Kyambogo University Digital Repository (KYUSpace)
KYUSpace preserves research output from the Kyambogo University community
Communities in KYUSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Nitrogen fertilizer application to optimize growth and land productivity of intercropped Longe 10Hmaize and Nabe 15 bean in eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-05) Oyoka, Mathias
Maize yield improvement on nutrient depleted soils has relied primarily on application of expensive hard to get fertilizers. Augmenting this approach with exploitation of the ecological benefits of cereal-legume intercropping is considered a more sustainable option. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on growth and land productivity of intercropped Longe 10H maize and NABE 15 bean was evaluated in the field. Experiments with treatments laid in Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated thrice, were conducted during two cropping seasons at National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI), Serere district, Uganda. Maize growth, yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) of Longe 10H maize + NABE 15 bean intercrop were assessed. Results showed generally higher maize plant height, biomass and grain yield in fertilized intercrop plots compared to unfertilized plots during both season 1 and season 2, in addition to LER > 1 for all the fertilized intercrop plots. Nitrogen fertilizer application showed a degree of improving maize growth, grain yield and land efficiency of Longe 10H maize + NABE 15 bean intercrop. However, further studies involving several nitrogen fertilizer levels, different intercrop plant populations and planting geometries of Longe 10H maize + NABE 15 bean intercrop, and other agroecological zones that grow these crop varieties are necessary.
Effect of the edge support conditions on the performance of masonry infill walls subjected to out of plane loading
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2018-10) Tuliraba, Fredrick Daniel
Serious damage and loss of stability of masonry in fill walls can be realized when the infill panel is subjected to in-plane and out of plane loading. To improve their performance, the edge support conditions between the infill walls and the bounding frames needs to be properly investigated and improved. A survey of fifty (50) structures under construction in the Kampala City Council Authority revealed that 94% of the structures construct an RC frames and incorporate masonry infills. The four observed methods of infill construction are; Wall supported on beam at the bottom and bonded by mortar to the side columns and top beam (20%), wall bonded to side columns by mortar but top beam cast with its soffit directly on the wall (28%), side columns cast with infill wall panel in place and the soffit of the top beam cast directly on the wall (36%), side column cast with Infill panel in place forming a saw tooth pattern with the columns and soffit of the beam cast directly on the wall ( 10%) and infill wall panel built into structural steel frame connected by metal plates (6%).
A questionnaire of twenty (20) leading consultancy firms in Uganda revealed that 19 has never incorporated infill edge support in design and construction but only design for bracing beams in infills to prevent failures. Four different configurations of the edge supp01t conditions above were evaluated using the general finite element software, ABAQUS. An out of plane distributed load was applied to the wall panels to cause out of plane failure for each of the four selected configurations. The results showed that masonry infill walls that have the soffit of the beam constructed directly on the wall and restrained by saw toothing RC columns yield better performance.
Assessing the effect of integrated farm planning (PIP) approach on soil erosion control on the slopes of Mount Elgon, eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2024-11) Namusoke, Rebeccah
Soil erosion is a major contributor to land degradation, attributed to inappropriate farming practices, rigid cultural beliefs, and the steep nature of the landscape. This has resulted in a reduction in soil productivity, leading to food insecurity. The government of Uganda has enacted natural resource management policies, such as the NUSAF (Northern Uganda Social Action Fund), Uganda's wildlife conservation policy, Environment Act, and afforestation in degraded land areas, however, these efforts have been largely ineffective due to their top-down nature. The PIP approach, which is a bottom-up strategy involving the lowest-level stakeholders, aims to address these issues. The study objective served to assess the effectiveness of the PIP approach (Integrated Farm Planning) on soil erosion control practices. A quasi-experimental design was used to draw a comparison between the selected sub-counties of Bumasheti (control) and Bushika (intervention) in Bududa District, Eastern Uganda. This was achieved by evaluating the impact of farming practices by smallholder farmers on soil erosion risk, identifying the constraints farmers face in using measures that control soil erosion and assessing various factors determining the adoption of the approach. The study used is based on primary data collected from 277 georeferenced respondents using the Global Positioning System (GPS). To map the extent of soil erosion risk, Remote Sensing and GIS, along with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), were employed in the study area between 2019 and 2023. The study used mixed methods, and household interviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather socio-economic data. A total of 277 records were analyzed; data cleaning was performed in Excel, and statistical analysis was carried out using STATA. 15. Descriptive tools such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used for univariate analysis, chi-squared tests for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The study's findings revealed that fanning practices such as agroforestry (69%), trenching (86%). planting Napier grass (67%), and planting cover crops (49%) have contributed to a reduction in soil erosion risk in the study area. Further analysis indicated that marital status (Chi=32.7295. p=0.000), receiving training (Chi=.54.6766, p=0.000), extension services (Chi=16.5296, p=0.000), education level (Chi=9.8533, p=0.02), and age (Chi=8.38, p=0.0038) were significantly associated with the PIP approach adoption. The PIP approach has positive effects on soil erosion control, attributed to its principles of integration (90%). collaboration (86%) and empowerment (87%). the three pillars of PIP. The power of the Pl P plan empowers and motivates farmers to work together and take action to restore and conserve their environment independently. Major constraints faced by farmers in implementing soil erosion control measures include limited financial resources (23%), limited labor (2 l %), and inadequate tools for certain practices (l9%). However, with training from the PIP approach and its principles, many of these constraints can be addressed. In conclusion, the PIP approach plans to motivate families to work together through collective action to conserve the land. This suggests that, when adopted by farmers, the approach can significantly contribute to soil conservation and restoration. The study recommends increasing awareness-raising workshops and PIP training among community members.
