Kabale University Digital Repository (KAB-DR)
Not a member yet
2494 research outputs found
Sort by
Leveraging Women Empowerment as a Strategic Tool for Poverty Reduction
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of women’s empowerment on poverty reduction in Kabale Municipality, Uganda. Specifically, The study sought to: (i) assess the effect of women’s access to productive resources on poverty reduction, (ii) establish how women’s participation in decision-making contributes to poverty reduction, and (iii) analyze the influence of women’s access to formal education on poverty reduction. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 301 participants using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics(frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (simple linear regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that women’s access to productive resources (r = .669**), participation in decision-making (r = .838**) and access to formal education all had strong and statistically significant effects on poverty reduction. The study concludes that women’s economic empowerment, participation in decision- making and access to education are critical drivers of poverty reduction in Kabale Municipality. The study further recommends that the government and development partners should strengthen initiatives that enhance women’s access to economic resources, leadership opportunities and formal education, while also addressing cultural barriers. Further research is suggested to deepen the understanding of these barriers and their influence on poverty reduction
Dynamic human-animal-environment relationships at two Later Stone Age sites in Holocene southeastern Uganda
No full textLater Stone Age (LSA) hunter-gatherers in the northeastern Lake Victoria Basin are key for understanding human-environment relationships, societal diversity and inter-group interactions in Holocene East Africa. Scholars have linked increasingly seasonal fishing and land-use strategies, the incorporation of small numbers of domesticated animals and a reliance on ‘Kansyore’-style pottery to delayed-return forager economic systems at sites in western Kenya and eastern Uganda c. 9–2000 years ago (kya). However, sparse datasets and interpretive models that divide the sequence into broad phases obscure localised LSA variability during this period. To explore finer-grained economic and environmental patterns among Kansyore tradition sites, this paper examines radiometric, archaeozoological and carbon isotopic data from two neighbouring LSA shell middens in southeastern Uganda, namely Namaboni B and Namundiri A. Radiocarbon dates provide a diachronic framework for tracking fishing, hunting and vegetation patterns between 9.3 and 5.6 kya. Fish bones indicate a transition to diversified fishing strategies at the lake after c. 7 kya. This shift corresponds with evidence for increased hunting pressure and reduced C4 grass cover along the shoreline. These findings show local differences in the ways LSA groups engaged seasonally with lakeshore animals and habitats, highlighting iterative interactions between people and landscapes that influenced regional hunter-gatherer diversity during a period of environmental stability
Working capital management, accounts receivable, and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
No full textPurpose: This study examined how working capital managementand accounts receivables influence the performance of SMEs in Uganda and proposes policy options to address the financial and managerial challenges identified. The study provides insights into how efficient financial practices can support SME sustainability in a competitive business environment.
Research Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was adopted to assess the existing conditions of working capital management and accounts receivable practices. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 180 SMEs selected for the study. Inferential statistical techniques were applied during data analysis to test the research hypotheses, and several hypothesis tests were conducted to form a sound basis for interpretation and conclusion.
Results: The findings indicate that improvements in working capital management significantly enhance SME performance. Similarly, better accounts receivable practices such as offering discounts and regularly reviewing credit policies—can contribute to improved financial outcomes. The results show that both working capital management and accounts receivables are significant predictors of SME performance.
Conclusions: SMEs that adopt sound working capital and receivables management strategies can thrive even in challenging business environments. Effective financial management also reduces the need for borrowed capital, enabling SMEs to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Limitations: The study was geographically limited to Lira City, which may restrict the applicability of findings to broader contexts.
