Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
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Examining the impact of Nkumba dumpsite on catchment water sources around Katabi town council, Wakiso district.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources of Makerere University.Municipal solid waste management remains a very big challenge especially in the developing
countries which mainly use land filling and dumpsites to manage solid waste. These techniques
pose great threats to the environment as the resultant leachate from the decomposing waste
migrates causing pollution to water, soil and air. Despite the introduction of Nkumba dumpsite at
the fringes of Lake Victoria, a fragile ecosystem with several Ramsar sites and a biodiversity
hotspot, there is a dearth of information regarding the waste being dumped and the impacts of the
dumpsite to community. This study was conducted to: i) characterize the physical composition of
solid waste dumped at Nkumba dumpsite, ii) assess the risk of surface water contamination due
to leachate migration and iii) assess the socio-economic impacts of the dumpsite in the
community. To achieve the set objectives, two trucks of the solid waste received at Nkumba
dumpsite were randomly selected, emptied and the waste was segregated and weighed into
different categories on every Tuesday and Thursday for eight days in November, 2021. Water
and leachate samples were collected and analyzed from the Uganda Water Resources Institute
laboratory, Entebbe while a survey was conducted to assess the socio-economic impacts arising
from the dumpsite activities. Results showed that the waste dumped at Nkumba dump site is
predominantly organic (66%) followed by glass (10.3%) and hard plastics (7%) while leachate
predominantly comprised of Manganese (4.227±1.91 mg/L) and Zinc (0.399±0.309mg/L). The
biological oxygen demand (87.38±21.65 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (1260±430 mg/L),
and electrical conductivity (10234±4921 μS/cm) were all above the recommended effluent
discharge thresholds. Electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, Manganese and Lead
concentrations in leachate decreased significantly with distance from the dumpsite. The dumpsite
served as a source of income, providing employment opportunities and resources like animal
feeds and raw materials for craft making, hence enhancing households’ wellbeing. However, air
pollution was evident through bad smells emitted especially in the rainy season. The findings
imply that the dumpsite impacts on the community and environment both positively and
negatively. It is therefore recommended that leachate from the dumpsite be treated before release
into the lake catchment and Entebbe Municipal Council Authority should conduct timely water
quality monitoring around the dumpsite to maintain ecosystem health and protect water users
from exposure to contaminated water sources
Factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV (25-60 years) at TASO Tororo ART Clinic
No full textIntroduction
Cervical cancer is a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in low-and middle income countries (LMICs) like Uganda, where women, especially those living with HIV, face a disproportionate burden of incidence and mortality. Despite Uganda's adoption of WHO guidelines for cervical cancer screening (CCS) since 2007, uptake remains low, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with uptake of CCS among Women Living with HIV (WLHIV) aged 25-60 years at TASO-Tororo ART clinic.
Methodology
It was a cross sectional study that employed mixed research methods. Quantitative data was collected using a pre-tested electronic researcher administered questionnaire to 383 WLHIV, while qualitative data were obtained using Key Informant Interviews and In Depth Interviews. Data was collected from June to July 2024. Quantitative analysis was done using STATA version 15.0, 2017 for descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression to determine factors associated. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using Atlas ti.6.
Results
The uptake level of CCS was 76%. Women aged ≥50 years; Muslim women, those with social support, good knowledge of cervical cancer, positive attitude and those who received health worker recommendations had higher prevalence of CCS uptake. Health worker recommendation significantly influenced uptake of screening (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio APR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.49-3.07). Qualitative findings revealed that health worker recommendations were a key facilitator for CCS while fear of procedure, lack of awareness, lack of reminders and high transportation costs were major barriers to CCS.
