Academic publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/16

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A Framework for Adopting ICT-Based Services Among Coffee Farmers in Uganda: Case Study of Bugisu Subregion in Bugisu
(Springer, 2024-06-04) Moses Obulei; Emmanuel Eilu; Joseph Mutemere
While information and communication technology (ICT)-based services would help address most of the challenges faced by the coffee farmers and improve coffee production in Bugisu region, there are several challenges that hinder the adoption and use of ICT-based services among coffee farmers in Bugisu region. This study, therefore, assessed the technological challenges associated with the adoption of ICT-based services among coffee farmers in Bugisu region and examined the technological, organizational, and environmental factors that facilitate the successful adoption of ICT among coffee farmers in Bugisu subregion in Bugisu. Twenty-three participants including coffee farmers, extension workers, and Bugisu cooperative union leaders were involved in the study. Both interview and focus group discussions were utilized for data collection. The study used content analysis to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts from the field data. The study found out that lack of electricity, inadequate ICT infrastructure, high cost of ICT software and hardware, and high ICT illiteracy rates were some of the challenges faced by coffee farmers in Bugisu region. This chapter, therefore, presents a TOE framework for successful adoption of ICT among coffee farmers in Bugisu subregion in Bugisu.
A Framework for Enhancing the Adoption of E-Tax Services in Tanzania
(International Journal of ICT Research in Africa and the Middle East, 2019-12) Daniel Deogratus; Gilbert Maiga; Emmanuel Eilu
Domestic revenue collection through taxation is still below its potential in many developing countries. There have been concerted efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilization in many developing countries using ICT. However, since the use of ICT in taxation in developing countries is still relatively a new phenomenon, models and frameworks that can best guide the adoption of an e-tax service in a developing country context are lacking. Therefore, in this article, the authors investigated requirements for enhancing e-tax service adoption in a typical developing country like Tanzania. Requirements for enhancing e-tax service adoption were first elicited through literature review and validated using questionnaires and an interview guide. The requirements for enhancing e-tax adoption were used to extend TOE framework developed by Tornatzky and Fleischer in 1990. This article, therefore, presents a model that supports electronic tax services adoption in a typical developing country like Tanzania
A Framework for Enhancing the Influence of Evaluation in the Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism
(2024-01) Martin Kizito
This study analyses the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), as a governance evaluation framework mandated by Article 5(2) of the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act of 2000. It aimed at generating a framework for enhancing the APRM, and in turn positively influence public policy outcomes in AU member states. The study was in response to increasing calls for empirical field studies especially about African home-grown initiatives, to guide stakeholders on how evaluation inputs translate into activities and consequently policy outcomes. In contributing to the decolonising agenda, in policy evaluation knowledge, it argues that APRM, is a Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE), but adopts a Eurocentric rational and outcome oriented approach to evaluation. This mismatch, in light of the limited attention given to the implementation process of peer review, has resulted into concerns of emerging patterns of evaluation under-use, misuse and non-use or inaction. This trend may result into an evaluation crisis, affecting the sustainability of the APRM as a catalyst to the realisation of the AU Agenda 2063. Using a mechanism-based approach, this thesis aims at bridging the knowledge gap by empirically drawing on qualitative data collected from 35 purposively selected participants. Through interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD), it established the perceptions of APRM stakeholders, about the impact of the first and second-generation peer reviews (2005-2018) as well as the refugee policy framework as a reported best practice. The findings were analysed inductively using ATLAS.ti 08 qualitative software and they reveal that the APRM first National Plan of Action (NPoA) was among the 23 core studies that directly informed the formulation of Uganda’s initial National Development Plan (NDPI). Nevertheless, APRM influence is declining to show casing best practices, with increasing symbolic use but also mis-use of APRM recommendations. This is attributed to inadequate financial and technical capacity inputs, lack of a well-domesticated legal framework supporting APRM activities, stakeholders without a well-established culture of evaluations and a political context that allows selective use of evaluations in policies. In the proposed framework, the study recommends inclusive participation in evaluation input, activities aligned with government plans; institutionalising government wide reporting on NPoA implementation and establish a well-domesticated legal framework.
