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Green construction with sustainable foam mortar utilizing recycled polyethylene terephthalate waste for enhanced thermal insulation and durability properties.
No full textThis study explores the development of a sustainable foam mortar incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste as a partial sand replacement to enhance thermal insulation and promote circular economy practices. Foamed mortars incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste were developed in this study, with the overall goal of addressing the dual challenge of waste management and resource depletion. PET waste, commonly discarded as environmental pollutants, was processed into fine aggregate sizes and used as a partial replacement for sand. There were six mix proportions with PET replacement ratios (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). PET improved thermal insulation by lowering thermal conductivity from 0.31 W/mK to 0.26 W/mK and reducing density by up to 15%. At 28 days, the compressive strength varied between 12.5 MPa (0% PET) and 9.8 MPa (25% PET), suggesting that it is viable for non-structural applications. Similar declines of 25–30% and 20–25%, respectively, in flexural and tensile strengths were ascribed to weakened interfacial bonding between PET and the cement matrix. At higher PET levels, durability increased, with a 20% decrease in water absorption and a substantial decrease in chloride ion penetration. The use of PET significantly improved thermal properties, and microstructural analysis confirmed more refined pore structures and homogeneous dispersion of PET particles. These results show that PET can be a sustainable alternative to foam mortar, promoting environmentally friendly construction methods and the concepts of the circular econom
Effects of capacity building initiatives on performance of health workers in Rubanda District, Uganda
No full textThis study specific objective was to examine the effects of capacity building initiatives on performance of health workers in Rubanda District. This study was guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The study followed a descriptive design. Data from 120 respondents was collected and analyzed quantitatively complemented with qualitative analysis. Self-administered questionnaires were applied.. Since descriptive analysis entailed description of a single variable and its attributes, frequency tables were used to present the data. At the bivariate level, a Pearson correlation matrix was conducted to ascertain the relationships between the predictor variables and the dependent variable. A linear regression model was used to fit the data. Respondents strongly agreed that capacity building initiatives improve health workers' performance. Regression analysis showed a strong, significant positive correlation (r = 0.762, p < 0.05) between capacity building initiatives and health worker performance, explaining 82.5% of performance variance (R2 = 0.825). The regression coefficient was 0.921 (p < 0.001), indicating that increased capacity building significantly improves performance. The main conclusion drawn from this research is that capacity building initiatives affects performance significantly and positively. The study recommends that Rubanda district should continue to invest in structured and relevant capacity building initiative
A systematic review of the impact of generative AI on postgraduate research: opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications
No full textThe rapid improvement of generative artificial intelligence particularly large language models like ChatGPT, and GPT-4, has presented transformative possibilities in postgraduate research. This systematic review investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence tools on the quality, efficiency, ethics, and innovation of postgraduate research. A comprehensive literature search across four databases: Google Scholar, Web of Science, IEEE explore, and Scopus was carried out. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 20 peer reviewed published articles between 2019 and 2025 were selected for a detailed review analysis and these were selected based on relevance to the postgraduate research context, explicit declaration of generative AI application, and reported outcomes. The review identified four thematic areas: (i) research productivity and efficiency, where generative AI has improved academic writing, data analysis, and literature reviews; (ii) cognitive and creative support, where AI helps formulate hypotheses, generate ideas, and refine language; (iii) academic integrity and ethical concerns, highlighting the dangers of plagiarism, data fabrication, and an over-reliance on artificial intelligence outputs; and (iv) capacity gaps and skills transformation, pointing out the growing demand for postgraduate researchers to receive ethical and AI literacy training. Despite the potential benefits of generative AI tools in democratizing access to research tools