Kabale University Digital Repository (KAB-DR)
Not a member yet
2494 research outputs found
Sort by
Corporate Governance and Performance of Dairy Co-Operative Societies in Uganda: A Case Study of Kiruhura District.
No full textThis study investigated the impact of corporate governance on the performance of dairy cooperative societies in Kiruhura District, Uganda, focusing specifically on board assurance, board risk management, and board composition. Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, the study collected quantitative data from 113 respondents through structured questionnaires. The sample was drawn from three active dairy cooperatives, with additional insights gathered from key informants, including board members and supervisory committees. The findings reveal that board assurance significantly influences cooperative performance, explaining approximately 8.9% of the variance in performance outcomes. In contrast, board risk management did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on performance, while board composition accounted for 18.2% of the variance, indicating a strong positive relationship with performance. These results align with existing literature that emphasizes the importance of effective governance structures in enhancing organizational performance. The study concludes that while board assurance and composition are critical for improving performance, risk management practices require further development to enhance their effectiveness. Recommendations include strengthening board assurance mechanisms, optimizing board composition for diversity, and improving risk management frameworks. Limitations of the study include its focus on a specific geographic area, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research could explore additional governance factors and their long-term effects on cooperative performance
Enrollment and Retention of Female Sex Workers in HIV Care in Health Facilities in Mbarara City.
No full textBackground: Sex work is a global driver of the HIV epidemic, and the risk of acquiring HIV is 13 times higher for female sex workers (FSWs) compared to the general population. The enrollment and retention of FSWs in HIV care is a challenge and has been a major contributing factor to increased new HIV infections.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study among 30 FSWs and 21 healthcare workers (HCWs) working in antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics at the selected three primary health facilities in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda. The study participants were enrolled by both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. We obtained informed consent from all the participants, and data were collected using in-depth interviews and thematically analyzed.
Results: Three themes emerged as facilitators toward enrollment and retention of FSWs into HIV care, namely, (1) good health living, (2) receptive HCWs and availability of health services, and (3) community outreach services and peer support. The barriers are summarized into four major themes: (1) stigma, community discrimination, and beliefs; (2) social obstacles; (3) adverse effects of
ART; and (4) inadequate services at the health facilities.
Conclusion: FSWs are challenged by unsupportive environments and communities where they live and work, which hinders their enrollment and retention in HIV care. Creating awareness of the utilization of HIV care services and extending such services
to hotspot communities could enhance the response of HIV-positive FSWs to ART
Impact of Culture on English Language Learning, A Study Carried Out on Selected Schools in Ntungamo District.
No full textThis qualitative study explored the influence of culture on English language learning by examining various learners from selected schools in Ntungamo District. The study aimed to determine if cultural factors affect English language acquisition among students. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions, which provided valuable insights. Findings revealed that students acknowledged the close relationship between culture and language, recognizing that both are integral to the learning experience. The study also indicated that integrating English language instruction with relevant cultural elements enhances the pace and enjoyment of learning. Additionally, the study highlights that mastering a foreign language extends beyond grammar and vocabulary to include cultural understanding. The study recommends further research into the role of culture in language learning, specifically from teachers' perspectives
Exploring the Use of Language and Style in Runyankole-Rukiga Cautionary Proverbs.
No full textThis study explored the linguistic and stylistic features of cautionary proverbs in the Runyankole-Rukiga languages, spoken in southwestern Uganda. The research aimed to achieve three main objectives: to interpret fifty selected Runyankole-Rukiga cautionary proverbs and translate them into English, to analyze the linguistic and stylistic features of these proverbs by identifying common language patterns and stylistic elements, and to categorize them into distinct groups for better understanding and comparison. Qualitative methods, including documentary analysis and interviews with native speakers, were employed to investigate how these proverbs use figurative language, rhetorical techniques, and thematic content to impart moral lessons. The findings revealed that Runyankole-Rukiga proverbs are rich in metaphors, parallelism, and culturally resonant imagery, which are instrumental in conveying societal norms and behavioral expectations. The analysis highlighted that these proverbs are characterized by vivid figurative expressions and effective rhetorical devices. Metaphors and natural imagery succinctly communicate moral teachings, while parallelism and repetition enhance their memorability. Thematic content commonly revolves around morality, personal conduct, and social behavior, underscoring core cultural values. These proverbs play a vital role in socializing individuals and preserving cultural identity by transmitting communal norms across generations. The study concluded that cautionary proverbs are integral to safeguarding cultural heritage. It recommended that educational and cultural initiatives prioritize the documentation and study of these proverbs to reinforce their relevance in contemporary society
Use of Garden Design to Enhance Mental Health Among the Selected Health Facilities in Kabale Town: A Case Study of Makanga Health Facility.
