Mak IR Repository (Makerere University)
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Uptake of and adherence to artificial insemination technology among pig farmers in Mukono District, Uganda
A dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Masters of Veterinary Preventive Medicine of Makerere UniversityPig farming is a popular agribusiness in Uganda, with rankings among the top five pork producing countries in Africa and with an increasing demand for pork. However, pig breeding in Uganda remains unstructured, leading to productivity challenges. Artificial insemination (AI) technology was been introduced to disseminate superior genetic material, thereby improving productivity. Despite its potential, the uptake of AI technology among pig farmers in Uganda, particularly in Mukono District, remains low. The study aimed to assess the uptake and adherence to AI technology among pig farmers in Mukono District, Uganda, and identify the factors influencing these practices. The study involved pig farmers in Mukono District, with data collected through structured questionnaires, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a sample size was determined using Cochran method 0f 1963 and 1965. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to determine the factors influencing AI uptake and adherence. The study found that the uptake of AI technology among pig farmers in Mukono District is relatively low, with only 24% (95% CI: 20-30%) of farmers adopting the technology. Among those who adopted AI, adherence to proper usage was also above average, with 57.2% consistently applying the technology. Key characteristics associated with uptake included gender of the up taker (p < 0.05), access to AI services in terms of location (p < 0.05), and type of management system (p < 0.05). Farmers with higher awareness and better access to AI services were more likely to adopt and adhere to the technology. The study highlights the low uptake to AI technology among pig farmers in Mukono District, driven by the cost of the technology, access to services, and perceived economic benefits. To enhance AI adoption, there is a need for targeted interventions focusing on increasing awareness, improving service delivery, and demonstrating the economic advantages of AI technology. Promoting AI technology could significantly boost pig production, contributing to food security and economic development in Uganda
Development of a saturation flow rate prediction model at signalized intersections incorporating Geometrics, driver behaviour and motorcycle effects.
A 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 Civil Engineering of Makerere University.This research addresses the challenge of predicting saturation flow rates at signalized intersections in
mixed traffic conditions, where motorcycles, diverse vehicle types, geometric road elements, and
varying driver behaviors significantly influence traffic flow. Existing models often focus on
homogeneous traffic streams, making them unsuitable for regions with high motorcycle presence and
mixed vehicle types. To bridge this gap, the study developed a saturation flow prediction model that
integrates road geometric elements, motorcycle effects, and driver behavior. Data were collected
using a Leica Aibot-AX20 unmanned aircraft for video graphic data and a CHC GNSS X900 survey
machine for geometric measurements at signalized intersections. Traffic volumes were classified by
vehicle type, and the positioning of motorcycles relative to other vehicles during green intervals was
assessed, alongside factors such as turning movements for shared lanes, lane width, approach grade,
lane changes, and conflicting traffic from other approaches. A linear regression analysis established
the relationship between vehicle types and average headway, with passenger car equivalence units
calculated as 0.38 for motorcycles, 2.63 for buses, 2.34 for light trucks, 2.91 for medium trucks, and
3.67 for heavy trucks, consistent with existing literature.
The model, validated using fivefold cross-validation, showed statistically significant results, with
evaluation metrics such as Mean Absolute Percentage Error and R-squared indicating that the model
could predict well. Results showed that motorcycles positioned between vehicles explained 71.46%
of the variance in vehicle flow rate, while motorcycles at the stop line accounted for only 6.45%. The
final model indicated that lane width was the only directly proportional factor affecting saturation
flow rate, while other variables had indirect relationships, explaining 62.28% of the variability in
saturation flow rates. Recommendations for future research include incorporating green interval
duration and pedestrian traffic as independent variables for determination of saturation flow rate. The
model can be used to assess capacity and delays at signalized intersections, providing guidance to
government transport planners for improving traffic flow
Workplace hazards and occupational health services of brewery industries in Uganda: a study of female employees at Parambot Breweries Limited (PBL) in Kampala
A research thesis submitted to the Directorate of Graduate Research and Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Degree of Master of Social Work of Makerere University, KampalaWorkplace safety and health is directly linked to the wellbeing of employees including females working in brewery industries. This study explored workplace hazards and occupational health services in brewery industries with a focus of female employees at Parambot Breweries Limited, Kampala. The study was guided by three specific objectives including, identifying workplace hazards of female employees in brewery industries, to establish occupational health services of female employees in brewery industries and to explore the utilization of occupational health services by female employees in brewery industries. An exploratory cross-sectional case study design that utilized a qualitative approach was adopted. A total of eleven (11) in-depth interviews were conducted with female employees of PBL. I also conducted five (5) key informant interviews with occupational safety and health officers from MGLSD and management of PBL. