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The role of guided play pedagogy on number concept development in pre-primary school: a case of Amac sub county, Lira district
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-09) Akwang, Beatrice
In pre-primary school, number concept development normally appears as a daily activity. Number concept development is considered as a way through which learners' cognitive growth is stimulated to think logically about quantities, patterns, and relationships to set the groundwork for more complex mathematical understanding. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of guided play pedagogy in promoting number concept development among pre-primary learners in Amac Sub-county, Lira District. Specifically, the study aimed to: (1) explore how guided play pedagogy creates a stimulating environment that influences number concept development; (2) investigate assessment practices within guided play pedagogy; and (3) establish teachers’ perceptions regarding the influence of guided structured play on learners’ number concept development. Grounded in Vygotsky’s (1978) social constructivist theory particularly the concept of scaffolding instruction, the study adopted a qualitative case study design. The target population included 36 pre-primary school teachers, 12 head teachers, and 72 learners.
Purposive sampling was used to select teachers and head teachers, while convenience sampling was applied to individual learners for classroom observation. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and document reviews across twelve schools, and analysed using content analysis presented in narrative form. The data collection process focused on observing participant interactions, classroom practices, and the integration of number concept development through guided play pedagogy. Key findings revealed that when guided play was effectively implemented using locally available materials and structured games, it created stimulating, child-centred environments that enhanced skills such as counting, sequencing, comparison, and problem-solving. However, implementation varied depending on teacher training, experience, classroom layout, and resource availability. Assessment practices were predominantly informal and aligned with sociocultural principles but were constrained by administrative reporting requirements and parental expectations for formal testing. Although teachers generally expressed positive perceptions of guided play pedagogy, practical challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited instructional materials, and inadequate professional support hindered full implementation. The study concludes that guided play pedagogy holds significant potential to strengthen early numeracy, provided there is systemic investment in teacher training, continuous professional development (CPD), improved classroom resources, guided play-based assessment policies, and stakeholder sensitization. It recommends a holistic and collaborative approach to embed guided play pedagogy as a foundational element of quality early childhood education in Uganda.
A kalman filter based algorithm for enhancing accuracy of kiln roller bearing temperature measurements in cement production at hima cement plant
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-10) Ahebwa, Samuel
A rotary kiln is an integral component of a cement production plant mounted on tire/roller assemblies and supported by partial journal bearings. Temperature monitoring of the bearings is necessary to prevent unexpected damage. The rotary kiln (RK3) at Hima Cement Factory operates with a discrepancy in roller bearing temperature measurements typically between Hand Pyrometer Readings and Control room readings, ranging from 0.1◦C to 44◦C. This deviation in measurements can be attributed to abrupt sensor failures caused by power issues, loose contacts, or data system flaws as well as flying particulate matter inside the kiln system obscures the sensor. While there is a potential risk of tripping the kiln main drive on interlock due to undetected temperatures that are out of operational range, kiln roller bearings are also likely to deteriorate when operated at high temperatures for a long time. The intention of the research was to create a Kalman Filter-based algorithm that provides more accurate estimates of kiln roller bearing temperatures.The proposed method's accuracy was validated by comparing actual measurements obtained under controlled test conditions with ground truth obtained by HPR. The experiment then tested whether the Extended Kalman Filter can reduce noise, adapt to dynamic changes, and provide estimates that are close to the ground truth. The study showed a 94% improvement in temperature measurement accuracy under noisy conditions, reducing the initial RMSE from 8.656°C towards 0.523°C and MAE from 8.060°C towards 0.445°C after Kalman correction. This increased the reliability of temperature monitoring in dynamic environments. Implementing a real-time monitoring system is critical to ensuring that the Kalman filter functions with current and correct data while configuring a comprehensive alarm system to ensure safety and efficiency in the cement rotary kiln operations.
