Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
Not a member yet
9127 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing the efficacy of taxes in the protection of the right to a clean and healthy environment in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfilment for the award of Master of Laws (LLM) Degree of Makerere UniversityThe state of the environment in Uganda is a cause for concern, with rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization leading to environmental degradation. Deforestation, pollution, and vulnerability to climate change are among the major environmental challenges facing the country. This study investigates the intersection of environmental taxation and the right to a clean and healthy environment in Uganda, amidst pressing challenges such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. In this dissertation, the efficacy of taxes in protecting the right to a clean and healthy environment in Uganda is explored, with a focus on how they can help prevent or mitigate environmental catastrophes. With the deterioration of natural resources evidenced by deforestation, pollution, and increased vulnerability to climate-related impacts, this research seeks to analyze the effectiveness of various tax policies in promoting sustainable environmental practices. The right to a clean and healthy environment is established as crucial not only for public well-being but also for fostering accountability and active citizen participation in environmental decision-making. This right places obligations on the state to respect, protect, and fulfil, requiring the state to refrain from interfering with the enjoyment of the right, prevent third parties from doing so, and adopt necessary measures to realize the right. Legislative protection of the environment can be a powerful step toward achieving a cleaner and greener society. The global environmental crisis has spurred the study to emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive action to address environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development. Ultimately, it argues that effective environmental tax policies can significantly contribute to safeguarding Uganda's ecological integrity and fulfilling the right to a clean and healthy environment for its citizens. Mitigating these consequences requires effective measures, such as the imposition of carbon taxes, which can help bring down carbon emissions and promote cleaner investment options. In conclusion, urgent action is needed to protect Uganda's natural resources and promote sustainable development. Implementing taxes, such as carbon taxes, can play a significant role in safeguarding the right to a clean and healthy environment and mitigating the country's environmental challenges
An analysis of the pattern of pedestrian injuries and deaths in relation to land-use, transport and socioeconomic factors in Kampala city, Uganda
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health of Makerere UniversityBackground: Research has found variations in how different built environment factors affect pedestrian crash risk. This study extends existing research by examining their micro-level influence at the ward/parish unit in Kampala City, Uganda.
Methods: The distribution of pedestrian injuries and deaths in Kampala City, Uganda, by black spots and wards was examined using five years of road traffic crash data (2015-2019). Negative binomial regression analysis was utilized to analyze the contribution of selected built environment variables obtained from relevant government offices to the distribution of pedestrian injuries and deaths at the ward level. A survey utilizing a Likert scale, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain road users’ perceptions of the built environment's contribution to pedestrian injuries and deaths in Kampala. Point-score, factor analysis, and thematic analysis were then used to examine the perceptions.
Results: Overall, 4,746 crashes involving pedestrians were recorded. Of these, 699 (14.7%) were fatal whereas 4,047 (87.3%) were serious. The average rate of pedestrians killed per 100,000 in the 5 years was 156.3 with a median of 31.0. The average rate for pedestrians seriously injured per 100,000 was 1983.7 with a median of 146.2. From the analysis, based on the criteria of locations with at least 10 serious or fatal crashes in 5 years, 46 locations were identified as black spots. The majority (48%) of serious and fatal pedestrian black spots were junctions especially those with traffic lights while 74% were around places with commercial land use as a trip generator. There was also variation in the distribution of serious and fatal injuries. Whereas some parishes like Makerere University and Luzira prisons registered zero deaths in the 5 years, other parishes for example Industrial Area reported rates as high as 1783 per 100,000 population. At the parish level, having a walking disability increased the incidence of fatal and serious pedestrian crashes. In addition, arterial roads and warehouse/depot businesses also increased the incidence of serious pedestrian crashes while local roads on the other hand reduced their incidence. Factor analysis isolated three factors; “Road adjacent trip generators and attractors,” “Actual situation on the road that can increase or reduce chances of being knocked,” and “The presence of essential infrastructure and social services.” Previous involvement in a crash and the highest education level attained were found to be significantly associated with perception scores on all three factors, while gender was found to be associated with only 2. Qualitatively, five major themes were developed: sidewalks/walkways/pavements, pedestrian crossing