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
Impact of the building envelope and orientation on thermal comfort and energy performance of residential buildings in tropical regions
(Sustainable Energy Research, 2026-10-23) Kajjoba, Derrick; Kasedde, Hillary; Kirabira, John B.; Wesonga, Racheal; Lwanyaga, Joseph D.; Mugwanya, Richard; Olupot, Peter W.
Building envelope materials and orientation play a crucial role in enhancing natural ventilation, reducing energy demand, and improving thermal comfort in low-income tropical housing. This study evaluated the potential of passive building envelope strategies to enhance the thermal and energy performance of residential buildings in Kampala, Uganda. Specifically, it assessed the effects of optimized building orientation and envelope materials on indoor thermal conditions, occupant comfort, and energy-related heat gains. IES VE v2024 was employed to simulate and compare a residential building base model with an optimized test model, using metrics, such as air temperature, relative humidity, internal heat gains, and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD). Simulation results were validated against on-site measurements. The optimized interventions reduced annual discomfort hours above 28 °C by 44.3% in the living room and 72.7% in the master bedroom. Indoor temperatures decreased from 0.5 to 1.0 °C, accompanied by improved humidity control. Internal heat gains were also reduced, including a 4.0% reduction in lighting gains and significant reductions in solar and external conduction gains. PPD decreased by 16% in the living room and 10.4% in the master bedroom. Validation demonstrated improved performance of the test model, including lower peak-hour relative humidity despite minor deviations between simulated and measured values. These findings indicate that climate-responsive orientation and envelope-material optimization can substantially improve thermal comfort and energy performance in tropical residential buildings. This study provides evidence to inform passive design guidance for energy-efficient housing in Uganda and supports SDGs 7, 11, 12, and 13 by reducing building energy demand and environmental impacts.
Design and simulation-based evaluation of a two-axis sliding robotic scrap charging system for electric induction furnaces
(International Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications, 2026-10-11) Byaruhanga, Luka; Nalubowa, Maureen Ssempijja; Kangwagye, Samuel
Manual and mechanized charging of scrap into electric induction furnaces can slow production and expose workers to serious hazards in steel plants. In addition to decreasing furnace production, delays and erratic charging rates expose personnel to toxic fumes, high temperatures, molten metal splashes, and ergonomic hazards. This paper presents a two-axis sliding robotic scrap charging system for electric induction furnaces. The system integrates an industrial robot arm mounted on an xy-axis sliding base with interchangeable end effectors for handling different scrap types. Data obtained from three actual steel manufacturing plants was used to establish the system requirements. The work then covered mathematical calculations, mechanical design, development of the control architecture, finite element analysis, and simulation-based evaluation. The designed charging capacity was estimated at 87 kg/min, compared with 73 kg/min for the existing process. This would increase the amount of scrap charged during a 2.5-hour production period from approximately 11 to 13 tons. Structural and thermal analyses were conducted under the specified mechanical loads and temperature boundary conditions.
Prompting for justice : generative AI, translanguaging, and the equity imperative in bilingual education
(Cogent Education, 2026-10-06) Kidega, Charles
Generative AI (GenAI) is entering bilingual and dual language classrooms faster than theoretical and pedagogical frameworks can respond. Trained predominately on English-dominant data, large language models encode linguistic hierarchies that contradict equity-oriented bilingual education stands for. Drawing on translanguaging theory, critical AI literacy research, and empirical studies of language bias, this paper proposes Equity-Centered Prompting Framework (ECPF). ECPF comprises five principles spanning prompt design, output evaluation, student participation, instructional function, and epistemic authority. Unlike existing critical AI literacy frameworks that address technology broadly, or culturally sustaining pedagogies that do not engage AI specifically, ECPF targets the linguistic structure of GenAI and its consequences for bilingual learners, positioning AI interaction itself as an act of equity-oriented pedagogy. The framework was developed through a four-stage systematic theoretical synthesis: construct identification, literature search and selection, thematic synthesis, and principle formulation and validation based on 20 core sources. The contribution is threefold: a translanguaging-based critique of how GenAI architectures. five actionable principles for equity-centered prompting in actual bilingual classrooms, and a research and policy agenda for linguistically just AI integration.
Water-absorption behavior of hybrid biocomposites based on Syagrus romanzoffiana Palm waste and short Sisal \fibers : application of ANN, RSM optimization, and Fick’s Diffusion Model
(Journal of Natural Fibers, 2026-09-29) Ghernaout, Djamel; Boumaaza, Messaouda; Belaadi, Ahmed; Elboughdiri, Noureddine; Benaissa, Mhamed; Bourchak, Mostefa; Mukalazi, Herbert; Salih, Alsamani Ahmed
This research advances sustainable production methods by focusing on the reuse of agricultural waste. The absorption behavior of hybrid biocomposites reinforced with biochar derived from Syagrus romanzoffiana palm waste (SrPW) and Agave sisalana fiber (AsF) in an epoxy matrix was examined. The primary objective was to assess how varying
AsF content (10, 15, 20, and 30%) affects the dynamic behavior of hybrid biocomposites incorporating a fixed 2% of biochar. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial
neural networks (ANN), optimized using a genetic algorithm, were employed to evaluate and simulate absorption characteristics. The ANN approach demonstrated superior
accuracy and robustness compared to RSM, as indicated by high correlation coefficients (0.9999 in training, 0.9702 in testing, and 0.9970 in validation) between model predictions and experimental results. This predictive method minimizes the need for extensive experimental trials, thereby saving time and resources. The resulting green composite, based on epoxy, palm waste, and sisal, presents an environmentally friendly alternative for potential sustainable applications.
Collaborative dynamics in multisectoral nutrition governance of Uganda’s second nutrition action plan : a qualitative case study
(BMC Public Health, 2026-09-17) Kansabe, Shirley; Lubogo, David; Ssennyonjo, Aloysius
Background Malnutrition has various causal pathways that necessitate participatory design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions, culminating in the current multisectoral collaborations for nutrition. In addition to the growing interest and investment in multisectoral collaboration, there is demand for knowledge on the processes of delivering collaborative nutrition plans and endeavours. These processes remain less studied and undocumented.
Objective The study examined dynamics during national level implementation of Uganda’s second Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP) II, inspired by the reduction in stunting in Uganda alongside multisectoral nutrition governance under the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.
Methods 20 key informant interviews and 28 documents provided information for this case study. The interviews were conducted among representatives of key ministries, departments and agencies implementing UNAP II and representatives of the SUN Networks. The Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance structured a primarily deductive thematic analysis of principled engagement, shared motivation and capacity for joint action. NVivo 12 was used to manage coding and analysis.
Results Multisectoral coordination meetings supported accountability and joint planning. A recurrent cross-cutting pattern was mandate competition, described by participants as mandates being ‘hijacked’ when resources were attached to particular activities. Accounts linked these disputes to political pressure and role encroachment resulting in exclusion of some actors regarded as controversial. Trust, transparency and commitment varied across sectors and were closely tied to financial resources and individual actors. Capacity for joint action was constrained by weak knowledge management as well as limited financial, technical and human resources, much of which relied on donors. Formal allocation of roles did not by itself prevent mandate disputes or power imbalances.
Conclusion Improving UNAP implementation requires stronger procedures for coordination, resolving disputes, knowledge management, continuity beyond individual focal persons and deliberate trust-building across participating organisations.