Conclusion
This study highlighted a moderately high uptake level of CCS among WLHIV, with health worker recommendations, good knowledge of CCS, and positive attitudes as key facilitators. However, barriers such as poor knowledge, fear of the procedure, lack of reminders, and transportation costs reveal areas of improvement
Corporate governance in Uganda: the need for a code of corporate governance
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfillment for the award of the Degree of Masters of Laws of Makerere UniversityThe study thought to test the hypothesis as to whether there is need for a cod of corporate governance in Uganda or not by seeking answers to the following research questions, what is the state of corporate governance in Uganda? Is there a need of code of corporate governance of Uganda? and which practical solution and proposals can be formulated to solve the corporate governance issues in Uganda? The study employed qualitative method through making use of the library or desk research by looking up for data from libraries and internet. Thus, the methodology adopted in this research paper was documentary analysis/research that involved systematic analysis of information in form of documents. Several journal articles, textbooks, reports and magazines that have been published on corporate governance were reviewed. Search engine like google scholar, and websites were used to access those resources and supplemented by data from ethnographic observation on the performance of corporate governance in Uganda in relation to rules, procedures and acts. Through content analysis partners, themes were developed to draw conclusion and recommendation on the need for a code of corporate governance for Uganda. In Uganda, there is no specific code that governs corporate governance among the different organization. However, several laws and guidelines have been developed over time. These include table F under Companies Act 2012, the Financial Institutions Act, 2004, The Financial Institutions (Corporate Governance Guidelines) Regulations, 2005, The Microfinance Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2003, The Capital Markets Authority Corporate Governance Guidelines, 2003, and The ICGU Corporate Governance Guidelines among others. The study revealed that Uganda adopted two approaches to cooperate governance principles, that is, “Comply or Else” which is a mandatory and the “Apply of Explain” Which is the valuable approach. The study therefore recommended that Uganda should adopt one approach for the better results, being the mandatory cod
Assessing the aetiology of measles disease and measles-like illness in Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere UniversityGlobally, measles is estimated to cause 140,000 deaths annually. Measles and measles-like illness (MLI) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children in sub-Saharan Africa including Uganda. Understanding the occurrence of measles outbreaks is of importance as well as elucidating the causes of measles like illnesses among the measles negative individuals.
Methods. Ministry of Health measles surveillance data between 2010 and 2023 was analysed. Additionally, measles IgG/avidity assays, measles B3 and Edmonston A neutralisation assays were used to assess the impact of vaccination. Positive samples were sequenced using measles virus-specific genotype B3 amplicon primers that targeted the full-length measles genome using the MinION platform. Metagenomic next generation sequencing and the illumina platform were used to identify viruses associated with MLI in patient samples that had tested negative for measles between 2010 and 2020. Of the 21,453 individuals from the UNEPI surveillance data with laboratory IgM results between 2010 and 2023, 3181 (15%) tested positive while 15,783 (74%) tested negative, and the other 2489 (11%) had no conclusive results. Of the IgM positives, 2660 (84%; with evidence 323 (12%) and without evidence 2337(88%)) were vaccinated while 521 (16%) were not vaccinated. The likelihood of a positive measles IgM test among measles-suspects was significantly lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals (p<0.0001). There was a strong correlation between the serum neutralizing antibodies against the measles A Edmonston vaccine strain and B3 strain (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.88; p<0.0001). Measles whole genome sequencing indicated minimal nucleotide changes in the B3 genotype circulating in Uganda over a decade. Using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, 133 viruses including rubella, parvovirus and saffold virus among others were identified in 271 samples. The study highlights the ongoing problem of endemic measles infection in Uganda. Our data confirm the effectiveness of measles vaccination in the Ugandan population and support the need to enhance the vaccination coverage of the recently rolled out second MCV2 to prevent significant morbidity and mortality in the country. The measles whole genome sequencing identified 2 clades of highly conserved measles genotype B3. Several MLI viruses were identified using NGS including measles and rubella viruses that were missed using the routine serological diagnostical diagnostic assay. As two dose vaccination is rolled out, vaccine effectiveness should be monitored in the Ugandan population. Mortality data will be very helpful in determining whether one dose is protective against death. Development and optimization of new diagnostic assays which can accurately and timely detect measles like illness viruses.