infrastructure, road attributes, traffic flow, land use planning, and construction zones. Conclusions and recommendations: The study identified different built environment variables that affect fatal and serious pedestrian crash risk and road users’ perceptions towards these variables with implications for land use and transportation planning at the parish/ward level in similar settings. The findings from this study show that roads are not just for moving traffic but also cater to local functions such as pedestrian activities like shopping. The Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda, Directorate of Engineering and Technical services at the Kampala Capital City Authority and the Uganda National Roads Authority should build and plan roads considering the mix of traffic functions. The predominant function of an area should be considered and therefore appropriate interventions made. For example, areas where many pedestrians are found should be pedestrianized. Other interventions would include walkways and traffic separation in these places.This work was supported by a grant (# VN 81204847) from the
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through
the Collaboration for evidence-based healthcare and public health in
Africa (CEBHA+) under Makerere University School of Public Health
An evaluation of the energy potential of shea nut waste briquettes as an alternative fuel to shea wood charcoal for domestic and industrial applications
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment for the award of the Degree of Master of Science In Renewable Energy of Makerere UniversityIn most developing countries including Uganda, there has been a rapid growth in demand for energy with current demand superseding supply in most cases and energy scarcity hindering sustainable economic transformation. The specific objectives were to; determine the ideal ratio of shea nutwaste with cassava starch and clay as binders to achieve the highest energy density in the briquettes, determine the thermal and chemical characteristics of shea nut waste briquettes and shea wood charcoal, compare the fuel properties and characteristics of the briquettes and wood charcoal obtained. A forced air convection oven (BOFC-104) and a Gallenkamp bomb calorimeter were used to determine the physical properties and calorific value for feedstock and briquettes respectively. Parikh model and Shen model were used to determine the elemental composition of feedstocks. Combustion efficiency tests that were conducted include; water boiling test, ignition test, burning rate and specific fuel consumption. Calorific values and bulk density of the briquettes with different binders were obtained. For briquettes with starch binder, the calorific values and bulk densityvalues were ranging between 21.70 MJ/kg – 25.84 MJ/kg and 723.31 kg/m3 -842.45kg/m3 respectively. Briquettes with clay binder, the calorific values and bulk density values were ranging between 17.58 MJ/kg – 21.51 MJ/kg and 833.94 kg/m3 – 910.52 kg/m3 respectively. The shea wood charcoal had a calorific value 29.4758616 MJ/kg. Comparison of the shea wood charcoal and starcg binder 16% briquette, charcoal had a heating value of 29.48 MJ/kg and the briquette had 24.31 MJ/kg. Comparing their respective physio-chemical and thermal properties, it can be concluded that there is not much a difference. In this study, it was concluded that briquettes with starch binder of 12% were most ideal to be used as an alternative to charcoal as it possessed the best fuel properties amongst the other ratios. This research has provided an insight for the utilization of shea nut waste with cassava and clay as binders in development of briquettes as alternative fuel to shea wood charcoal for domestic and industrial applications. However, there is need for further studies to be done on the TechnoEconomical and Environment analysis production of these briquettes and the mechanical strength
The efficacy of ECCMIS on access to justice: a case study of the land division of the High Court of Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Laws of Makerere UniversityThe integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) into judicial systems has gained momentum globally, driven by the pursuit of enhancing access to justice, improving operational efficiency, and fostering transparency. In Uganda, the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) was implemented in the Land Division of the High Court to modernize court processes and address longstanding challenges. This study examines the efficacy of ECCMIS on access to justice, its alignment with civil procedure rules, and the associated challenges and solutions. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires administered to judicial officers, lawyers, and court staff, as well as interviews with members of the public. The study also conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature and comparative analyses with other jurisdictions implementing electronic case management systems. The findings reveal a divided perspective on the impact of ECCMIS. While court staff and some lawyers acknowledged increased efficiency, transparency, and reduced opportunities for corruption, concerns were raised about potential conflicts with existing civil procedure rules, technological barriers, and the exclusion of marginalized or digitally disadvantaged groups. Additionally, challenges related to account authentication, fraud prevention, and the need for a robust regulatory framework were identified. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of ECCMIS implementation, encompassing legal, technological, and socio-cultural dimensions. It underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement, capacity-building initiatives, and the adoption of best practices from other jurisdictions. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on electronic case management systems and their impact on access to justice, providing valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and technology experts to optimize the system's effectiveness while ensuring alignment with principles of due process and fairness