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data where key concepts, ideas and themes were identified and coded, and patterns in the data categorized. The study findings revealed several workplace hazards such as ergonomic, psychological, social, and biological hazards, as well as occupational health services such as maternity health services, personal protective equipment, informal support services and First Aid for female employees in brewery industries. The findings pointed to factors such as management support and inclusive workplace policies to facilitate the utilization of occupational health services in brewery industries among female employees. Conversely, lack of occupational health services including personal protective equipment and first aid, limited investment in OSH, and enforcement related challenges were cited as barriers to the utilization of occupational health services. The study recommends the need to strengthen occupational health services in brewery industries through addressing gaps in provision of these services, the need to funding for OSH at MGLSD as well as social worker’s engagement in OSH, thus improving the wellbeing for all. Overall, workplace hazards affect the health and safety of female employees, undermining their health and wellbeing. Conclusively, addressing these workplace hazards through improved management, policy reforms, and investment in OSH is critical to enhancing the health and safety of female employees in the brewery industry
Examining the effectiveness of procurement contract management in public entities: a case of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Master of Business Administration of Makerere UniversityThe study examined tthe effectiveness of procurement contract management at the MOTIC premised on three objectives; to establish procurement contract management practices at MOTIC, to establish the factors affecting procurement contract management at MOTIC and to suggest possible strategies to improve procurement contract management at MOTIC. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. An interview guide and questionnaires were the main tools used in data collection, which combined qualitative and quantitative techniques, respectively. In this study, the population was comprised of staff and department heads at the MOTIC. The procurement contract management practices at MOTIC revealed a blend of strengths and weaknesses, particularly in communication and monitoring, which scored positively with a mean of 4.5 (SD = 0.645) and 3.63 (SD = 0.521). However, concerns about contract clarity, which scored a mean of 2.85 (SD = 0.930), and the competence of contract managers, with a low score of 2.12 (SD = 0.910), suggest that these foundational elements need significant attention. The analysis also highlights critical factors affecting procurement management, notably the importance of clear contract terms, which received a high mean of 4.31 (SD = 0.751) and positively influence effectiveness, while compliance with legal requirements scored poorly at 2.51 (SD = 0.815), indicating room for improvement. Timely communication shows a low score of 2.31 (SD = 0.721), despite strong support from Top management, which was rated positively with a mean of 4.83 (SD = 0.452). In terms of strategies for improvement, effective contract management planning stands out with a high mean of 4.92 (SD = 0.267), alongside leveraging technology and automation, which scored 4.11 (SD = 0.919). Outsourcing for complex contracts received a high rating of 4.23 (SD = 0.917), although accountability for contract managers is notably weak, with a low score of 2.02 (SD = 0.923). The findings emphasize the need for better planning, clearer guidelines, and enhanced technological integration to strengthen overall procurement practices at MOTIC. The study recommends key initiatives to enhance procurement contract management at MOTIC. It suggests developing comprehensive guidelines to standardize contract templates for clarity in deliverables, timelines, and performance standards, along with conducting workshops to improve staff understanding of clear contract language. Regular training programs focused on procurement best practices, negotiation skills, and contract law are essential for bolstering the competence of contract managers
Reading comprehension strategies used by teachers and Learners of English as a foreign language in selected adult language schools in Kampala, Uganda
A dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor Philosophy of Makerere University.In this thesis, I examine the use of reading comprehension strategies employed by learners and teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in selected language schools in Uganda. Scholars confirm that strategic reading leads to comprehension. However, strategic reading in Uganda, specifically in EFL, is not adequately studied, implying that literature on this subject is scanty. EFL learners in Uganda continue to reveal reading inadequacies in terms of comprehension, yet the reading comprehension strategies they use are not documented. Specifically, the study set out to: 1 assess the knowledge of reading comprehension strategies among EFL learners and teachers in Uganda; 2 investigate the use of reading comprehension strategies among EFL teachers and learners in selected adult language schools in Kampala, and 3 compare the reading comprehension strategies used by EFL teachers and learners with the known effective reading comprehension strategies. An analytical research design was adopted for this study, and a qualitative approach was used. Data for this study were collected from language teachers, learners and administrators using interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Data were analyzed thematically based on the 4-Pronged Reading Comprehension Framework by McNamara (2007). Key findings reveal that teachers demonstrated limited knowledge of using reading comprehension strategies to address their learners‘ reading comprehension challenges and a number of learners lacked knowledge on how to use reading comprehension strategies. Observation of the teacher and learner strategies used in the classroom confirms that strategies were cognitive, therefore, they facilitated literal and inferential comprehension at the expense of metacognitive strategies that would lead to critical comprehension. EFL learners and teachers used a limited number of the strategies under the 4-prongs framework by Mc Namara (2007). EFL teachers and learners in Uganda, instead, use their devised strategies, which need to be studied further for their effectiveness. The study established that EFL teachers and learners use a limited number of reading strategies, which explains the low levels of reading comprehension among EFL learners in Uganda especially those under the 4-Pronged Framework. The study contributes to our understanding of the use of reading comprehension strategies by EFL teachers and learners in Uganda. The study recommends the use of several reading comprehension strategies specifically those under the 4-Pronged Comprehension Strategy Framework
