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Evaluation of Factors Influencing Performance of Building Construction Projects in Uganda: A Case Study of Masaka City
No full textP. (1-9) ;The construction industry has gained rapid growth for the past decade due to population growth resulting in housing and infrastructure demand. In Uganda, over twelve percent (12%) of the gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by the building construction sector and is of great significance in the current economy. Despite this contribution to the sector, building construction fails due to performance issues as previously conducted studies have indicated and there are various reasons and factors which contribute to these performance issues. Therefore, there is a need to have a deeper understanding of the major factors attributing to this trend for better performance improvement. This study aimed to establish strategies to improve the performance of building construction projects in Uganda cities, a case study of Masaka city. The study employed a survey research design and targeted a population of 420 participants from which a sample of 201 respondents was selected. Data were collected using a questionnaireand interview guide. SPSS version 21 and Excel were used in data analysis. The following factors were established; cost factors, health and safety factors, time factors, quality factors productivity factors, project stakeholders’ factors, environmental factors and resource factors. The regression analysis conducted confirmed time factors, quality factors and cost factors to have evidence of a significant impact on the performance of building construction projects in Masaka city. A framework for improving the performance of building construction projects was developed based on factors with significant impact. These findings highlight the need to prioritize these factors with significant impact when evaluating and managing building construction projects in Masaka City
An investigation into the causes of premature failure of in-house manufactured high-speed steel tools: a case study of Luwero Industries Limited, Uganda
No full textxix, 215 p. : ill. (some col.) ;Significant research gaps exist in optimizing High-Speed Steel (HSS) tools, primarily due to a tendency to focus on isolated factors rather than their combined effects, which limits our understanding of machining interactions. Additionally, the lack of empirical validation for theoretical models undermines the reliability of tool performance predictions. Advanced modeling techniques, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), are often underutilized, and sophisticated microstructural characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), have not been fully leveraged to investigate phase distribution and carbide formation. This study addresses performance discrepancies observed at Luwero Industries Limited (LIL), where in-house HSS tools exhibited significantly lower durability—1,125 rounds per regrind—compared to imported tools, which lasted 4,130 rounds. By examining the combined effects of heat treatment and cutting conditions on tool life—a critical but often overlooked aspect in the existing literature—this research employed advanced characterization techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and two-factor ANOVA with replication, to evaluate carbide formation, morphology, and tool life. The advanced equipment utilized in this study included the Flame Emission Spectrometer (CREATE-9800, 2020), Digital Rockwell Hardness Tester (HRS-150, 2020), metallurgical microscope (OPTIKA B-150, 2020), scanning electron microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, 2022), and Head-turning and Finish-mouth trimming machine (WK-007, 2014). Key findings revealed that imported tools contained higher concentrations of critical alloying elements—particularly carbon, vanadium, and cobalt—resulting in improved hardness and wear resistance. In contrast, in-house tools, while having elevated chromium levels, lacked sufficient carbon, adversely affecting their performance. Heat treatment significantly influenced mechanical properties, achieving a peak hardness of 65.7 HRC at 1300°C; however, increased brittleness at elevated temperatures required careful monitoring. The microstructural analysis underscored the critical role of carbide size and distribution: larger carbides enhanced hardness, while finer carbides contributed to toughness. Effective cooling strategies, especially the use of chilled air, significantly extended tool life compared to dry-cutting methods. Moreover, inconsistent elemental distributions led to premature wear, highlighting the necessity for greater uniformity in manufacturing processes. Overall, this research demonstrates that optimizing elemental composition, heat treatment, and cooling methods can substantially enhance the performance and durability of HSS tools at Luwero Industries Limited. Furthermore, the findings from this research can be applied to similar industries utilizing HSS tools, offering valuable insights for improving production efficiency and reducing reliance on imported tools
Entrepreneurial skills and financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Nakawa division, Uganda