Intimate Partner Violence, Postpartum Depression and Mother Infant Bonding among First time Mothers in Kampala 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 a Master of Clinical Psychology degree of Makerere University.Becoming a mother for the first time is a significant transition in a woman’s life which comes with a number of challenges including learning new skills and changing roles to meet the baby’s needs, support the new baby . The research study investigated the relationship between intimate partner violence, postpartum depression and mother infant bonding among first time mothers. The study employed a correlational research design with a sample size of 186 first time mothers from Kawempe Region Referral Hospital. Data was collected using self-report structured questionnaires. Results from the study revealed that there is no relationship between Mother-Infant Bonding and IPV (r (184) = -0.141, p>0.01). However, results indicate that there is a relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and Postpartum Depression (r (184) = -0.369**, p 0.01). The results also indicate that there is no moderating role of postpartum depression between Intimate Partner Violence and Mother- Infant Bonding among first time mothers. In conclusion,these findings suggest that the presence of intimate partner violence does not necessarily lead to postpartum depression, and neither postpartum depression nor intimate partner violence appears to be significantly associated with differences in mother-infant bonding. Hence, it has been recommended that healthcare providers should continue to screen and assess both IPV and PPD during prenatal and postpartum care visits, as policy makers should encourage and fund further research to better understand the complex relationships between intimate partner violence, postpartum depression, and mother-infant bonding
Locus of control, moral potency, job satisfaction and deviant workplace behaviors among health workers in Soroti
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Organizational Psychology degree of Makerere UniversityThis study investigates the intricate relationships between Locus of Control (LOC), Job Satisfaction, and Deviant Workplace Behaviors (DWB) among health workers in Soroti, Uganda, with a focus on the moderating role of Moral Potency (MP). Despite the critical importance of ethical conduct in organizational settings, DWB remains prevalent in healthcare facilities, undermining operational integrity and affecting employee morale, safety, and patient outcomes. The research addresses the limited understanding of how individual traits, such as LOC, influence DWB within the unique context of low-income healthcare organizations. Using a sample of 102 health workers, determined through G-Power software for medium effect sizes, the study employs quantitative methods to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between an external LOC and DWB, while the relationship between LOC and job satisfaction is non-significant. Additionally, job satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between LOC and DWB, nor does MP moderate these associations. These results suggest that individual psychological traits are influenced by broader organizational factors, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of workplace dynamics. The study highlights the urgency for targeted interventions to mitigate DWB and enhance ethical practices in resource-constrained healthcare environments, ultimately contributing to better organizational performance and patient care
Supervison of the construction of two - classroom blocks in wakiso town council, wakiso district.
No full textA dissertation Supervisionsubmitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Construction Management of Makerere UniversityThis report contains a brief review of Construction and Project management that the author
participated in during the Construction supervision of a Two classroom block each at one of the
Primary schools (Namusera UMEA & Gombe Kayunga – Wakiso DLG) in Wakiso Town
Council. On this Project, t he author was the assistant Project manager under the mentorship of
Eng. Mwesigwa Samuel Damulira. The project was funded by the Government of Uganda
under its Poverty eradication fund through the School Facilitation Grant (SFG) program. The
project scope involved constructing the substructure, superstructure walling and Building
frame, ramp plus wall and floor finishes.
Skylight General Services Ltd emerged the best evaluated bidder. He was contracted to construct
the two blocks at a sum of UGX 198,619,000 for a period of 120 days starting from
2nd/11/2022, Currently the Project is Complete and already serving its intended purpose (Practical
Completion date of 12th/04/2023), the Contractors Retention monies have also been cleared
(Retention Certificate attached in Appendix 2)
The main Challenge experienced was Delay in site possession. There was lack of enough
construction space at Gombe Kayunga P/S until when the church came to rescue with a piece of
land. Other challenges included increase in cement prices that greatly affected the Contractors
Profit and cash flow. However, because of the Contractor’s excellent skills in Construction, He
managed to complete the before the end of the Financial year.
