Masters Degree Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12504/84

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Enhancing labour productivity through job-site training on building sites in Uganda : a case of Arua city
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-09) Econi, Kenneth Yikii
Labour productivity is a critical determinant of construction project performance directly influencing timelines, cost efficiency and overall quality outcomes. In developing countries like Uganda, the building sites often struggles with low productivity levels due to inadequate workforce skills, inefficient work practices and limited access to structured training programs. In Arua City, evidence from multiple building sites indicate that these challenges manifest in significant delays, substandard workmanship and cost overruns. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2022) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (2022) reports, 68% of manufacturing firms in Uganda report difficulties in finding technically skilled workers highlighting a critical skills gap that undermines productivity and efficiency. This study investigates the role of jobsite training in enhancing labour productivity on building sites aiming to identify the most significant factors influencing training effectiveness and workforce performance while proposing strategies to optimize outcomes. A mixed-method approach is adopted, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 94 workers across fourteen sites and is analyzed using SPSS version 23. Findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between job-site training and labour productivity with training method, recruitment criteria and trainee motivation identified as the most influential factors for training effectiveness while manpower, management and motivation emerge as the primary determinants of labour productivity across worker trades on site. A predictive regression model with R² value of 80.2% is developed to design, assess and predict the effectiveness of job-site training on building sites. An on-site training framework is developed and validated demonstrating productivity improvements across all trades including carpenters by 18.06%, non-trade workers by 15.95%, welders by 13.94%, painters by 9.72%, electricians by 6.24%, plumbers by 2.93% and masons by 2.65%. The study recommends that job-site training programs carry out systematic needs assessment to align training content with site-specific requirements. Priority should be given to training methods and manpower management as they have the greatest impact on training effectiveness and worker productivity on building site. The regression model and training framework should be adopted as practical tools for planning and evaluating training programs. Finally, the study recommends apprenticeship and role-playing as the most effective methods for knowledge transfer on building sites.
Investigating spatial variation of Arsenite concentrations into river Awoja, physiographic determinants and treatment options
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-09) Ecodu, Michael
The 2030 agenda of the United Nations placed a high priority on addressing water quality challenges. Many towns and cities are supplied with water from rivers. Depending on the human activities on the catchment, the water from the river can be characterized by the presence of Arsinite. It is important to quantify Arsenite to guide in planning for the water treatment. In this study, several points were selected within River Awoja catchment. Rainfall runoff was sampled at selected locations and concentrations of Arsenite was determined from a laboratory. To explain the spatial variation of Arsenite concentrations, analysis of land categories was conducted. The potential of rice husk as Activated Carbon in removing Arsenite was investigated. The concentrations of Arsenite ranged from 20.21mg/L to 27.57mg/L against WHO standards of 0.01mg/L indicating the need to treat the water given the substantial level of pollution with Arsenite. The linear relationship between physiographic characteristics and Arsenite-based land categories of barren land, grassland, settlement, cropland, waterbody, wetland and woodland characterized in terms of coefficient of determination (R2), yielding R² values of 0.80, 0.84, 0.86, 0.76, 0.62, 0.76 and 0.61, respectively. The efficiency of Arsenite removal using rice husks as Activated Carbon improves as dosage and contact time increase. This study demonstrated that Arsenite concentration at sampled points is higher than the WHO limit and that Activated Carbon has the potential to remove Arsenite with efficiency of about 78%.
