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The impact of the quasi-judicial powers of the electoral commission on parliamentary election petitions in Uganda: a critical analysis from 2016 to 2022
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of Master of Laws (LL.M) of Makerere UniversityThe study examined the quasi-judicial powers of the Electoral Commission (EC) in adjudicating pre-election/nomination complaints on the determination of parliamentary election petitions by courts. It took the Court of Appeal‘s decision in the case of Kasirye Zzimula Fred v. Bazigatirawo Kibuuka Francis Amooti and Electoral Commission which set a precedent for the courts‘ decisions in parliamentary election petitions based on nomination complaints in 2021 and 2022. This qualitative and doctrinal research was conducted through several interviews. The sample surveyed consisted of advocates and judicial officers who participated in prosecuting and determining parliamentary election petitions following the 2021 national elections. The questions interrogated concerned the ability of the EC to adjudicate nomination complaints and whether the courts are justified in declining to adjudicate parliamentary election petitions grounded on nomination complaints. The study analyzed the situation in other jurisdictions with similar electoral terrains; in particular, it highlights the approach of Electoral Commissions and courts in deciding parliamentary election petitions in Kenya and Tanzania. The study notes the dangers of courts refusing to entertain parliamentary election petitions grounded on nomination complaints and attempts to address the gap in the law and in the courts' recent practice dealing with parliamentary election petitions. The study findings provide practical solutions in dealing with nomination complaints by both the EC and the courts of law in Uganda in order to ensure that mandatory requirements for qualification by any person as a Member of Parliament as required by the 1995 Constitution of Uganda are actually achieved. The study makes various proposals and recommendations to the EC, Courts, and Parliament
New manual quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay validated on tongue swabs collected and processed in Uganda shows sensitivity that rivals sputum-based molecular tuberculosis diagnostics
No full textBackground: Sputum-based testing is a barrier to increasing access to molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB). Many people with TB are unable to produce sputum, and sputum processing increases assay complexity and cost. Tongue swabs are emerging as an alternative to sputum, but performance limits are uncertain.
Methods: From June 2022 to July 2023, we enrolled 397 consecutive adults with cough >2 weeks at 2 health centers in Kampala, Uganda. We collected demographic and clinical information, sputum for TB testing (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and 2 liquid cultures), and tongue swabs for same-day quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing. We evaluated tongue swab qPCR diagnostic accuracy versus sputum TB test results, quantified TB targets per swab, assessed the impact of serial swabbing, and compared 2 swab types (Copan FLOQSWAB and Steripack spun polyester).
Results: Among 397 participants, 43.1% were female, median age was 33 years, 23.5% were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus, and 32.0% had confirmed TB. Sputum Xpert Ultra and tongue swab qPCR results were concordant for 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.2-99.1) of participants. Tongue swab qPCR sensitivity was 92.6% (95% CI: 86.5 to 96.0) and specificity was 99.1% (95% CI: 96.9 to 99.8) versus microbiological reference standard. A single tongue swab recovered a 7-log range of TB copies, with a decreasing recovery trend among 4 serial swabs. Swab types performed equivalently.
Conclusions: Tongue swabs are a promising alternative to sputum for molecular diagnosis of TB, with sensitivity approaching sputum-based molecular tests. Our results provide valuable insights for developing successful tongue swab-based TB diagnostics.Rapid Research for Diagnostics Development in TB Network Project,
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health,
Global Health Labs
Quantifying the contribution of distributed energy resources to power system resilience.
No full textA Thesis 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 Power Systems Engineering of Makerere University.In 2005, low rainfall levels resulted in a significant deficiency in generation compared to demand.