A Model for Improving Social Media Tax Compliance in Uganda
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024, 2024-06-04) Emmanuel Eilu; Joseph Mutemere; Peter Wanda; Justus Byamukama; Peter Kamya
When the social media tax was introduced in Uganda in June 2018, a case was filed in the Constitutional Court seeking the nullification of the tax. A campaign hashtag “#ThisTaxMustGo” was created against the tax. Social media users began using Virtual Private Network (VPN) Apps installed on their smartphones to evade the tax. One year after its introduction, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) acknowledged that the social media tax was among the worst-performing tax categories for 2018/19. Only UGX 49.5 billion was collected in 2019, against the projected UGX 284 billion, hence a 17.4% performance. URA observed that there was a need for a deeper study of social media tax to find ways of improving its compliance. This chapter surveyed the social media tax compliance levels and investigated ways of improving compliance with the social media tax among the taxpayers in Uganda. A survey was conducted in Mbale municipality, where a total of 381 closed-ended questions with ordered choices were given out within the municipality, and 325 were filled out and returned for analysis. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and Excel were used to analyse quantitative data. The results of the survey revealed that 40% of social media users did not pay the social media tax whenever they wanted to access social media, while 58% of those who did not pay the tax used VPN to evade the social media tax. About 67% said the social media tax was very high, while 75% said the tax was unfair and 68% said the introduction of the social media tax was an attempt to reduce freedom of expression. This chapter presents a modified model for improving social media tax compliance in Uganda. It is hoped that this model may be of great use to the Uganda Revenue Authority and other revenue bodies in developing countries seeking to improve tax compliance.
A Multi-national Validity Analysis of the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24)
(Routledge, 2019) Croucher, Stephen M.; Kelly, Stephanie; Rahmani, Diyako; Jackson, Kelsea; Lando, Agnes; Galy-Badenas, Flora; Agnes, Lando; Chibita, Monica; Nyiranasbimana, Venantie; Turdubaeva, Elira; Eskiçorapçı, Nadirabegim; Condon, Shawn Michael; Stanalieva, Gulzada; Orunbekov, Bakyt
Methodological issues abound when conducting cross-cultural research. In this manuscript we discuss three methodological issues present in many cross-cultural communication studies: lack of geographic diversity, reliability, and validity. To explore these issues the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) is assessed. The PRCA-24 serves as an exemplar of a US-designed and -validated measure frequently used outside the US without tests of validity or measurement invariance. In fact, since 1990 less than 10 studies have reported validity results, often citing fit issues. The PRCA-24 was administered to respondents from 11 countries and failed to yield acceptable fit statistics in all samples, showing poor construct validity. Implications for cross-cultural research are discussed, with particular emphasis on recommendations for increased cross-cultural methodological rigor.
A Multi-national Validity Analysis of the Self Perceived Communication Competence Scale
(Routledge, 2020) Croucher, Stephen M.; Kelly, Stephanie; Rahmani, Diyako; Burkey, Mark; Subanaliev, Talgat; Galy-Badenas, Flora; Lando, Agnes Lucy; Chibita, Monica; Nyiranasbimana, Venantie; Turdubaeva, Elira; Eskiçorapçı, Nadirabegim; Jackson, Kelsea
The self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) measure has been used in over 50 published studies since 2000. McCroskey and McCroskey (1988. Self-report as an approach to measuring communication competence. Communication Research Reports, 5, 108–113. doi: 10.1080/08824098809359810) developed the measure to be used within the US college/university classroom. Despite its intended use, the measure is frequently used outside of the US and outside of the college/university setting without tests of measurement invariance. In fact, only four studies have performed tests of internal consistency on the measure since 2000, and each has found poor fit. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the measure outside of its intended population. The measure was utilized to survey respondents from 12 countries and failed to yield acceptable fit statistics in all samples, showing poor evidence of construct validity.
A National Framework for Sustainability of Health Knowledge Translation Initiatives in Uganda
(Uganda Country Node of the Regional East African Community Health Policy Initiative, 2014-05-26) Robert Basaza; Alison Annet Kinengyere; Nelson Sewankambo
This report is intended to inform the deliberations of those engaged in developing policies on sustainability of health knowledge translation initiatives policies as well as other stakeholders with an interest in such policy decisions. It summarizes the best available evidence regarding the design and implementation of policies on how to advance sustainability of health knowledge translation initiatives policies in Uganda’s [mainstream] health system. The purpose of the report is not to prescribe or proscribe specific options or implementation strategies. Instead, the report allows stakeholders to consider the available evidence about the likely impacts of the different options systematically and transparently.