and improving productivity among postgraduate researchers, the review discovered that most academic institutions lack robust regulatory frameworks and institutional guidelines. Additional concerns arise from disparities in regional access to cutting-age AI tools, hence compromising the global research equity. The review concludes with a recommendation for a tailored framework for the responsible integration of GenAI into postgraduate research with a focus on institutional oversight, human- AI collaboration, and ethical application. The findings contribute to the current discussion over the future of AI and provide scholars, researchers and policymakers with evidence-based guidance on how to maximize AI’s potential while safeguarding academic integrity
Performing Sustainability: The Power of Theatre in Environmental Communication
No full textThis article interrogates the intersections of performance theory and sustainability communication by foregrounding theatre as a critical modality for re-imagining ecological futures. While dominant environmental discourses frequently privilege technocratic or informational paradigms, this study argues that theatre mobilises affect, embodiment, and collective spectatorship to destabilise anthropocentric narratives and cultivate ecological consciousness. Grounded in performance theory, ecocriticism, and sustainability studies, the paper conceptualises theatre as both an epistemic practice and an experience that disrupts linear models of knowledge transfer. Instead, it provides dialogic spaces where audiences encounter environmental crises as lived, affective, and relational phenomena. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as performativity, liminality, and eco-aesthetics, the paper situates theatre as a transformative communicative practice that reconfigures human–nature relations and expands the discursive repertoire of environmental sustainability. Rather than functioning as a supplementary cultural form, theatre emerges here as a generative site of environmental meaning-making, capable of reshaping imaginaries, contesting hegemonic narratives of development, and advancing sustainability transitions. The argument contributes to ongoing debates in performance, environmental sciences, development, and sustainability by demonstrating how theatrical praxis extends beyond representation to enact ecological agency and social transformation.Government of Uganda through the Research and Innovation Fund at Makerere University- MakRI
Skills Development and Graduate Employability in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda: A Case of Kabale District
No full textDespite the expanding demand for skilled professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector, employers consistently express dissatisfaction with the competencies of recent graduates. This skills–employability gap undermines graduates’ capacity to secure gainful employment and limits the sector’s potential for growth. While previous studies have addressed employability in broader contexts, there is a paucity of empirical evidence specific to rural districts in sub-Saharan Africa, where tourism represents a strategic economic pillar. This study investigated the relationship between skills development and graduate employability, with a focus on alumni from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda.
A mixed-methods approach, integrating correlational and case study designs, was employed to capture both statistical relationships and contextual insights. Quantitative data were collected from 400 graduates of three purposively selected HEIs using stratified random sampling (response rate: 89.5%). Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 stakeholders, including employers, institutional leaders, lecturers, and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Ministry of Education and Sports (response rate: 83.3%). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS version 4 to examine predictive relationships between skill domains and employability outcomes. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo version 10 to capture stakeholder perspectives on graduate preparedness. In terms of results quantitative analysis revealed that socio-emotional skills (β = 0.492, p < 0.05) and cognitive skills (β = 0.325, p < 0.05) were the strongest predictors of graduate employability, while technical skills exhibited a weaker but statistically significant effect (β = 0.149, p < 0.05). Gender (β = 0.014, p = 0.745) and the type of HEI attended (β = 0.032, p = 0.212) were not significant predictors. Qualitative findings corroborated the statistical results, with stakeholders emphasising the tourism industry’s preference for graduates demonstrating strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities over purely technical competencies. The triangulated findings produced three major contributions: (1) empirically confirming socio-emotional skills as the primary determinant of employability in this sector, (2) generating novel