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Molecular and Morphological characterisation of the Leptostemonum clade and the distribution in Uganda.
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University.Leptostemonum clade is the most species-rich (550 species) within genus Solanum, with 39 % of the indigenious vegetables grown in Uganda. Wild crop relatives from the subgenus have the potential to improve crop resistance against diseases, drought and pests. But, the genus presents numerous taxonomic challenges. This study streamlined the taxonomy of the Leptostemonum clade. Specifically to; assess diversity and distribution, establish the evolutionary relationships and analyse the morphological variations within Solanum campylacanthum and its relationship with S. cerasiferum. Field surveys to collect presence data and specimens from the different regions of Uganda were purposively done. Presence data was geocoded using a hand-held GPS. From each plant collected, a young leaf was put to dry in silica jel in a labelled ziplock bag for later use in DNA extraction. Voucher specimens were pressed, dried and identified at MHU. Additional specimen data was retrieved from GBIF and MHU. 186 species were sampled from field works. Distribution maps were generated using ArcMap software and modelling was
performed using MaxEnt software version 3.3.3. DNA extraction was done using EZNA sp. Plant mini Kit (Omega Bio-Tex, Inc), DNA amplification was done for two gene regions, trnL- trnF and Waxy. Sequence editing was done using Geneious Prime Version 2022.1. Bayesian and Maximum likelihood were performed using Mrbayes and IQ tree. Morphologocal studies
using phenetic methods was done for S. campylacanthum and S. cerasiferum. Dendrograms and box plots were generated using PAST. 18 species of the leptostemonums were recorded. South western Uganda and Karamoja region were the most species. Solanum chrysotrichum was a new record and S. forskali confirmed to occur in Uganda. Temperature and rainfall are the key variables that determine the distribution of the solanums. The phylogenies of trnL-trnF and Waxy showed A strong support for the
monophyly of the Leptostemonum clade (PP=1) for both Bayesian and maximum likehood analyses. The Ugandan species align within the known clades with five representive clade (Aculeastrum, Eggplant, Coagulans, giganteum and new world). Morphologically, three clusters have been described within the group of S. campylacanthum. 1. unarmed S. campylacanthum, 2. Sparsely armed S. campylacanthum, 3. moderately to densely armed S. campylacanthum and one group of S. cerasiferum. Prickle density and leaf tip angles are for the first time reported as useful morphological characters in the intraspecific delimitation of S. campylacanthum.NORPART
BUSITEMA UNIVERSIT
The effectiveness of value engineering in the design review and construction supervision of residential apartments on Plot 165, Block 32, Rubaga Division, Kampala District
No full textA project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management of Makerere University.This project report assesses the effectiveness of Value Engineering (VE) in the design review and construction supervision of a three-story residential apartment on Plot 165, Block 32, Mutundwe, Rubaga Division, Kampala district, Uganda. The study employed a systematic approach, integrating VE principles throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design conception to final construction. The methodology involved a multidisciplinary team, rigorous comparative analysis of design alternatives, and iterative validation at key stages. Key material and structural component substitutions were explored and analyzed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and sustainability improvements. The core findings highlight significant cost savings achieved through the implementation of VE recommendations. Specific cost reductions included a 23.46% decrease by replacing solid concrete blocks with hollow blocks; a 51.6% reduction by switching from clay roofing tiles to iron sheets; and a 20.3% decrease in concrete costs by substituting grade C30 with C25. Foundation design optimization through reduced hardcore thickness and the use of A98 instead of A142 BRC mesh yielded further cost savings. Overall, the project's initial budget of UGX 650,012,012 was reduced to UGX 578,962,521 - a 10.93% decrease, demonstrating the substantial financial benefits of incorporating VE. Beyond cost savings, the study showed improvements in design efficiency and sustainability. The iterative process enabled the team to identify and address potential issues early, resulting in a robust and reliable final design. The use of lighter and more energy-efficient materials contributed to sustainability goals. The report concludes that VE is a crucial tool for enhancing project value, particularly in infrastructure projects. Recommendations include formalizing VE as a standard practice, providing training to stakeholders, and maintaining detailed records for continuous improvement. This systematic and data-driven approach is proposed to further embed VE principles into the Ugandan construction industry
Correlates of Virological non-suppression among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years on Dolutegravir based regimens attending Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda : a mixed methods cross-sectional study