Socioeconomic Status, Perceived Social Support, and Perceived Stress among Pregnant Teenagers at Naguru General Hospital in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda
A dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree of Makerere UniversityThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, perceived social support and perceived stress among pregnant teenagers. A quantitative correlation research design was used with a sample size of 165 pregnant teenagers from Naguru Teenage Centre in the Nakawa division of Kampala district in Uganda. A systematic random sampling strategy was used to select study participants. Pearson’s Correlation Analysis was used to examine the first three hypothesis and then linear regression analysis was used to test the fourth hypothesis. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science IBM SPSS statistics version 23 (IBM, 2015). The study findings revealed no significant relationship between all the variables for socioeconomic status and perceived social support among Pregnant Teenagers r (0.130) p > 0.05, Socioeconomic Status and perceived stress r(0.51), p> 0.05, perceived social support and perceived stress r (-.097) p > 0.05. Demonstrating that socioeconomic status does not seem to directly influence perceived social support or perceived stress levels nor does perceived social support directly relate to perceived stress in this study. These findings contribute to a basis for future studies to explore additional factors or variables that might mediate or moderate the relationship between SES, perceived social support, and perceived stres
World bank lending and state sovereignty: the case of Uganda
Dissertation submitted to the School of Law in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Laws of Makerere UniversityThis thesis critically examines the experiences with conditionality in World Bank lending. It questions the relevance of conditionality today and explores what types remain useful. The study draws conclusions from evolving perspectives, emphasizing the central role conditionality can play when tailored to specific contexts. Examples and challenges, such as corruption, are analyzed, in the thesis assessing and responding to these challenges. Building upon insights from scholars, the thesis proposes a theory that accounts for the ways in which factors beyond World Bank lending influence state sovereignty. This integrated theory seeks to explain the dynamic relationship between conditionality and state sovereignty. The historical context is crucial. The evolution of state relations from the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 to the modern-day has seen shifts in the concept of sovereignty. International obligations, human rights, and globalization have challenged traditional notions of state sovereignty, impacting economic, political, and social aspects. Governance legitimacy for lending conditionality, first applied through Article IV (10) of the World Bank Agreement of Association, is explored. The thesis acknowledges substantial controversy surrounding World Bank lending, highlighting the need for new approaches. In conclusion, this thesis does not aim to examine broader subjects like human rights or international law. Instead, it focuses on the interaction between World Bank lending, loan conditionality and state sovereignty, offering an articulate account of the effects on borrower states. The research was conducted using secondary data, employing literature review. Peer-reviewed journals, books, research reports, conference papers, and legal frameworks were used
Assessing the impact of road construction on human settlements and land use land cover changes in the project neighborhood: case study area: Mukono-Katosi Road Project
The project report submitted to the Department of Geomatics and Land Management in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of a Master’s Degree of Science in Land Management.Various studies have demonstrated that among all forms of physical infrastructure development, roads hold the unique potential to alleviate poverty on a global scale, particularly in developing nations (Gachassin et al., 2010). A study conducted in Bangladesh in 2009 revealed that villages located along improved road corridors witnessed a 5% reduction in poverty, underscoring the role of road construction as a strategy favouring disadvantaged populations (Wiegand et al., 2017). Extensive research into transportation investments within developing countries has highlighted road infrastructure as a key driver for fostering economic growth (Asomani-Boateng et al., 2015). However, it is essential to acknowledge that road construction or expansion also carries adverse ramifications for the areas where it is undertaken. Khumya & Kusakabe (2015) affirm that road development exerts a profound influence on living conditions in peri-urban residential zones, affecting aspects such as employment opportunities and investments, thereby posing a potential risk of destabilization within these communities. The construction of roads can lead to an influx of affluent individuals, thereby exacerbating socioeconomic disparities within localities (Budiyati et al., 2014). A case in point is Desa Nanga Tumpu in Indonesia, where the construction of roads resulted in the displacement of impoverished residents by wealthier counterparts (Budiyati et al., 2014). Consequently, road construction has the capacity to trigger spatial and socio-economic challenges within communities, particularly among marginalized populations. As a result, in the dynamic landscape of urban development, the relationship between transportation infrastructure and the spatial organization of human settlements has become a subject of paramount importance. Urbanization and population growth are reshaping