A Socio-History of the Media and Participation in Uganda
(Routledge, 2007) Chibita, Monica; Fourie, Peter, J.
This article is based on research done for a doctoral thesis titled Indigenous language programming and citizen participation in Ugandan broadcasting: An exploratory study (Chibita, 2006). The purpose of the thesis was to investigate and show the importance of first-language media for the participation of citizens in democratic processes. The thesis covered a wide range of topics including linguistic perspectives on language and participation, the history, structure and operation of the media in Uganda, the regulatory environment for linguistic diversity in Uganda's broadcast media, debates about indigenous language broadcasting in Uganda, and policy recommenda tions. In this article, the emphasis is on one of the topics dealt with in the thesis, namely key political, economic and cultural factors in Uganda's history and how these factors, including the right to the use of indigenous languages, have had an important impact on citizens' capacity to participate in public debate through the media (especially broadcasting). It is argued that the opportunities for Ugandans to participate in their governance through critiquing and making an input in government policy have been limited by a number of factors. These include bad colonial and postcolonial policies on the media and language, poverty, low levels of education, and lack of basic access to the means of participation. They have also been limited by governments which have proscribed freedom of expression and association by varying means and to different degrees since the early twentieth century.
Adoption of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) for Value-Added Tax (VAT) Collection in Kenya and Tanzania: A Systematic Review
(The African Journal of Information and Communication, 2018-05) Emmanuel Eilu
Domestic revenue collection through taxation is still below its potential in many Sub-Saharan African countries. In an attempt to boost their tax revenues, many national governments have deployed electronic fiscal devices (EFDs) to improve value-added tax (VAT) collection. However, there is evidence indicating that the deployment of EFDs in some African countries has encountered substantial challenges. Using the systematic review method, the research described in this article investigated challenges encountered in adoption of EFDs in Kenya and Tanzania. The review concludes by modelling recommendations, extracted from seven existing studies, in terms of the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework (Tornatzky & Fleisher, 1990). This model is an effort to provide a potential guide for successful EFD adoption in East Africa.
Africa Communicating: Digital Technologies, Repersentation and Power
(Nokoko Institution of African Studies, 2013) Alzouma, Gado; Chibita, Monica; Tettety, Wisdom; Thompson, Allan
An Assessment of Usability of Online Tax Return Services in Uganda and Its Influence on Tax Revenue
(AfriCHI '21: 3rd African Human-Computer Interaction Conference, 2021-03-08) Emmanuel Eilu; Walyawula Christopher; Reuben Soita
The introduction of various online tax return services in sub-Saharan Africa was meant to foster tax compliance and improve tax revenues for economic growth and development. However, there is evidence that these online tax services may not have improved tax returns as expected. In this paper, we set out to investigate how the usability factor of these online tax return services has affected the use of the services by the tax payer. This research undertook a pilot study in Uganda which is a typical Sub-Saharan African country. We majorly focused on the online tax return services provided by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). In order to assess the usability level of these services, the System Usability Scale (SUS) was used. Developed by John Brooke in 1986, the SUS is a simple, ten-item scale used to conduct usability assessments on a systems. Twenty two tax paying businesses within Central Business District of Mbale municipality in Uganda were selected for the study. The study found out that, out of the four online tax return services provided by URA at the time of the study, only 50 % of the online tax return services were utilized by the tax payers. Only 33% of the different electronic payment modes provided by URA are used. The findings also revealed that the SUS average score for URA's online tax return services was 53, and this means that the average usability score for the URA online tax return services was 16%. This signifies serious usability problems with the services. Based on the findings of this study, there is a high likelihood that poor usability of the online tax return services may have played a major role in the low tax revenues expected from the online tax return services in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa in general.