No full textA dissertation submitted to Makerere University School of Public Health in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Public Health of Makerere University, Uganda.Background: HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS and Sub-Saharan Africa bears the burden of virological non-suppression with children and adolescents being disproportionately affected. Viral suppression has been sub-optimal among children and adolescent in Uganda, despite a near universal transition to the much effective Dolutegravir-based regimens. Therefore this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of virological non-suppression and its associated correlates among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years on Dolutegravir-based regimens. Methods: A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 children and adolescents aged 5-19 years on Dolutegravir-based regimens from January 2021 to December 2022. Consecutive sampling was used. Existing medical records and data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted during quantitative interviews and file reviews. The primary outcomes were prevalence and correlates associated with virological non-suppression. Chi-square likelihood ratio at p value of ≤ 0.05 and Modified Poisson regression analyses were done using STATA version 14.0 to identify correlates significantly associated with virological non-suppression at 95% confidence interval and p-values of ≤ 0.20 at bivariate analysis and ≤ 0.05 at multivariate analysis. Purposive and convenient sampling was done to identify key informant and in-depth interview participants respectively, to provide broad explanations on associated correlates of virological non-suppression and data was analyzed using manual thematic content analysis. Results: Virological non-suppression prevalence was 12.2% (95% CI: 8.5% - 16.0%). After adjusting for other correlates, the correlates of virological non-suppression were; Parental status (being single orphan, aPR: 5.4 [95% CI: 1.81 - 15.90], p = <0.001), (double orphan, aPR: 3.3 [95% CI: 1.07 - 10.02], p = 0.04), Clinical stage (WHO clinical stage II on Dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy initiation (aPR: 3.4 [95% CI: 1.55 - 7.62], p = <0.001), and Malnutrition status (moderate acute malnutrition (aPR: 2.3 [95% CI: 1.16 - 4.76], p = 0.02). Differentiated service delivery models, multi-month drug dispensing tolerability and palatability of Dolutegravir, adolescent child friendly services, awareness and stigma reduction programs, having a caregiver and having a caregiver who is on anti-retroviral therapy emerged as important deterrents to virological non-suppression. However, HIV status non-disclosure, food unavailability, deprivation of family and social support, secondary school age, poor adherence, malnutrition, depression, tuberculosis co-infection, disease progression to stage II and above, drug holidays and fatigue, transitioning from child to adolescent age and information gap on treatment were potential enablers of virological non-suppression. Conclusion: The prevalence of virological non-suppression among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years on Dolutegravir-based regimens was 12.2%. This was relatively low compared to other studies conducted in Uganda and other Sub-Saharan African countries but short of the UNAIDS third 95% target for viral suppression
Examining the effect of tax effort on private investment in Uganda
No full textA research report submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Master of Economic Policy Management of Makerere UniversityPrivate investment plays a major role in increasing economic opportunity, enhancing access to public and private services and reducing poverty. Changes in the tax rates which lead to changes in the tax to GDP ratio can affect growth of private investment in an economy. There is little empirical literature to support this narrative for a low income country like Uganda. This study focuses on investigating the effect of changes in the CIT and VAT tax to GDP ratios on private investment taking into account the macro-economic factors that can influence investment. Macro data of Uganda was extracted from the World Bank database for a period of 31 years (1990-2021). The research employed time series analysis and particularly used the ARDL estimation approach and bounds testing to investigate the possibility of a co-integrating relationship between tax to GDP ratios and private investments. This study found both CIT and VAT ratios to GDP significant in the short run and positively affecting private investment by 0.26% and 2.94% respectively. However, in the long run the results were revealed to be insignificant. The government should put in place a fair taxation system, which encourages an inflow of more private investments. There is need for government to find a balance between raising tax revenue and maintaining economic competitiveness. There is need or government to put in fair and efficient taxation system with the greater part of revenue collected into invested in public goods and services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which can create a more attractive environment for businesses
Accuracy of the M-kit absolute concentration method for detection of drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master of Science Immunology and Clinical Microbiology of Makerere UniversityWith an increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), accurate drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line and second-line plus new individualized anti-TB drugs has become crucial for proper patient management. Diagnosis of DR-TB is mainly performed using Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) and BACTEC MGIT 960 phenotypic DST methods at the Uganda National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL). These methods have high skills demand and some require 4-6 weeks to report results with high contamination rates. Although WHO recently recommended molecular DST assays like GeneXpert and Hein MDRplus and MDRsl Line Probe Assay, these methods also present performance challenges with low coverage for drug-resistance-conferring mutations and few anti-TB agents tested. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Multiplexing Kit (M-Kit) absolute concentration method in the detection of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Uganda, against the conventional LJ proportion phenotypic DST methods. A total of 212 freshly grown MTB Isolates from Tuberculosis patients referred to NTRL, were tested for drug resistance for Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Amikacin and P-Nitro Benzoic acid, on M-Kit and LJ proportion DST assay. Data obtained was entered in Microsoft Excel-2010 and statistical data analyzed using SPSS version 27 software; whereas inferential statistics, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and Kappa value for M-Kit with respect to the gold standard method(s) were calculated using the MedCalc software. The sensitivity and specificity findings of the M-Kit assay for different studied drugs was; Isoniazid 98.3%, 97.9%, Rifampicin 94.8%, 96.9%, Ethambutol 68.6%, 96.7%, Moxifloxacin 100%, 99.6%, Levofloxacin 100%, 99.0% respectively, and Amikacin with specificity of 100%. The accuracy for various drugs studied ranged between 87.9 % to 99.9%, with an excellent concordance between the two methods showed by kappa values ranging from 0.806 to 0.962. The M-kit absolute concentration method was found to be highly accurate in susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis against various first and second line drugs; Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Amikacin, with suboptimal performance for Ethambutol, when compared with the LJ proportion method in Uganda
