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Effectiveness of the cookbook and inquiry-based practical methods for learning physics experiments in selected secondary schools in Kabalore District, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Education (Science Education) Degree of Makerere University.The UNEB data from 2017–2022 show that physics performance in Uganda, especially in the Kabalore district, has been persistently low, which prompted this study to be conducted. The study’s primary objective is to establish the effectiveness of cookbook and inquiry-based practical methods in Ugandan context and the guiding objectives were to determine how cookbooks and inquiry-based practical methods were being used in secondary schools. The study further finds the attitudes and motivations of students toward the cookbook and inquiry-based practical methods, as well as their gender differences. The study also analyzed students' performance using physics practical achievement tests. The study employed Solomon's four non-equivalent group designs, a quantitative paradigm with a quasi-experimental design, and was grounded on constructivism theory. About 1200 participants were the target population, and 382 respondents from two schools were chosen for the sample size using stratified random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires and physics practical achievement tests were used in the data collection process. The study’s demographic data indicate higher female representation and homogeneous age distribution (16-18) years. Analysis at a 0.05 significance level, Chi-square tests indicated significant differences in learners’ engagement levels χ² (df = 8, N = 382)= 0.00, p < 0.05, and learners’ attitudes and motivations χ² (df = 8, N = 382)= 0.004, p < 0.05; χ² (df = 12, N = 382) = 0.013, p < 0.05. Independent sample t-test indicated no significant gender differences in attitudes. Paired t-tests and ANOVA tests demonstrated significant improvements in student mean score performance with inquiry-based practical methods. Performance-based on gender indicates relatively similar improvement in performance as regards the use of inquiry-based practical methods. These findings suggest that inquiry-based methods enhance student engagement, attitudes, and achievement in physics and particularly physics experiments. The study also uncovers unique findings that have not been reported anywhere else in the world, such as the psychological effects of inquiry-based practical methods and cookbook approaches on students' wellness, particularly stress and anxiety. Ultimately, the research demonstrates how these experimental teaching methods uniquely influence students' aspirations to pursue physics careers. Conclusively the study recommends the expansion of inquiry-based interventions in science teaching and learning particularly in physics to successfully improve learners’ performance
Exploring the low participation of women in leadership positions: A case of government- aided secondary schools in KCCA, 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 Degree of Master of Education in Educational Management of Makerere University.This study explored the low participation of women in leadership positions in Government- aided secondary schools in Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda. Using the role congruity theory to guide the study, these objectives were generated; to identify the salient issues that determine the likelihood of women to acquire leadership positions, understand the barriers which women face in their quest to attain leadership positions, and strategic actions for developing women leaders in Government -aided secondary schools. The study adopted the qualitative phenomenological research design on a sample of fourteen purposively selected Head teachers and members of the Education Service commission. Data were collected using an interview guide. Data were transcribed and then coded using Nvivo so as to explore the themes and graphical figures. The narrative description and direct quotations results showed that women attainment of leadership positions is influenced by job description and societal expectations but for the tradition recruitment approaches, it is their competence that stands. Emotional disposition, religious inclination and family responsibility versus work balance are barriers women have to contend with. Therefore, to foster women attainment of leadership positions, both formal and informal training, building self-esteem, and institutional networking had to be done. The study recommended that Human resource officials should annually revise the employee recruitment and retention policies to allow for flexibility, female employees should pursue further studies to compete favourably, and also successful women and institutions should mentor young women to motivate them to seek leadership positions
