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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patients Seeking Care at a Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
(BMC Research Notes, 2019) Winters Muttamba; Samuel Kyobe; Alimah Komuhangi; James Lakony; Esther Buregyeya; Eldad Mabumba; Robert K. Basaza
Objective: A cross-sectional survey involving 134 pulmonary TB patients started on TB treatment at the TB Treatment Unit of the regional referral hospital was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of individual and health facility delays and associated factors. Prolonged health facility delay was taken as delay of more than 1 week and prolonged patient delay as delay of more than 3 weeks. A logistic regression model was done using STATA version 12 to determine the delays. Results: There was a median total delay of 13 weeks and 110 (82.1%) of the respondents had delay of more than 4 weeks. Patient delay was the most frequent and greatest contributor of total delay and exceeded 3 weeks in 95 (71.6%) respondents. At multivariate analysis, factors that influenced delay included poor patient knowledge on TB (adjOR 6.904, 95% CI 1.648–28.921; p = 0.04) and being unemployed (adjOR 3.947, 95% CI 1.382–11.274; p = 0.010) while being female was found protective of delay; adjOR 0.231, 95% CI 0.08–0.67; p = 0.007). Patient delay was the most significant, frequent and greatest contributor to total delay, and factors associated with delay included being unemployed, low knowledge on TB while being female was found protective of delay.
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.
Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening Among Reverend Sisters in Kampala Archdiocese, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Archives of Breast Cancer, 2022-02-13) Judith Kaddua; Robert Basaza; Emmanuel Otieno; Florence Mirembe
Background: Breast cancer in Uganda is the second commonest cancer in women coming only next to cancer of the cervix. This is the first cross-sectional study to investigate the determinants of self-breast cancer screening among Reverend Sisters in Kampala, the largest Archdiocese of Roman Catholic Church in Uganda. The prevention strategies in this country are still not optimal and the key to prevention is breast screening. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from September, 2018 to June, 2019. A sample of 310 respondents were interviewed using a semi-structured, self- administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using logistic regression model. Results: A majority (96.4%) of the respondents did not do a mammography, 54.1% never practiced breast self-examination (BSE) and 34.2% performed it regularly during bedtime. The reasons for performing BSE included: curiosity (61.9%), having a lump (19%) and carrying out screening (9.5%). Significant predictors of breast cancer screening were ordinary level of education (11 years of education), hearing about breast cancer, different screening methods, and symptoms of breast cancer, usefulness of screening for women, a need for sisters to screen, self-breast examination and mammography. Age and other levels of education were not significantly associated with breast cancer screening. Conclusion: The Reverend Sisters had a low level of knowledge and a small fraction practiced breast cancer screening. This demands a sustainable interventional strategy of breast health awareness campaign, establishment of appropriate health infrastructure related to precision oncology in Uganda and similar settings.
Determinants of Willingness to Pay for Community Health Insurance Among Commercial Motorcyclists in Kampala City, Uganda: A Contingency Valuation Study
(Journal of Research & Health, 2022-03-01) Robert K. Basaza; Judith H. Kiconco; Elizabeth P. Kyasiimire; Emmanuel D. Otieno
Background: To assess determinants of Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Community Health Insurance (CHI) among commercial motorcyclists (Boda boda riders) in Kampala City, Uganda. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 381 commercial motorcyclists were selected from Nakawa Division using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Structured interviews and contingency valuation method were used for data collection and measuring WTP for CHI. Data were collected in April, May and June 2019. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, v. 21 by multivariate regression analysis and considering at significance level of P<0.05. Results: Most of Boda boda riders had WTP for CHI (70%); 7 out of 10 commercial motorcyclists were willing to pay a premium of at least 70,000 UGX (20 USD).Those with at least five years of experience in the commercial motorcycle business were 9 times more willing to pay for CHI. Those with hired motorcycles and a history of involvement in a riding accident were less likely to pay for CHI. The other key determinants of WTP included: Being a commercial motorcyclist for 3 years or more, being aware of CHI, self-employment (riding own motorcycle), a history of payment for any form of insurance, and being single. Conclusion: The WTP for CHI is high among commercial motorcyclists in Kampala City. The WTP among these motorcyclists is determined more by individual factors and less by insurance scheme-related factors. The results recommend the coverage of informal sector by CHI schemes to increase universal health coverage in Uganda
Economic Analysis of a New Four-Panel Rapid Screening Test in Antenatal Care in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
(BMC Health Services Research, 2023) Donald S Shepard; Yara A Halasa-Rappel; Katharine R Rowlands; Maria Kulchyckyj; Robert K Basaza; Emmanuel D Otieno; Boniface Mutatina; Simon Kariuki; Sabine Musange
Background We performed an economic analysis of a new technology used in antenatal care (ANC) clinics, the ANC panel. Introduced in 2019–2020 in five Rwandan districts, the ANC panel screens for four infections [hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, and syphilis] using blood from a single fingerstick. It increases the scope and sensitivity of screening over conventional testing. Methods We developed and applied an Excel-based economic and epidemiologic model to perform cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of this technology in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Costs include the ANC panel itself, its administration, and follow-up treatment. Effectiveness models predicted impacts on maternal and infant mortality and other outcomes. Key parameters are the baseline prevalence of each infection and the effectiveness of early treatment using observations from the Rwanda pilot, national and international literature, and expert opinion. For each parameter, we found the best estimate (with 95% confidence bound). Results The ANC panel averted 92 (69–115) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 1,000 pregnant women in ANC in Kenya, 54 (52–57) in Rwanda, and 258 (156–360) in Uganda. Net healthcare costs per woman ranged from $0.53 ($0.02-$4.21) in Kenya, $1.77 ($1.23-$5.60) in Rwanda, and negative $5.01 (-$6.45 to $0.48) in Uganda. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in dollars per DALY averted were $5.76 (-$3.50-$11.13) in Kenya, $32.62 ($17.54-$46.70) in Rwanda, and negative $19.40 (-$24.18 to -$15.42) in Uganda. Benefit-cost ratios were $17.48 ($15.90-$23.71) in Kenya, $6.20 ($5.91-$6.45) in Rwanda, and $25.36 ($16.88-$33.14) in Uganda. All results appear very favorable and cost-saving in Uganda. Conclusion Though subject to uncertainty, even our lowest estimates were still favorable. By combining field data and literature, the ANC model could be applied to other countries.
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.

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