No full textxi, 61 p. ;The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurial skills on financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Nakawa Division. The study was premised on three specific objectives including; to establish the effect of innovation skills on financial performance of SMEs; to determine the effect of managerial skills on financial performance of SMEs, and to establish the effect of interpersonal skill on financial performance of SMEs in Nakawa Division in Uganda. The study was underpinned by the Social Learning Theory (SLT) to explain entrepreneurial skills and financial performance of SMEs. The study adopted a cross sectional-quantitative research design with a target population of 255 and a sample 175 SMEs which were chosen using stratified simple random selection and the sample size estimated using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Table. Data were gathered for the study using a closed-ended questionnaire. By employing factor analysis and the Cronbach Alpha test, the validity and reliability of the data were examined. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the acquired data in SPSS. The correlation results showed a meaningful connection between innovation skills, managerial skills, interpersonal skills and financial performance of SMES. Regression analysis results showed a favorable and statistically significant effect between innovation skills, managerial skills and interpersonal skills on financial performance of SMEs. The study concluded that improving the innovative, interpersonal and managerial skills of entrepreneurs promotes financial performance of SMEs. The study was limited to SMEs in Nakawa Division and therefore future studies can replicate the finding of this study to other settings or even conduct a national study on entrepreneurship and financial performance of SMEs.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Skills, Financial performance of SME
Solid Waste Management Practices in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda
No full textP. (1-15) ;Solid waste generation rates are rising and the world's cities are believed to be generating about 2.01 billion tons of solid waste, amounting to a footprint of 0.74 kilograms per person per day. The rapid population growth and urbanization has exacerbated the condition concerning solid wastes. This study focused on the management of the solid wastes in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda. Specifically, it aimed at the determining of the types of wastes generated, determined the existing solid waste management methods employed by the residents in the area, and examined the factors that influenced the solid waste management practices among the residents of the town council. A descriptive survey design was utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the 160 households within Nakasongola Town Council. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, interviews, direct observations and documentary reviews. Key findings with their corresponding means, indicate organic wastes (4.21), plastics (4.26), rubbish and ashes (3.65) were the major types of wastes produced by the residents of Nakasongola Town Council. Incineration (4.36), composting (4.29) and sanitary landfill (4.15) were the main practices used to manage solid wastes in the town council. However, the solid waste management practices in the study area are influenced by the income levels of the residents (86%), household size (66%), level of education (59%) and stability of the residents living in the town council (72%) among others. The study concludes that solid waste management practices in Nakasongola are significantly influenced by demographic factors, particularly attitudes, income levels, and knowledge of waste management, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions to improve waste management outcomes in the community. Based on the findings, the study recommends implementing comprehensive community education programs on solid waste management, introduction of affordable waste disposal options, and adoption of a policy for better management of solid wastes at the lowest level of governance
Determinants of access to informal credit among households in Uganda
No full textxi, 63 p. ;Uganda’s credit system is divided into two that is; informal credit and formal credit. Informal credit system happens to be the dominant one. Informal credit involves loans provided by informal financial institutions not under the control of government or bank of Uganda. This dissertation examines the determinants of access to informal credit among households in Uganda. A logit model was used to establish the extent to which independent variables could explain access to informal credit among households in Uganda. Uganda National House hold survey (UNHS) data (2019/2020) was used. The results revealed that informal credit was positively and significantly influenced by; region, education, income, sector of employment and marital status. However, access to informal credit in Uganda was negatively and significantly influenced by residence as well as gender of the household head. The key policy recommendations; evidence showed that education had a positive association with access to informal credit therefore, for better access and utilization of informal credit, government should widen and strengthen its financial literacy programs and preferably translate financial literacy materials to the local languages for better understanding. Government