Gender and reception of credit among farmers in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment for the award of Master of Science in Quantitative Economics of Makerere University.Much as the Ugandan government has put more effort such as Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program and Parish model in resolving barriers regarding reception of agricultural credit, farmer’s access to credit in Uganda is still very low. Women’s access to credit in Uganda is limited compared to men. Furthermore, female gender is still struggling to have reception to key agricultural resources such as financial assistance to increase their productivity as compared to their male counterparts. The overall objective of the study is to investigate whether the factors that affect reception of credit are the same for women and men. The study used secondary data obtained from the AAS 2019 conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics where a total of 7,115 Ag HHs were selected countrywide using a two-stage sampling design. Data was analyzed using Stata software version 17 for descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and probit models together with the accompanying marginal effects for male only, females only and both male and female farmers. It was revealed that factors which influenced males and females largely differed. Reception of credit for both females and males was negatively affected by age and positively affected by being married and household size. Females only model showed that reception of credit was positively affected by being divorced/separated/widowed and attending secondary+ education and negatively affected by possessing mailo tenure system. The males only model revealed that reception of credit was positively affected by residing in the northern region, western region and access to information on credit facilities. The overall model indicated that reception of credit was positively significant for gender in favor of the female, divorced/separated/widowed, married, northern region, western region, household size, primary education, secondary+ education, group membership and access to information on credit facilities. However, age negatively affected reception to credit of the overall model. Based on the above findings, it is recommended that government should continue to fine-tune policies to close the gender gap in financial inclusion, promote formalization of land ownership, ensure rational credit products segmentation to include various age groups, marital categories and gender and strategically expand credit service footprint to ensure regional balance. Famers should be encouraged to pursue higher education to enhance technology adoption, join and actively save in farmer groups and intensify family planning to manage household size
Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity, phytochemical composition and acute toxicity of Opuntia humifusa Raf. cladode extracts in Wistar albino rats
No full textA dissertation submitted to the directorate of graduate research and training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of science in Pharmacology, Makerere UniversityBackground Local communities in Central Uganda are using the cladodes of Opuntia humifusa in the treatment of diabetes mellitus with the claim that the plant is effective. However, efficacy and safety of the plant is not scientifically validated in Uganda. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition, hypoglycemic effect and acute toxicity of Opuntia humifusa cladode extracts in Wistar albino rats. Methods Cladodes of O. humifusa were extracted using methanol and water. Phytochemical screening of cladode extracts was done. Hypoglycemic activity of cladode extracts was determined using doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in rats by measuring of fasting blood glucose levels using a glucometer and strips. Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes mellitus. Estimating of the median lethal dose (LD50) and observing of clinical signs for 14 days was done using doses of 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg of aqueous extract. This was followed by histopathological evaluation of the liver, kidney, stomach and small intestine. Data analysis was done using Graph pad prism 8 version software. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Phytochemical screening of methanol and aqueous cladode extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and glycosides. O. humifusa cladodes lowered glucose levels, hypoglycemic effect was statistically significant (p<0.05) in both the methanol and aqueous extracts at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. LD50 was estimated to be 2000 mg/kg< LD50 <5000 mg/kg. Organ lesions occurred on the liver, stomach and small intestine. Clinical signs such as piloerection, lethargy, writhing, tremors and convulsions were seen within the first 4 hours of observation. Conclusion The Opuntia humifusa cladode aqueous and methanol extracts were rich in phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. The O. humifusa cladode aqueous and methanol extracts were able to cause hypoglycemic effect when orally administered for 12 days in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The estimated LD50 obtained showed that aqueous cladode extract has low toxicity to the human population, based on the Globally Harmonized System for classification and labeling of chemicals. Clinical signs and organ damage showed that there could be a possibility of side effects when aqueous cladode extract is consumed
Assessing urban Agriculture in Kampala City and its implications on urban planning.
No full textA master’s dissertation submitted to the directorate of research and graduate training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Design of Makerere University.As cities develop and densities increase, there is a reduction in the magnitude of urban green and
land for urban agriculture. The urbanites often resort to the use of ecologically sensitive areas
such as wetlands, places that are hard to build on, road reserves, and way leaves among others.