To Me, the project is a success having completed it on time, no major accidents and without any
cost overrun. This has also proved to stand a test of time having completed the Retention Period
without any single defect. Several audit teams from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Office
of the Auditor General and PPDA have all positively appraised/Evaluated the works done by this
Contractor. However, these Auditors all noted the issue of out dated Architectural Designs sent by
the Education Ministry but advised the Entity to always modify them to suite the current needs for
the user
Examination of social media gender-based violence: a case of performing artists in Uganda
No full textA research submitted to the College of Humanities and Social Science in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award for Degree of Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies of Makerere UniversitySocial media-facilitated gender-based violence is a pervasive issue. Despite of this, few studies comprehensively address its prevalence, manifestations, and policies intended to mitigate it. This research therefore examined social facilitated media-facilitated gender-based violence among performing artists in Uganda. The objectives of the study were: i) to explore the forms of social media gender-based violence among performing artists ii) to examine the causes of social media gender-based violence among performing artists, iii) establish the differential effects of social media gender-based violence among performing artists, iv) establish government policies and laws intended to address social media gender-based violence in Uganda. The study employed qualitative methods of data collection comprised of Key informant interviews and Focus group discussions. The participants were purposively selected based on their roles and knowledge. The findings of this research reveal the most common forms of SMGBV as: non-consensual intimate images, cyberbullying, and stalking. The main causes of SMGBV were: anonymity, lack of awareness of laws and normalization of violence. The effects of SMGBV on performing artists as highlighted by the study were: emotional and psychological distress. The study revealed that women are more affected than men. The existing policies and laws to mitigate social-media facilitated violence were the Domestic Violence Act (2010), Computer Misuse Act (2022) and the Data protection and Privacy Act (2019). However, the study reveals that the existing government policies and laws are inadequate because the domestic violence act mainly focuses on physical and emotional abuse within a domestic setting (marriage, cohabitation, or familial relationships) but does not address online violence and abuse that takes place on social media platforms while both computer misuse act and data protection and privacy act do not have provisions explicitly addressing gender-based online violence. Drawing from the study, government should set up of local/country offices for social media platforms to handle content filtering and moderation to deal with the forms of social media gender-based violence. There is also need for stringent social media account creation procedures to address the causes of social media gender-based violence, especially anonymity. The research recommends that government should review its existing laws, for example the Domestic Violence Act (2010) and the Computer Misuse Act (2022) as amended to cater for SMGBV
Perceived competence, test anxiety and academic engagement in geography among High School Students in Wakiso District, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Psychology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Educational Psychology of Makerere UniversityThe study investigated the relationship between perceived competence, test anxiety and academic engagement of ‘A’ Level students in Geography among High school students in Wakiso District, Uganda. It was guided by four objectives: to determine the relationship between perceived competence and test anxiety; perceived competence and academic engagement; test anxiety and academic engagement; and finally to establish mediating role oftest anxiety in the relationship between perceived competence and academic engagement. The study followed a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. A sample of 148 senior six respondents participated in the study. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to determine correlations between the study variables and a sobel test was applied to establish the mediation role of test anxiety in the relationship between perceived competence and academic engagement. The statistical analysis revealed that perceived competence does not significantly test anxiety levels among Geography students (r=.-035,p=.694). However, higher perceived competence is associated with increased academic engagement (r=.308, p<.01), while higher test anxiety is linked to lower academic engagement (r=-.289, p<.01); A positive and statistically significant relationship between perceived competence and Academic engagement and a significant negative relationship between test anxiety and academic engagement. The study concluded that test anxiety doesn’t mediate the relationship between perceived competence and academic engagement. The study recommended that students should be encouraged to prepare for the examinations in advance so that they can develop confidence consequently that help to prevent or reduce test anxiety. More so, teachers should apply appropriate pedagogical approaches during the teaching and learning process for example the blooms taxonomy a questioning technique that can trigger the learners thinking as well supporting storage of content in the long-term memory
An analysis of the registration of traditional folklore as a trademark in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment for the award of a Master of Laws Degree of Makerere University, KampalaThe concept of trademark registration for traditional knowledge has gained momentum as a tool often used by indigenous communities to identify themselves and their products and services. At the same time, there have been concerns that without intellectual property protection for folklore, entrepreneurs will likely use or misuse traditional knowledge for their own commercial gain, without providing any benefit to the communities who created it. As such, this study sought to examine the viability of registering traditional folklore as trademarks in Uganda. It taps into the likely opportunities and constraints that stand in the way of effective trademark protection for traditional folklore. To achieve this, the study applied a mixed research methodology consisting of the doctrinal research design aimed at collecting and applying data from cases, laws and legal scripts on trademark registration of folklore. The study further applied the qualitative and quantitative methodologies which aimed at gathering relevant data from the views and opinions of experts and respondents who interface with the application and intellectual property rights protection of traditional folklore in Uganda. The study found that the construct and relevance of traditional folklore in Uganda is gradually declining, and its application is progressively being phased out by technology and contemporary art forms. However, only a few individuals and communities have registered traditional folklore as trademarks in Uganda. The study concluded that trademark registration laws in Uganda are able to offer intellectual property rights protection for traditional folklore. Trademark registration is an important step in protecting Ugandan folklore from distortion and misuse by the outside world. It is a straightforward process that requires the owner of the mark to show its distinctiveness, uniqueness and distinguishing capabilities. By taking this step, organizations and individual owners of folklore can ensure the protection of Uganda’s valuable cultural heritage. The study recommended that creating awareness on trademark registration of traditional knowledge and enacting special rules would perhaps completely alleviate the shortfalls within the current legal framework on trademark registration for traditional knowledge. Further, amending the current laws on trademark registration to accommodate registration of traditional knowledge would also be a viable solution to ultimately protecting and preserving Uganda’s traditional heritage