Substance use among boda boda riders (commercial motorcyclists) working in Kamwokya Slum, Kampala Capital City, Uganda
No full textA research dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the award for the degree of Master of Public Health of Makerere UniversityIn Uganda, commercial motorcyclists (Boda boda riders) in slums are vulnerable road users whose road use is significantly impaired by substance use. Therefore, the study was carried out to to assess the determinants of substance use among boda boda riders working in slum of Kamwokya in Kampala city. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among boda boda riders working in slums of Kamwokya in Kampala city. Methodology: A cross-sectional study among 429 commercial motorcyclists aged 18 years and above was conducted in Kamwokya slum, Kampala city. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS then conducted univariate analysis and multivariable analysis using logistic regression to find factors associated with substance use among boda boda riders working in Kamwokya slums. Results: The prevalence of current substance use among commercial motorcyclists operating from Kamwokya slum was 26% (110/429). The majority consumed alcohol. Factors associated with substance use included; Boda boda riders younger than 20 years were almost twice more likely to use substances [APR; 1.61 95%CI (1.05-2.48)]. compared to those older than 40 years, those who had loans to pay were twice more likely to use drugs compared to those who did not have loans to pay (APR; 1.87 95%CI 1.41-2.60), those who had spent between 5-10 years in the industry (APR; 1.67, 95%CI 1.18-2.34) was more likely to use substances, compared to those who spent less than 5 years in the industry Conclusion: One in every four of the commercial motorcyclists operating from Kamwokya slum used at least a psychotropic substance and alcohol was the most frequent substance of use. Recommendation: To reduce substance use among these commercial motorcyclists, the Ministry of Health working with the local leadership of the area and motorcyclists should design appropriate behavioral change interventions aimed at reducing substance use among the motorcyclists who are younger than 20 years, those who had loans to pay and those who had spent between 5-10 years in the industry
Applicability of the HIV/AIDS prevention and control Act Cap 126 in protection and promotion of the right to non-discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS: a case of Mulago National Referral Hospital
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Laws of Makerere UniversitySince the establishment of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, intended for protection and promotion of the right to non-discrimination among People Living with HIV (PLHIV), its success especially in public health facilities is very questionable due to the increasing levels of social stigma. This study sought to examine the potency of the Act, in protecting the right to non-discrimination among PLHIV, to find out factors affecting the effectiveness of the Act and to suggest measures that can be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of the Act. The study adopted a qualitative research approach based on a cross-sectional research design. According to the study findings, few people know the Act’s anti-discrimination provisions. Furthermore, the study revealed that despite the provisions of the Act especially sections 32 to 40 that bar any form of discrimination on grounds of HIV status, discrimination against PLHIV still exists. Findings further revealed that discrimination against PLHIV is practiced majorly by persons living without the condition, medical personnel like doctors, nurses and support staff especially in lower hospital facilities. This discrimination is in form of delayed treatment, poor service quality, denial of services, high service charges, some people being made to buy ARVs and other drugs which are supposed to be for free, that some persons get their drugs delivered to their homes yet others travel long distances to be able to access the drugs. The research also discovered that hospital management bodies strive to maintain equality and non-discrimination against PLHIV. Staff in Mulago hospital who handle PLHIV unlike other medical facilities across the country are knowledgeable about human rights issues in addition to requirements of the Act. However, some staff still discriminate against PLHIV. The study found out that the Act is not being implemented by the relevant authorities. It also reveals that societal attitudes and general weak healthcare systems exacerbate the challenge of discrimination of persons living with the condition. The study recommends that addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders including government bodies, healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners. The Act should be amended to among others; include provisions that expressly grant the implementation function of the Act including on promotion of equal treatment to the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC). There is also need for strengthening of the implementation mechanisms of the Act through adoption of effective and efficient monitoring mechanisms, enhance budgetary allocations to UAC, conducting trainings for medical personnel and raise more public awareness on the provisions of the Act, the right to equal treatment to avert the rampant discriminatory practices
Rural electrification and the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in SOP-SOP sub-county, Tororo District
