Masters Degree Dissertations

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Evaluation of the effect of wetland conversion on quantitative soil properties and water quality in namutumba district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-07) Abaho, Jonathan
There are many land use changes happening in Uganda whose impacts have not yet been well studied. This study determined the land use changes that occurred in Namutumba districts between 1988 and 2018 and determined the effect of wetland conversion on soil properties and water quality. Landsat images of resolution of 30 m were downloaded from landsat.org for a period of 30 years; 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018. Image classification was done using Maximum Likelihood Classification and percentage change in areas under different land uses were determined for years; 1988-1998, 1998-2008 and 2008-2018. Representative soil samples and water samples were collected from cultivated wetlands and uncultivated wetlands in the different water systems of Naiyede, Mpologoma, Naigomba and Namakoko in Namutumba district. The soil and water samples were assessed for pH, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), boron (B), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), colour, total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), turbidity, nitrates (NO3-), total solids (TS), pH, alkalinity, conductivity (Co), chromium (Cr), phosphates (PO43-), chloride (Cl), Cd and sulphates (SO42-). Results of land use change indicated a reduction in areas under open water, wetlands, woodland and bush lands and increase in built up areas and wetlands. Cultivation of wetlands significantly (p<0.05) increased the amounts of P, Na and Cd. However, there were significantly (p<0.05) lower average amounts of quantitative soil properties; pH, OM, N and Cu in cultivated wetlands as compared to the uncultivated. Cultivation of wetlands significantly (p<0,05) increased water quality parameters; TDS, TSS, conductivity, Na, Ca, Cl, SO42-, PO43- and TH. On the other hand, water quality parameters; pH, Co, alkalinity, Mg, Cr, Fe, Cd and NO3- were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by cultivation. It can be concluded that most of the fragile ecosystems in Namutumba District is being converted into built up areas and farmlands and it is negatively affecting some of the soil and water quality parameters. These results are crucial in informing policy makers in designing by-laws and policies for protecting fragile ecosystems such as wetlands from degradation.
The impact of floricultural activities on vegetation cover and water quality in Lutembe Bay Wetland, namulanda, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-08) Kebirungi, Phionah
Floriculture is becoming a key activity around most of the wetlands in Uganda since they provide quick avenues for disposal of effluents. In a bid to understudy the impacts of such floricultural activities on water quality and vegetation cover. A study was undertaken in Lutembe wetland to evaluate the effects of floriculture on vegetation cover and water quality. Water samples were obtained from three different flower farms in different seasons for analysis in the Laboratory for pesticides and nutrient content. In addition, field vegetation cover assessments were undertaken being guided by the pre-produced GIS land use maps of the area. Results portrayed a total of 113 different pesticides thirteen of which were of very high concentration following under all WHO pesticide classes. The concentrations of these pesticides significantly differed among samples collected, and flower farms studied. In addition, eight land uses were observed with settlements and agriculture greatly replacing the wetland cover. The studied sites were dominated by plant species such as Cyperus papyrus, Mimosa pudica, Lersia hexandra, Marantachlora sp and Pheonix reclinata. Furthermore, there was severe clearance of the ordinary wetland cover at the edges that saw emergence of invasive species such as Mimosa pudica. Water nutrient content differed across the selected flower farms within Lutembe wetland. Indeed, floricultural activities have significant impact on the pesticide loading within the wetland more so during peak flower farming months. Such flower activities also contribute significantly to nutrient loading within the wetland. Thus there is need for the floriculture industry around and within the wetland should practice integrated pest and weed management (IPM) practices to reduce on over dependence on pesticides and herbicides and further research on seasonal and longitudinal effect of floriculture activities on water quality should be conducted.
