risk in the study area. Further analysis indicated that marital status (Chi=32.7295. p=0.000), receiving training (Chi=.54.6766, p=0.000), extension services (Chi=16.5296, p=0.000), education level (Chi=9.8533, p=0.02), and age (Chi=8.38, p=0.0038) were significantly associated with the PIP approach adoption. The PIP approach has positive effects on soil erosion control, attributed to its principles of integration (90%). collaboration (86%) and empowerment (87%). the three pillars of PIP. The power of the Pl P plan empowers and motivates farmers to work together and take action to restore and conserve their environment independently. Major constraints faced by farmers in implementing soil erosion control measures include limited financial resources (23%), limited labor (2 l %), and inadequate tools for certain practices (l9%). However, with training from the PIP approach and its principles, many of these constraints can be addressed. In conclusion, the PIP approach plans to motivate families to work together through collective action to conserve the land. This suggests that, when adopted by farmers, the approach can significantly contribute to soil conservation and restoration. The study recommends increasing awareness-raising workshops and PIP training among community members
Isolation, characterization and genome analysis of the orphan phage Kintu infecting Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum
No full textP. (1-14) ;Background Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum is responsible for the widespread Banana Xanthomonas Wilt in banana cultivation regions across the globe. Biocontrol measures for disease management remain limited amidst increasing antimicrobial resistance and unsustainable conventional agricultural practices. The purpose of this study is to explore a viable alternative or adjunct strategy through the use of bacteriophages for disease management.
Results Kintu was isolated from sewage and displayed clear and circular plaques measuring 3 mm. Based on transmission electron microscopy, Kintu displays siphovirus characteristics, including an icosahedral head and a non-contractile tail. Kintu infects 78% (22 out of 28) Ugandan Xvm strains, has an optimal multiplicity of infection of 1, a 10 min adsorption and latent period, a 35 min burst period, and a burst size of 15 particles per bacterium. Phage titers remain stable for two and half months (75 days) in SM buffer at -20 oC and − 40 oC but decrease significantly (p ≤ 0.0001) at 4 oC. Kintu is active at pH 3 and 11, maintains viability at temperatures between 25 oC and 120 oC and tolerates UV irradiation for up to 2 min and 20 s. Kintu inhibits Xvm growth at MOI ratios of 0.1, 1 and 10. The genome is a double stranded DNA molecule that consists of 48,985 base pairs and a G + C content of 51.71%. Antibiotic resistance genes or genes associated with a lysogenic life cycle are absent. There is limited sequence similarity of Kintu with other phages, making it a novel phage belonging to an unclassified genus of the class Caudoviricetes.
Conclusion Kintu is a novel bacteriophage that infects and lyses Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum, the causative agent for Banana Xanthomonas Wilt. Its stability across diverse temperatures and pH conditions highlights its potential as a biocontrol agent for managing the disease
Leadership behaviours and organisational commitment mediated by job satisfaction of academic staff at Kyambogo University
No full textThe study examined the relationship between leadership behaviours and the
organisational commitment of academic staff at Kyambogo University,
mediated by job satisfaction. Specifically, the study tested the influence of
leadership behaviours on organisational commitment and job satisfaction, the
influence of job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of academic
staff, and the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the influence of
leadership behaviours on organisational commitment. Based on the three-
component model by Allen and Meyer (1990), organisational commitment
was studied in terms of affective, continuance, and normative commitment.
The study adopted a correlational research design on a sample of 175 full-
time academic staff of Kyambogo University. The study utilised a self-
administered questionnaire to collect the data. Data analysis involved
carrying out partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
The results indicated that leadership behaviours positively but insignificantly
influenced job satisfaction, while job satisfaction positively and significantly
influenced organisational commitment, and leadership behaviours positively
and significantly influenced job satisfaction. The results also revealed that job
satisfaction partially mediated the influence of leadership behaviours on
organisational commitment. The study concluded that while leadership
behaviours are not a prerequisite for increasing organisational commitment
among academic staff members, they improve academic staff members' job
satisfaction. Also, academic staff members' commitment is increased by their
job satisfaction, and job satisfaction partially significantly affects the
association between leadership behaviours and academic staff members'
commitment. The study recommends that to improve organisational
commitment, university leaders should not overfocus on leaders’ behaviours.
Nevertheless, to improve job satisfaction, they should exhibit those
leadership behaviours that enhance job satisfaction. Further, university
leaders can improve academic staff satisfaction by implementing appropriate
job satisfaction practices. Last but not least, in addition to good leadership
practices, university leaders should implement appropriate job satisfaction
practices to enhance academic staff members' commitment
Affordances of Using Educational Technology in Teaching Critical Reading: Insights from an Action Research Study in a Ugandan University
No full textP. (1-13) ;The rapid increase in student enrolment and/or massification, also implicated in large class
sizes, has been problematised for compromising quality education. Institutions of higher
learning in Africa have embraced the use of ICT as one of the approaches to cope with the
challenges of massification. The purpose of this study was to provide an examplar on how
teachers can use ICTs to optimise learning from higher-order to lower-order thinking skills.