No full textA dissertation report submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Masters of Arts in Rural Development of Makerere University.The study examined the influence on rural electrification and the performance of SMEs in Sop-Sop Sub-County Tororo District. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of access to electricity on the performance of SMEs; the influence of dependable electricity on the performance of SMEs; as well as assess the barriers to the performance of SMEs in Sop-Sop Sub-County. This study was anchored on the resource dependence theory with a central argument that; external resources of organizations affect the behavior of the organization. A cross-sectional study design was adopted while using a mixed methods approach that involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. Qualitative data was collected using interviews while a survey was used to collect quantitative data. The study population was comprised of the owners of SMEs and these were 210 participants. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants for the qualitative data (interviews), and simple random sampling techniques aided the selection of the 210 participants for the quantitative study (survey). Key informant interview guide comprising of open-ended questions was used to collect qualitative data while a structures survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The qualitative data was thematically analyzed and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents had been in operation with their SMEs for six to ten years and more. Electricity was found accessible for SMEs, and SMEs owners demonstrated awareness of the effects of electricity on their business performance. Enterprises operating from major highways within Sop-Sop Sub County accessed power, valued power and utilized electricity for improved performance than those in rural parts situated on feeder roads. There is a lot of uncertainty on how global dynamic trends have impacted the performance of SMEs in the Sop-Sop Sub County but aspects such as capital levels, lack of entrepreneurial skills, cultural beliefs and attitudes, government taxation policies, and natural hazards have greatly affected the performance of SMEs. Therefore, the more rural electrification takes its course, the more SMEs thrive and thus, government and other stakeholder’s ought to prioritize rural electrification but the communities should also value this electricity
Effect of income taxation on domestic revenue growth in Uganda: an ARDL approach
No full textA research paper submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree in Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning of Makerere UniversityThis study examines the effect of income taxation on domestic revenue growth in Uganda, using monthly data from July 2012 to June 2023. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research identifies both long- and short-run relationships between tax types and revenue growth. Results show that Pay As You Earn (PAYE) growth is a major contributor to Uganda's long-run revenue growth, with a substantial impact (coefficient = 1.232, p=0.001), positioning PAYE as a key revenue driver. Withholding Tax (WHT) growth also has a positive, albeit less significant, effect on revenue growth (coefficient = 0.164, p=0.053). Short-run analysis reveals that past revenue performance positively influences current revenue growth, reflecting inertia in revenue generation. PAYE growth exerts an immediate impact on revenue, although it displays diminishing returns in later lagged values. Additionally, Value Added Tax (VAT) growth positively influences revenue (coefficient = 0.430, p=0.044), while WHT growth has a strong positive short-run impact (coefficient = 0.322, p=0.000). Conversely, the taxpayer growth rate (TPGR) negatively affects short-run revenue (coefficient = -2.222, p=0.046). The significant error correction term (-2.967, p=0.000) highlights a robust adjustment back to longrun equilibrium, essential for sustained fiscal planning. To bolster domestic revenue growth, the Ugandan government should enhance PAYE administration and compliance through improved collection strategies and taxpayer education. Revisiting Withholding Tax policies and addressing compliance barriers could also strengthen revenue outcomes. Expanding the tax base, particularly by formalizing informal sectors, and improving VAT compliance through targeted training would further support equitable and sustainable revenue growth
Knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors among diabetic patients attending the non-communicable disease clinic at Tororo General Hospital
No full textNILBackground: Diabetic patients have a threefold risk of developing cardiovascular disease complications compared to the general population. According to world health organization diabetes mellitus accounts for over 20% of cardiovascular disease related deaths. Knowledge about the risk factors of cardiovascular disease is the first step in its prevention yet there is limited data on its prevalence particularly in primary care settings.
Objective: To determine the level of knowledge on cardiovascular disease risk factors and the factors associated with low knowledge among diabetic patients attending the non-communicable disease clinic of Tororo general hospital.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 adult diabetic persons attending the non-communicable disease clinic at Tororo General Hospital. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires coupled with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire were used to collect data which was analyzed and presented as descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study revealed a suboptimal level of knowledge (76.1%) about cardiovascular disease risk factors. Being female (p = 0.002), less educated (p < 0.0001), newly diagnosed with diabetes (p = 0.002) and staying more than 5 km from the hospital (p = 0.009) were associated with low knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusion: This study indicated suboptimal knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors attributable to social, patient and health-facility based determinants.
Recommendation: Improving the health care providers capacity to offer patient centered education to enhance cardiovascular disease literacy among vulnerable diabetic subgroups.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of National Institute of Health