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Effect of Unstable Mix under Severe Traffic Loading on Performance of Asphalt Pavements in Tropical Climate
Full text linkThis is a research article on aimed at assessing the in-service performance of asphalt pavements in tropical climate under severe conditions.This paper is aimed at assessing the in-service performance of asphalt pavements in tropical climate under severe conditions. 'emain defect observed on the asphalt pavement was rutting of the asphaltic surfacing, with top-down cracking being experienced on a few sections and not widespread but rather intermittent. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted as well as a review of design and construction records.'edefects observed were confined to the wearing course layer of the surfacing with the other underlying layers performing well. Rutting was a result of heavily loaded trucks that moved at very slow speeds due to steep gradients, hence resulting in severely loaded sections. High temperatures due to the warm tropical environment exacerbated the situation and caused the asphalt to flow, hence resulting in rutting and deformation. Also, low air voids in the asphalt mix which were below the recommended design air voids specification aggravated the situation as well as the air voids after refusal density compaction being below the specified critical minimum of 3% after secondary compaction. Top-down cracking was due to binder age hardening and embrittlement resulting from overheating of bitumen during the construction process coupled with heavy truck axles and high tyre pressures. Defects observed, therefore, resulted from an unstable asphalt mix that was not suitable for severe loading conditions; hence, the asphalt concrete laid was out of specification. 'e Modified Marshall Mix Design method should be used for severe sites where slow speed or heavier traffic is expected
Uganda Airlines
No full textThis is a Thesis which is practice-based research project aimed to explore borders for art production from a Ugandan perspective. Which will help to explore borders, a project which was embarked upon reinventing Uganda Airlines as a fictional conceptual frameThis practice-based research project aimed to explore borders for my art production from a
Ugandan perspective. To help me explore borders, a project was embarked upon reinventing
Uganda Airlines as a fictional conceptual frame. I regard myself as a border artist, operating from Uganda, itself an invented conceptual space /country in Africa. Uganda Airlines’ practices operate on artistic and formal borders deliberately highlighting the exclusion of Uganda in
Western art. The objective of the project was to create a conceptual framework and space in which I can operate as a border artist and in this way contribute to the current understanding of art on the margins of contemporary art, operating within and against colonial legacies.
Responding to the central question of whether the invisible country of Uganda can be made visible through its art, the project used the idea of a national airline because of its role in the creation and promotion of trans-nationality and its relationship to borders. Uganda Airlines is based on Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities (2006) primarily because Anderson regards the nation as an imagined artefact and offers a conceptual frame that can interpret nationhood in artistic practice. In effect I am regarding the airline as an imagined community that exists ‘in the air’ operating entirely within an imagined space on the border. My position within this is that of an artist working ‘in the air’ or on the border. My artistic and theoretical position is also that of a trickster based on Lewis Hyde’s ideas of the trickster character in relation to porosity and articulation. As a ‘border-crossing’, ‘trickster’ artist my practice uses contingent operation in ‘pores’ and ‘joints’ (Hyde 2017: 252-280) as tactics. Political satire particularly in relation to the actual Uganda Airlines (a historically collapsed or presently fledgling national project) is widely used as a tactic. Contingency is integral to my approach to the practice, which extensively uses cheap materials such as recycled newspapers, cardboard and packing tape.