district-specific evidence for policy and practice in southwestern Uganda, and (3) developing conceptual and structural equation models that elucidate the pathways linking skills acquisition to employability outcomes. The study concludes that bridging the tourism and hospitality employability gap requires a comprehensive, sustained approach to skills development, with a stronger emphasis on socio-emotional and cognitive competencies alongside technical expertise. Recommendations include institutionalising lifelong learning and continuous professional development frameworks; introducing structured mentorship schemes and soft skills training into HEI curricula; upgrading training facilities with industry-standard equipment; and adopting graduate certification systems to enhance labour market credibility. Furthermore, reinforcing partnerships between HEIs and industry stakeholders is critical for aligning educational outputs with evolving market demands. Policymakers should embed skill enhancement initiatives into national education and tourism strategies to improve graduate readiness for a dynamic and competitive labour environmen
Antistripping potential of cement kiln dust on recycled asphalt pavement. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
No full textCement kiln dust (CKD) is the by-product of cement manufacturing. It is collected using air pollution control devices (APCDs) also known as electrostatic precipitators in the form of fue dust to minimize environmental hazards. This study investigates the potential use of CKD as a fller material and its novel antistripping properties on recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). CKD's chemical properties, make it desirable for improving stripping resistance of asphalt in areas prone to high rainfall or moisture exposure, but its application in RAP remains a grey area to explore. Its dual role in improving both adhesion and mechanical properties of asphalt makes it particularly advantageous, in terms of sustainability, cost and resource efciency. The rising production cost, environmental safety concerns, and the push towards sustainable consumption/ production seek alternatives for traditional antistripping agents for asphalt production, thus, CKD. This study prepared densegraded asphalt concrete with nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 14 mm with 1%, 3%, and 5% of CKD by weight of RAP according to Malaysian standard. A total of fve (5) asphalt concrete (AC14) mixtures were produced with an optimal 3% CKD used in the modifed mixtures at the optimum binder content (OBC). The antistripping properties of CKD in hot mix asphalt (HMA) were assessed through indirect tensile strength test (ITS), indirect tensile stifness modulus (ITSM) and boiling tests on the asphalt mixtures. In addition to the physical, mechanical, chemical, and structural/morphological tests, the safe inclusion of CKD in terms of heavy metals was evaluated by applying toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test. The fndings confrm that CKD meets ASTM C150 standards for type II and type IIA hydraulic cement for use as a fller in asphalt. The fatigue cracking resistance, antistripping resistance in terms of the tensile strength ratio (TSR) & indirect tensile stifness modulus (ITSM) tests indicated that CKD modifed RAP mixes performed better than the control (CNTRL), RAP only and CKD modifed RAP mixes. It also compares favourably with CNTRL+CKD mixture. Ultimately, the boiling test results indicated that CKD blended RAP mix surpassed the minimum 80% TSR for moisture damage resistance.Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust fund’s institution-based research (TETFund-IBR) scheme
Atheer, Suleiman Abdulrahma
Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum across areas of varied malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.
No full textBackground: Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bearing the highest burden of the disease. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species in the region, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite intensified control efforts over the last two decades, P. falciparum genetic diversity
and multiplicity of infections (MOI) continue to pose significant challenges to malaria elimination in the region. This study assessed P. falciparum genetic diversity and population structure in areas with low, medium, and high malaria
transmission intensities in Uganda.
Methods: A total of 288 P. falciparum-positive samples from children (6 months to 10 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) living in Jinja (low transmission), Kanungu (medium transmission), and Tororo (high transmission) were genotyped
using seven neutral microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity was assessed based on the number of alleles (Na), allelic richness (Ar), and expected heterozygosity (He). Population structure was assessed using the fixation index, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and clustering analysis.