Government policy thus prioritized the development of new plants and the diversification of
generation to reduce the country’s dependence on the Nalubaale power station. Since then, several
Distributed Energy Resources (DER’s) have been installed on Uganda’s network in a bid to
supplement Uganda’s installed generation capacity and also diversify the energy mix. However,
they provide another critical benefit when operated in island mode, through reduction of the impact
of Low Probability-High Impact (LPHI) fault events that could lead to widespread blackouts. The
networks ability to detect, withstand and recover from effects of LPHI events is power system
resilience. This research therefore focuses at quantifying the contribution of Distributed Energy
Resources to power system resilience as modelled in DigSilent. Three scenarios were considered
i.e. (i) Low Probability High Impact (LPHI) on current network with Existing DER’s and no
reconfiguration made (Base case), (ii`) LPHI event on Current network with existing DER’s and
reconfiguration made (Scenario 1), (iii) LPHI event on current network with both existing and
Future DER’s and reconfigurations made (Scenario 2). Results showed that power system
resilience improved from the base case by 35.4% and 52.2% in scenario 1 and 2 respectively.
Expressing resilience benefits in cost terms showed that 10,378,544.83 could
be additional sales of power in scenario 1 and scenario 2 respectively. Henceforth, exploitation of
DGs can improve the resilience of the Uganda power system network to LPHI events through
continued power supply during power outages
Assessing the efficiency of indigenous soil and water conservation methods used in Mountainous regions of Uganda (case study of Nyamiyaga village Kisoro District)
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering of Makerere University.Water and soil are basic natural resources that support life in all forms. These resources are scarce
to meet the increasing demands of man, which calls for their conservation. The purpose of the
study was therefore to assess the efficiency of indigenous/traditional practices of soil and water
conservation (SWC) in mountainous regions of Uganda, case of Nyamiyaga village Kisoro District
and design appropriate SWC measures for sustainable management of these resources. The
specific objectives of the study were; Assessing the farmers’ perspective on causes and effects of
soil erosion in the study area, examining indigenous SWC practices and designing appropriate
measures for SWC in moutaineous regions utilising the local knowledge.
Primary data was collected using slit trap experiments, taking measurements of existing SWC
structures and using a structured questionnaire, while secondary data was obtained from Uganda
National Meteorological Authority, United States Geological Survey and literature. Analysis was
done using Excel, SPSS and Arc GIS 10.5. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) method was used to
determine total annual runoff volume while soil erosion potential was assessed using the Revised
Universal Soil Loss Equation.
The study revealed that average annual soil erosion rate for the micro catchments was 318 tons ha-
1
yr-1 (classified as very severe), while averege annual runnoff volume at a 2 year return period
was estimated at 1,497m3. This affects the design, construction and operation of hydraulic
structures (such as dams, reservoirs and waterways to manage water resources for domestic and
agriculture), watershed management (such water quality and quantity management, flood control,
and sustainable use of natural resources), environmental impact assessment of development
projects (such as roads, housing, mines, and industrial facilities) and agricultural productivity of
farmers, in absence of improved SWC measures.
Major traditional practices of SWC were identified as soil erosion control fences, terrace with
fanya juu, water retention trenches, erosion control stone bunds, fallowing and rainwater
harvesting tanks. Using slit traps, the study examined the efficiency of the the major indigenous
SWC structures and came up with improved structural designs of these structures to enhence their
performance. Modifications made include; introducing a foundation trench for stone bunds of
15cm and adjusting their cross sectional area from 0.07m2 to 0.10m2, reducing the spacing between
stakes for erosion fences from 4m to 3m and introducing fodder trees between them, increasingxiii
the cross sectional area of water retention trenches from 0.16m2 to 0.25m2, increasing cross
sectional area of a bench terrace from 0.12m2 to 0.18m2 and increasing the capacity of a RWHT
from 3m3 to 7.5m3. The efficiency of the improved measures was found to be 95% as compared to
75% of the indigenous methods. Finally, the study recommended similar studies on other slopes
of Kisoro and Uganda in general, studies on gender in relation to SWC and studies into factors
affecting the adoption of modern methods of SWC in the catchment
Oil production optimization of the Norne Field E-Segment, Norway using Eclipse 100 Simulation Model