Utilization of modern contraceptive methods among female refugee adolescents at Kyangwali refugee settlement, Kikuube district, south-western Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2024-10) Nabukeera, Mariam
Despite global efforts, inadequate contraceptive provision remains a significant issue, particularly among vulnerable populations such as teenagers, travelers, those residing in slums, and refugees (WHO, 2020). In Uganda, 30.4% of adolescents have unmet family planning needs (UDHS, 2016). Refugees and migrants face various challenges in accessing family planning services, such as language barriers, low education levels, lack of information, cultural and religious taboos, limited income, and personal experiences with contraceptive side effects.
This study aims to assess the utilization of modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in Kyangwali refugee settlement, identify factors influencing their contraceptive use, determine knowledge and accessibility of contraceptive methods, and determine the proportion of adolescents utilizing these methods.
A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and thematic content analysis. Univariate and bivariate methods were utilized, including frequency generation at the univariate level, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to test variable associations.
The study interviewed 399 sexually active female refugee adolescents (aged 15-19 years). The prevalence of modern contraceptive use (all methods) was 15.3% (95% CI: 11.8-19.0). Condoms (54.1 %) and injectables (31.1 %) were the most preferred methods, with lack of family planning knowledge cited as the primary reason for non-use. Significant associations were found between socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, marital status, education level, and school attendance) and modem contraceptive use.
The study reveals a low prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization (15.4%), with injectables being the most known method (35.0%). Barriers to uptake include: side effects, lack of knowledge, myths, misconceptions, inadequate privacy and functionality of adolescent-friendly healthcare facilities. These findings directly relate to the study objectives by highlighting the critical need to assess the factors influencing contraceptive use, examine knowledge, accessibility, and determine the proportion of adolescents utilizing these methods.
Urgent measures are needed to improve adolescents' access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare in refugee settings, thereby addressing the identified barriers and enhancing contraceptive uptake among female refugee adolescents in Kyangwali.
By focusing on these objectives, the research seeks to highlight the barriers to contraceptive use in this demographic and inform targeted interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes.
Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes and hypertension diseases in Mpigi district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2024-10) Nnko, Silas Sangito
Diabetes and hypertension have emerged as significant global health challenges due to their increasing prevalence within populations and status as major contributors to mortality worldwide, with projections indicating a further rise in deaths, particularly in less developed regions. Various allopathic medicines have been produced but with low curative efficiency and side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants have emerged as a significant alternative for treating various human conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Despite their importance, and high usage globally, majority of them have not been studied and documented. This study was conducted to assess the use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes and hypertension in Mpigi district, Uganda. Individual interviews with traditional herbalists were carried out in a semi-structured format followed by field visits for taxonomic classification of the plants mentioned in the local language. Furthermore, three highly used plants were selected for phytochemical analysis qualitatively, quantitatively, and using the GCMS method. These plants were also analysed for their safety profile using rats as model species. Fifty-four (54) herbalists were interviewed, and 64% of them had an experience of more than 6 years in treating diabetes and hypertension. Herbalists reported the utilization of one hundred and twenty (120) plant species for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. In the phytochemical analysis, the results revealed the presence of a majority of the analysed phytochemicals, encompassing alkaloids, steroids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. The FSM extract exhibited high levels of total phenols (217±25.05mg/g) and total tannins (179.75±3.44mg/g). The CRM extract contained substantial amounts of total flavonoids (28.75±0.98mg/g), total saponins (225.07±4.11mg/g), and total alkaloids (116.15±3.73mg/g). Additionally, FSM extract contained 14 detected compounds, while both CRM and MPM extracts contained 30 compounds each. Several of the identified compounds exhibit pharmacological activities that are pertinent to the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. The LD50 value, surpassing 5000mg/kg in toxicity assessment, confirms the safety of these plants within the context of traditional use. However, the administration of the three extracts significantly altered certain haematological (White Blood Cells) and biochemical parameters (liver enzymes), indicating potential toxicity. Traditional healing knowledge remains crucial for addressing human ailments, and the study underscores the significance of the identified plants in managing diabetes and hypertension, albeit with a need for cautious use to prevent adverse health effects. The three analysed plants possess compounds with antidiabetic and antihypertensive abilities signalling the potential for drug development.