An analysis of the efficacy of anti-corruption laws in combating syndicated corruption in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Laws of Makerere UniversityCorruption is a global challenge that has pervaded every level of society and is one of the greatest hindrances to development of many countries around the world. It occurs in both the private and public sectors and may be trans-border in some instances. Corruption is committed by individuals, multinationals and states, non-profit and charitable organizations, alone or in collusion with others. It keeps on evolving in nature over time and manifests in various forms like paying a bribe to a traffic Police Officer to more sophisticated forms such as money laundering. Multiple reasons underpinned by different theories have been advanced to explain the causes or driving factors of corruption such as sheer self-aggrandizement and economic hardship but this has not achieved much in containing the vice especially in Sub Saharan Africa
The influence of instructional leadership practices on teachers’ pedagogical effectiveness in government aided secondary schools in Wakiso District, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Masters of Education in Educational Management of Makerere UniversityThe study examined the influence of instructional leadership practices on teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness in government-aided secondary schools in Wakiso District. It was guided by three objectives namely; to establish how school leaders‘ definition of school mission influences teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness; to investigate how school leaders‘ management of instructional programs influences teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness; and to examine how school leaders‘ promotion of positive school climate influences teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness. It adopted a qualitative multiple case study research. This study involved 20 students, 5 head teachers, 5 directors of studies, 5 heads of department and 5 teachers. Research instruments were focus group discussion guide, interview guide, lesson observation checklist and documentary analysis checklist. Results revealed a breadth of both authentic and improbable ways in which instructional leadership practices influence teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness. Thus, basing on the study‘s findings, it was concluded that instructional leadership practices give teachers motivation to remain pedagogically effective. The study recommends that school leaders should strengthen administrative supervision to guide teachers‘ pedagogical effectiveness
Radio as a tool for agricultural development: a case study of CBS Radio‘s Vanilla Bugagga programme
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award for the Degree of Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication of Makerere UniversityThis study sought to examine radio as a tool for agricultural development using CBS FM‘s Vanilla Bugagga programme as a case study. Building upon the diffusion of innovation theory and participatory theory as frameworks for analysis, the study adopted a case study design and a qualitative approach. It employed qualitative content analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with radio staff as well as farmers, farmer heads, and resource persons for programmes sponsoring organisations. Findings indicate that, while CBS FM is a crucial tool in agricultural development for dissemination of agricultural information related to the vanilla value chain, its potential is obscured by factors associated with access to and utilisation of agricultural information. These include radio-specific factors (access to and ownership of radio, access to power sources and weak signal) and farmer-specific factors (farmer organisation into groups, training, and availability of extension officers). Furthermore, the impediments confronted by farmers in accessing and utilising agricultural information greatly undermine the potential of CBS FM as a tool for agricultural development. These challenges encompass fluctuations in vanilla prices, the impact of climate change, limited access to production resources, the high cost of agricultural inputs, insufficient access to loans, and inadequate organisation of farmers into groups. To harness the power of radio as a tool for agricultural development, it is essential for the government, development actors, and radio practitioners to expand the dissemination of agricultural information to other radio stations, with a particular focus on priority crops such as coffee
A deployment model for telecom operators: a case of eSIM technology in Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master’s of Science in Data Communication and Software Engineering of Makerere UniversityMotivation: The study aims to address the slow adoption rate of eSIM technology in Uganda. This adoption rate issue is compounded by the lack of research into suitable deployment models for eSIM in low-resource settings like Uganda. The Gap in the Existing Model: eSIM acquisition approach is open to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in resource-constrained environments like Uganda. Problem statement: The eSIM technology adoption rate being slow and the limited research in the eSIM deployment models in low resource settings necessitate a thorough review of the impact of the existing open-ended eSIM deployment model. Main research objective: There is a need to develop a suitable eSIM deployment model that addresses the above challenges and ineciencies. Methodology: The study employed Key Informative Interviews (KII) with key stakeholders such as Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) vendors, MNOs, and the telecommunication regulatory body in Uganda. Data collected included factors limiting adoption, perceived usefulness of eSIM, and regulatory insights. Thematic analysis was conducted alongside a survey of existing literature on eSIM deployments that in turn facilitated the model design using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tool insights. A validity simulation test by invoking the sigmoid function in the python environment was conducted. Key results: (1) This research advocates for the adoption of a convergent approach in the deployment of eSIM technology that takes into context the stringent laws in this resourceconstrained environment. (2) The research also proposes a framework on how to achieve the convergent deployment model in a low-resource setting. (3) This study demonstrates the superiority of the convergence model compared to the open-ended model in the context of eSIM technology implementation. Conclusion: Adopting a convergent deployment model over the open-ended approach could significantly boost the adoption rate of eSIM technology in Uganda. Benefits include avoiding market failure, fostering competition among MNOs, and increasing accessibility to eSIM services across Uganda’s telecommunications landscape
Using ecological momentary assessment to validate self-reported areas of potential transmission of latent tuberculosis and estimate annual risk of latent tuberculosis infection in Lubaga Division, Kampala
No full textA dissertation report submitted to Makerere University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Biostatistics DegreeFrom 2021 to 2023, Tuberculosis (TB) rose to become the primary cause of infectious disease mortality worldwide, surpassing its previous position as the second most prevalent. This shift was particularly significant in sub-Saharan Africa, where TB bears a disproportionately heavy burden, with an annual incidence of 125 per 100,000. In Uganda, the incidence rate was even higher at 200 per 100,000 population, with Lubaga and Kawempe divisions reporting the highest rates. The persistence of community transmission has been attributed to a lack of understanding about where TB exposure occurs in the community. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the risk of Latent TB Infection (LTBI), finding the best machine learning (ML) models for predicting LTBI as a function of time spent in community avenues and validating quarterly self-reported time spent in avenues using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA).