No full textThe research aims at exploring and creating new garden designs for therapeutic purposes that are sustainable environments associated with mental health. Garden design encompasses the art and science of planning, arranging, and creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, garden design involves thoughtful consideration of various elements. Therapeutic gardens are intentionally designed outdoor spaces that aim to enhance mental and physical health through interactions with nature. According to (de la Motte, 2014, August), “Therapeutic gardens are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in special needs settings such as disability centers, aged care, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers”. Although therapeutic garden designs follow the same principles as general garden design, this research seeks to illustrate those factors that are unique to a number of special needs groups. Four different designs have been analyzed for actual projects that have been recently completed. Included are gardens in a geriatric ward of a major metropolitan hospital, a rehabilitation center garden in suburban Melbourne, an aged care facility in country Victoria, and a disability day care center garden. The research emphasizes the importance of reconnecting humans with their environment and highlights the therapeutic potential of nature. Historically, plants played a significant role in hospital architecture, especially in sanatoriums treating tuberculosis and mental illnesses. However, over time, natural spaces disappeared from medical buildings due to hygiene-focused approaches. Recent scientific research challenges this trend, suggesting that gardens and nature can be more potent than medicine itself. Thus the Healing Gardens initiative aims to reintegrate nature into health care systems through public policy. The healing garden design focuses on maximizing patients' well-being by incorporating physical, psychological, emotional, and social elements. by bringing the benefits of garden spaces into hospitals, these gardens contributed to the patient’s recovery processes. Healing gardens should provide a sense of security and safety, incorporating elements like trees, flowers, fragrant plants, and shrubs to evoke a feeling of hope and relaxation. Therefore, one has to consider the balance between physical activities and passive experiences in the garden to maximize its benefits. The design firstly should be functional and aesthetically appealing thus offering enough space for different activities. The success of healing gardens is in the ability to give mental restoration and therapeutic benefits through passive and active engagement. by using different elements like water features, natural materials, seating areas,s and focal points for meditation thus the aim is to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being
Monitoring and evaluation of the quality of healthcare service delivery in Ntungamo district, Uganda
No full textThe need to discern the progress of development interventions has increased the demand for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities. In this paper, we report findings on a study that examined the impact of M&E on the quality of healthcare service delivery in Ntungamo District. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data from 213 respondents was used to draw inferences. The quantitative findings were generated through a questionnaire method and findings were supplemented by qualitative data through interviews. The study established that the implementation type of M&E has a statistically significant positive relationship with the quality of healthcare service delivery as depicted by a correlation coefficient of r=0.308**. Also, beneficiary type of M&E has a statistically significant positive relationship with the quality of healthcare service delivery as indicated by correlation results r=0.378**. On its part, social accountability type of M&E had a positive correlation (r=0.345**). Overall, the study demonstrates that monitoring and evaluation has a medium impact on the quality of healthcare service delivery in Uganda. The implication of this finding is that there are other factors likely to influence the quality of health care delivery other than M & E. The findings appeal to contexts beyond a local government and convey that M and E is not the only factor likely to support the success of an intervention
Designing and Prototyping of a Battery Management System for Solar Power Plants in Uganda.
No full textIn Uganda, the efficiency and reliability of solar power plants are often compromised due to inadequate battery management, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced battery lifespan. This project addresses this critical issue by designing and prototyping a Battery Management System (BMS) specifically for solar power plants. The proposed BMS monitors essential battery pack parameters such as voltage, load current, and temperature. Utilizing IoT technology, it transmits real-time data to the cloud, enabling global monitoring of the battery’s state. Additionally, the system employs intelligent algorithms to autonomously manage the charging and discharging cycles based on the battery’s condition. This innovative solution aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of solar power systems, thereby promoting sustainable energy development in Uganda
Role of National Teachers’ Organisations on the Performance of Teachers: A Case Study of Rubanda District.