Assessing the economic feasibility of integrated waste to use systems for Uganda
(Avanti Publishers, 2021-09-08) Miria Frances Agunyo; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Kukunda Elizabeth Bacwayo
Waste and sanitation Management is a major challenge in urban areas in Uganda where waste is composed of at least 70% organic content and is basically collected and disposed of in landfills. While 90% of the sanitation facilities used are onsite systems often requiring additional treatment of sewage and faecal matter sewage, yet faecal and sewage sludge treatment plants are few. The projected population increase is expected to further influence urbanization, increasing the need for basic waste and sanitation services. Integrated Waste to Use systems that consider combined management of organic waste streams i.e. biowaste, animal waste, sewage and faecal sludge, could be a viable solution for the urban areas. The systems which consist of a combination of anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration and solar drying technologies promote resource recovery in the form of biogas, briquettes and organic fertilizer. The economic feasibility of the Waste to Use systems was carried out and the results indicated that the feasibility of the systems was positively influenced by the inclusion of the anaerobic digestion process, which allowed for recovery of biogas and digestate as organic fertilizer. Furthermore, a combination of low system investment costs, increased revenues from resource recovery, consideration of equity capital of at least 30%, interest rate of at most 10% and fugitive emissions less than 7 % would positively influence the economic feasibility of the system alternatives.
Assessment of Needle Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study From Kakiri Military and SOS Hospitals, Uganda
(International Journal of Healthcare, 2021-12-07) Robert Basaza; Otieno Emmanuel; Christopher Keith Haddock
The Ugandan military medical services work together with the civilian public health system to deliver quality healthcare. This Partnership is the mainstay of health service delivery in Uganda. The burden of needle stick injuries (NSIs) is increasing in Uganda’s larger health industry; however, data on needle stick injury in military and public health facilities is lacking. No published data exist on comparative studies for a mix of facilities both military and civilian health settings. This study represents the first time this issue has been studied in a military or public health hospital in Uganda. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2018 to September 2019 in Kakiri Military and SOS Hospitals in Uganda using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were purposively selected based on the objectives of study, occupation status and department (N = 310). The overall prevalence of NSIs among respondents was 27.2% and prevalence rates for the two facilities was nearly identical. The largest percentage of NSIs occurred during drawing venous blood samples (49.4%). Significant predictors of NSI were gender, occupational status, age, poor knowledge on prevention and post exposure of NSI, and less professional experience. Infection control practices were lacking in both selected health facilities. Over a quarter of HCWs in Uganda reported NSIs, which places them at significant health risk. Fostering the practice of universal precautions, best infection control practices and training of healthcare workers on bio-safety measures can reduce the prevalence of NSIs.
Assessment Uganda Health System Pre-assessment Report 2016
(United States Agency for International Development/Uganda, 2016-08) Sebastian Olikira Baine; Robert Basaza; Beth Ann Pratt
The 2011-2015 USAID/Uganda Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS 1.0) hypothesized that a structurally sound, well-resourced, functioning health system, supporting access to quality service delivery is essential to ensuring effective utilization of health services and subsequently, to improving health outcomes in Uganda (USAID, 2010). Therefore, as USAID/Uganda approaches the end of implementation of CDCS 1.0 and in preparation for the next CDCS, it is important to understand the changes that have occurred in the elements of the system and elements that currently comprise Uganda’s national health system, the relationships and interdependencies between these elements, and the fiscal, political, economic, social, and multi-sectoral factors and stakeholders that influence and impact the system’s functionality. The World Health Organization defines a health system as “all organizations, people and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health,” the purpose of which is to improve access and coverage of responsive, efficient, effective, equitable, and quality-driven health services (WHO, 2000). To this end, a health system is supported by a set of basic building blocks - including human resources, financing, information systems, medical supply chains, governance mechanisms, and ervice delivery structures - linked to quality assurance mechanisms, all of which serve to uphold the health sector’s responsibility and accountability to both patients and their communities (Figure 1). For diagrammatic purposes, health systems frameworks often present these building blocks as parallel, stand-alone pillars. In practice, however, elements of a health system are mutually derivative and reinforcing.
Barriers to Access and Utilization of Health Services Among Marginalized Communities in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Scoping Review
(International Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing Practice, 2024-05-14) Theoneste Nteziryayo; Robert K Basaza; Humphrey C Karamagi; Prossy K Namyalo
Purpose: This scoping review aimed to investigate the barriers encountered by marginalized communities in sub-Saharan African countries when accessing and utilizing healthcare services. Methodology: The scoping review was evaluated through online databases like the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline and SCOPUS review according to the barriers to accessing and utilizing health services among marginalized communities in sub- Saharan African countries. The scoping review identifies the articles from the topic through the online databases using the including and excluding criteria. Findings: The findings identified the barriers to healthcare access, lack of communication and language, and not sharing the proper health details with the healthcare professional. The findings also demonstrated the implications and consequences such as health disparities, economic burden, social and human rights implications, loss of productivity and development, public health implications, and reinforcing social exclusion. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This scoping review illuminates the intricate nexus of socio-economic factors, cultural dynamics, and human rights awareness as barriers to healthcare access in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings offer actionable insights for healthcare practitioners to customize services for marginalized communities, addressing communication gaps and information-sharing reluctance. Moreover, policymakers can utilize these insights to advocate evidence-based policies aimed at promoting equitable healthcare access and enhancing health literacy. Thus, this research serves as a vital conduit between theoretical understanding, practical application, and policy formulation, facilitating the advancement of inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery in the region.