The purpose of this study is to assess urban agriculture in Nakawa division in Kampala City. The
study is guided by the following objectives; (a) To examine the practices and methods of urban
agriculture in Nakawa Division, (b) To examine the urban planning challenges faced in
regulating and managing urban agriculture in Nakawa Division, and (c) To propose strategies for
fostering urban agriculture in Nakawa Division. Two parishes (Kyanja and Kiwatule) with the
highest and most varied types of urban agriculture in Nakawa Division were chosen for more indepth case study exploration. The research utilized both primary and secondary data. The
research data was collected through various data collections tools and methods including face to
face interviews, questionnaires, direct observation, and document review - review of literature.
Findings indicates that urban agriculture in Kampala Capital City is characterized by both
subsistence and commercial farming applying intensive methods of production; using and
reusing of natural resources and urban wastes. Urban agriculture also promotes food security,
health, livelihood, and employment opportunities of the individual households. Urban agriculture
in Kampala City is carried out in both on-plot and off-plot method of urban agriculture. Although
city authorities have issued ordinances and initiatives to promote urban agriculture in the city,
these strategies and initiatives have had minimal effect. Nonetheless, through zoning and bylaws, urban planners can ably promote and incorporate urban agriculture in city plans and
programs.
As such, the research recommends strategies to foster urban agriculture promotion in the city.
These include the promotion of inclusive land use zoning regulations and policies, incorporation
of urban agriculture in education and skill-building curriculums, and promotion of modern urban
farming models and technologies. These strategies can be adopted by both central and local
governments to guide policy formulation and implementation respectively
Environmental sustainability of short-rotation Eucalyptus poles in Uganda
No full textA research 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 Science in Environment and Natural Resources Management of Makerere University.Growing short-rotation forests with fast-growing tree species is rising in Uganda to match the ever-increasing demand for wood and wood products. This increasing demand in turn has birthed various short-rotation wood products on the markets like Eucalyptus scaffoldings. Despite this increasing trend of short rotation wood products on the market, the environmental effects associated with these products have neither been studied nor profiled. Using life cycle analysis, the study assessed the environmental sustainability of different product categories of short rotation Eucalyptus poles in Uganda. The study compared the amount of different product categories produced from Eucalyptus plantations, the carbon sequestered by them and the corresponding carbon dioxide emissions generated along the different stages of value chains of Eucalyptus poles. Data were collected over two months using cross-sectional survey of trucks transporting Eucalyptus poles to Kampala City along the two major supply routes. A total of 737 trucks were systematically sampled from four study sessions. The net calorific value of Eucalyptus poles was determined using a bomb calorimeter. Data was analyzed descriptively for product categories, also adopting the carbon equation, transport emission equation, combustion equation, ANOVA tests and a regression analysis between distance travelled and net carbon dioxide emissions for all product categories. From the results, small-sized poles were the most harvested Eucalyptus wood product entering the KMA wood markets. Of the 14,108 m3 inventoried, 68% were small-size poles (=13-15cm diameter) category. Construction poles had the highest volume of 4,142 m3 of the small-size products. Furthermore, small-size categories sequestered the highest amount of carbon (23,881 tCO2e) and lowest for medium-size products (622 tCO2e). Besides, transport emissions were the highest (255 tCO2e) for small-sized poles and lowest (6 tCO2e) for medium sized poles. The end-use emissions were 67,456 tCO2e for the small-size category while medium- and large-size categories had none. Small-size products had positive net emissions (43,830 tCO2e) and yet net negative (-10,293 tCO2e) for large product categories. In conclusion, it was evident that small sized product category contributed the highest inflows of wood volume entering into the market, indicating how much poles for construction are highly demanded. There is a need for bulk hauling means of the short-rotation Eucalyptus poles into the markets to reduce the transportation emissions and development of green end-use options for the short-rotation Eucalyptus poles to reduce end-use emissions