Genetic dynamics of fusarium xylarioides: key to the management of coffee wilt disease in Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-07) Namayanja, Clare Musango
Fusarium xylarioides (F. xylarioides) is a vascular fungal pathogen that causes Coffee Wilt Disease (tracheomycosis). The pathogen is only endemic to Robusta coffee in Uganda while Arabica coffee is immune to it, yet Robusta coffee contributes 80% of the Uganda traded coffee. Currently, the pathogen is estimated at 3% incidence with economic losses of $17m annually. The pathogen is present in all traditional Robusta coffee growing regions and is spreading to non-traditional areas like Kabale. Despite the importance of F. xylarioides, there is limited information on the contribution of environmental factors and its genetic diversity to the spread of the pathogen. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic dynamics of F. xylarioides and the environmental factors that contribute to its spread to new places in Uganda. Environmental data comprising rainfall, relative humidity, speed of wind, and temperature for 2000 to 2005 and 2020 was obtained from the POWER project. Historical pathogen incidence data was obtained from UCDA reports while the primary incidence data was obtained from the coffee fields during specimen collection in 2020. The environmental data was then correlated to the pathogen incidence data in SPSS. Pathogen isolates that had been stored for a period of ten years (2009 to 2019) were used to study the genetic dynamics of the pathogen over a 10-year period by subjecting their DNA to PCR analysis using SSR primers. Twenty-three (23) F. xylarioides isolates obtained from 3 coffee growing regions in Uganda were used to study the genetic dynamics of the pathogen as of 2020 using SSR markers. The results revealed that all the environmental factors studied were significant to the spread of the disease. However, it was revealed that rainfall (R= 0.8680, R=1), temperature (R= 0.8680, R=1, R=-1) and humidity (R=0.76, R=1, R=-1) were key in the spread of the pathogen. The study observed 0.00% genetic variation in the F. xylarioides population in Uganda over a 10-year period. The study also observed 0.00% genetic variation in the pathogen populations from the 3 coffee growing regions of Uganda as of 2020. This implies the spread of the pathogen in Uganda is mainly due to the environmental factors and not the pathogen genetic diversity. However, there is need of consistent annual data collection and storage, and use of a variety of molecular markers in a diverse study.
Investigating changes in climatic dry conditions across the water management zones in Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-09) Kerudong, Acayerach Paskwale
Prolonged insufficient precipitation associated with evapotranspiration affects society in various ways such as wilting of crops. Studies with comprehensive analyses of climatic droughts while considering hydro-climatic differences among the various Water Management Zones (WMZs) in Uganda are inadequate. This study addressed this, by extracting extreme climatic indices (ECI) from precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET), characterizing climatic drought across the WMZs and analyzing connection of variability in the indices to large-scale oceanatmosphere conditions from 1979 to 2013. Examples of the extracted ECIs included number of dry days (NDD), number of consecutive dry days, and sum of PET, above a defined threshold. The long term statistics of the extreme climatic conditions showed Kyoga and Victoria as the driest and wettest WMZs in Uganda. The extent and severity of drought were found to depend on the threshold for extracting the ECIs. Furthermore, the severity of the drought was found to be disproportionate across the country with the Kyoga and Victoria WMZs being the most and least severely affected by the impacts of climatic drought. Generally, all WMZs exhibited decreasing trends in the NDD over the study period, indicating that the country was becoming wetter recently. Across the country, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) was negatively correlated with variability of a number of ECIs of both precipitation and PET. However, correlation between Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and variability of several ECIs was generally positive (p<0.05). Key words: Drought, Climatic Indices, Evapotranspiration, Variability, Trend
Impact of implementation of community-based wetland management plan on the conservation of lake Mulehe wetland in Kisoro, Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-09) Birungi, Kabasharira Joan
Increased encroachment, mismanagement and degradation of wetland resources such as Lake Mulele in Uganda has called for continuous involvement of surrounding people into their management. The Ugandan government and other conservation agencies such as IUCN, Wetland Management Department have encouraged the implementation of CBWMPs since 1992. This study’s objective was therefore to determine the impact of Community Based Wetland Management Plan on conservation of Lake Mulehe wetland in Kisoro, South Western Uganda. The study ascertained land cover changes in Lake Mulehe wetland, examined impacts of CBWMP on community perceptions and practices towards wetland conservation and established the emerging threats to the conservation of L. Mulehe wetland. The study undertook both qualitative and quantitative research designs that included observational survey methods, household interview, FDGs and Key informant interviews. Land cover analysis identified seven (7) key land cover types (Built up, forest, tea plantation, woodland, bush land, and subsistence farming). A small increment of 0.07% in wetland land cover between 2004 and 2018 with subsistence and bushland taking a front case with 64.04% and 11.20% respectively was also observed. L. Mulehe CBWMP positively influenced the conservation perceptions and practices of the surrounding communities thus 68% respondent agreed that there was improvement in vegetation, water and soils although the imagery analysis revealed otherwise. A 86.7% correlation between age of respondents and participation in conservation activities also confirm a positive impact of CBWMP on the wetland. The CBWMP has also boosted the conservation status of L. Mulehe. In addition, CBWMP has influenced conservation of L. Mulehe wetland through perception change. Such positive impacts of CBWMP in Mulele can be used by both NEMA and Ministry of water and environment in enhancing conservation of wetlands in other areas among different community members.