The Practice is presented in three parts: Passengers, Fragments and False Flags. In Passengers, collage and methods based on tearing and layering were used. Paintings and drawings were also incorporated within the collage installations. In ‘Fragments’, the approach used in the video work parodies various forms of the media some of which were shot in ruined aircraft in
Entebbe, Uganda. In False Flags printed imagery on cloth satirised nationalism and flags through images of aircraft parts used to generate digital ruins using photogrammetry. The practice as a whole can be characterised as a multi-media three- dimensional collage installation. The written thesis also uses Uganda Airlines as its conceptual frame and its structure is based on the ideas of the imagined spaces explored in the. For example, it begins with The Terminal of an undisclosed airport as its introduction wherein its various ‘destinations’ are presented. The literature review is presented as a passengers list reflecting my approach incorporating writers and artists into the conceptual frame of my project. I regard the written thesis partly as an extension of my creative practice while at the same time it functions as the written theoretical component of the
PhD submission
Prepared to Believe: The Evangelism of Preschoolers and Infant Baptism in African Anglican Churches
Full text linkThis is a research articleThis article discusses the cognitive status of preschool children based on the insights of the child psychologist Jean Piaget. Building on this, a strategy is offered for the evangelism of preschoolers and the expected outcome of this evangelism is the formation of their worldview into a Christian one. This prepares them to believe the gospel when they reach a developmental stage in which faith and unbelief become part of their mental posture. Given their commitment to infant baptism, African Anglican churches must prioritise theological studies focused on children in order to carry out such evangelism
How AI could transform Uganda’s Eduscape Paving the Path for Blended Learning
Full text linkThis is a policy paper on How AI could transform Uganda’s Eduscape Paving the Path for Blended LearningAs the world enters the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), an emerging technology, is subtly becoming part of our lives. In many ways, we are becoming increasingly dependent on AI-powered tools and devices. In the education sectors of several countries, we see some cases in which AI has been integrated into students’ personal and school lives. Because Sub-Saharan Africa has not yet fully launched the use of AI in schools, it is of paramount importance that Uganda’s education system looks into this proposition as a means to bridge the historic literacy gaps within the country. Educating students with AI and about AI is also a means to prepare Ugandan students to be competitive in the world market. This is especially important to consider now that Uganda’s education sector is recalibrating the education system as a response to the COVID-19 driven school closures. AI offers the chance for faster recovery of the learning losses that students are currently suffering. It would empower educators, increasing their reach in the number of students taught and thus increasing their efficiency.
This, however, does not come without challenges. The biggest of which are ethical concerns and lack of necessary infrastructure. This paper explores ways in which these challenges can be mitigated to bring about the necessary advancement. We encourage the Government of Uganda to run trials to find the best-suited ways to apply AI in the education system. AI application has to be safe, ensuring secure data and privacy of users and it has to be helpful and beneficial, producing positive learning outcomes and increasing the teachers’ efficiency. All this is in hope that AI can provide the avenue to reach through which many uneducated people get access to world-class education closing the historical learning gaps of illiteracy and greatly enriching the Human Capital of Uganda
Engineered food supplement excipients from bitter cassava for minimisation of cassava processing waste in environment
Full text linkThis is a research paper unchecked large-scale rudimentary upstream (submerged and solid-state fermentation processes of bitter cassava roots into alcohol have often contributed significantly to agricultural wastes in the environment.Unchecked large-scale rudimentary upstream (sub-merged and solid state) fermentation processes of bitter cas- sava roots into alcohol have often contributed significantly to agricultural wastes into environment. Thus, the study explored a proven valorisation methodology, Simultaneous Release Recovery Cyanogenesis (SRRC) along with intact bitter cassava polysaccharide-rich derivatives (CWF), as an apt to find alternative materials for food supplement excipients. Triplicate CWF powder, peeled or intact bitter cassava roots, were produced and analysed to determine crit- ical properties suitable in tablet making. Exclusion approach, using SRRC and compaction, was performed to select desired powder properties for tablet formulation. Microcrystalline cellulose, with known properties for developing drug excipients, was used as a validation reference material. Tablets, for disintegration time and in- vitro dissolution rates studies were produced using wet-granulation, and their potential to release and bio-avail Iron-Zinc investigated in-vitro (pHs 1.2 and 6.8 solutions, 37 0 C). Morphology and Iron-Zinc dissolution-release mechanisms were examined. Kinetic models were used to describe matrix dissolution and Iron-Zinc release mech- anisms. Intact root powder compaction capacity, depicted by hardness, was 4.3, 4.4 and 4.6 KG at 200, 500 and 700 MPa respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed Iron-Zinc inclusion altered tablet morphol- ogy. Efficient matrix dissolution and Iron and Zinc release were achieved, showing apex recovery efficiency (98%, 30–45 min). Fitted models well-explained dissolution and release mechanisms (mean R 2 = 0.95), demonstrating adequacy. SRRC-improved intact bitter cassava was confirmed as potential alternative excipient’s matrix for Iron and Zinc release and bioavailability. Thus, this approach is practical for indirect waste elimination, and can promote strategy for sustainable valorisation of agricultural wastes and alternative functional food supplements delivery system