The effect of climate change on food prices in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Economics of Makerere UniversitySub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced a substantial rise in food prices over the past two decades, exacerbating inflation, poverty, and food insecurity in the region. This trend is particularly concerning given SSA's vulnerability to climate change, which affects agricultural productivity and food prices. This study examined the effect of climate change on food prices in SSA from 2000 to 2022. Using a System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, this analysis addresses endogeneity concerns and provides robust estimates. Key findings reveal that a one-unit increase in temperature results in a 0.03 percentage point rise in food prices, while rainfall variability exhibits a convex relationship with food prices. Initially, a unit increase in rainfall reduces prices by 0.07 percentage points; however, once variability surpasses 0.88, each additional unit increase raises food prices by 0.04 percentage points. Previous food prices have a strong positive effect on current prices, with a lagged effect of 0.75 percentage points. Additionally, regulatory quality and rural population growth reduce food prices by 0.27 and 0.09 percentage points, respectively, whereas GDP per capita growth slightly increases prices by 0.002 percentage points. These findings highlight the need for climate-smart agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crop varieties, solar irrigation, and large-scale tree planting. Moreover, developing strong regulatory frameworks is essential for stabilizing food prices. Governments should also focus on rural programs that provide education and access to credit, to foster inclusive growth and resilience
Role of CSF budding yeast cells in predicting culture-positive cryptococcal meningitis relapse and mortality in patients with recurrence of meningitis symptoms at three tertiary hospitals in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Makerere University.Introduction: The presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) budding yeast cells as a predictive biomarker for culture-positive cryptococcal meningitis (CM) relapse could be a cost-effective and timely diagnostic tool, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Uganda.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of CSF budding yeast cells in predicting culture-positive relapse and mortality in patients with recurrence of meningitis symptoms at three tertiary hospitals in Uganda.
Methods: This retrospective multi-methods study was conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, as part of two existing meningitis studies. Participants aged 18 years or older with a prior history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated CM who had experienced a recurrence of meningitis symptoms and received care at Mulago Hospital, Kiruddu Hospital, and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital between March 2015 and December 2023 were included in the study. A total of 219 participants were enrolled in this study. An abstraction tool was utilized to collect data on demographics, disease-related factors, CSF parameters, and treatment factors from the parent studies databases. Data were analyzed with modified Poisson regression model using clustered robust standard errors to adjust for clustering to determine associations, and validity parameters were reported as percentages. Kaplan-Meier analysis plots were used to compare the mortality between the two patient groups with and without CSF budding yeast cells.
Results: Among 219 patients with recurrence of symptoms after initial CM therapy, having CSF yeast cells (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.098, 0.876) was significantly associated with positive CSF culture relapse. CSF budding yeast cells showed 75.0% sensitivity, 75.8% specificity and an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.81). The positive predictive value of 81.4% (95% CI: 73.1%, 87.9%), a negative predictive value of 68.3% (95% CI: 58.3%, 77.2%), and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 3.10 (95% CI: 2.13, 4.52) and 0.33 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.45), respectively. Furthermore, CSF yeast cells (aHR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.190, 1.380) was significantly associated with day 14 mortality among patients with recurrence of meningitis symptoms.