Potential of push-pull technology options for managing fall armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Maize
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-10) Natukunda, Charles
Fall armyworm is a key insect pest of maize. Without proper management, the pest can cause maize yield losses in the range of 8-21 million tones. It has been through application of synthetic pesticides, use of natural enemies, intercropping, use of resistant varieties, and pheromones, among others. Push – pull technology is generally considered as a cost-effective option for pest management with minimum negative effects on human health and the environment. This study aimed at assessing the potential of different push - pull plant combinations, in managing FAW in maize. Treatments included three plant combination namely, Desmodium + Brachiaria, Molasses grass + Brachiaria, Garlic + Brachiaria, and also Sole maize as a control. Molasses grass + Brachiaria recorded the highest plant height (228.9 ± 0.49cm) while sole maize + had the lowest plant height (191.4 ± 1.00cm). For stem girth, molasses grass + Brachiaria still outperformed the rest (7.3 ± 0.42cm) while garlic + Brachiaria recorded the lowest (5.6 ± 0.34cm). Similarly, desmodium + Brachiaria recorded the lowest number of maize plants infested by FAW (5.3 ± 1.2) while sole maize recorded the highest (31.3 ± 4.2). Desmodium + Brachiaria recorded the highest maize grain weight (12.6 ± 0.8kg) whereas sole maize had the lowest (5.6 ± 0.2kg). The highest Benefit: Cost (B: C) ratio of (14.1) was recorded in plots of Greenleaf desmodium + Brachiaria while the lowest (1.1) was recorded in plots of garlic + Brachiaria. Generally, all push pull plant combinations recorded an increase in maize growth, reduced fall armyworm damage and increased maize grain yield in comparison with control. The push-pull plant combination of Desmodium + Brachiaria outperformed the rest with the highest B: C ratio, and is therefore recommended as the best for consideration in further development of FAW IPM packages.
Assessment of the impacts of land use and land cover changes on soil erosion in Ogwapoke micro-catchment, Northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-10) Ajidiru, Rita
Several land use/cover changes have been observed in Ogwapoke micro catchment. Population increase, poverty, intensified and unsustainable farming practices and deforestation have been cited as the major drivers of land use/cover changes in the micro catchment. Land use/cover changes have been linked with increased surface runoff and soil erosion. However, there is a paucity of information to ascertain the impacts of land use/cover changes on soil erosion in Ogwapoke micro-catchment, Northern Uganda. Therefore, the study aimed to identify conservation measures and drivers that lead to continuous changes in land use/cover in order to combat the long-term effects of soil erosion on hydrological flow in Ogwapoke micro catchment. Specifically, the study aimed to (i) analyze and predict the spatial-temporal changes in land use/cover changes between 1986, 2003, 2020 and 2040 in Ogwapoke micro catchment; (ii) determine the effect of land use/cover change on soil erosion in Ogwapoke micro catchment; and (iii) assess the impact of land use/cover change on hydrological flow in Ogwapoke micro catchment. Landsat images for the study area for 1986, 2003 and 2020 were downloaded from Earth explorer. Unsupervised classification and the CA-Markov model were used to analyze and predict the land use/cover changes respectively. Questionnaires were also administered to 200 respondents in the study area to understand their perceptions of land use/cover changes including the drivers. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models were used to assess the soil erosion and hydrological flow components (total yield, base flow, surface runoff, lateral flow, deep aquifer recharge, and actual evapotranspiration), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to assess the effect of land use/cover changes on hydrological flow components. Results showed that significant land use/cover changes have taken place in Ogwapoke micro catchment. Between 1986 and 2020, small-scale farmlands and built-up areas increased by 35.1% and 2.4%, respectively whereas bushlands, grasslands, wetlands and woodlands decreased by 11.7%, 7.4%, 2.4%, and 15.9% respectively. A similar pattern is projected to further intensify by 2040. Changes in land use/cover are mostly driven by over grazing, deforestation, poverty, bush burning, deforestation, and increased demand for food due to population growth. The changes in land use/cover had an effect on soil erosion in Ogwapoke micro catchment. Small
Assessment of the effects of land use/cover changes on surface water quality and treatment costs in river Malaba Catchment, eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-10) Mbabazi, Sarah
