Academic submissions (CEDAT)

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    Investigation into the engineering properties of recycled red clay brick aggregates and crumb rubber mixtures for pavement construction
    (Makerere University, 2017) Arinaitwe, Emmy
    Large volumes of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste and End-Of-Life rubber tyres produced every year cause a huge environmental problem. Both bricks and rubber wastes are non-biodegradable in nature and pose a threat if not adequately and safely disposed of. On the other hand, these materials have good engineering properties that could be beneficially used in civil engineering, e.g. in construction of pavement layers in road works. Brick rubble is a major component of C&D, constituting approximately 7 - 10% of the total C&D waste generated on construction sites. In this study, recycled brick aggregates (RBA) crushed from red clay bricks picked from a demolition site in Świętochłowice (Silesia Region in Poland) and crumb tyre rubber (granulated) were tested to determine their engineering properties with the aim of utilizing them as unbound pavement material. Physical and mechanical tests such as particle size distribution, particle density, Proctor test, water absorption and California bearing ratio were conducted on the recycled brick aggregates. The compressive strength of the whole bricks was determined as well. Recycled brick aggregate – tyre rubber blends were prepared with varying percentages of tyre rubber (2%, 5% and 10% of the total weight of the dry mix) to determine the effect of this addition on the physical and mechanical properties of RBA. To present the varying moisture content regimes of pavement layers in various field applications, both unsoaked and soaked samples were investigated for California bearing ratio, swelling and moisture content. The experimental results indicated that RBA behaved like self-draining material with the bleeding water content of approximately 15% and its dry density did not largely depend on the moisture content. Compaction of materials in the Proctor moulds caused RBA to break and the breakage increased with the compaction energy. The RBA0 remained multi graded with Cu ≥ 26.7 and Cc ≤ 1.16 and were RBA2 (25.0 and 1.26), RBA5 (22.1 and 1.25) and RBA10 (28.9 and 2.45) respectively after modified Proctor energy compaction. Addition of recycled rubber to RBA greatly enhanced protection against crushing of RBA during compaction which increased by approximately 46% as rubber content increased to 10%. The CBR test values of only RBA were 87.8% (unsoaked) prepared with 2-5 mm size rubber mixture and 106.1% (unsoaked) prepared with 0.5-2 mm size rubber mixture which increased to 141.3% and 126.0% after 4 days of soaking in water. Blending of tyre rubber and RBA drastically reduced the CBR values in all samples by over 60%, even with the rubber content as little as 2% which was not consistent with results presented in literature for soil-rubber mixtures. Based on the strength values (CBR) limits of the subbase and base layers of unbound granular materials in the roads specifications (i.e. Overseas Road Note 31), RBA alone meet the specifications. However, RBA-tyre rubber blends do not meet the minimum requirements for being used as unbound pavement materials.
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    Propose office developement on plot 16, Army Avenue Road, Nakasero
    ( 2017-08-24) Asiimwe, Ivan
    This report consists of majorly four stages of implementing an office development on plot 16, Army Avenue road Nakasero Kampala. The stages include Concept Development, Study and design, Construction Information and construction.