Obuntu-bulamu and the Law: an extra textual aid statutory interpretation tool
Full text linkThere is a patriotic obligation on all of us not to allow our Constitution and the idea of respect for human rights and dignity to slide into such disrepute.The debate over whether or not Obuntu-bulamu can be translated into a justiciable principle turns not only on the definition one gives to Obuntu-bulamu, but also on how and why Obuntu-bulamu can be considered an ’African’ value. Obuntu-bulamu, or something very close to it, appears in most African languages what remains therefore is the complex ethno-philosophical questions of whether or not Obuntu-bulamu actually represents a key ethical principle or ideal in African philosophy generally. In doing so one should be able to realise, at the very least, that the question of ’what is’ and ’what can’ constitute an ’African’ legal philosophy lies at the very heart of this discussion. A related question therefore becomes what role should this African philosophy, including African political and ethical philosophy; play in the development of a constitutional jurisprudence for Uganda.In this book, I construct an ethical principle that not only grows out of indigenous understandings of Obuntu-bulamu, but is fairly precise and clearly accounts for the importance of individual liberty, and is readily applicable to addressing present-day Uganda as well as other societies. To flesh out these claims, I explain how the Obuntu-bulamu-based moral theory I spell out how it serves as a promising foundation for human rights. Although the word Obuntu-bulamu does not feature explicitly in most Constitutions that were ultimately adopted in some countries, my claim is that a philosophical interpretation of values commonly associated with Obuntu-bulamu can entail and plausibly explain this book construal of human rights. In short, I aim to make good on the assertion made by sound Constitutional jurisprudence that Obuntu-bulamu is the ‘underlying motive of the Bills of Rights.Note that this is a work of jurisprudence, and specifically of normative philosophy, and hence that I do not engage in related but distinct projects that some readers might expect. For one, I am not out to describe the way of life of any particular people. Of course, to make the label Obuntu-bulamu appropriate for the moral theory I construct, it should be informed by pre-colonial African beliefs and practices (since reference to them is part of the sense of the word as used by people in my and the reader’s linguistic community). However, aiming to create an applicable ideal that has an African pedigree and grounds human rights, my ultimate goal in this book is distinct from the empirical
viiproject of trying to accurately reflect what a given traditional black people believed about morality something an anthropologist would do. For another, I do not therefore engage in legal analysis, even though I do address some texts prominent in African legal discourse. My goal is not to provide an interpretation of caselaw, but rather to provide a moral theory that a jurist could use to interpret caselaw, among other things.I begin by summarizing the Obuntu-bulamu-based moral theory that is developed elsewhere and then articulate its companion conception of human dignity. Next, I invoke this concept of human dignity to account for the nature and value of human rights of the sort characteristic required as a sound Ugandan constitution. I apply the moral theory to some human rights controversies presently facing Uganda (and other countries as well), specifically those regarding suitable approaches to dealing with compensation for claims, and sound policies governing the use of deadly force by the government. My aim is not to present conclusive ways to resolve these contentious disputes, but rather to illustrate how the main objections to grounding a public morality on Obuntu-bulamu, regarding vagueness, collectivism and anachronism, have been rebutted, something I highlight in the conclusion.As with any other system, the Obuntu-bulamu philosophy and the African socio-cultural framework present some challenges. Most of the challenges that are reviewed are based on my experience and my own observation as part of the African community. The findings of others who have researched this and related questions are also referred to accordingly
Uganda’s road to economic recovery post covid-19
Full text linkThis is a policy paper on post COVID-19 about Uganda’s economic recovery.Like the rest of the world, Uganda is suffering its share of economic disruption because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some lockdown policies, used as safety measures meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus, are still in place after four months. As a result, schools are closed, churches are closed, bars are closed, many people have lost their jobs, and many small business owners are struggling to get back on their feet, and even the big institutions such as universities are struggling to remain afloat. A great deal of uncertainty still hangs around the business and work sectors in the country.