Changing land use and cover (LULC) is a major contributor to water quality degradation in various regions of the world. Unfortunately, there are not enough data on how LULC change affects water quality and prices in different catchments. Therefore, the research has covered gaps left by previous research by looking at three different aspects of the River Malaba catchment: first, the extent to which land use and cover have changed, second, the impact that land use has had on water quality, and finally, the impact that water quality has had on treatment costs. Sentinal-2 images of 2015 and 2021 were downloaded and analyzed using GIS. Water samples were picked at different land use/ cover types along the river and analyzed for physical-chemical as well as bacteriological parameters, statistical tools such as ANOVA at 95% confidence interval were done to understand land use/cover influence on water quality. Costs of water treatment influenced by water quality were analyzed retrospectively using data from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and ANOVA at a 95% confidence interval. Results indicated LULC patterns shifted radically between 2015 and 2021, with most conversions to farming. The farmlands (15.3%) and built-up (1.0%) increased over time as woodlands (-2.8), grasslands (-13.2), and wetlands (-0.2) shrunk during the study period. Land use/cover significantly affected COD (P=0.023), Electrical Conductivity (P=0.004), and Nitrate levels (P=0.004), COD was observed highest in farmland and least in woodlands, and EC and Nitrates were highest in wetlands and also least in woodlands. Seasons also showed significance across all water quality parameters except for Feacal Coliforms (P=0.233) Total Phosphates (P=0.943) and Total Iron (P=0.147). Water quality parameters significantly affected the costs of Aluminium Sulphate, high-test hypochlorite, and polymer. Costs of water treatment were high downstream than the upstream, also in the rainy season than in the dry season. These findings suggest that River Malaba basin has been subjected to LULC changes as a result of human activities, which has repercussions on the quality of water, hence increasing the cost of water treatment. This has repercussions for the livelihoods and well-being of humans, for instance by increasing the likelihood of disease and limiting the use of water to provide material items such as food. Therefore, interventions should be implemented to conserve these catchment regions. In addition, because this study was conducted over a short period of time and with limited monitoring of water quality and trends in water treatment costs, future studies should be clear in examining LULC developments over time and how they relate to water quality and treatment costs.
The effect of refugee population influx on plant diversity of Bugoma forest, Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-09) Bihunirwa, Medius
Refugee population is one of the causes of land and environmental degradation in refugee hosting countries. However, the relationship between forest plant diversity and refugee population influx is not well documented. This study assessed the effect of refugee population influx in Kyangwali Refugee settlement on plant diversity of Bugoma Forest in Uganda. Sentinel 2 imagery data for the study area for 2016, 2018, 2020 were used for vegetation cover and land use change analysis using QGIS 3.12 and 296 households were randomly surveyed for socio economic data. A total of 1,091 plant counts were recorded in 18 plots for computation of plant species diversity and richness. Simpsons diversity for tree species ranged between 0.4562 to 0.9583 for Kyangwali block accessed by refugees and 0.7873 to 0.9979 for Muhangaizima block accessed by host community . A higher Shannon weiner index of 2.4836 was recorded in Muhangaizima block compared to 2.0106 for Kyangwali block. Grasslands experienced the biggest vegetation cover loss (11.09%) followed by woodland (2.73%) and the tropical high forest (0.85%) while subsistence farming and built up land uses increased by 11.8% and 2.09% respectively for the study period 2016 to 2020 that coincides with the biggest refugee population influx in Kyangwali refugee settlement. Whereas refugees and host community accessed forest resources mainly fire wood, charcoal and building materials from Bugoma forest for cooking energy, livelihood and building construction, the dependence on Bugoma forest as a source of these resources was higher for refugee households than the host community. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive relationship between the plant diversity and quantity of firewood used by the refugee households (r=0.047, p=0.004, n=296) and frequency of collecting forest resources (r=0.011, p=0.002, n=296). Therefore, the refugee population influx in Kyangwali refugee settlement to a large extent contributed to decrease in plant diversity of Bugoma forest. However, other underlying factors affecting plant diversity in Bugoma forest require further studies
Correlation between land use and stream water quality: a case study of Kinawataka stream catchment in Uganda
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2021-04) Ndugga, Peter