Contribution: The study provides important guidance for SME owners and policymakers on how working capital and receivables management practices influence enterprise performance
Leveraging ICT to Enable Value Addition and Comprehensive Value Chain Participation for Smallholder Farmers in Kigezi Region: A Case Study of Potato Growers
No full textThe study of economic development and the well-being of smallholder potato growers in the Kigezi region was illustrated well to the benefit of readers and the magnitude of the outcome. The study was guided by the following objectives, identifying the main ICT technologies used within the agriculture domain; estimating the value addition of potatoes at different stages in the potato supply chain; identifying the constraints and opportunities in the potato supply chain, and recommending measures for improvement. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Using simple random and cluster sampling techniques, a total of 285 respondents were selected to participate in the study. The findings reveal varying levels of ICT adoption across the Kigezi region and on value adding the study revealed increasing engagement in direct sales, which could foster stronger market linkages and improve profitability. The constraints limiting ICT adoption among farmers were limited access to affordable internet and low levels of digital literacy among farmers. The regression analysis highlighted significant factors influencing ICT adoption among smallholder farmers. Age (Adjusted R² = 0.713) affected tailored information access; farm size (Adjusted R² = 0.697) impacted ICT infrastructure access; and digital literacy (Adjusted R² = 0.527) with the age. Cost perceptions were influenced by farm size (Adjusted R² = 0.8701), stressing the need for age-inclusive solutions, infrastructure investment, and affordable ICT tools for small farmers. The study highlighted the need for the government of Uganda, in collaboration with the institutions of higher learning, to design digital platforms that cater to diverse age groups, ensuring usability and relevance for younger and older farmers
A case study of Akure, Nigeria
No full textThis study examines the spatial distribution of in-situ groundwater quality parameters in the crystalline basement aquifer in Akure City, Nigeria using geostatistical methods. The area was divided into urban and peri-urban areas. Water samples were taken to the laboratory for characterization of the water quality parameters in the water samples obtained in the study area. The oil/water interphase meter was used to determine the depth to the surface of the selected wells in the study area. The depth of the well is between 3.07 and 7.03 meters. The well depth was divided into four categories: Low (3.07 to 7.03 m), Moderate (4.88 to 5.05 m), High (5.06 to 5.22 m), and Very High (5.23 to 7.03 m). Four categories were used to classify the well depth: Low (2.27 to 4.18 m), Moderate (4.19 to 4.29 m), High (4.30 to 4.41 m), and Very High (4.42 to 6.32 m). The pH scale is 5.48 to 6.71. Four pH ranges were identified: Low (5.48 to 5.91), Moderate (5.92 to 6.20), High (6.21 to 6.41), and Very High (6.42 to 6.71). Four categories were assigned to the ORP: Low (29.71% to 45.63%), Moderate (45.64 percent to 57.42%), High (57.43 percent to 66.16%), and Very High (66.17 percent to 77.95%). There were four categories for the Electrical Conductivity distribution (EC): Low (100.64 µS/cm to 242.50 µS/cm), Moderate (242.51 µS/cm to 347.61 µS/cm), High (347.52 µS/cm to 425.49 µS/cm), and Very High (425.50 µS/cm to 483.20 µS/cm). There were four categories for the Total Dissolved Solid (TDS): Low (50.87 ppm to 120.75 ppm), Moderate (120.76 ppm to 172.53 ppm), High (172.54 ppm to 210.89 ppm), and Very High (210.90 ppm to 239.32 ppm)
Improving microstructural properties, mechanical performance, and processability of flux-engineered stir cast boron carbide (B4C)- reinforced AA6061 composites with K₂TiF₆ integration
No full textFlux-assisted stir casting of AA6061–B₄C is limited by incomplete wetting, oxide films, and porosity. This study optimizes the K₂TiF₆-assisted process, defining a minimal effective flux window (0.5–1.0 wt%) while holding melt (≈750 °C), stirring (≈600 rpm, 10 min), and mold temperature (≈250 °C) constant and varying B₄C (4–12 wt%) in a single, industry-style rig. SEM/EDS/XRD indicate near-uniform dispersion to 10 wt% and mild clustering at 12 wt%. Measurable performance gains. Measured as group means ± SD (n = 3), microhardness (HV₀.₅) increased from 68 → 113 (+62%), and UTS rose from 142 → 215 MPa (+51.4%); porosity rose modestly (~1.5→3.5%). Rule-of-mixtures predictions reproduce the 4–12 wt% trend, supporting a mechanism in which low-dose K₂TiF₆ disrupts oxide films, enhances wetting, and improves load transfer. By quantifying a low-flux regime that limits Ti contamination and salt waste while delivering predictable structure–property outcomes, the work provides process-level guidance for scalable production of lightweight aluminum composites for weight-critical structural applications.Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research,
King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [Grant No. KFU254082]
Role of Social Factors in Social Economic Status of Families in Kabale Municipality Kabale District.
