Academic publications

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/16

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

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 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 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.
Africa Communicating: Digital Technologies, Repersentation and Power
(Nokoko Institution of African Studies, 2013) Alzouma, Gado; Chibita, Monica; Tettety, Wisdom; Thompson, Allan
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.
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.
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.
Dentification of Growth Stage-Specific Watering Thresholds for Drought Screening in Solanum aethiopicum Shum
(Natureresearch, 2020) Nakanwagi, Mildred Julian; Sseremba, Godfrey; Kabod Nahamya , Pamela; Masanza, Michael; Balyejusa Kizito, Elizabeth
Effective phenotyping for drought resistance is a pre-requisite for identification of modest crop varieties for farmers. For neglected and underutilized crops such as Solanum aethiopicum Shum group, no drought screening protocol based on rigorous iterations has been documented. A split-plot nested treatment structure was arranged in an experiment to identify growth stage-specific watering thresholds for this crop. Three plant growth stages (main plot; seedling, vegetative and flowering), watering regime at plant growth stage (2 regimes; well-watered and drought stressed) and day since last watering at plant growth stage were evaluated for soil moisture content (SMC), leaf wilting score (LWS), number of green leaves per plant (LPP) and leaf blade width (LBW). Highly significant differences (p < 0.001) were found at the different plant growth stages, watering regime (WR) within plant growth stage, and day within WR and plant growth stage. Under drought stress treatment, SMC declined exponentially at each stage. The earliest leaf wilting, reduction in LPP and LBW were generally observed at flowering followed by vegetative and slowest at the seedling stage. For future effective drought phenotyping studies in S. aethiopicum Shum and related crops, we recommend setting minimum drought stress treatments below 18% SMC at which the LWS is ≥2 at the vegetative.
Effects of thermal and chemical modification on the physical properties of Ugandan Mutaka Kaolin
(2023-08-12) Andrew Kasumba Buyondo; Hillary Kasedde; John Baptist Kirabira; Ocident Bongomin
This study investigates the impact of thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 600 °C to 1050 °C and chemical treatment using (COOH)2·2H2O and Al2(MoO4)3 at concentrations of 0.01 M, 0.05 M, and 0.1 M. The modified kaolin samples’ pH, oil adsorption capacity, refractive index, specific gravity, and viscosity were examined. Comprehensive analyses were performed to characterize the modified kaolin samples. The spectrum results revealed dealumination, with a corresponding increase in silicon content due to chemical treatment, while the aluminum content decreased compared to thermal treatment results. As observed with the calcined kaolin sample, a significant portion of the OH stretch groups vanished with disappearance stretches along the bands at 1229.6 and 1009.2 cm−1, corresponding to Si–O stretching vibrations. The specific gravity of calcined kaolin was observed to be relatively lower than TiO2. Furthermore, the obtained pH of 4.0 or lower, or a pH of 9.0 or higher, is classified as corrosive. The ideal temperature range for achieving optimal oil absorption lies within the 800 °C–900 °C range, where metakaolin properties favor effective oil uptake. The chemical concentration had a notable impact on the dispersion of kaolin powders, in contrast to calcined kaolin. At 800 °C, calcined kaolin attained an almost ideal refractive index for water-based paints, closely aligning with the refractive index of water.
Etiology and Pattern of Mandibular Fractures Among Patients Attending Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit in Mulago Hospital, Uganda: a Cross–Sectional Study
(SRYAHWA, 2018) Rwenyonyi, Charles Mugisha; Mpiima, Patrick; Kasangaki, Arabat; Nkamba, Eriab
Background: The mandible is one of the most commonly fractured bones of the facial skeleton because of its anatomical prominence. Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the etiological factors and pattern of mandibular fractures among patients (n=73) aged 3 – 55 years attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Mulago Hospital. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study among patients with mandibular fractures who were consecutively recruited after informed consent. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical oral examination. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 17 for Windows, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Results: There were 73 patients with 107 mandibular fracture sites. Most fractures were caused by road traffic accident (58%) and assault (38%), and especially among pedestrians and passengers. About half of the patients with fractures were aged 21-30 years. The sex ratio of the patients was 7.7 males versus 1 female. About 17% of the patients were under the influence of alcohol during injury. Majority (69.9%) of the injuries occurred in the Kampala Metropolitan area. Single fractures were observed in 55% of the patients and half of them, displaced. About 91% of the patients with multiple fractures were bilateral. Conclusions: The present study indicated that road traffic accidents and assaults were major causes of madibular fractures, particularly among the youths in the studied population. Males were more prone to mandibular fractures.