Results: High P. falciparum genetic diversity was observed across all study sites, with Kanungu exhibiting the highest
mean He (0.81 ± 0.14), while Jinja and Tororo had lower mean He (0.78 ± 0.16). P. falciparum MOI varied significantly,with Tororo showing the highest mean MOI (2.5 ± 0.5) and 70% of samples exhibiting polyclonal infections, compared to Jinja’s mean MOI of 1.9 ± 0.3 and 58% polyclonal infections. Significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD) was noted (p < 0.01), ranging from 0.07 in Tororo to 0.14 in Jinja. Parasite population structure showed minimal
genetic differentiation (FST ranged from 0.011 to 0.021) and a low AMOVA value (0.03), indicating high gene flow.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates high P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI but low population structure, suggesting significant parasite gene flow between study sites. This highlights the need for integrated malaria control strategies across areas with varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda
Trichosanthis Radix: A comprehensive review on botany, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and toxicology
No full textTrichosanthis Radix, derived from the roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz and Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms, is used widely in traditional Asian medicine. It has been used for centuries across China, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries to treat several ailments, including diabetes, cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The pharmacopoeias in several countries recognize its ability to clear heat, reduce swelling, expel pus, generate fluids, and regulate menstruation. This review provides a comprehensive synopsis of botanical, and ethnomedicinal uses of Trichosanthis Radix. In addition, the phytochemical constituents, including proteins (trichosanthin), terpenoids (cucurbitacins), alkaloids, lignans, coumarins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, abortifacient, neuroprotective, immunoregulatory, and antiviral activities are examined. Furthermore, the clinical, pharmacokinetic, quality control measures, processing methods, and toxicity associated with Trichosanthis Radix are discussed. Finally, future research opportunities and potential applications of Trichosanthis Radix in modern medicine are explored with a focus on expanding its therapeutic use and ensuring safe and effective medicinal applications.Development of Sustainable Application for Standard Herbal Resources (KSN1823320),
Development of Innovative Technologies for the Future Value of Herbal Medicine sources (KSN2511030),
Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, through the Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea
The Socio-economic Impact of NAADS Agricultural Driven Initiatives in the Tea Sector in South-Western Uganda (2015 -2025)
No full textSince its establishment by the Ugandan government in 2001, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has worked to boost agricultural productivity and enhance livelihoods throughout the nation. The study investigated the socio-economic impact of NAADS’ programs in the tea-growing Greater Bushenyi sub-region of South-Western Uganda. The research evaluated the effect of NAADS support to the tea sector on employment, infrastructure, health, education and economic business development based on survey data and interviews with national and local stakeholders. Emphasis was put on examining how NAADS support led to the development of tea processing industries/SMEs and how such establishments resulted in an employment boost, business development, infrastructure advancement and general community well-being. The study findings have shown that the NAADS agricultural driven initiatives in the tea sector in Greater Bushenyi sub-region of South-western Uganda have greatly contributed to the socio-economic development in many ways including employment of local personnel, road improvement, electric power extension into rural areas, expansion of education and health infrastructure, establishment of new forward and backward economic activities and general improvement of community welfare. However, it was also noted that despite the socio-economic boost as a result of increased tea growing and processing in Greater Bushenyi, a great deal of additional investments and strategic planning is required in order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable socio-economic development from the NAADS agriculture-driven initiatives in the tea sector
Correlating NAADS Agricultural Initiatives in the Tea Sector and the Industrialisation Potential for Community Transformation and Poverty Reduction in South-Western Uganda (2015–2025)
No full textCommunity transformation and poverty alleviation are central to every country's holistic development agenda as emphasized by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015–2030). Since 1986, Uganda has implemented a range of political, economic, and social interventions aimed at fostering community transformation and poverty reduction. However, these efforts have yielded varying levels of success. Among these initiatives was the enactment of the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) in 1997 which led to the establishment of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) in 2001. NAADS was designed to be a key instrument for promoting agricultural investment as a means of transforming communities and alleviating poverty given agriculture’s dominance in Uganda’s economy. Although NAADS has recorded considerable achievements in enhancing agricultural production, it has underperformed in promoting agro-processing, an omission that has limited its overall impact (Fiala and Apell, 2017). This study investigated the extent to which opportunities arising from the increased distribution of tea seedlings and the subsequent expansion of tea farming have been leveraged to establish value-addition enterprises, such as green leaf and processed black tea industrial facilities in the Greater Bushenyi districts, one of the primary beneficiaries of NAADS. Employing a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from key stakeholders in the agriculture sector at both district and national levels. The findings indicate that the government’s goal of community transformation and poverty alleviation has been hampered by the failure to integrate agro-industrialization into the design and implementation of NAADS. The study concludes that it is only through coordinated, well-financed, and strategically implemented efforts that Uganda can realize the full transformative potential of its tea sector and agriculture more broadly