Bridging Motivational Gaps: A Framework Tailored to Teacher Training Institutions in Eastern Uganda
(East African Journal of Education Studies, 2025-04-01) Margaret Sarah Nafuna; Joel Yawe Masagazi; David Andrew Omona
This study, entitled "Bridging Motivational Gaps: A Motivational Framework Tailored to Teacher Training Institutions in Eastern Uganda," explores the pressing issue of tutor motivation within Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in the region. The objective of this study is to ex-amine the motivational strategies employed in Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in Eastern Uganda and develop an integrated framework that aligns tutor needs with institutional objectives to enhance professional growth and tutor satisfaction. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study adopts a case study design, drawing on data collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Participants included tutors, principals, members of Boards of Governors, and Parent-Teacher Association representatives, whose diverse perspectives provided comprehensive insights into the motivational dynamics at play. The findings indicate that existing motivational strategies in TTIs are predominantly financial, such as allowances for supervision and school practice. However, tutors underscored the critical value of non-financial incentives, including recognition, leadership opportunities, and avenues for career development. The study underscores the need for a holistic approach to motivation, integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic factors alongside structured feedback mechanisms and enhanced institutional support. As an original contribution, this research introduces the Integrated Motivational Framework for Teacher Training Institutions (IMFTTI), a conceptual model aimed at aligning tutor needs with institutional objectives, fostering professional growth, and enhancing overall tutor satisfaction. The study recommends institutional adoption of the IMF-TTI framework to systematize balanced motivational strategies and address existing challenges, thereby advancing tutor performance and educational outcomes in Eastern Uganda. Directions for future research are also provided, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of motivation in educational contexts.
Characterization and treatment effects on Mutaka kaolin for additive in coatings: Mineral composition, thermal and structural modifications
(Heliyon, 2024-01-15) Andrew Kasumba Buyondo; Hillary Kasedde; John Baptist Kirabira; Ocident Bongomin
Previous studies in Uganda have primarily explored kaolin’s applications in composites, pottery, bricks, and insulation, neglecting its potential for coatings and paints, which is crucial for industrialization and saving foreign exchange. This study investigates the transformation of kaolin through various treatments and analyzes their impacts on its physical and chemical properties for potential use in coating applications. Thermal analysis, X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were employed to assess these alterations. The results show that thermal treatment of kaolin at 45.9 ◦C had minimal impact on mass loss, while the crystallinity of kaolinite was found to be lost around 600 ◦C, resulting in structural changes. XRF result demonstrates variations in SiO2 and Al2O3 composition, with low TiO2 content desirable for paint and coating applications. XRD results showed well-defined diffractions associated with kaolinite in all treated and untreated kaolin samples. The presence of K-feldspar and quartz are also identified. However, the thermal treatment at 800 ◦C transforms kaolinite into metakaolin, essential for enhancing coating properties. SEM-EDS results indicate increased porosity and reduced impurities in the thermal-treated sample, which might enhance the whiteness and suitability of pigment and binder dispersion in coatings. TEM images confirmed the hexagonal nature of kaolinite platelets and demonstrated the amorphous nature of kaolin nanoparticles with ammonium molybdate treatment, which led to the delamination and exfoliation of kaolinite layers, improving dispersibility. Kaolin thermally treated exhibited good crystallinity, solid growth, cubic morphology, and uniform size distribution. These findings suggest that tailored treatments can optimize kaolin’s properties, making it a promising additive for high-performance coatings.