No full textThe study focused on the findings of the effects of social factors on social socioeconomic status of families in Kabale municipality sub-county Kabale district. The objectives of the study included the following: to find out factors that lead to social factors in Kabale municipality sub-county Kabale district, to investigate the impact of social factors on the socio-economic prosperity in the Kabale municipality sub-county Kabale district, and to assess the extent to which the social factors impact on social economic of families in Kabale municipality sub-county Kabale district. There was a critical review of the issues that have been explored and studied both theoretically and empirically in the existing literature on social factors as an independent variable socio-economic prosperity as the dependent variable and the methods of data collection were put into action. The research used 80 respondents as the sample size, and both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were employed. The researcher used simple random sampling techniques in collecting and analyzing data and was used to provide equal chances to the sample size. Purposive sampling was also used to collect data from respondents who participated in the study. Findings of the study were obtained from the field interpreting the results analyzing basing on the specific objectives of the study and chapter five portrayed the summary of findings, recommendations were social factors resort to violence and commit atrocious crimes, therefore, we recommend to parts on the social factors to solve their peacefully rather than resorting to violence., the results of the study have revealed that some conciliators do not know the law related to inheritance and succession, that is why we recommend them to learn that law and other rules and regulation in force in the country; the findings of the study have proven that some conciliators are biased, so we recommend them to be impartial in order to mediate parts on family based conflicts caused by alcohol up take fairly and the study concluded that it has been revealed by the findings that social factors have a negative impact on economic prosperity of families where dealing with these alcoholic beverages bring about spending and consumes time that could be devoted in generating income activities. This slows down family income, and agricultural productivity and reduces agricultural employment especially when land is portioned into small parts. Social factors have also a negative impact on social development where they reduce the capacity of family members to access health care, education, and shelter. Furthermore, family-based conflicts destroy the culture of mutual help and assistance between family members because when they quarrel over resources their mutual help into insignificance
Depictions of activism at universities compared; Contexts for Political Engagement
No full textThe goal of this study is to make a case that the campus of a university served as the venue for discussion, plan-ning, and mobilization. Campuses have come to represent the perfect arena of power where social demands are made and power battles are fought since they serve as a microcosm of society. The campus acted as both a micro-cosm of the outside world and a testing ground for ideas and activities before they were introduced to the entire public. In terms of approach the study used a documentary review to highlight the various experiences associated with student activism from three public universities in Uganda. Findings indicate that, the university has devel-oped into a setting for remaking society. The youth of Uganda in the 1990s sparked significant social transfor-mation and began a new chapter in human history. The movement stressed the significant position that higher ed-ucation institutions hold as centers of research, teaching, and community action. Since the freedom of thinking expressed inside the campus's physical seting gives humanity the vital inventiveness required to create a better and fairer world, the campus' privileged status should continue to be maintained. The study only included three public universities in Uganda, so it may not be feasible to extrapolate the results to other nations. Instead, it may be more practical to provide students with tailored learning support, let alone allow the university to grow organ-ically
Transformando la educación superior en el África subsahariana: Superando los desafíos del siglo XXI con soluciones prácticas
No full textThe aim of the study was to document the 21st-century challenges faced by Higher Education practitioners and to propose practical solutions. Section 62(3) of the Act (UOTIA) prohibits public universities from spending funds not approved by Parliament. This provision hampers universities’ progress in diversifying revenue streams and proactively raising funds, which ultimately impacts higher education. Furthermore, Section 59(5) of the Act (UOTIA) does not give universities the right to invest their funds without the approval of the line ministries. This requirement hinders researchers and other external funders, who may not be fully aware of the role of line ministries in approving the use of donor, grant, or research funds. Other challenges included: weak leadership and governance, financial constraints, curriculum relevance, and the digital divide. However, practical remedies such as leadership development programmes, modernizing curricula, investing in digital infrastructure, and promoting equity and inclusivity can help address these issues. This study supports the World Education 2030 Agenda, which advocates for inclusive and equitable education. The EU Education Agenda prioritizes lifelong learning, digital transformation, and research collaboration to address global challenges and promotes SDG 4 (Access to Quality Education) as well as promoting innovation, gender equality, and a sustainable economy. Therefore, governments and higher education institutions should invest in leadership development programmes aimed at strengthening governance structures
Deep Learning Techniques in DICOM Files Classification: A Systematic Review
No full textThe digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) format is a widely adopted standard for storing medical imaging data, integrating both image and metadata critical for clinical diagnostics. However, its complexity poses challenges for deep learning applications, particularly in extracting and processing this dual-layered data. This review analyzes 23 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, PLOS, Science Direct, and IEEE databases. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping methodology, the review reveals that existing deep learning techniques typically rely on converting DICOM images into simpler formats like JPEG, TIF, or PNG for classification, a process that often results in metadata loss and reduced classification accuracy. Frameworks such as MONAI, NVIDIA Clare, SimpleITK, and OpenCV facilitate direct DICOM processing but face limitations, including overfitting, challenges with data heterogeneity, and inefficiencies in handling large datasets. This review emphasizes the urgent need for developing a robust convolutional neural network architecture capable of directly processing DICOM data to preserve metadata integrity and enhance predictive performance, paving way for more reliable and scalable medical imaging solutions