The gradual easing of lockdown measures may take an unpredictable pattern with possible spikes of reinfections warranting the reinstating of the lockdown measures. As Uganda grapples with the slowing down of its economy, the policy measures implemented may make or break Uganda’s recovery process. In this paper, we examine measures that can be taken to recover the losses Uganda has suffered and to get the economy back on track. These policy measures may also help pave the way forward for higher economic growth thus delivering Uganda into the middle-income category in the near future
Theology of work and development : the theological and ecological responsibility of the Church in sustainable development
Full text linkThis is a book publication.This piece of work focuses on the role of the church in sustainable development. The church is a major player because of the big numbers that constitute her institution. She has an everyday opportunity, and over binding responsibility to fulfill her ministry mandate. The church is one of the front line players in development, and her place is vital because she is supposed to engage a holistic role in development, more than any other player does. The author looks at development from a divine perspective, and expects all developers, to integrate the biblical teaching so that it can make meaning theologically and ecologically to sustain holistic development
Survey Report on Student Perception of Schools’ Shut-down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Full text linkThis is a policy paper on Survey Report on Student Perception of Schools’ Shut-down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in UgandaAfrica Policy Centre, a policy research Centre within Uganda Christian University embarked on a research project on the Impact of the COVID-19 disruptions on Higher Education in Uganda. It is this project that inspired the carrying out of this survey.
We were able to gather 427 responses from students in Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) around Uganda between 29th May 2020 and 11th June 2020.
This survey was distributed online, sending the link to as many different student social media platforms as possible. Respondents were thus limited to those with access to mobile phones and internet making it a convenience sample. This was a main restriction which may have limited the number of responses from students with low or no access to internet or no cell phones
History of Busoga
Full text linkThis "History of Busoga" is a translation of the original work of Mr. Y.K. Lubogo which was written in Luganda between 1921 and 1938. While considerable effort has been made to produce a readable English version, the objective of the translation is to preserve the content and style of the original work rather than produce a literary work. The facts and figures given were set forth by Mr. Y.K. Lubogo and were not checked by the Eastern Province (Bantu Language) Literature Committee. It is a pity that such a long delay has occurred between the completion of the manuscript and the publication of the book. Nevertheless, it is fortunate that this newly constituted Literature Committee has been able to produce for distribution the result of so many years hard work by the author. Since there has been this lapse in time between the writing of the original work and the appearance of this edition "The History of Busoga" is far from up-to-date and readers have to remember that when the author refers to “present day conditions", he naturally means at the time he was writing; some time prior to 1939.Ever since Busoga came into existence, none of its histories has been written down although it can be proved that most of this history is true. This history was known to every musoga, having been handed down to successive generations until the coming of Europeans such as Speke, the first White man to see the Source of the Nile in 1862. This discovery attracted more and more Europeans, whose coming effected the disappearance of the old order.
Our history was handed down the generations through a continuous chain-like process. It could just not be forgotten since, through all the ages, men and women would talk together about the various historical events in the hearing of the young generation. Further, narrating these historical events would be done during communal activities such as beer parties, games, or during all sorts of social functions, or during the ceremonies held in honour of the gods. No problem would be solved, nor any dispute settled, without reference to the past events in order to justify the solution or settlement. On such occasions, when reference was made to past events, children had the opportunity to hear and learn these things. Needless to say, the elders also had the opportunity to remind themselves of these things. There were no special historians among these people; everyone amongst them was a historian and whatever facts he remembered, would be either agreed to by his colleagues or rejected. After much dispute and explanation, they would all agree to one thing. We believe that the history of this country was preserved in this way, and as historians, we must rely on this verbal history whenever we wish to write about any particular historical event.
There are two types of clans in Busoga. The first type is the ruling clans which established themselves in their present locations at the time when Busoga was just coming into existence. Such clans were independent and each was a small enclave of only 10 - 20 square miles, each of them jealously guarded their independence. Each clan had a ruling family, with its sons and daughters regarded as princes and princesses, just like any other ruling family in a big kingdom. This is why we say that these families were like real Kabakas (kingships), as you will see later in this book. The second type of clans was that with no power over any part of the country. These clans lived under the rule of the ruling clans, from whom they got their land on which they settled. Later on, this land became theirs permanently. The clans provided servants, fighters, courtiers, wives, and labourers of all types. When these married any member of the first type of clan, the children were not regarded as princes or princesses