No full textDissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment for the award of Master of Science Degree in Petroleum Geosciences of Makerere UniversityThe Norne field is located 80 km north of the Heidrun field in the Norwegian Sea. The Norne Field consists of two separate oil compartments, the Norne Main Structure (Norne C, D and E-Segment) and the Northeast Segment (Norne G-Segment). The Norne Main Structure was discovered in December 1991 and includes 97% of the oil in place. The Norne Main Structure contains sandstone reservoir rock Formations of Garn, Ile, Tofte, and Tilje Formations with the Norne E-Segment having 80% of the oil in place in the Ile and Tofte Formation which was produced from the year 1997 to 2006 when production was stopped. However, it was discovered that the Norne E-Segment Ile and Tofte Formations still contained a great percentage of producible oil and plans to resume production were initialized. In this study, reservoir simulation was performed using Grid dimensions and Grid cell properties, and well completion data combined with fluid and rock properties from Norne Field E-Segment using Eclipse Software version 2014 to identify alternative water flooding strategies, to determine the potential for surfactant flooding, and to determine the potential for polymer flooding in the Norne E-segment. Results show that water flooding with new producer well Z-3H and injectors F-1H, F-3H is the best water flooding optimum drainage strategy with recovery factor of 14% in the target Formation. Surfactant concentration of 0.6 kg/m3 gave the same oil production with less surfactant consumption compared to other concentrations, which were subjected to trials. Higher polymer concentrations correspond to the lower polymer production and oil production is higher for higher polymer concentrations. The highest oil production of 23 million Sm3 is achieved by the second water flooding scenario due to placement of a new producer well Z-3H in a good location of high oil saturation. Z-3H became the horizontal well in layer 9 hence recovers more oil. Since injection of surfactant slug led to the same oil recovery regardless of surfactant concentration because of the low saturation rate of the surfactant in the water. Higher polymer concentration diminishes the mobility ratio more by increasing the water viscosity resulting in a higher oil production.
This research shows that, water flooding with new producer well Z-3H and injectors F-1H, F-3H is the best water flooding optimum drainage strategy, different surfactant concentrations have the same oil production, and oil production is higher for higher polymer concentrations
Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant mothers with previous uterine scar attending Kawempe National Referral Hospital-Uganda
No full textIntroduction: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by mitigating the three delays of obtaining maternal and Neonatal care. Previous uterine scar increases the risk of uterine rupture and associated mortality and morbidity in pregnant mothers in subsequent pregnancies, this study sought to evaluate the level of BPCR and associated factors among mothers with prior uterine scars.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at the antenatal clinic of Kawempe National Referral Hospital among pregnant mothers with previous uterine scar at >37 weeks of Amenorrhoea. Eligible mothers were consecutively selected and consented at the antenatal clinic. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, clinical data and information regarding BPCR. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A participant was considered prepared if she had done at least 7 out of 10 BPCR parameters. Logistic regression analysis including bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to measure association between dependent and independent variables. At multivariate level, statistical significant was established at a P-value <0.05.
Results: We enrolled a total of 390 mothers between 14th /Nov/2023 .and 06th /Feb/2024. The average age of respondents was 30 years , 96.4% were married, 52.1% were employed, 85.9% had at least secondary level of education, 64.1% of the spouses were self employed , 95.4% of the spouses had atleast secondary education. .The majority of respondents (81.0%) demonstrated preparedness for childbirth and its potential complications. The best practiced was identification of place of delivery(100%) and the least practiced was identification of compatible blood donors at 18.5%. Bivariate analysis revealed maternal level of education, occupation, marital status, spouse’s level of education, monthly income, household decision maker, gestational age at 1st ANC ,and thinking that danger sign threaten life of a woman as factors associated with BPCR..Multivariate analysis revealed that BPCR was significantly associated with the spouse's level of education (aOR=3.52, P-Value 0.027), spouse's monthly income (aOR=2.411, P-Value 0.028), perception of danger signs threatening women's lives (aOR=28.18, P-Value 0.008), and early initiation of the first antenatal care (ANC) visit (aOR=1.87, P-Value 0.045).