Climate change impacts on precipitation extremes: potential and perceived implications for water resources management across Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-11) Ebalu, Moses
Water resources are increasingly being affected quantitively by climate change impacts. This requires carefully planned adaptation measures. This study investigated climate change impacts on precipitation extremes indices, including the annual maximum series (AMS), Severe dry spell (MDS1). Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) was used to characterise historical precipitation conditions. Output from the eight General Circulation Models (GCMs) was used to project climate change signals for the 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s. Bias of a GCM output over the historical period (1985-2014) was assessed in terms of the ratio of observed to the model’s output. The best result, indicating no bias, would be indicated by a ratio of 1. The perception of water users in the various Water Management Zones (WMZs) across Uganda was assessed. The AMS over the study period 1985-2014 ranged from about 45 mm/day to nearly 55 mm/day in Victoria and Upper Nile WMZs, respectively. The biases in reproducing observed AMS ranged from 0.06 (for MPI-ESM1-Ham in Kyoga WMZ) to 0.82 (for INM-CM5 in Victoria WMZ). The best performance was exhibited by ACCESS-CM2 being the sole exception, demonstrating nearly accurate AMS estimation in the Victoria WMZ with a bias of about 1.01. Future projections of AMS under SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios predict decreasing AMS in the Upper Nile WMZ (up to about 16% decline by 2090s) but increasing in Victoria WMZ up to about 60%. A survey (using questionnaire administered to water users of sample size n = 737) revealed that about 60% of respondents observed reduced precipitation, with approximately 48.1% expecting further declines. Nearly half (49.7%) cited extreme disruptions in rainfall timing, leading to agricultural losses and income reduction. Findings from both GCMs and the assessment of perceptions of water users show the need for carefully planned climate change adaptation in the various WMZs.
A comparative analysis on effectiveness of traditional and prism approach in project management on building construction : case of Enabel Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-10) Bikey, Francis Xaviour
Projects integrating Sustainable Methods (PRiSM) approach is critical in successful achievement of sustainability in project management on building construction projects. Building projects face complex challenges of balancing economic, social and environmental factors in their lifecycle for sustainability in constructions. Traditional approach caters majorly economic aspects neglecting social and environmental which are undertaken by PRiSM which is adopted by ENABEL necessitated this study to determine its effectiveness. The study establishes the environmental, social, and economic contribution of the PRiSM and traditional approaches on building construction projects. The descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. The questionnaires were administered to 279 respondents to identify critical factors for Traditional and PRiSM approaches where Spearman was applied. The study interviewed 25 participants to identify strategies for improvement of PRiSM. SPSS version 24.0 developed mean where ranking was done to determine the critical factors using factor analysis. Results indicated that PRiSM approach ensured that employees and suppliers are satisfied with timely completion of project which cater for economic motive with two critical factors of stakeholders’ involvement and time management as well as quality design, environmental aspect was realized through harvesting of rainwater and protection of ecosystem to control pollution, social factors involved uptake of government intervention to prevent HIV/AIDs and provision of good working conditions. Traditional approach emphasizes profits, environment consider occupation management and social factors support use of local material and protection of ecosystem. Other findings indicated that PRiSM and traditional have moderate sign relationship (r= 0.571) on economic motives and negative relationship for environmental and social factors. Construction projects should adopt PRISM with inclusive participation of stakeholders in decision making, monitoring and evaluation and compliance on eco-system conservation regulations under an institutional framework. PRiSM approach emphasizes sustainability throughout project lifecycle with potential shift to reduce risk which lead to long-term value creation in construction industry.
Analysis of the effects of different types of welding electrodes on the integrity of Smaw-welded recycled steel in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-11) Banura, Pascal
The mechanical performance of welded joints in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) of recycled steel are significantly influenced by the type of electrode used. Different welding electrodes produce varying mechanical and microstructural properties in the weld because each electrode introduces distinct thermal and metallurgical conditions during welding. This study examined the effects of different welding electrodes (E6013, E7018, and E7024) on the hardness, tensile strength (breaking load), and microstructural characteristics of SMAW-welded recycled steel with the aim of determining the optimal electrode for achieving a balance between strength, hardness, and ductility. Rockwell hardness tests, tensile strength tests, and microstructural examinations were performed on welds made on steel samples obtained from three steel manufacturers in Uganda. The findings revealed that the E6013 electrode produced welds that exhibited moderate hardness across all steel manufacturers while E7018 electrodes produced the highest breaking load (78.4kN) indicating superior tensile strength and ductility; whereas E7024 electrodes produced welds that exhibited the highest hardness value of 63.9 HRB but with lower breaking load (28.2kN) suggesting a more brittle nature. Furthermore, microstructural analysis confirmed that E7018 welds had fine-grained acicular ferrite and bainite which enhanced toughness while E7024 welds displayed coarse martensitic structures which increased hardness but reduced ductility. The results suggest that E7018 electrodes are ideal for load-bearing structural applications whereas E7024 electrodes are better suited for applications where hardness is prioritized over toughness. Although this study provides valuable insights into electrode selection, further study is needed to explore the effects of welding parameters, long-term durability, and alternative welding techniques to enhance the performance of SMAW-welded recycled steel.