The study uses action research methodology, undertaken with undergraduate students
in a Ugandan university, to illuminate the researchers’ experiences in using educational
technologies to support the teaching of critical reading. Firstly, we demonstrate how learning
progressed from lower-order to higher-order thinking skills as informed by Bloom’s
taxonomy. We also show how we optimised the use of technology from the dominant simple
substitution, which was also teacher-centred, to a more complex redefinition, which is also
learner-centred, as informed by the SAMR model. Finally, we highlight the affordances of
using emerging technologies to support transformative learning. These include ongoing
learning, monitoring/feedback, research, deeper interaction, peer-review, creativity, and
reflection. The study has implications for in-service as well as pre-service teacher education
programs which should integrate relevant theoretical frameworks in equipping teachers to
optimise the use of technology in supporting teaching and learning.
Keywords: Educational technology; Massification; SAMR model; Bloom’s taxonomy; Uganda
Effect of innovativeness on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namanve after COVID-19
No full textxi, 83 p. ;The pandemic has forced small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adjust to a new normal, with changes in customer behavior, supply chain disruptions, and new safety regulations. The overall objective of the study was to examine the effect of innovativeness on the performance of SMEs in Namanve during Post covid-19. A sample of 233 SMEs was selected using simple random sampling. The study used structured questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The study used a multiple linear regression to examine the effect of innovative capability, innovative strategy, and innovative culture on the performance of SMEs. The findings revealed that innovative capability had a positive and statistically significant effect on the performance of SMEs in Namanve during the post covid-19 period (B = 0.350, P-value (0.000) 0.05). In conclusion, the study highlights the significant role of innovativeness in enhancing the performance of SMEs in Namanve during the post covid-19 period. Specifically, both innovative capability and innovative strategy emerged as influential factors contributing to improved SME performance within this context. For recommendations, government should prioritize offering entrepreneurship training programs to SMEs in Namanve. These programs can cover innovation, market analysis, adaptability, and other relevant skills to empower operators with the tools they need to navigate challenging situations. Organize workshops, seminars, and conferences that bring together SMEs and potential collaborators. These events can serve as platforms for idea exchange, networking, and identifying potential collaboration opportunities in challenging times. The SMEs in Namanve should embrace the adoption of new technology, software, and equipment to streamline their operations in challenging times.
Key words: Innovativeness, Innovative capability, Innovative strategy, Innovative culture and performance
Children’s musical learning through play and transmission of Ssekitulege music culture in Wakiso district Uganda
No full textxix, 189 p.This study aimed to explore the factors that facilitate the transmission of musical knowledge and skills among children through play. The Ssekitulege (earth bow) musical culture served as a framework to enable explore the children’s ability to acquire knowledge from older skilled and other experts, as well as their capacity to share this knowledge as peers. The research was conducted in Wakiso district of Uganda, involving children aged five and above together with skilled adults. The study was conducted with the following objectives: 1. To find out the background and processes the children engage in when making Ssekitulege Musical instrument. 2. To investigate how children play Ssekitulege in Wakiso district 3. To examine what facilitates children’s acquisition of knowledge about Ssekitulege and its cultural significance from their peers during Musical play. The study investigates the Ssekitulege, focusing on its cultural background and the ethnic values that inform its use, including specific taboos. It describes the materials and tools involved in making the instrument and outlines the processes that children engage in during its construction. The research highlights children’s interactions with the Ssekitulege, detailing various playing techniques, handling methods, sitting postures, types of music performed, and repair techniques. Furthermore, it explores how children learn about the Ssekitulege through peer observation, underscoring its cultural importance. A significant finding is that children’s desire to share Ssekitulege music culture in a playground context is shaped by factors such as language use, cooperative learning dynamics, teamwork, a supportive learning environment, and active participation. This study was a Qualitative Participatory Action Research (PAR)that aimed at revitalizing the Ssekitulege music culture, which is threatening extinction in Buganda. The researcher actively engaged in the processes of creating, teaching skills, and sharing of knowledge among children, while also gathering and documenting those engagements. The researcher employed various methods such as direct participation, interviews, observation, and audio-visual and photography recording tools to collecte
Development and characterization of products from selected varieties of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) in Uganda