No full textThis study was carried out to establish the role of the National Teachers’ Organisation on the performance of Teachers: A case study of Rubanda district Uganda. The study was guided by objectives like establishing the activities played by NATO on the performance of Teachers in the Rubanda district, finding out the challenges facing teachers in secondary schools in the Rubanda district, to investigating the solutions to the challenges facing teachers in secondary schools in the Rubanda district. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 68 respondents were selected from 80 as the target population. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection instrument. Some respondents showed that teacher’s trade union is supposed to create favorable working conditions, empowerment, professional development, and job satisfaction for better performance in school by the teachers. Some respondents that when discipline breaks down in school, the safety of teachers and students is jeopardized, turning the school environment into a dangerous place to teach or learn, some respondents agreed that the core among them is the limited classroom language opportunities for the learners to practice the language, some respondents agreed that teachers’ trade unions should keep up the fight for better salaries as better remuneration has been shown to improve job satisfaction. The study concludes that UNATU is trying to promote teachers’ performance by sensitizing the teachers about their performance, conducting regular meetings with teachers, and visiting schools to listen to teachers’ issues about their performance. It can also be concluded that UNATU provides ways for in-service training teachers through calling for training, informing teachers about the importance of training, and conducting research about the new ways that teachers need to be trained. The study recommends that the government should effectively listen to UNATU issues on how to improve their performance in schools and this will also improve teacher’s welfare in schools. More educational facilities should be provided by the government such as ICT facilities to the secondary schools for the preparation of teachers so that they can be well equipped in the use of computers. This will aid the teachers to perform more in their duties and improve their motivation levels
Design of a Solar Dryer for Tomatoes.
No full textNatural solar drying is a practical method for removing moisture from agricultural products. However, various issues arise in such processes, such as bird, insect, or other animal attacks, fungal attacks, unexpected changes in weather, low or prolonged exposure to the sun, dust mixing, and so on. Electric dehydrators offer faster drying but rely on potentially unavailable or expensive electricity. This project addresses this gap by proposing the design, development, and testing of a solar dryer specifically for drying tomatoes. The solar dryer aims to reduce post-harvest tomato losses, improve drying efficiency, minimize contamination, and offer a cost-effective solution, particularly for small-scale producers and regions with limited resources. The project will involve, Determining the design parameters of a tomato solar dryer, Selecting and sizing components of a tomato solar dryer, and developing a solar dryer layout. The air allowed in through the air inlet is heated up in the solar collector and channeled through the drying chamber where it is utilized in drying. The design was based on the geographical location which is kabale and meteorological data were obtained for proper design specification. The optimum temperature of the dryer was 60 0C with a corresponding ambient temperature of 25 0C. The mass of water removal of 199.9g and 153.6g in cassava and plantain respectively using the solar dryer was achieved as against 156.8g and 125.3g in cassava and plantain respectively using the sun drying method and indicating 43.1g and 28.3g difference respectively, for ten slices of cassava and plantain dried over a particular day. The rapid rate of drying in the dryer reveals its ability to dry food items reasonably rapidly to safe moisture.
The anticipated timeline is 3 months. The project budget will cover instrumentation for data collection during testing and potential travel for field testing. By developing a user-friendly and cost-effective solar dryer, this project has the potential to significantly reduce tomato post-harvest losses, improve food quality and safety, and empower small-scale producers, contributing to a more sustainable and secure food system
Design and Construction of an Electronic Stick for the Blind and Deaf.
No full textThe study focused on a simple method of detecting the obstacle and route by using an ultrasonic sensor that can detect an obstacle with a maximum range of about two meters. As we can see, blind and deaf people are having trouble doing their life routines because they cannot see even a single thing. With my idea, I want to help this kind of people to live their lives freely. This electronic stick has several features that surely help these blind and deaf people to navigate routes and detect obstacles that surely can make their life routines easier