Evaluating the mechanical performance of Kukui seed shells as coarse aggregates in light weight aggregate concrete
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-11) Bagombeka, Ancel
Uganda’s population growth, currently at 3.2% (UNhabitat, 2016), has increased the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Concrete constitutes nearly 60% of construction materials on building sites (Aytekin et al., 2022), and aggregates contribute 70–85% of its total weight (Cement and Concrete Association of Australia, 2002). This places pressure on existing natural aggregate sources, creating the need for sustainable alternatives. Lightweight aggregates offer a potential solution, yet kukui seed shells (an organic and waste-derived option) have never been studied in the Ugandan context, despite their potential contribution to sustainable construction. This study adopted a combined experimental and numerical methodological framework to evaluate the suitability of kukui seed shells as lightweight aggregates. Mechanical characterization of the shells was followed by an experimental program in which normal aggregates were partially replaced with kukui seed shells at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for both Half Seed Shells and Quarter Seed Shells. The resulting concrete mixes were assessed through mechanical and water absorption, Fire resistance and Thermal conductivity performance tests, while serviceability behaviour was analysed using ANSYS finite element simulations. The shells demonstrated satisfactory Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA), and soundness performance. Increasing the replacement percentage led to reductions in density, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and thermal conductivity. Quarter Seed Shell mixes generally outperformed Half Seed Shell mixes. Based on overall performance, a 50% replacement using Quarter Seed Shells is recommended, yielding a compressive strength of 25.1 MPa, thermal conductivity of 1.6 W/mK, and reduced density of 2,112 kg/m³, making it a viable lightweight concrete option for sustainable construction in Uganda.
Investigating the impact of Ruti Abattoir wastewater effluent on River Rwizi water quality
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-11) Atugasha, Den
The rapid population growth in developing countries including Uganda has increased food demand leading to high demand of meat from abattoirs. The abattoirs generate substantial amounts of solid waste and wastewater effluent during their operations. The discharge of untreated abattoir effluents into the environment leads to water pollution due to the high organic load to the environment. This study aimed at investigating the impact of Ruti abattoir wastewater effluent on the water quality of River Rwizi. Water samples were collected at the abattoir, downstream and upstream the point where the abattoir effluent enters River Rwizi. The samples were tested for total nitrogen and phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Heavy metals such as nickel, arsenic, copper, chromium, iron, and mercury were also tested. The abattoir wastewater to open environment and flows to River Rwizi that increases COD levels of river water. The mean COD values at the abattoir 604.9±153.9 mg/l, upstream 83.0±3.1mg/l and downstream 252.3±61.4 mg/l. The COD level was above the National Environment Management Authority recommended water quality limit of 70mg/L. The use of raw and activated carbonised rice husks for the treatment of nitrate phosphate-polluted water studied. COD removal efficiencies increased with increase in contact time 5, 15 and 20 minutes were 79, 88, and 91%, respectively. Furthermore, COD efficiencies for dosages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g were 52, 65, 72, 74 and 91% respectively. Secondly, carbonised activated rice husks at dosage of 5 g and 20 minutes contact time in reducing COD. The study calls on the abattoir to improve on their wastewater management techniques and community to improve on existing water treatment methods used.
Procurement planning on construction project performance: factors affecting infrastructure projects in Kampala city
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-11) Asio, Martha Okiring
The procurement process involves recognizing the demands of a project, outlining its specifications, and securing the right contractors that are crucial for finishing a construction project successfully in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. In Uganda, there have been issues with procurement in terms of accountability, scheduling conflicts, and budget overruns in construction projects. This study looked at the effect of procurement planning and how it influences the success of construction projects. Procurement planning was studied as an independent variable to determine its effect on project performance. The dependent variable in this study was project performance, which was assessed based on time, cost, and quality using a descriptive survey research design. The data was collected from construction clients, contractors and consultants through questionnaires. The study findings established that contemporary procurement within construction projects incorporate planning phase prior to the initiation of bidding. Despite the implementation of these measures during the planning stage, a notable discrepancy exists as numerous construction projects experience delays, and cost overruns. The survey reveals a strong agreement on the necessity of assessing client needs at 78% and material assessment at 86% during the planning stage. It emphasizes the necessity for all stakeholders to synchronize these elements before the commencement of the bidding process, as they profoundly influence project cost, construction timeline, quality of the final deliverables, and overall customer satisfaction.