Information and communication technology adoption and record management in public universities in Kampala city
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-04) Akulia, Grace
This study examined the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption and Record Management in Public Universities in Kampala City. The study was specifically guided by mainly four objectives: (i) to establish the influence of perceived ease of use on record management, (ii) to examine the effect of perceived usefulness on record management, (iii) to examine the effect of perceived trust on record management and (iv) to examine the mediating role of perceived trust on the relationship between ICT adoption and record management in Public Universities in Kampala City. The study population was 615 from which a sample of 516 staff members was drawn across 3 Public Universities in Kampala City. This study performed regression analysis the variances. The findings revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived trust significantly influenced record management. Specifically, perceived ease of use of ICT had a significant positive effect on record management (B = 0.159, Beta = 0.144, p < 0.01), indicating that respondents who found the systems easy to use were more likely to adopt them. Perceived usefulness of ICT also showed a strong positive relationship with adoption (B = 0.364, Beta = 0.283, p < 0.01), with users who perceived the system as useful being more likely to adopt it for record management. Moreover, perceived trust of ICT was found to have the strongest impact on adoption (B = 0.914, Beta = 0.630, p < 0.01), emphasizing that trust in the system is a key determinant in whether users adopt ICT for record management. The study concluded that fostering trust, improving system usability, and demonstrating the utility of ICT systems are critical to enhancing ICT adoption in record management. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government, policymakers, and University management focus on standardizing ICT systems, improving data security, and providing continuous training to ensure the effective implementation of ICT systems for record management in Higher Institutions of Learning.
Potential of selected plant species for phytoremediation of heavy metals in soil, and wastewater sediment from Nakivubo wetland, Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-06) Akatukunda, Roselyne
Heavy metal pollution from industrial effluent has posed serious impacts on both humans and the environment. Several methods including chemical, biological, physical, and integrative approaches have been used to eliminate this kind of pollution. The study was conducted in Nakivubo wetland, Uganda, to assess the potential of phytoremediation as an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for removing heavy metals [Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), and Arsenic (As)] from contaminated soil and wastewater sediments. Four plant species (Commelina benghalensis, Pennisetum purpureum, Sida acuta, and Cynodon dactylon) were analysed for their metal accumulation efficiency. Soil and wastewater sediment samples from four sites were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results showed significant contamination, with Pb (4.66 - 83.49 mg/kg), Cd (0.65 - 1.49 mg/kg), Cu (5.64 - 52.09 mg/kg), and trace amounts of As (0.00 - 1.24 mg/kg) in soil, while wastewater sediments contained Pb (52.33 - 90.49 mg/kg), Cd (0.96 - 1.24 mg/kg), Cu (26.29 - 47.59 mg/kg), and As (0.08 - 0.28 mg/kg). All selected plant species effectively accumulated heavy metals. From soil, C. benghalensis was most efficient at accumulating Pb (39.82%) and Cd (171.3%), while C. dactylon was most effective for Cu (155.17%) and As (50.30%). In wastewater sediments, C. dactylon exhibited the highest Cu (137.51%) and As (116.83%) uptake, while C. benghalensis was most efficient for Pb (36.74%) and Cd (225.48%). High percentages of heavy metals in specific plants could have accumulated over time. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences in metal accumulation. The Bio-concentration Factor, Translocation Factor, and Biological Absorption Coefficient values >1 indicated successful heavy metal uptake. C. benghalensis, P. purpureum, S. acuta, and C. dactylon are therefore effective phytoremediators and can be utilised for heavy metal cleanup in soil and wetlands.
Stability of marriages of Roman catholic christians in Kabale municipality, Kabale district
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-03) Akankwasa, Emmanuel
The scarcity of Christian values, intentional programs, activities, and the mechanism to mitigate the existing marital instabilities called for an urgent study to address the crisis.
To achieve this, the study focused on the values and practices for stable Christian marriages, the benefits of the church programs and activities that promote couple commitment to marriage vows. The study also explored the Christian interventions in the prevention of marital instabilities and the response made to address marital conflicts from couples who had celebrated 25 years in Christian marriage, the study also covered the period of 2020-2023, among the Roman Catholic in Kabale municipality Kabale District. The study was qualitative with phenomenological approach. The study aimed at gaining a thorough understanding of participants' viewpoints and experiences through in-depth interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Data was collected using an in depth interview guide with twenty (20) primary participants and (4) focus group discussions. The study used a range of techniques to gather data, including Focused Group Discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informants, which produced rich, comprehensive data. Study findings showed that Christian values are essential for fostering enduring marriages and have an impact on connections outside the marriage, such as in the community. Church initiatives, such as youth programs and counseling, uphold these values and promote the stability of marriages. Despite difficulties, little conflicts in Christian marriages are typically settled by mutual consent, and the church offers resources like premarital counseling to assist guarantee marital stability. The report recommends boosting male involvement in Catholic marriage programs, improving conflict resolution, and addressing issues like limited funds and a lack of trained counselors, while incorporating traditional African marital customs. The research's conclusions are given narratively, along with thorough explanations that the investigator created by interpreting the information gathered from the field.