Conclusions: CSF budding yeast cells were associated with culture-positive relapse among patients with recurrence of symptoms after treatment for the initial CM episode especially with low CD4 count. This study highlights the validity of microscopic CSF budding yeast cells in predicting microbiological culture-positive relapse. Patients with CSF yeast cells absent exhibited higher mortality, a surprising finding considering their higher CD4 cell count and lower CSF opening pressure
Exploring the determinants of land conflicts and their impact on agricultural productivity in Bugiri District, Eastern Uganda
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the degree of Master of Land Use and Regional Development Planning of Makerere UniversityLand conflicts are a global issue, especially in developing nations, and are driven by large-scale land acquisitions, weak governance, population growth, and overlapping land rights. In sub-Saharan Africa, colonial land dispossession and current pressure have intensified land conflicts and disrupted community cohesion. Uganda continues to experience frequent small-scale disputes within communities, fostering uncertainty and insecurity that deter land investment. This study aimed to document how land conflicts affect agricultural productivity in the Bugiri District. A mixed-method approach was utilised, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Qualitative data was analysed using Content Analysis in Nvivo 14 while a Binary Logistic Regression (BLR), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the quantitative data using SPSS 25. BLR was employed to determine the influence of household socio-economic factors on land conflict likelihood, PCA was used to identify the perceived causes of land conflicts among households, while the Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare agricultural productivity between disputed and undisputed lands. The analysis identified several significant factors that influenced land conflict including, the age group, with older individuals being 1.344 times more likely to encounter conflicts (p-value = 0.006), single individual households being less likely to experience conflicts (p-value = 0.024), higher education levels decreased the likelihood of conflicts (p-value = 0.019), while households holding land titles reduced conflict likelihood (p-value = 0.010). The key causes of conflict included tenant evictions (loading: 0.636), soil infertility (loading: 0.715), illegal occupation (loading: 0.716), inadequate conflict resolution (loading: 0.531), and corruption (loading: 0.615). This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address land conflicts, involving both customary and formal legal systems, as well as measures to improve land governance, tenure security, and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms. These findings contribute to the understanding of land conflict dynamics and their implications for agricultural development in Uganda and beyond, informing policies and practices to promote sustainable land use and regional development planning
Prevalence and factors associated with delayed uptake of the pentavalent vaccines among children aged 12 to 23 months in Kawempe Division, Kampala
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Public Health in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Public Health Degree of Makerere UniversityDelayed vaccination significantly reduces the number of individuals with full immunity against targeted diseases hence affecting the goal of achieving herd immunity; it also increases the likelihood of missing subsequent doses and dropping out of the schedule. Understanding the specific factors that contribute to delayed vaccination is crucial for developing targeted interventions that can improve vaccination timeliness. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with delayed uptake of the pentavalent vaccines among children aged 12-23 months in Kawempe division, Kampala. This cross-sectional study used multistage sampling technique to randomly select 653 children aged 12-23 months with their caretakers from twenty-five villages in Kawempe division. Data on vaccination status; socio-demographic, attitudinal, social-influence, and self-efficacy factors were obtained using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Modified poison regression with robust standard errors was used to identify factors associated with delayed vaccinations at 95% level of significance. Analysis was done using Stata version 14.0. Most (97.5%) children were biologically related to their caretakers. Over half (51.3%) of the children were male. The mean age of the caretakers was 28.5 years ((SD) ±3.5). The prevalence of delayed pentavalent vaccine uptake was 30.7%. Caretaker’s level of education being at least secondary education [APR 0.52, 95%CI (0.38-0.70)] , belief that vaccines are effective [APR 0.74, 95%CI (0.55-0.99)], caretaker’s perceived likelihood of their child contracting vaccine preventable diseases [APR 0.74, 95%CI (0.58-0.94)], having trust in information provided by health workers [APR 0.61, 95%CI (0.43-0.88)], belonging to a social group that discussed vaccination-related information [CPR 0.59, 95%CI (0.43-0.81)], high social encouragement from peers [APR 0.58, 95%CI (0.40-0.90)], having sufficient information about vaccines[APR 0.72, 95%CI (0.55-0.94)], and belief that reminders increased the likeliness to vaccinate children [APR 0.73, 95%CI (0.56-0.93)] were significantly associated with lower delays for receipt of the pentavalent vaccines. Being a non-biological child of the caregiver [APR 1.82, 95%CI (1.11-3.00)] and negative experiences from previous vaccinations [APR 1.48, 95%CI (1.15-1.90)] were significantly associated with increased prevalence of delayed vaccine uptake. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study highlights that higher caretaker education, belief in vaccine effectiveness, perceived child susceptibility to vaccine preventable diseases, trust in information provided by health workers, social support, and adequate knowledge about vaccination reduce delays in vaccine uptake. However, being a non-biological child and negative past experiences with vaccination increase delays. These findings emphasize the need for targeted community education and collaboration among healthcare providers and community-based organizations to promote timely vaccination