Experimental and numerical investigations of fire resistance of a hybrid slab
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-09) Asiimwe, Ronald Wilfred
In Uganda, there has been a growing use of hybrid slabs which include timber steel and concrete within floor systems. On the 26th of September 2022, the government of Uganda through the minister of works and transport issued a ban on building houses with hybrid slab floor systems until enough studies have been done to deem it safe as a construction method. Therefore, there was a need to conduct an experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of the hybrid slab when subjected to a fire. The experimental and numerical model parameters and specifications considered were obtained from the baseline study carried out on buildings, designers and contractors employing the use of hybrid floor systems in Uganda. A 4x3m slab model was built on a construction site in Katta, Wakiso district. The model was constructed with a 75mm concrete topping cast on expanded metal lathe fixed, on top of 100x100mm Eucalyptus grandis beams, spaced 600mm cc which were simply supported on I-beams top flanges. The I beam were supported by SHS 75x75x5mm columns at the ends. The I-beams were spaced 2000mm perpendicular to the 4m side. Burnt clay brick wall were constructed around the perimeter of the structure to keep the heat in. Three openings were constructed on the 4m side and two openings were constructed on the 3m side. Due to the unavailability of the large laboratory furnaces to carry out the experiment, a natural fire was considered as the fire scenario to be used for experimenting following Eurocode specifications. It was observed from the experimental setup that hybrid slab could with stand a natural fire for more than one hour with the ability to maintain its load carrying capacity. Numerical simulation was done using ABAQUS-CAE a Finite Element Model programme. Natural fire curve, ECPC, ASTME119 and ISO 834 fire curves were used for numerical simulation. The numerical natural fire curve observations were consistent with the experimental results. The hybrid slab therefore meets the east African code recommendations of one hour fire resistance without collapse based on natural fire tests and therefore can be used as a construction method. The ability of the slab to withstand fire action will depend among other factors the composite action between the timber and concrete therefore an investigation of the degree of composition between the timber and concrete was be determined considering three-inch wire nails and expanded metal lathe as shear connectors. Four test samples were cast according to Eurocode 4 for each of the connectors. A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to test the samples under monotonic loading, and linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) were used to measure slip. It was determined that both the nails and expanded metal lathe create partial composite action between the concrete and timber elements.
Investigating the dewaterability and resource recovery potential of distillery wastewater using sawdust and charcoal dust as conditioners
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-09) Angom, Hedina
Discharge of untreated distillery wastewater has a high impact on human and environmental health. One of the critical stages in its management is dewatering. However, understanding the dewatering characteristics of distillery wastewater is a grey area as minimal research has been done on it. This research evaluated the characteristics of distillery wastewater from various sources to identify any variations, its dewatering potential, enhancement of dewatering using conditioners and its resource recovery potential. The research was undertaken using laboratory measurements and experiments to determine the wastewater characteristics and dewaterability. Dewatering performance was measured in terms of capillary suction time (CST), and turbidity of supernatant after natural and mechanical settling. The findings of this study showed that distillery wastewater characteristics were very significant in pH (3.56-6.32) p=0.017, EC (4.22-34.77mS/cm) p=0.002, COD (63,800-148,680mg/L) p=0.004 and turbidity (18,700-45,500NTU) – p=0.167. Dewatering was noted to be CST (30-5512.64s) p=0.140 and turbidity of supernatant (14,700-87,500NTU) p=0.046. Enhancing dewatering using conditioners showed CST (60.56-9047.04s) p=0.452, 0.012, 0.207 and turbidity of supernatant (4.37-93,500NTU) p=0.002, 0.013, 0.788 with better performance observed after treatment with charcoal dust. Based on the Nitrogen (31-121mg/L), Phosphorus (195-757mg/L), Potassium (4580-13449.15mg/L) and TVS/TS ratio (0.76-0.91) values, distillery wastewater showed potential for resource recovery. Distillery wastewater needs to be treated to protect human and environmental health. Strict measures should be put in place to ensure adherence to standards for discharge into the environment.