Kinawataka wetland is an important ecosystem that plays a vital role in pollution and flood control as well as maintaining ground water supplies and quality in the Lake Victoria Basin. However, this wetland has undergone severe ecological degradation in the form of intensified industrial pollution, agriculture and climatic change. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect that land use activities in the Kinawataka stream catchment had on the stream water quality. The land use activities/cover in the stream catchment were determined by analysing 2018 Landsat images using supervised classification. To evaluate the stream water quality, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, Cl-, SO42-, BOD, COD, NO2-, NO3-, NH3, TN, TP, Total coliforms and faecal coliforms were analysed using standard methods. The effect of land use activity on the stream water quality analysed by using Spearman’s Correlation and Principal Component Regression. The study revealed that the various land use (cover) activities were categorized into five (5) major land use characteristics which in order of coverage included; Built-up Area (40.51%) as the largest, Grassland (18.89%), Plantations (Agric.) (18.76%), Bare Soil (15.61%), and finally Tree Cover (6.22%) with the least area. The mean overall concentration of most the water quality parameters remained within their permissible NEMA effluent ranges except for TSS (478.03±1271 mg/L), EC (418.70± 68.22 μS/cm) and faecal coliforms (306.6±214.76 cfu/ 100ml) that exceeded the set guidelines. Bare Soil had a negative influence on the water quality as it increased with both the TSS (rho = 0.357) and faecal coliforms (rho = 0.355) at p<0.05. Built-up Area had a negative influence on the water quality as it increased with SO42- (rho = 0.506), NH3 (rho = 0.410) and faecal coliforms (rh0 = 0.441) at p<0.05. Grassland had a negative influence on the water quality as it increased with NH3 (rho = 0.370) and NO3- (rho = 0.389) at p<0.05. Plantations (Agric.) had a negative influence on the water quality as it increased with NO3- (rho = 0.370) at p<0.05. Tree Cover had a positive increase influence on the water quality as it decreased with the increase in pH (rho = -0.524), EC (rho = -0.572), BOD (rho = -0.386) and Cl- (rho = -0.376) at p<0.05. The principal component regression revealed that an increase in land cover with a combination of Grassland, Plantations and Built-up area (PC1) resulted in increased pH, EC, COD and NH3 concentration in the stream. Areas with a thin tree cover and large areas of exposed ground (PC2) resulted in increased TDS, Cl-, NH3 and NO2- levels of the stream. Those areas covered by bare soil, marram roads, garbage dump stations (PC3) resulted in increased TDS concentrations of the stream. Therefore, it could be concluded that with the exception of tree cover, the rest of the land use activities in the stream catchment deteriorated the stream’s water quality.
Enhancing a sustainable safe water supply for rural communities of Mabungo parish, Kisoro district
(Kyambogo University(Un published work), 2019-07) Kwitegetse, Penlope
Access to safe water is still a challenge in Africa, the biggest population that suffers the challenge being from sub-Saharan African countries where Uganda is part. The major cause of limited water access is that 85% of water supply systems stop supplying water after a short while from time of implementation. The situation escalates the water crisis forcing people to use raw water from the available water bodies. This involves trekking very long distances coupled with the risk of acquiring water-borne diseases. This study focused on Mabungo parish, in Kisoro district, and investigated the factors that influence sustainable supply of water systems in the area. Data was collected from 269 respondents within Kisoro district using questionnaires. The sustainability of the potential scheme in the Mabungo parish was also tested using the participatory research method, which came up with a community based model for sustainable water supply for the communities. The results confirmed Kabiranyuma scheme to have potential for supplying Mabungo communities with safe water to the required level of sustainability. Adopting a participatory approach among communities of Mabungo, has high opportunities of contributing towards achievement of sustainable development goal 6, which aims at ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. The approach prepares rural communities to manage their water supply systems themselves during and after implementation. Though full involvement of communities in operating and managing a water supply is the main way to ensure proper functionality and sustainability, It is important to note that, support from Local Government, the responsible Ministry or external entities in form of finance, technical back stopping, operational infrastructure, regular supervision, among others can do a great deal in boosting their performance. Communities were encouraged to practice rain water harvesting to be used as a supplementary water supply in the study area.