No full textxi, 121 p. : ill. (col.) ;This research aimed to develop and characterize sweet potato products from selected varieties from Uganda as a potential raw resource for the food processing sector. The selected local varieties included Sukali, New Kawogo, Mubalila Bbali, Njule, Nakakande, and Kasanda and the hybrid varieties included Narospot 1, Naspot 12, Naspot 8, and Naspot 13. The sweet potato varieties (both local and hybrid) were sourced from a multiplication farmer at Bombo, Luweero district and brought to the laboratory for analysis. The varieties were characterized for their vitamin A content, total polyphenols, starch, protein, fiber, ash, carbohydrate and dry matter content. The starch extracted from the sweet potatoes was also characterized. Sweet potato products, including bread, cakes, cookies, instant porridge and meal powder were developed using Naspot 13 and Kasanda. The instant porridge and meal were made by incorporating sweet potato flour with silverfish, egg, and milk powders, followed by extrusion cooking and milling. These products were evaluated for texture, rheological properties, and other nutritional attributes. The selected local and hybrid sweet potato varieties exhibited significant variation in both skin and pulp color. The dry matter content ranged between 29.5% in Nakakande and 42.8% in New Kawogo. Beta-carotene content varied between 6.48 μg/g in Sukali and 65.56 μg/g in Njule. Polyphenol content ranged between 0.178% and 0.554%, in Naspot 8 and Kasanda respectively. pH values ranged between 6.42 and 7.60 in Kasanda and Nakakande respectively. Crude ash content varied between 0.25% and 1.67%, with Nakakande and Naspot 13 having the lowest and highest values. Crude fat content ranged between 1.67% and 5.50%, with Narospot 1 and Naspot 12 having the lowest and highest values. Crude fiber content ranged between 2.22% and 4.50%, with Mubalila Bbali and Naspot 8 having the lowest and highest values. Protein content ranged between 1.79% and 4.77%, with Mubalila Bbali and Naspot 8 having the lowest and highest values. Moisture content ranged between 57.2% and 70.5%, with New Kawogo and Nakakande having the lowest and highest values. Total carbohydrate content ranged between 21.8% and 32.2%, with Njule and New Kawogo having the lowest and highest values. Regarding the physicochemical characteristics of the extracted starch, its water holding capacity ranged between 0.81 g/g and 1.20 g/g; Peak viscosity ranged between 10834 cP and 14399 cP; trough viscosity between 1081 cP and 5353 cP; breakdown between 6671 cP and 10194 cP; final viscosity between 3101 cP and 5867 cP; setback viscosity between 152 cP and 2803 cP. Peak time varied between 3.4 seconds and 4.1 seconds, and pasting temperature ranged between 73.2°C and 78.9°C. The developed products i.e. bread at 30% sweet potato flour inclusion and cakes & cookies upto 80% sweet potato flour inclusion exhibited good sensory and consumer acceptability. While increase in amount of sweet potato flour led to firmer textures and reduced sensory acceptance, moderate inclusion (up to 10-12.5%) offered a good balance between optimizing substitution and maintaining consumer preferences. The proximate composition and texture of bread, cookies, and cakes made from sweet potato flour (Naspot 13 & Kasanda) varied according to the formulation. These products exhibited good sensory and consumer acceptability comparable to those made with 100% wheat flour. The vitamin A and beta-carotene content were notably higher in products derived from Naspot 13 (orange-fleshed variety). The formulated meal and porridge, which included silverfish, egg, and milk powders, had varying protein content averaging 15%. Sensory acceptability varied based on milk powder and silverfish content. In conclusion, the selected Ugandan sweet potato varieties (both local and hybrid) demonstrated favorable functional properties and can be effectively used to produce high-quality baked products at high levels of wheat substitution, especially in cakes and cookies
Educational technology for English teaching at Kyambogo university, Uganda
No full textP. (1-31) ;This study examines the role of educational technology in learning English as a second language within the Department of Language and Communication at Kyambogo University. The key objectives were to assess how various educational technologies can improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning English, explore the attitudes of both teachers and students toward these tools, and evaluate the effectiveness of specific technologies in developing core language skills. A quantitative approach was adopted, using questionnaires distributed to 18 teachers and 243 students to collect data on their experiences with educational technology in language learning. The results show that instructors embrace
a blended approach to English instruction that combines traditional techniques with educational technology. Students receiving quick responses
was a significant benefit of instructional technology. Students showed positive attitudes toward these technologies, with language learning applications and computers enhancing English competence the most. However, the study also found that restricted computer availability and unreliable internet connectivity hinder language learning technology utilization. The report suggests that Kyambogo University increase computer and internet access and train teachers and students to handle these challenges. Identifying and overcoming these challenges will improve the integration and effectiveness of the university’s English language educational technology