Exploring the impact of managers’ supervisory styles on workers’ performance in private sector building projects in Uganda : a case study of Mbarara city
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-03) Agaba, Abel
In Mbarara city, construction projects have been characterized by delayed completion and poor-quality projects. This study sought to explore the impact of managers’ supervisory styles on workers’ performance in private sector building projects in Mbarara City. The study was motivated by the fact that an audit by the Government Accountability Office found that while the USMID project achieved an average score of 77.5% there were gaps in contract management and project performance in Uganda. Construction managers, other construction workers, experts, and owners of construction projects constituted the study population. A cross-sectional survey design was used under descriptive research design. Data was collected from a sample size of 246 using questionnaires and interview guides as data collecting tools. The descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the data made use of the Pearson correlation coefficient and statistics from regression analysis. The results showed that different supervisory styles were in use, mostly reflecting democratic, autocratic, transformational, and to a much lesser extent laissez-faire type. The employees demonstrated excellent achievement by performing to the best of their abilities, starting work consistently, and successfully completing tasks to ensure customer pleasure. The correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant association between a manager's supervisory styles and worker efficiency i.e. (r=0.249**, p=0.000˂0.05), suggesting that managers in Mbarara city's private construction projects should rely on supervisory styles to raise staff performance. Regression analysis results showed that manager’s supervisory styles account for up to 6.2% of the variance in employee performance (adjusted R2 =0.062), implying that to a large extent, manager’s supervisory styles alone have less influence on the workers’ performance, with other factors like; level of motivation, welfare, level of training, remuneration, safety concerns, conflicts among workers, influencing their performance by 93.8%. In conclusion, the majority of employees value democratic supervisory practices, which are represented in managers consulting with employees before making decisions and promoting discussion of sensitive topics
Investigating the effect of leachate from solid wastes management plant on surface water quality in Mbale
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-09) Alunyu, Denis
This study investigated the effect of leachate from solid wastes composite plant on River Namatala water quality in Mbale City. Data was collected on the amount of solid wastes generated per day within Mbale city. Concentrations of water pollutants in the leachate produced from the decomposed solid wastes were tested in the laboratory. Possibility of treating lead as a pollutant using low cost adsorbent was explored. The results indicated that 273.5 tons of solid wastes are collected per day and deposited at the wastes management plant. Of this total, biodegradable and nonbiodegradable wastes constituted 84.4% and 15.6%, respectively. The concentrations or values of water pollutants especially total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, lead and electrical conductivity from the leachate were higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).The heavy metals such as copper, iron, nickel, silver, chromium had lower values compared to maximum acceptable limit set by WHO. However, heavy metals should not be ignored as they are potential sources of pollution to nearby environments. The differences in the means of upstream and downstream pH, iron, chromium, lead, copper, total nitrogen, total phosphorus concentration and electrical conductivity were statistically significant (p < 0.05) while nickel, silver chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand were statistically not significant (p >0.05).Raw avocado seeds had a higher lead removal efficiency (93.97%) compared to activated avocado seeds (89.7%). The households in Mbale city should be sensitized on the need for separation of wastes into biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Water from River Namatala should be first treated before its domestic use.