Co-seismic and Rainfall-Triggered Landslide Hazard Susceptibility Assessment for Uganda Derived Using Fuzzy Logic and Geospatial Modelling Techniques
(Springer, 2025-07) Morris Oleng; Zuhal Ozdemir; Kypros Pilakoutas
Uganda has suffered from many damaging landslides like the 1966 Rwenzori, 1994 Kisomoro and 2010 Bududa events. Despite escalating landslide risks exacerbated by rapid deforestation, urbanization and population growth coupled with a substandard building stock, comprehensive national co-seismic and rainfall-induced landslide hazard and risk maps for Uganda do not exist. This study therefore aims to conduct landslide hazard assessment and zonation for Uganda using a geospatial-based fuzzy logic methodology. In this methodology, landslide frequency ratios obtained for the 1966 Toro and 1994 Kisomoro earthquakes are assigned to the stochastic event-based probabilistic seismic hazard map derived using OpenQuake-engine. The available co-seismic and rainfall-induced landslide inventory datasets are used to derive the distribution of landslide frequency ratios based on geology, topographic slope position index, slope aspect, slope angle, distance from streams, and proximity to major active faults. The spatial distribution of fuzzy membership functions obtained from frequency ratios are overlaid and aggregated to produce landslide susceptibility maps showing relative probabilities of landslide occurrences across Uganda. Results indicate that the highest overall landslide hazard susceptibility is expected in areas comprising highly weathered outcropping rocks of precambrian granites, dominantly metasedimentary, and granulites and gneisses geologies within 40 km from major active faults; where the bedrock peak ground acceleration ≥ 0.1 g, topographic position index ≥ 3.8, slope gradient ≥ 10°, and the distance from streams ≤ 1.25 km. These findings can inform Uganda’s directorate of disaster preparedness and management towards pioneering the development of co-seismic landslide risk mitigation measures for the country.
Compost quality of a peri-urban waste composting facility: A case of Mukono municipality, Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2023-08-21) Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Maxmillan Mpewo; Junior Senyonga Kasima; Kheria Mfuranzima
Effective management of windrow-based composting technology in developing cities is a major challenge, especially for municipal authorities mandated to offer these services. Poorly managed waste composting systems could affect the quality of compost and cause complex environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of compost of a waste composting facility in Mukono municipality, central Uganda. Mature compost samples were collected from windrows in the waste composting facility and the samples analyzed for physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, moisture content, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and potassium) and for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, copper) and metalloids (arsenic). To assess the quality of the compost, the analyzed results of the samples were compared with common ranges for compost quality. Concentration of heavy metals ranged between 0.01 mg/l (cadmium) and 0.4 mg/l (copper). Except for alkaline pH (9.1), which was higher than the recommended range for mature compost quality, all physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were within common ranges for compost quality. Moisture content and pH correlated with heavy metals, 0.75 and 0.78, respectively. Mean total nitrogen and phosphorus were 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, while organic matter was 21.7% and potassium 0.3%. Compost quality did not differ between seasons (P = 0.05). Based on the study results, continuous investigative research is recommended to safeguard the compost quality.
Constructivists’ Teacher-Preparation Strategy for Crossover to the 21st Century: A Case of Eastern Uganda
(Global Publication House, 2024) Emmanuel Humphrey Gusango; Mary Teophira Kagoire Ocheng; Moses Wambi; Alfred Buluma; Wycliff Edwin Tusiime
This study aimed to explore the constructivists' teacher-preparation practices in selected Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) in Eastern Uganda as leverage to derive a strategy that enables crossover to the 21st Century. A qualitative research design using purposively sampled Primary Teachers Colleges and 15 participants informed the study. Data were collected using multiple in-depth interviews and observations and analyzed following Moustakas's (1994) procedure. Data analysis and results revealed that teacher educators continue to rely on traditional approaches in instruction and supervision of school practice. This phenomenological study established the lived experiences of teacher educators and students in light of constructivists’ teaching. Colleges are nascent in implementing modern constructivist practices in education moving away from being stuck to traditional instructional practices and the lack of motivation and knowledge among teacher educators to adopt modern approaches. This research study adds to the existing pool of knowledge, suggesting how constructivist’ teaching can support teaching effectiveness and promote students’ learning by amplifying the need for pedagogical enhancement and digital fluency through integrating ICT and reflective practice in instruction. The study recommends establishing and setting up a Reflective Practice Laboratory at the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE)- Another Degree Awarding Institution in Uganda, and the affiliated Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) for Teacher Educators and trainees’ induction on several constructivist’ practices that include systematic reflection, clinical supervision, use and integration of ICT and other interventions in congruence with the Education Agenda 2063 and 21st Century Skills.

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