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    Upgrading of Aston – Ntuha road 1.4km in Masindi Municipality
    ( 2017-10-17) Muhumuza, John
    This report consists of activities of design and construction for Aston Ntuha road (1.4 Km) in Masindi Municipal Council Central Division upgrading from gravel to paved standard. The major objective of the projects is: • To carry out a flexible pavement design by collecting data on traffic, hydrology, geotechnical, topography, environmental impact assessment and socio-economic activities. • To carry out drainage design • To provide cost estimate and economic analysis • To carry out social and Environmental analysis of the project • Project Implementations and commissioning • Operation and maintenance From the results obtained, the Average Daily Traffic was 926veh/day an equivalent of 613PCUs/day. This therefore necessitates an upgrade of this road. Saloon cars had the largest percentage of 75% followed by Pickup and Vans with 13%, Mini and Medium buses with 6%,Light trucks with 4.7% , Medium trucks with 0.6% while large trucks and heavy trucks were the least with 0.5%. The subgrade strength was found to be S4 and Traffic class of T4 with CBR ranging from 8-14 % as summarized in table. Land acquisition: Relocation of utilities new installations have already been done. Earth works under national water as sewage pipe lines and water supply distribution lines have reinstalled respect to road construction works. Programme of works: The contractors works programme (approved by engineer on 25th May 2017) is under use as basis for monitoring progress of works . There aren’t contract variations which could arise to changes in planned contract durations. Cash flow A cash flow forecast has been projected by the contractor indicating that 200million shall be available in respect to the approved work programme . This indicating no capital lock up shall occur during implementation of the project. Environmental Concerns: The Environmental and social management plan was submitted to Masindi Municipal Council after review by NEMA and world bank team , it was advised that the contractor prepares and submits his comments for approval. At the end of the pavement, geometric and drainage design of Aston Ntuha road was undertaken through traffic counts, in-situ sub-grade tests, topographic survey and hydrologic analysis. The design life of 15 years was considered basing on the reliability of the design data and the importance of the road. The combination of the traffic class and the sub-grade strength class of the road was used to obtain the required carriage-way, lane and shoulder widths and the thickness of the pavement layers. Pavement Design: The ADT showed that the road was due for upgrading considering the Ministry of Works and transports’ criterion for upgrading a road in an urban setting with more than 300 vehicles/day. Using the data obtained as outlined above and recommended methodology, the final design of the pavement was accomplished. The pavement designed had to fulfill the desired attributes of providing the required comfort and safety to the road users. The thicknesses designed for the pavement layers were; double surfacing dressing (1st seal 20mm aggregates and 2nd seal 14mm), 150mm granular road base and granular sub-base of 176 mm. The road section is to have a 6m carriageway and 1m shoulder widths while the drainage system consisted of 300mm base width trapezoidal sub - surface channels and 600mm diameter concrete culverts.
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    Prediction of the future condition of a water distribution network using a Markov based approach: a case study of Kampala water
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kyokaali, Lydia
    Prediction of the future condition of the pipe network continues to trouble water utility managers because of the complexities in determining pipe conditions amidst poor data situations. The available approaches in literature for prediction of pipe condition are skewed towards modeling the deterioration of large diameter pipes such as transmission mains without a failure history or which have been recently repaired. This is mainly because the available pipe condition assessment techniques are very costly and justified only for major transmission water mains. Moreover to date approaches for prediction of future condition of a water distribution network based on the current pipe condition are lacking. Predicting the future condition of the pipe network is required as a proactive strategy to determine the maintenance and repair requirements to enable network managers to draw the necessary priority based main replacement schedules. This thesis presents a Markov based approach for predicting the future condition of a Water Distribution Network and a method for main replacement optimisation. The approaches are illustrated on City Centre, a case study in Kampala Water, Uganda as a proof of concept. Based on case study results, the Markov model was found to be simple with an acceptable percentage accuracy of predictions of 88.4%. The Markov model approach showed both conceptually and through statistical analyses, to be an appropriate model for predicting pipe conditions in a water network. It is a good alternative for contemporary approaches that are currently being employed in developing countries including Uganda such as replacing when the break rate becomes very frequent, when the pipe becomes very old or when continuous maintenance becomes uneconomical. These contemporary approaches do not produce a practical output because they do not take into consideration the criticality of the pipes being replaced. Basing on the condition prediction models, a main replacement strategy that can enable network managers to make optimum main replacement schedules and budget forecasts was developed. The developed approach can help water utility managers optimize main replacement and maintenance decisions amidst budget limitations whilst taking into consideration both current and future states of the pipe network. This newly developed proactive approach can greatly reduce on the number of breaks especially in critical service areas as well as the severity of their impact. The research has contributed towards providing a new approach for predicting the future condition of a water distribution pipe network.