Assessing occupational safety and health hazards at workplaces in Uganda : a case of four engineering materials testing laboratories
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-06) Lusundo, Fred Moses
Workplaces in Uganda are mandated to satisfy the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 2006 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health of workers. Despite of the above, many workplaces in Uganda including Engineering Materials Testing Laboratories have continued not to satisfy the above requirements. Although different strategies to manage OSH risks have been devised and several entities like Safety committees and Ministry of Gender Labour and Social development (MoGLSD) empowered by the act to ensure compliance of work places, OSH in engineering materials testing laboratories has remained a challenge; thereby exposing staff and visitors to the laboratories to serious OSH hazards including physical injuries and long-term health risks like cancer. It is these compliance gaps that this study is set to examine, using the case of Engineering Materials Laboratory (EML), Central Materials Laboratory (CML), Geotechnical Foundation Services Ltd (GFS) and Geotechnical Engineering and Technology Laboratory Ltd (GET). The study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Quantitative data collection was supported by the use of questionnaires with closed ended questions administered to 60 respondents and then qualitative data, by use of an interview guide. The study findings indicate that for all laboratories, risks due to chemical hazards ranked highest, followed by risks due to accident hazards. Risks due to physical hazards ranked third for EML as opposed to risks due to ergonomics and psychosocial factors that ranked third for CML, GFS and GET. Risks due to ergonomics and psycho-social factors ranked lowest for EML as opposed to risks due to physical hazards factors that ranked lowest for CML, GFS and GET. Consequently, the assessment of the level of compliance to Uganda’s OSH regulatory framework indicated that GET, GFS, EML and CML were 88%, 83.4%, 79.7% and 76% compliant respectively, implying that there are still gaps in the implementation of OSHA, 2006. In conclusion, the study attributes these gaps to inadequate financial resources allocated for OSH operations and laxity in implementing OSH management strategies by the various key players among others.
Assessing occupational safety and health hazards at workplaces in Uganda : a case of four engineering materials testing laboratories
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-07) Lusundo, Moses Fred
Workplaces in Uganda are mandated to satisfy the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 2006 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health of workers. Despite of the above, many workplaces in Uganda including Engineering Materials Testing Laboratories have continued not to satisfy the above requirements. Although different strategies to manage OSH risks have been devised and several entities like Safety committees and Ministry of Gender Labour and Social OSH in engineering materials testing laboratories has remained a challenge; thereby exposing staff and visitors to the laboratories to serious OSH hazards including physical injuries and long-term health risks like cancer. It is these compliance gaps that this study is set to examine, using the case of Engineering Materials Laboratory EML), Central Materials Laboratory (CML), Geotechnical Foundation Services Ltd (GFS) and Geotechnical Engineering and Technology Laboratory Ltd (GET). The study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Quantitative data collection was supported by the use of questionnaires with closed ended questions administered to 60 respondents and then qualitative data, by use of an interview guide. The study findings indicate that for all laboratories, risks due to chemical hazards ranked highest, followed by risks due to accident hazards. Risks due to physical hazards ranked third for EML as opposed to risks due to ergonomics and psychosocial factors that ranked third for CML, GFS and GET. Risks due to ergonomics and social factors ranked lowest for EML as opposed to risks due to physical hazards factors that ranked lowest for CML, GFS and GET. Consequently, the assessment of the level of compliance to Uganda’s OSH regulatory framework indicated that GET, GFS, EML and CML were 88%, 83.4%, 79.7% and 76% compliant respectively, implying that there are still gaps in the implementation of OSHA, 2006. In conclusion, the study attributes these gaps to inadequate financial resources allocated for OSH operations and laxity in implementing OSH management strategies by the various key players among others.
Mutagenic potential of selected industrial effluents and their effects on germination, growth and yield parameters of cowpeas (Vigna Unguiculata L)
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-11) Aliobe, Caku Semi
Increasing industrialization in the developing world especially Uganda has been inevitable leading to build up of industrial effluents. The Industrial effluent composition varies depending on activity in the manufacturing process at a specific time. These industrial effluents possess temporal toxicity of unknown magnitude due to the chemical reactions that take place and this has possible mutagenic risk to the ecosystem. The study assessed the mutagenic potential of selected industrial effluents in Kinawataka Area, Kampala Uganda and their effects on germination, growth and yield parameters of Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L). The selected industrial effluents were assessed for mutagenicity using Ame’s test, the effluents were then used to intoxicate the seeds of cowpeas and thereafter, the germination, growth and yield parameters were determined on the plants in randomised experimental design. The industrial effluent from the plastic and mattress industry had the highest mutagenic potential with undiluted effluent having 32.0 (1.41) and 27.0 (1.14) revartants respectively. Aluminium products industry had the lowest mutagenicity with 12 (1.41) revartants. Regarding the germination and seedling parameters, the undiluted effluent from mattress industry caused the highest reduction in germination rate by 50 %, shoot length by 75 %, root length by 55 % and wet weight by 47 % of the seedling. The dry weight of the seedling was reduced by 22 % by effluent from pharmaceutical industry. The 25 % dilution plastic industry effluent increased shoot significantly by 38 %. The undiluted mattress effluent registered a significant reduction effect on growth and yield parameters as follows; root nodules by 26 %, number of seeds per pod by 28 % and dry weight of seeds by 18 %. The paint effluent also significantly reduced number of root nodule per plant and dry weight of seeds at dilutions of 75 % and above. Aluminium waste also registered significant effect on number of root nodules per plant and number of seeds per plant. The other effluents had no significant effect on growth and yield parameters of cowpeas at p ≤ 5 %. It was therefore established that all the industrial effluent assessed were mutagenic with varying potential. These observations were due to the fact that industrial effluents contain toxicants with varying chemicals that interact to cause such mutagenic effects, such as propylene oxide in mattress effluent which interfere with the DNA bases in order of Guanine > Adenine > Cytosine > Thymine. The government should therefore, increase surveillance of industrial effluents so as to enhance compliance and protect the environment.