can as well use community based and multimedia platforms like radios, newspapers as well as televisions for promoting financial literacy. On the sector of employment, evidence indicated that informal credit was accessed mostly by people employed in the production sector. In Uganda the production sector is composed of mainly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Given that SMEs play an important role in production and generation of employment, government should provide tailor made credit specifically for SMEs to boost production. Government can also promote value addition in the small and medium enterprises so that they can generate more income to pay back the credit. Additionally, evidence from the results also revealed that informal credit was accessed more by women. The policy recommendation is that government should widen and strengthen gender friendly policies and programs in support of informal financial sector directed to women financial needs in the economy. Concerning variable income, findings indicated that income had a positive association with access to informal credit. The policy recommendation therefore is that government should strengthen its socio-economic empowerment and livelihood programs to enhance household incomes so that households are able to invest and pay back the loans
Parental involvement in pupils' engagement in learning among upper primary classes at Nazigo sub-county, Kayunga district
No full textviii, 117 p.This study explored the roles in parental involvement in pupils' engagement in learning among upper primary classes at Nazigo sub-county, Kayunga District, Uganda. The research was motivated by the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted learning to the borne environment and placed the responsibility of ensuring pupil engagement in learning on parents. The study explored the roles of parental monitoring, guidance, and provision of learning resources on pupils' engagement in learning. The study was guided by Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory (1978). The researcher employed narrative inquiry research design, using interviews and focus group discussions to explore the roles of parental involvement in pupils' engagement in learning. The population consisted of pupils and parents at Nazigo Sub-County Kayunga district.
A sample size of 5 focus group discussions of 5 pupils in each group were engaged in the group discussion. A face-to-face interview was carried out with parents until a saturation point of 10 parents was reached. Data quality control was done at four levels for establishing trustworthiness of findings. These included credibility, transferability, dependability, and comfortability as key concepts related to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the study. Data analysis was conducted qualitatively, using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the data. The study established that parental involvement in various aspects of their children's education, such as monitoring, guidance, and provision of learning resources, significantly impacts pupils' engagement in learning. The findings of this study will inform policymakers, head teachers, and the community about the importance of parental involvement in promoting pupils' engagement in learning. Therefore, the study recommends that head teachers should organize parent-teacher meetings to educate parents about the importance of monitoring their children's social interactions, guiding and providing support for academic focus and emphasize the importance of parental involvement in guiding their children
Transformational leadership and commitment of teachers in secondary schools in Buwenge town council, Jinja district, Uganda
No full textxii, 118 p.The study investigated the relationship between transformational leadership and commitment of teachers in secondary schools in Buwenge town council of Jinja district, Uganda. Study objectives included; to investigate the relationship between inspirational motivation and teacher commitment; to assess the relationship between intellectual stimulation and teacher commitment; to examine the relationship between individualized consideration and teacher commitment. The research hypothesis hypotheses were; H01: there is no statistically significant relationship between Inspirational Motivation and Teacher commitment; H02: There is no statistically significant relationship between Intellectual Stimulation and Teacher commitment; H03: There is no statistically significant relationship between Individualized Consideration and Teacher commitment. The study used a cross-sectional research design on a sample of 90 respondents employing both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. The researcher applied purposive sampling and simple random sampling procedures. Quantitative data was collected using a pretested structured self-administered questionnaire, entered into Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 24.0) analyzed using descriptive statistics specifically frequencies, percentages and means. Inferential analyses particularly correlation and regression analyses were also carried out. Qualitative data was collected using an interview guide and the data were later thematically analyzed. Study findings showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between inspiration motivation and teacher commitment (β=0.485, p = 0.000 0.05).Conclusively , the research accepted the two hypotheses (H01 and H03) that suggested that there was no statistically significant relationship between inspiration motivation, individualized consideration and teacher commitment. While on the other hand the H02 was rejected. There is a need for the administration of Private secondary schools to improve teacher remuneration as a means of promoting intrinsic motivation and commitment while providing teacher mentorship and coaching