Evaluation of Agricultural Waste-Based Briquettes as an Alternative Biomass Fuel for Cooking in Uganda
(East African Nature & Science Organisation, 2024-02-27) Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Junior Senyonga Kasima; Maxmillan Mpewo; Miria Frances Agunyo
Wood fuel has been adopted as a feasible alternative to cooking energy sources in efforts to replace fossil fuels. However, the exorbitant use of wood fuel has raised concern as it is the major cause of forest cover loss in Uganda. Briquettes have been recommended as sources of cooking energy with potential to substitute wood fuel. Unfortunately, sawdust, a product of deforestation, is the primary material used in making briquettes in Uganda. This instead augments the problem of fuel-induced deforestation. Agricultural wastes could potentially be converted into briquetting materials for generation of cooking energy, although these are less studied in Uganda. Thus, this study established the potential of agricultural wastes as alternative briquetting materials for use in cooking. Four fuel types: charcoal from Mangifera indica, firewood of Eucalyptus grandis, carbonized and non-carbonized briquettes from agricultural wastes, all from within Mukono District were used for the study. Laboratory based experiments were used to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the fuels. Data were analysed using R software, Ver. 4.2.3. Carbonised briquettes’ mean performance measures were higher than conventional fuels (p≤0.05) and non-carbonised briquettes. The amount of energy required to attain experimental boiling point of water was higher (p≤0.05) in conventional fuels and non-carbonised briquettes than in carbonised briquettes. Duration to boil 5 litres of water was least with the conventional fuel sources. All the fuel sources’ emissions exceeded the maximum range recommended for indoor carbon monoxide levels. However, the particulate matter emission was lower in carbonised briquettes and charcoal than the other fuel sources. Agricultural waste-based carbonised briquettes could effectively be used as an alternative cooking energy source in Uganda. The study recommends conducting cost benefit analyses on the use of agricultural waste-based briquettes as cooking energy sources.
Evaluation of Partial Replacement of Fish Meal with Lablab Purpureus Seed Meal on the Performance of Broilers
(Africa Journals Online, 2022) Isabirye Kuzegera, David; Higenyi, James; Balyejusa Kizito, Elizabeth; xGalukande, Esau Galukande
This study investigated the use of Lablab purpureus seed meal as protein ingredient replacing fish meal. One hundred eighty (180) broiler chicks were used in a complete randomized block design. Three treatments were used; A (fish meal, as control), B (30% fish replacement by roasted lablab with enzyme supplement) and C (45% fish replacement by roasted lablab with enzyme supplement). The parameters studied were; feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Results revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the treatments. Throughout the study, chicks registered high feed intake on diet C and A while that in group B reported the least. Average weight gains were high for group C and A while group B registered the lowest. Feed conversion ration; lowest for group C and highest in group B. Therefore, a better performance of broilers is enhanced consumption by high intake of feed, high weight gains and low FCR, 45% dietary fish meal can be replaced by Lablab purpureus seed meal with enzyme supplement in a compounded broiler finisher.