Development and evaluation of a sustainable solar cooker for operations in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-10) Sebunya, Steven
The high level of increasing technological advancements and human population globally have resulted into escalated energy demands. With cooking accounting for almost 90% of all the household energy consumption in developing countries, traditional firewood stoves and improved charcoal stove are still dominant regardless of their negative impact. In Uganda, there is need of adopting clean and renewable non-depleting alternative energy sources among which includes solar cooking technologies. Many regional areas across Uganda and especially in the Northern and Eastern, receive approximately 4–5 kWh/m² per day of solar energy which is commendable for most solar cooking technologies. This study deals with the development and evaluation of a novel box-type direct solar cooker while putting in to consideration the existing cooking dynamics, solar irradiation and locally available materials for operation in Ugandan. For optimization, the cooking energy requirements for common foods like rice, matoke, and cassava, along with the average solar irradiation in Uganda, were considered to determine the cooker’s aperture area, which was calculated to be 0.1897 m². The cooker was further developed with internal side-wall reflectors to improve its performance efficiency and these were calculated as 340, 560, 430, and 430 due to south, north, west, and east respectively. Solar data and geographical data for Mbarara city (Having the lowest amount of daily Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) among the selected regional areas) were considered in the module design and simulation for performance feasibility. Using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5 software, thermal analysis and optical analysis were conducted for the systems performance validation. Finally, locally available materials were considered for costing and construction of the developed solar for both economic and manufacturing feasibility. The cooker was costed at 210 USD with a payback period of 1 and 1.3 years while transitioning from cooking using charcoal and electricity respectively.
Introducing value based maintenance management to satisfy buildings’ stakeholders in Uganda : a case study of prisons in Lango sub region
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-03) Ochen, Ceasor
A maintenance service is successful if the end users of a building are satisfied with the maintained building. However, the state of the prisons’ buildings in Uganda doesn’t satisfy the prisons’ staff. Therefore, this study explored the use of value-based maintenance management in order to develop a maintenance framework for assessing prisons’ stakeholder’s satisfaction. Questionnaire surveys and key informants interviews were used to collect data which were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed respectively to deduce inferences. Quantitative analysis was done by relative importance index and multi regression analysis whereas qualitative analysis was done by content analysis. Study findings revealed that, among the prisons buildings; maintenance of inmates wards yielded the highest stakeholders’ satisfaction. For every element of inmates wards addressed at planning, design and construction stages of maintenance, stakeholders’ satisfaction increased by 0.448, 0.360 and 0.568 respectively. Whereas considering conditioned based maintenance at design and construction stages of maintenance yielded the highest stakeholders’ satisfaction, with increases in satisfaction of 0.583 and 0.468 respectively for every element of conditioned based maintenance considered. As regards risk factors, stakeholders’ participation was the most important risk factor; for every improvement in participation by stakeholders at planning, design and construction stages of maintenance, stakeholders’ satisfaction increased by 0.619, 0.623 and 0.666 respectively. Therefore, the key components of a maintenance framework for assessing prisons’ stakeholders’ satisfaction are; prioritising maintaining inmates’ wards, developing designs and construction methods after assessing the condition of the wards for fitness for purpose and full participation of all the prisons’ stakeholders at all stages of maintenance.