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    Masters project field report on the construction of the Office of the Auditor General, Hoima
    ( 2018-04) Muhimbo, Flavia
    This report contains construction and project management practices that the author participated in as a Construction Manager and Quantity Surveyor during the Construction of The Office of the Auditor General in Hoima district. Chapter One; lays out an introduction of the project, discusses the project back ground, contract data, scope, funders, beneficiaries, consultants and contractors and other stakeholders. This chapter also discusses the author’s participation throughout the project. The project was construction of a double storey office block for the regional office of the Auditor General in Hoima district. Chapter Two; discusses the construction methodologies, activities and contract administration procedures undertaken during the execution of this project. It discusses the different stages in the project implementation from site possession through construction to handover, the challenges encountered and how they were solved. Chapter Three; discusses the project management knowledge applied during implementation and administration of this contract. The different project management knowledge areas are explored in the context of the project, with particular emphasis on scope, cost, quality, time, procurement and communication management. Chapter Four; gives a general conclusion on the project, what challenges were faced, how they were mitigated. This chapter also discusses some recommendations on what would have been done differently to improve the general success of the project.
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    Construction of the Basoga Nsadhu Memorial Technical Institute, Namutumba
    (Makerere University, 2018-04) Ssesanga, Stanley
    Basoga Nsadhu memorial technical institute is one of the nine vocational technical institutes that were set up in the different regions of Uganda. These institutions were set up to rekindle the knowledge of existence of vocational institutions to the people of Uganda, thus promoting vocational studies. The construction of these technical institutions was a move by the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education (MoE) to rescue the deteriorating number of technicians produced by vocational institutions in the country. In the course of time, vocational education had been side-lined when it came to government funding and general attention, and this directly led to a drop in the delivery of these institutions. After a loud cry from the country’s education analysts following a survey that revealed the tremendous drop in vocational technicians in the country’s youth population, the government decided to embark on a project to set up vocational technical institutions in different regions of the country. To accomplish this lofty vision, the government, not being able to fund the entire project by itself, had to partner with a donor ‘OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID)’ in order realise this vision. OFID funded 87% of the project while the Ugandan government through MoE funded the remaining 13%. Basoga Nsadhu memorial technical institute in particular was set up in Kayiti, Namutumba in Namutumba district to serve eastern Uganda. It offers certificate courses like; Motor vehicle mechanics and Home economics. Other regions of the country were assigned institutions offering different vocational courses. The construction of the Basoga Nsadhu memorial technical institute project was ground broken on the 3rd of December 2014 and was scheduled to reach practical completion by 3rd December 2015. However, the project wasn’t completed in time. The practical completion of the project was only realised 12 months after the initial scheduled practical completion date. In this report, the author gives a detailed account of the construction phase, the challenges that were experienced during this phase, and how they were mitigated.
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    The construction of aftersales support centre for Toyota at Namanve, Mukono
    ( 2018-04-30) Walakira, Alex
    This report details all Construction activities and Project management practices that the author participated in as the Contractor’s Assistant Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor during the construction of an Aftersales Support Centre for TOYOTA (U) Ltd at Namanve Industrial Park, Mukono. Chapter One; entails an introduction of the project, briefly describing the background of the project, the scope, the funders, the consultants and stakeholders. The project was a 2 storey Aftersales Support Centre, constructed for TOYOTA (U) Ltd, the authorized distributor and service station for TOYOTA in Uganda. It also states the author’s involvement from Site handover to completion. Chapter Two; focuses on the construction methodologies, activities and contract administration procedures undertaken during the execution stage of the project. The tools and techniques used during the actual construction work are discussed in this chapter, right from site preparation, through the finishes, up to completion. Chapter Three; discusses the project management practices used during implementation and administration of this contract. The different project management knowledge areas are explored in the context of the project, with particular emphasis accorded to scope, time, cost and quality. Chapter Four; gives a general conclusion on the project, what hindrances were faced, how they were mitigated, and discusses some recommendations on what would have been done differently to improve the general success of the project.