Wetland degradation and carbon sequestration potential – a case of Lubigi wetland, Uganda
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2019-11) Odeke, Charles
Wetlands are known for their high carbon sequestration potential owing to their high biomass content per unit area. This is however changing due to human needs to convert them to various land use types. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of wetland degradation on carbon sequestration potentials of selected wetland degradation sites at lubigi wetland. One of the study objectives examined the use of GIS and Remote Sensing in mapping land use land cover change in Lubigi wetland between 1988 and 2018. The land cover maps were obtained from the classification of the 1988, 1995, 2001, 2010 and 2018 Landsat imagery. For the remaining three objectives; (relating carbon stocks below ground and above ground vegetation biomass across different degradation levels of wetland, establishing the relationship between selected soil physico-chemical parameters and soil carbon stocks and determining carbon sequestration potentials across different degradation levels of wetland), four sites were selected purposefully and triplicate vegetation and soil core samples were collected from each site and analyzed for above ground biomass, above ground plant carbon, and soil organic carbon contents. The results indicated that the thick vegetation wetland had significantly higher (p<0.05) plant and soil organic carbon content than the other land use categories. The above ground plant carbon ranged between 281 g/m2 in the thick vegetation wetland to 191.8 g/m2 in the cultivated wetland. Soil organic carbon content ranged between 84.2 g/kg in the thick vegetation wetland to 27.2 g/kg in the bare land site. Soil organic carbon content was positively correlated (p<0.05) with above ground biomass and soil moisture whereas soil temperature showed significant negative correlation (p<0.05). The results showed a high reduction of organic carbon storage (sequestration) of both the soil and above ground in the disturbed areas. The mapping result indicated a progressive loss in area of Lubigi wetland to thin vegetation and build up areas. The view of the respondents from the survey also indicated the high conversion and loss of wetlands over time in the area due to population growth and urbanisation. From the study it is concluded that carbon sequestration potential in Lubigi wetland has been progressively declining due to loss in area and degradation of wetland. It is recommended that Special attention should be given to protect all wetlands in the country so as to enhance their capacity to sequester carbon and thus mitigate climate change. Keywords: Lubigi wetland, Degradation, Carbon sequestration, Organic carbon
The effects of oil and gas exploration on Mammalian population distribution and habitant change in Murchison Falls national Park, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [ Unpublished work], 2021-02) Akisiimire, Hindrah
Uganda discovered petroleum deposits in commercially viable quantities in 2006. Most areas such as Murchison Falls National Park where petroleum has been discovered overlap with wildlife and nature conservation with high biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems. Oil development could destroy mammal habitats, disrupt animal abundance and people’s lives if not well planned. This research aimed to find out the current status of mammals and their habitats as well as the social perception of oil and gas operations in the park five years after completion of exploration and restoration of oil pads. The specific objectives of the study were to; determine the change in mammal habitats in relation to oil and gas exploration, determine the effects of post exploration oil and gas infrastructure on the abundance and distribution of mammalian population and determine the social perception of the people living in and around MFNP regarding oil and gas operations in the protected area. The study used observation and survey methods for data collection. It involved measuring vegetation frequency index, vegetation relative abundance and vegetation diversity in oil pads and control areas. The study recorded grasses, shrubs and tree plant forms using different size quadrats along a 60m line transect. The quadrat sizes were (1x1m) for grasses, (5x5m) for shrubs, (10x10m) for trees. The number of quadrats and transects per site under study were (8 x4) in total. Indirect and direct mammal counts were conducted by walking along a 2km transect while recording physical mammals, footprints, fecal pallets, wallowing grounds, fur, palm seeds and kobleks. A social survey was conducted by administering 50 questionnaires to key informants to determine the perception of the community about oil and gas exploration. The key informants included 10 UWA administrators, 10 oil and gas workers and 30 local people from Nwoya (15) and Pakwach (15) Districts. The study recorded uniform and non-uniform plant species and the mean vegetation diversity of (1.9±0.058) in oil pads and (1.71±0.120) in control areas. The study identified 31 different plant species and among these 7 plant species were recorded in oil pads, 8 in control areas. 16 types of these plant species were recorded in both oil pads and control areas. The results indicate a non-significant difference in the vegetation relative abundance and diversity between oil pads and control areas. The study counted seven mammal species and the results show a non-significant difference of the mammal’s population abundance and distribution in oil pads and control areas. The survey participants suggested improvement in areas of oil waste management, noise, animal disturbance and displacement. The local people fear that the park is at risk of losing its biodiversity. Further studies can be carried out using different methodologies such as chemical soil analysis, animal tagging, and genetics to further determine if there are any effects on mammals as a result of oil exploration activities. It’s further recommended that similar studies could be conducted on other former oil pads in the national park to get the true representation of the whole ecosystem.