cities around the world, prompting the need for innovative transportation solutions. One such solution is the construction of roads, which can significantly influence the spatial organization of human settlements and land use patterns in urban areas (Li et al., 2017). The relationship between transportation infrastructure and human settlements is complex and multifaceted. The construction of roads can lead to a lot of changes in land use patterns, settlement distribution, and socioeconomic dynamics within its vicinity (Seto et al., 2014). Improved accessibility and reduced travel times resulting from the constructed roads could attract new development, transforming previously underdeveloped or peripheral areas into desirable locations for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Uganda's National Development Plan III (NDP III) plays a pivotal role in guiding the country's socio-economic growth and sustainable development. In the context of assessing the impact of road construction on human settlement patterns and land use changes, the plan emphasizes the importance of infrastructure development as a catalyst for urban transformation (Mawejje & Munyambonera, 2017). NDP III recognizes the potential implications of such projects on urban dynamics and highlights the necessity of comprehensive impact assessments. By focusing on the Mukono-Katosi Road Project, the plan underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning, ensuring that the development not only enhances transportation efficiency but also considers its influence on the local communities and environment. NDP III's emphasis on inclusive and balanced development echoes through this case study, urging stakeholders to monitor and manage the evolving settlement patterns and land use shifts resulting from these road projects. Through this lens, Uganda's NDP III demonstrates a commitment to holistic development that factors in both infrastructural progress and the well-being of the populace. As a result, this study delves into the relationship between road construction projects and urban transformation, focusing on the impact of the Mukono-Katosi Road Project on human settlements and land use changes in its immediate vicinity
ICT Management and students' learning in selected secondary schools in Kira municipality.
A Dissertation submitted to the directorate of research and graduate training in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Degree of Master of Arts with Educational Management of Makerere University.The study investigated how management of ICT impacts on students’ learning within selected secondary schools in Kira municipality. Specifically, it established the effect of ICT planning on students’ learning; the effect of ICT implementation on students’ learning and the effect of ICT monitoring and control on students’ learning in selected secondary schools.
The study adopted the mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, which implies collecting and analyzing first quantitative and then qualitative data. It was conducted in selected registered secondary schools, both government and privately owned, within Kira municipality. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select the study sample. A self-administered questionnaire was used in addition to interview guides. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, inferential Statistics and content analysis was undertaken to analyse the qualitative data.
Results show that ICT planning ((β = 0.543, p = 0.000, t = 11.15); ICT implementation (β = 0.346, p = 0.000, t = 14.05) and ICT monitoring and control (β = 0.478, p = 0.000, t = 10.93) had a positive significant effect on student learning. It was concluded that ICT planning services are a probable requirement for student learning. ICT implementation are probable pre-requite for student learning. ICT monitoring and control are also a significant requirements for student learning. It was recommended that when planning for ICT, support gadgets, trained teachers, internet connection and stability of power supply; need for teachers’ capacity enhancement in schools; ICT implementation, principals should undergo through ICT teacher training and motivation of teachers to implement ICTs in student learning; support of school head teachers is critical and school also need to address the barriers to ICT management and use; Monitoring and control can provide policymakers and school administrators with important information on the success and impact ICT management and funding is essential for during monitoring and control
The Role of the community in building resilience in child headed households in post conflict Northern Uganda
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University in partial fulfillment for the award of the Master of Arts on Social Sector Planning and Management of Makerere UniversityThis study investigates the role of community involvement in building resilience among child-headed households in post-conflict northern Uganda, with a focus on Gulu district. Utilizing a socio-ecological framework, it explores the emergence of child-headed households as a consequence of armed conflict and HIV/AIDS, which have undermined traditional family and community support systems. The research identifies the needs and constraints faced by child-headed households, analyzes the contributions and limitations of traditional care systems, and assesses community attitudes towards these vulnerable groups. Key findings reveal that while communities have the potential to support resilience-building through psychosocial, material, and structural support, they often struggle due to weakened socio-economic systems, dependency on external aid, and limited capacity to respond effectively to the needs of orphaned children. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering community-driven, sustainable interventions, strengthening informal care systems, and leveraging local resources to ensure the well-being and resilience of child-headed households. Recommendations include capacity-building initiatives for communities, policy advocacy, and integration of child protection mechanisms into broader recovery and development strategies. The research contributes to understanding community-based approaches to child welfare and informs policy frameworks aimed at supporting vulnerable children in post-conflict setting