Conclusion: Pregnant mothers with a previous uterine scar were found to be well prepared for birth and its complications despite the challenges in identifying a compatible blood donor. This was influenced by husband’s education and income status, early initiation of ANC and attitudes towards danger signs of pregnancy. To promote BPCR, there is a need to foster collaborative efforts between pregnant mothers and their spouses, to promote early initiation of ANC and to support mothers in identifying a compatible blood donors and skilled health care providers
Spatial profiles and sources of selected persistent organic pollutants in surface sediments of Lake Victoria, East Africa
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 Chemistry of Makerere University.Lake Victoria is the second largest lake in the world and has a catchment area of 193,000km2 with only one outlet (River Nile) and numerous inlets. Several anthropogenic activities take place in the lake’s catchment area which may emit pollutants yet lake sediments act as their sink. This study determined the levels, eco-toxicological effects and sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 41 sediments from the study area. Extraction and clean-up was done using soxhlet method and fractionation column, respectively while analysis of extracts was performed by the GC-MS/MS. The mean recoveries of PCBs ranged from 65±2.83% to 112±5.66% while those of OCPs varied from 60.6±3.76% to 130±4.02%. Concentrations of 13 OCPs ranged from n.d to 376 μg kg-1, n.d to 131 μg kg-1 and n.d to 228 μg kg-1 dry weight (d.w) with p,p′-DDD as the most dominant OCP residue contributing 88.2%, 82.9% and 72.9% to the ΣDDTs for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania respectively. The ratio of p,p′-DDE to p,p′-DDT was >1 in all sediments suggesting past DDT usage in the lake basin. α-endosulfan was the most dominant endosulfan isomer followed by β-endosulfan in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania respectively. The predominance of α-endosulfan was attributed to its high percentage (70%) in the technical endosulfan formulation and its ease of transport in the atmosphere. The concentrations of 10 PCB congeners ranged from non-detectable (n.d) to 3.30 μg kg-1 d.w in the study sites. The most dominant PCB congener was CB 198 followed by CB 184. This was attributed to the hydrophobicity of highly chlorinated PCBs in the aquatic environment, their water partition coefficient (Kow) value and sorption to the organic matter in sediment. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted four components which showed that OCPs were majorly due to their use in controlling pests in agriculture, eradicating tsetse flies, malaria mosquitos and black flies in public health. PCB congeners were a result of volatilization, degradation of higher CBs into lighter CBs, improper waste disposal of old transformers, hydraulic fluids, plasticizers and capacitors. Lindane, p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDT were above the probable effect levels (PEL) and therefore, they were likely to cause an adverse effect on aquatic organisms in the lake. All PCBs were below the TEL and PEL levels in the sediments.I acknowledge the International Foundation for Science (ISF) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (Joint Grant: I-2_W/4880-2) for supporting the sample collection. I also thank the Makerere Research Innovation fund for funding the analysis of this research
Determinants of adherence to tube thoracostomy protocol in chest trauma management at Mulago National Referral Hospital: a cross sectional study
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Medicine as a partial fulfilment for the award of a Master's Degree in Surgery at College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.Introduction and background: High complication rates and morbidity following procedures in trauma patients have been associated with insufficient compliance with standard guidelines/ protocols. Globally, studies have documented inadequate adherence to protocols. The factors implicated to influence protocol adherence are categorized as characteristics related to the patient, professional/health worker, organization/ environment, and the protocol itself.
General objective: The main purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of adherence to tube thoracostomy protocol in chest trauma management in MNRH.
Methodology: The study was an institutional-based cross sectional study conducted at MNRH A&E unit and CTS ward in a 4 months’ period. 70 study patient participants with chest trauma, 16 health workers who performed tube thoracostomy and 5 health worker key informants were included. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. Protocol checklist, health worker questionnaire, key informant interview guide and data abstraction tool were used as data collection tools. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS software with univariate, bivariate and multivartate analysis. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis.
Results: In the 70 patients enrolled, 90% were male and the mean age was 30.6 ±10.2 years. Pneumothorax was the commonest indication for chest tube insertion with 28 (40%) patients and most of the chest tubes were inserted during day shift. Overall adherence to the tube thoracostomy protocol was in 44% of patients. Draping of the site and attachment of a pulse oximeter on the patient were complied with the least (1.4%). Working shift was found to be statistically significant in influencing adherence, p=0.014 (p<0.05). Other factors were performance of the procedure by a lower level cadre, insufficient knowledge, unavailability of materials to use and inconsistence of consultant availability.