Soil Moisture Content Suitability for Coffee Growing under Climate Change Scenarios in Uganda
No full textP. (1-16) ;Background: Previous studies have looked at suitability of Arabica coffee with less emphasis on Robusta coffee. Secondly, they looked at coffee suitability in terms of temperature and rainfall. Methods: This study examined the effect of climate change on soil moisture content for coffee growing in Uganda, using historical (1990-2022) and projected (2025-2050) data from Terraclimate and eight Global Climate Models (GCMs). Soil moisture was analyzed in relation to coffee crop moisture thresholds at the root zone to simulate historical and future coffee suitability under two scenarios: Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) 245 and 585. Results: Soil moisture content in Uganda was characterized by high variability in highland areas during the March to May season among years. Furthermore, there were both decreasing and increasing trends averaging at ±1mm/Month. The future was on the other hand dominated by increasing trends over the western region and eastern-northern regions under SSP245 and SSP585 respectively averaging at 0.2mm/Month. Suitability analysis for 1990-2022 revealed that 71% of Uganda was highly suitable for coffee, while future predictions indicated an increase in suitable areas to 74% under SSP245 and 81% under SSP585. Conclusion: Generally, the higher moisture content associated with climate change will result in increased suitability of coffee by 10%, however, characterized by shifting area suitability especially for the mid-northern and south western regions where a reduction and gain in suitability is expected, respectively. This study highly the importance of identification and adaptation of site-specific soil moisture conservation practices, especially in the unsuitable areas
The impact of 12-week supervised aerobic exercise on psychological markers in HIV clients on ART
No full textThe study aimed to assess the impact of a supervised 12-week aerobic exercise program on
paranoid ideation and phobia in HIV-positive clients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Conducted at the General Military Hospital in Uganda, the study employed a quasi-experimental
design. Quantitative data were collected from 135 participants recruited for the study. Data analysis
using paired-sample t-tests revealed significant reductions in paranoid ideation and phobia
symptoms among participants. Before the intervention, most participants experienced symptoms
of paranoid ideation and phobia. After the intervention, the results showed an 81.9% reduction in
paranoid ideation symptoms and a 42.3% decrease in phobia symptoms. Aerobic exercise is a
valuable adjunct therapy for improving psychological markers in HIV-positive clients on ART
Rites of passage of the Jie community of Kotido district: a case study of marriage in Jie county
No full textv, 111 p. : col.The study explored “Ritual Dimension of Religion of the Jie Community of Kotido District: c case Study of Marriage in Jie County”. For many decades, the Jie marriage rituals are poorly understood due to lack of specialized studies and documentation on Jie marriage rituals. The main objective was to analyse ritual dimension of religion of the Jie community of Kotido district: a case study of marriage in Jie County. The study was guided by a theoretical framework which adopted cultural relativism and ethnocentrism theories. Relevant literature was reviewed and the major gap revealed is that there are no specialized non-fictious studies on rites of passage in the Jie community in particular among the Karamojong cluster. It adopted qualitative design, ethnographic and snow ball’s approach, descriptive and survey techniques. In-depth interview and participant observation were specific methods used to achieve the specific objectives and to answer the research questions. The data were collected using an Interview Guide and an Observation Guide. It was analysed using thematic approach and presented using descriptive narratives. Findings showed that several rituals are deeply rooted in marriage ceremonies of the Jie. Beginning with Ewori, Next is Eloto, after that, Atukokin Followed by Akirirar, besides that, Ebilani and Apudor, Then Akiram ngatuk, leading to the girl’s handover in Akumun ritual. Ekimwomwor ritual to mention but a few. These marriage rituals are deeply rooted in values like cultural preservation, spiritual beliefs, gender equality, morality, and responsibility, etc. this study also found that contemporary socio-economic developments such as education, legal frameworks etc. brought significant transformations to Jie marriage rituals and their cultural context. Like reduced instances of rape (Ewori), access to employment opportunities etc. conclusions and recommendations like conducting additional specialized research on Karamojong communities