Challenges of Aquaponics technologies and their performance in the Albertine region, Western Uganda
(Kyambogo University [ Unpublished work], 2021-03) Kiweewa, Bernard
Overfishing is a challenge that has caused the extinction of endemic fish species and decreasing fish stocks in Lake Albert. This study focuses on the performance of aquaponics technology as a farming alternative in Hoima region to address the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers. This technology is known to provide fish resources and agricultural products for both commercial and domestic consumption. The objectives of this study included; comparing the performance of fish, small and large leaf plants in an aquaponics system, determining the efficiency of plant beds in filtering water, and identifying the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers in Hoima district. The methodology involved running experimental treatments at Kyambo~o University Biology Department Aquaponics System (KYUBDAS) for 4 months between 29 March and July 20th 2019 to resonate with the preliminary study of the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers in Hoima. The KYUBDAS investigation helped this study identify the performance of fish and plants in a Recirculating fish Aquaculture System (RAS). The fish species were; (1) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (2) African catfish (Clarius gariepinus) and vegetable plants included: (l) Coriander (Coriandrum sativa) (2) Kale/ Sukuma wiki (Brassica o!eracea), (3) Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and ( 4) Lettuce (Lectuca saliva). Data collection methods and materials involved use of the Hydrolab apparatus, taking records of fi sh mortality, and a foot ruler for measuring midrib lengths and counting number of plant leaves. Due to differences in nutrient demands, tests were run on samples of Sukuma wiiki (big leaf plants) and Coriander (small leaf plants) for presence of Carbohydrates, proteins, and moisture nutrients. Hoima aquaponics farmers were questioned and interviewed to obtain knowledge of challenges in aquaponics. Data analysis was done using SPSS, Minitab17, and Students' T-tests for quantitative data analysis and QGIS to generate maps for the data collected. The results for plant nutrient intake indicated that plants (both planted in a hydroponic setting and in the soil) performed better with aquaculture effluent compared to those using water (H20). The study found out that plants with small and simple leaves like coriander and lettuce take a smaller number of days and effluent content to obtain maximum fresh and dry matter compared to the big leaf plants. The fresh weight, moisture and protein contents of plants with small leaves (C. saliva) and big leaves (B. o!eracea) did not show any significant difference with p values, 0.077, 0.352 and 0. I 76 respectively. However, dry weight showed a significant difference (p = 0.0 l) between the two plant varieties. The study revealed that Small leaf plant varieties can grow well in shallow media beds compared to the big leaf plants like Sukuma wiiki and Spinach which may need supplemental N.P.K if the N03 absorbed from the fish effluent is lacking sufficient nutrients. Shallow (611-811 ) and clogged media beds affect performance of big leaf plants as they grow. Over 80% of aquaponics farmers face water availability problems and poor record keeping deprives their realization of over Ushs 37,000,000 for large scale and over Ushs 2,900,000 for small scale farmers per year in aquaponics business. The study recommends the culture of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis nilolicus) for aquaponics to supplement catfish (Clarius griepinus) in aquaponics fanning. It is also recommended that major challenges in Hoima District aquaponics management need Government and private sector participation to provide sensitization, functional regional hatcheries and community involvement for sustainable fish resources yield.

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