Fault-Oriented Spatially Distributed Seismicity Model and Coseismic Landslide Hazard Assessment Framework for Uganda
(SECED, 2023-09-15) Morris Oleng; Zuhal Ozdemir; Kypros Pilakoutas
Uganda’s location between the western and eastern branches of the East African Rift System exposes several parts of the Sub-Saharan African country, which already suffers from landslides, to earthquakes of varying degrees. Over the past decades, many destructive seismic events e.g., the 1929 Masaka, 1966 Toro, 1994 Kisomoro and 2016 Bukoba earthquakes have caused enormous human and economic losses. Moreover, the catastrophic impacts of these events have been exacerbated by the triggered landslides around earthquake epicentres. The proliferation of a substandard building stock caused by lack of building control and obsolete seismic design guidelines coupled with rapid population growth and urbanisation exposes Uganda to a massively increasing risk from such disasters. Hence, there is an urgent need to quantify this risk so that mitigation measures can be applied. In retrospect, as the first step towards the development of a seismic risk and resilience assessment framework for Uganda, this paper holistically presents a stochastic probabilistic seismic multi-hazard model developed based on fault-oriented and spatially distributed seismicity data for Uganda. Suitable attenuation relationships are implemented using a logic tree approach to predict ground motion in both stable continental and active shallow crust geological formations. Herein, the multi-hazard assessment tool incorporates coseismic landslides into the framework for Uganda. Mean seismic hazard maps in terms of PGA are computed for 475 and 2475-year return periods, in addition to a probabilistic assessment of coseismic landslides based on various conditioning factors. The findings, which are generally consistent with previous regional studies, indicate that western Uganda is prone to higher seismicity and coseismic landslides compared with the other parts of the country. Correspondingly, the framework presented herein can be used to kick-start the update and continuous improvement of Uganda Seismic Design Code, as well as help develop a National Seismic Mitigation Strategy.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Secondary School Teenagers Towards HIV Transmission and Prevention in Rural and Urban Areas of Central Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016-07) Rukundo, Annamaria; Muwonge, Mathias M.; Mugisha, Danny; Aturwanaho, Dickens; Kasangaki, Arabat; Bbosa, Godfrey S.
HIV/AIDS has remained a challenge in Uganda among adolescent despite the ABC strategy used globally to prevent HIV infection. The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of secondary school teenagers towards HIV transmission and prevention in rural and urban schools of central Uganda. A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews was used to collect data from adolescents in secondary schools in Kampala and Buikwe districts. Eight schools were randomly selected with 4 schools in each district. A total of 245 students from schools were recruited in the study with 120 and 125 students from urban Kampala and rural Buikwe district schools respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11. The results were expressed as percentages in a 2 × 2 tables. The mean age of the participants was 15.9 ± 2.5 years. Results showed that 95.1% participants had knowledge on HIV/AIDS in both urban and rural schools and 27.4% knew all the modes of HIV transmission. About 83.7% knew the ABC strategy for HIV prevention and 37.6% would talk about HIV/AIDS mainly with friends. For HIV cure, 62.0% of study participants reported non-cure and 24.9% were not sure. The remaining 13.1% of the study participants in both urban and rural schools reported that HIV can be cured. And the modes of curing HIV that were mentioned by participants included spiritual healing, transmitting it to others through sexual intercourse and that antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs can cure it as well as that it can be cured abroad. About 65.7% of participants reported recognition of one with HIV/ AIDS and by having red lips, being sickly; weight loss, skin rash and being very rich were mentioned. About 39.2% of the study participants mentioned that they cannot get infected with HIV and can’t contract HIV at all and 18.4% believed that chances of getting HIV infection were high. On perception and attitude on condoms and their use, participants reported that it is a sign of mistrust, reduces sexual pleasures and they are embarrassing to buy. Majority of the participants in both urban and rural schools had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS and the ABC strategy for HIV prevention. However, there was a knowledge gap on the various modes of HIV transmission and prevention. There was misconception of the participants on HIV/AIDS cure, condom use and on the chances of contracting HIV. About the source of HIV/AIDS information, majority of the participants were getting information on HIV/AIDS from friends of which some information was misleading. This false information could be the reason for the increased HIV prevalence reported among the adolescents in the schools. Generally, participants had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS though they had knowledge gap on HIV transmission and prevention.
NREN Network Security: A case study of Uganda Christian University ICT Infrastructure
(2013) Matsiko, Perez; Kiden, Sarah
The long wait for high speed access to the Internet is finally coming to an end. National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) are being connected to the rest of the world through high speed fiber optic cables. This paper focuses on NREN security with Uganda Christian University (UCU) as a case study. It discusses how regional and national reseach and education networks will signifiantly lower bandwidth costs for the member institutions. It goes ahead to discuss the initial UCU ICT infrastructure, security practices and implementation, and then suggest recommendations based on lessons learnt and experiences.