This study utilised secondary data from a case-prospective study that aimed to estimate the probability of TB infection and disease according to proximity among index TB cases using social network analysis (R01 AI093856). TB index cases and matched TB-negative community contacts were enrolled. TB-negative participants were followed at 3-month intervals for 12 months, assessing TB risk and time spent in community avenues and tested for LTBI at the 12-month visit using a tuberculin skin test (TST). Of those, a random sub-sample was exposed to EMA. This current sub-study focused on TB-negative participants to achieve its aims. Spearman’s correlation and Bland-Altman's methods validated the time spent in avenues as self-reported quarterly versus reports from EMA. A GEE Poisson model estimated the risk of LTBI as a function of time spent in avenues. ML models were compared using a confusion matrix for accuracy, sensitivity and Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC ROC). There were 1083 participants, of whom 632 (58.4%) were females, 514 (47.5%) were living partners or married, and the majority 1065 (98.3%) had attained education; secondary 627 (57.9%), primary 332 (30.7%) and tertiary 106 (9.8%). The median (IQR) age was 24 years (IQR 21, 29). The one-year incidence of LTBI was 18.9% (205/1083). LTBI was associated with female gender (Adjusted Risk Ratio= 0.691, p-value=0.006, 95% CI: 0.530, 0.893), being diabetic (ARR 4.24, <0.001, 95% CI: 2.527, 7.122) and travelling outside Kampala for work (ARR 1.00, 0.04, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.0013). Throughout the one-year period, in each quarter, on average, 50 (24.6%) LTB-positive participants reported visiting taxi parks, 21 (10.1%) visited friends’ homes, 20 (10.0%) visited trading centres, and 17 (8.3%) visited markets. On average, these participants spent more time in a friend’s home 2.1 (±1.3) hours, trading centres 1.9 (±1.3) hours, taxi parks 1.5 (±0.8) hours, and marketplaces 1.0 (±0.2) hours. LTBI was associated with hours spent in school (RR 1.07, 0.001 95% CI: 1.026, 1.114) and saloons (RR 1.15, 0.047, 95% CI: 1.002, 1.329). Through ML feature selection, schools, markets and bars were selected. The best ML models were Decision Tree (81.1%), logistic regression (80.7%) based on accuracy and K-Nearest Neighbor based on AUCROC. EMA validated self-reports for hours spent in worship centres, taxis and trading centres. LTBI transmission was associated with age, travelling, and hours spent in schools and saloons., Recall of time spent in community avenues was accurate for worship and trading centres. Scaling up EMA will strengthen community contact tracing. Additionally, increasing TB community awareness through mass media in crowded avenues and instituting stringent guidelines might promote self-protection and curb community TB transmissio
Assessment of the Impact of land cover change on carbon stock : a case study of Budongo Bugoma landscape
No full textA report submitted to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Science Degree in Geo-Information Science and Technology of Makerere University.Human activities have escalated the emission of greenhouse gases, intensifying global warming and leading to climate change. In Uganda, land use and cover change, particularly the conversion and degradation of forest land, have caused declines in terrestrial carbon stocks, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The Budongo-Bugoma landscape is notably affected by rapid anthropogenic land cover changes, impacting regional carbon stock levels. While there have been efforts to understand the historical impacts of these changes, predicting their future effects is crucial for developing efficient mitigation strategies, such as the REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) project. This study assessed and predicted the impact of land cover change on carbon stocks in the Budongo-Bugoma landscape through the integration of the CA-Markov and InVEST models.
From 2003 to 2023, the Budongo-Bugoma landscape experienced significant land cover changes, including an 80% expansion in farmland and a 65% increase in built-up areas, while grasslands declined by approximately 60%. Projections to 2043 suggest that farmland will cover about 38% of the landscape, indicating ongoing pressures on natural habitats. Carbon storage in the region increased by 6 million megagrams (Mg) between 2003 and 2023, with the Budongo region gaining 8 million Mg due to effective conservation efforts, while the Bugoma sub-region lost 2 million Mg due to deforestation and degradation. Despite afforestation efforts, projections indicate a net carbon loss of approximately 750,000 Mg by 2043, underscoring the need for enhanced conservation measures to effectively address carbon storag