Investigating the cost of mechanized unpaved road maintenance operations in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-06) Obeti, Moses Andrew
Force Account Mechanism (FAM) is the predominant road maintenance system in Uganda’s local government setting and also in some private sector plantation agriculture setups. With previous research citing challenges in cost management and efficiency of the FAM method, it becomes paramount to analyse how FAM is implemented in both the private sector and government led operations alongside proposing possible solutions to these challenges. This research offered to analyse unpaved road maintenance cost factors alongside providing a cost model solution to improve on cost prediction of the FAM system. Gulu District Local Government (DLG) and Kakira Sugar Limited (KSL) were selected as case study areas. Cost data from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) was chosen for cost comparison purposes. Two descriptive research methods were used: observations and case study approach. The selected case study areas were accessible and reachable in terms of data collection. Control parameters affecting unpaved mechanized road maintenance were identified as, machine repair costs, maintenance costs, machine depreciation costs, worker’s salaries, machine insurance costs, and machine fuel costs. The study recommends the need for an effective electronic cost database system for unpaved road maintenance works with emphasis on mechanized road maintenance cost driver analytics and management, alongside improvement in aspects of maintenance processes. Further research can be conducted on equipment condition level prediction and analytics at the DLG.
Analysing the factors affecting the performance of local construction companies in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-07) Mutekanga, Zadock
Even though the local construction business is rapidly growing, poor performance has hurt the industry's reputation, therefore the study analyzed the factors affecting the performance of local construction companies, specifically looking at challenges faced, characteristics of local construction companies and establishing ways of improving their performance. Data was gathered using a cross-sectional study design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods with semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The study's target sample was 132 heads of departments and directors, however only 119 of them responded (a response rate of 90.2% for the questionnaire and 85.7% for the interviews). The respondents were selected by purposive and stratified random sampling. The data was presented and analyzed using percentages, frequencies, tables, and charts. The relative importance index (RII) was used to rate the difficulties experienced by local construction enterprises, their characteristics, and the steps taken to increase their productivity and competitiveness. The findings showed that the primary difficulties faced by local construction enterprises are insufficient funding and restricted capability, inadequate skilled man power, high interest rates, political and donor directives and limited advanced technology. Some characteristics of local construction companies are; being too many and small in size, labour intensive techniques and that has led to low quality output of the projects, abandoned projects, time and cost overruns. The measures to improve the performance of local construction companies majorly are continuous benchmarking, aligning national and international standards, merging and pooling resources together as well as further training in advanced technology. The study therefore, recommended that local construction companies need to pool resources together in order to have sufficient working capital, foster the development of workforce skills through instruction in cutting-edge and sophisticated technology.
A framework to mitigate impacts of contract termination on construction projects in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-04) Mafabi, Micheal
Construction projects in Uganda are faced with a challenge of resorting to termination of contract as a remedy for contract breach by either party to contract. The study aimed developing a frame work to mitigate impacts of construction contract termination on projects. Fifty-eight causes and twenty impacts of construction contract termination were identified through detailed literature review, questionnaire surveys and interviews administered to all key stakeholder categories in the industry who included: project beneficiaries, clients, contractors and consultants. The study categorized the causes of contract termination into five: contractor-related; client-related; financial and business environment-related; project-related; and, political-related causes. Thereafter, the impacts of contract termination on stake holder were analyzed using relative importance index (RII). The computed RII for each of the causes and impacts was used to rank them. Findings from the study revealed that contractor- related causes with RII=0.760 ranked the most critical among the five categories. The most significant causes of contract termination were revealed to be abandonment of work, client’s bankruptcy, delays in completion of works, contractor bankruptcy or insolvency, and, lack of resources. The most significant impacts of contract termination were identified as loss of income to the contractor, loss of reputation, delays in project completion, abandonment of project, cost overruns. The study concluded that contract termination is inevitable in the construction industry but can be prevented when the causes are properly identified, analyzed and managed during the project life cycle. A framework to mitigate contract termination in the construction industry was developed as a solution otherwise the adverse effects would continue occurring. The study recommended proper planning and provision of affordable credit facilities as mitigation measures.

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