Oralture on twin rituals among Jopadhola of Uganda
(Academic Journals, 2016-05) Owor, Joseph Jakisa; Naula, Mary
The purpose of this study was to identify and critically analyze the oralture products associated with rituals concerning twins among the Jopadhola of Uganda. The study had the following objectives: to establish the successive stages in the life of twins among the Jopadhola and the rituals which accompany them; establish the nature or categories and functions of the oralture produced around these rituals; and establish the content and the literary features of these oralture products. The study used a qualitative approach, involving observation and verbal interviews with twenty seven respondents. The researchers listened to songs in response to the designed interview schedule. The findings reveal that oralture around rituals concerning twins among the Jopadhola are rich in literary features like imagery, kenning, personification, metaphors, symbols, satire, hyperbole, repetition, similes and structure with numerous functions, categories and features that pertain to them. Songs proved to be more utilized than all other literary products and the least used are the sayings and folktales.
Plant Communities as Indicators of Anthropogenic Disturbance on a Peri-Urban Tropical Wetland of Lutembe Bay Wetland System, Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-08-21) Nuubu Takuwa; Eleanor Wozei; Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe; Geoffrey Malinga; George Kilande; Joel Kinobe
Wetland degradation linked to peri-urban anthropogenic pressures is a major threat to wetland biodiversity. However, little is known of the response of biodiversity to this disturbance. Biotic indicator species are useful for assessing the health and ecological integrity of wetlands. This study evaluated patterns of plant species richness and composition and determined species character izing each of three differently disturbed wetland sites ofLutembe Bay Wetland, a peri-urban Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an Important Bird Area in Uganda. The study revealed that total nitrogen decreased following wetland degradation, but total phosphorous was not affected; pH values were <5.5, while OM content was low in the lightly and heavily (2.5–4.4%) degraded sites. While plant species richness did not differ among the sites, total species richness was higher in heavily disturbed, compared to lightly disturbed and relatively intact sites. Community composition differed significantly among the three sites. Indicator plant species were then identified which could be employed as a rapid assessment tool to infer the level of degradation in the sustainable management of Afrotropical wetlands by practitioners. Results show that continued unsustainable use of wetlands results in changes in soil properties and plant species composition, highlighting the need to restore anthropogenically disturbed parts of wet lands and to prevent further degradation of less degraded areas.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Dental Caries Among Children and Adults in Selected Districts in Uganda
(African Health Sciences, 2015-12) Kutesa, Annet; Kasangaki, Arabat; Nkamba, Moses; Muwazi, Louis; Okullo, Isaac; Rwenyonyi, Charles Mugisha
Objective: The aim was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental caries among adults and children in seven districts of Uganda. Methods: Participants aged 11-13 (n=1230) and 35-44 years (n=648) were randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Gulu, Soroti, Jinja, Masaka, Kabale, Kabarole and Hoima districts. They were examined by 4 trained and calibrated dentists for dental caries using Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth index as described by World Health Organisation. Results: Overall mean DMFT score was 0.73 for children and 4.71 for adults. Generally, there was a higher mean DMFT score in the rural (2.19) compared to urban areas (1.97). In all the districts, except Hoima, there was a higher mean DMFT score of children in rural compared to urban. In adults, similar trend was mainly registered in Masaka, Hoima and Gulu dis tricts. Most participants (79.9%, n=1309) occasionally ate sugared snacks. Overall, 95% (n=1795) of the participants cleaned their teeth with plastic tooth brushes (71.7%) and chewing sticks (8.3%). Conclusion: Although the severity of dental caries was low, the disease was widespread in the study population. A high proportion of participants reported consumption of sugared snacks and drinks, which calls for oral health education.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Goats in Sironko District, Eastern Uganda
(Africa Journals Online, 2020) Namutosi, Winnie; Higenyi, James; Balyejusa Kizito, Elizabeth; Omodo, Micheal

Browse

Browsing Academic publications by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options