Conclusion: This study found a high level of protocol non-adherence (in 56% of patients) which was mostly in draping of the site and attachment of a pulse oximeter on the patient. This level was mainly determined by performance of the procedure at night, in addition to performance of the procedure by a lower level cadre, insufficient knowledge, unavailability of materials to use, and inconsistence of consultant availability
Facilitators and barriers of male partner involvement in antenatal care at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
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 Masters of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University.Introduction: The involvement of men in maternal and child health programs and services like antenatal care, is recognized globally to give better health outcomes and improved service delivery for both men, women and children. However, in Uganda and other developing countries, male involvement in prenatal care remains low and a significant hurdle to safe motherhood in antenatal care provision. There is paucity of documented evidence of the extent of the practice, facilitators and barriers to male partner involvement in antenatal services thus no clear strategies to optimize the practice. This study thus sought to explore the facilitators and barriers of male partner involvement in antenatal care at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Methodology: This was an explorative qualitative study conducted at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala Uganda. The data was collected using a total of 3 FGDs each comprised of 5 men who had accompanied their wives for ANC, 4 FGDs each comprised of 5 pregnant mothers who had been accompanied by their husbands, 4 FGDs comprised of pregnant mothers who had not been accompanied by their husbands, 6 key informant interviews comprised of healthcare providers responsible for education, counselling and providing ANC services and 7 telephone conducted in-depth interviews with male partners who did not accompany their spouses giving a total of 68 participants. Data analysis was done thematically using NVIVO version 12 software. Results: The facilitators of MPI were divided into three major themes that is health related facilitators, maternal facilitators and health facility facilitators. Presence of adverse events of pregnancy, availability of male-friendly services, provision of patient counseling an education and involvement in community outreach and engagement were identified as the major facilitators. The barriers to male partner involvement were also grouped into three themes that is; health facility, community related and personal barriers. Prolonged waiting time at ANC sites, fear of hospital bills, limited accessibility of ANC facilities, unfavorable conditions at work, stigmatization from other men, limited awareness and education on importance of MPI and lack of social support and role models were the major barriers identified. Conclusion: Male involvement in ANC activities is facilitated by adverse events of pregnancy, availability of male-friendly services and community outreach programs and is limited by prolonged waiting time at ANC sites, unfavorable work schedules and stigmatization from other men. Targeted health education programs, flexible ANC services, and ensuring supportive working environments is recommended to booster male involvement in ANC
An assessment of the use of statistics by Ugandan newspapers: a case of the New Vision
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate training in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Master of arts in Journalism and Communication of Makerere UniversityThe study assessed the use of statistics by Ugandan newspapers using a case of The New Vision. Using a mixed methods and sequential explanatory design, the study employed qualitative content analysis and in-depth interviews to examine the use of statistics by The New Vision in its reporting of news; and to assess the challenges faced and opportunities obtained by The New Vision in its use of statistics in news reporting. The study adopted the Gatekeeping theory to understand the use of statistics by Uganda newspapers. Findings indicate that The New Vision published 935 stories with statistics during the analysis period of two years. These were divided between 403 and 532 stories in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The New Vision relied on textual format as the major data visualization technique in stories with statistics. The technique contributed 100% (n=403) for the year 2020 and 100% (n=532) for the year 2021 use of statistics in news reporting. Table/ Lists contributed 70.72% (n=285), Static Maps 69.48% (n=280), and Percentages 29.03% (n=117) in the year 2020. Conversely, Percentage contributed 59.77% (n=318), Table/ Lists 57.14% (n=304), and Static Maps 25.94% (n=139) in the year 2021. The study also found that the influence of the use of statistics in news cuts across factors, such as individual, media organisation, and societal factors. This study recommends that there is need for The New Vision to strengthen the in-house team of reporters and editors through continuous professional development courses as an effort to improve data visualisation skills in order to constantly enhance evidence based reporting of news and information. The effort and time spent on data analysis and visualising statistics should be remunerated