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    Developing citizen based crowd sourced mobile GIS for Open Power Emergency Reporting and Awareness (OPERA) System
    ( 2018-05) George, Okello
    Today, Power Grid Risks and Hazard reporting along the power lines are purely done by the staff and very little by the citizens through call center toll free lines, SMSs and Web contact-us forms that lack spatial component and this is not good enough. Literature studies in this thesis, together with earlier works by the other authors have suggested that the Power Grid Risks and Hazard reporting along the power lines needs a digital tool for such reporting. The aim of the thesis has thus been to design and develop a mobile GIS system for An open client-server system enabling members of the public use a mobile Android based client (smartphone application) to report electrical power grid emergencies like accidents and faults via the internet. This reported information is sent to a server back-end with Umeme as custodians who are to respond based on optimally computed and Geospatial/GIS aggregation techniques for prioritized resource allocation.
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    Development of a Web-GIS for aircraft obstacles: A case of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018-05-18) Otim, Epila Thomas
    Airspace protection and obstacle clearance are vital to airport and aircraft operation safety (Changa & Hwangb, 2013; de Barros, 2013; Litsheim & Xiao, 2009). Global statistics indicate that approach and landing phases are most prone to aviation accidents, accounting for approximately 65% of all accidents (Pacheco, Fernandes, & Domingos, 2014; Regional Aviation Safety Group, 2017). During such phases of flight, the proximity between aircraft and obstacle is greatly reduced. Therefore obstacle detection is very significant with respect to aircraft operation safety (Kamiya et al., 2009). This project was undertaken to extend the accessibility of aircraft obstacle data to data consumers through the exploitation of open source geospatial software and technology in the design, development and implementation of a prototype Web-GIS. This was to be achieved through the creation of a spatial multi-user database in which obstacle data was stored and content served through a GIS server to intranet or internet clients. The data adopted in the study was derived from Entebbe, a typical international airport located in the developing world. The tool was found to be able to provide the data consumers that lacked expert knowledge of GIS a platform wherein they could access, analyse, visualise and understand the data in a web browser interface. This therefore eliminated the need for additional software thus minimising expenses. In conclusion, the Web-GIS has demonstrated a pragmatic solution to enhancing the access of spatial obstacle data to relevant data consumers via the web through the adoption of open source geospatial software and technologies. It is noteworthy to indicate that due to data limitations, the Web-GIS only displays the obstacle situation as of November 2014, inclusion of currrent data could enrich the content. Additional recommendations would involve the inclusion of other web processing services that could determine obstacle proximity to movement areas.
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    Site evaluation for new eco towns using GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP): a case study Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA)
    ( 2018-05-18) Ogello, Wycliffe Omondi
    Kampala city is dominated with uncontrolled urban sprawl, unplanned settlements and inadequate provision of social services infrastructure. This has led to inadequate sanitation facilities, unreliable water supply, intermittent electricity, traffic congestion and pollution. These have brought about risks of profound social instability, bigger economic loss, and unplanned slums along the periphery of urbanized areas which is irrevocable and difficulty to set back in the future once settled down. In order to reduce some of the urban problems and future scenarios associated with urbanization there is need to have new satellite eco-towns within the GKMA. The new eco city will form a new focal point outside the city and reduce the existing and future pressure, which will fall on the city and decongest the city This research therefore aims at determining best sites for the location of new satellite eco-towns within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) using GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP).
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    Redesigning and construction of Kasana HC IV, Luweero District
    (Makerere University, 2018-06) Obonyo, Luke
    Good health is instrumental in facilitating socio-economic transformation. Over the years, Uganda has made some progress in improving the health conditions of its population including the people of Luweero District. In order to achieve the 2040 Uganda Vision on Health, Luwero District Local Government embarked on the construction of a 100 bed ward. The ward comprised of a two level structure (ground and first floor levels) roofed with iron sheets. It was an L-shaped structure with staircase access on either end of the building and a centrally placed ramp-access for the disabled persons at the rear section of the reception. The author’s role on the project included collection of field DCP data using the available DCP equipment in the Works Department, prepare BoQs and partially be involved in the design phase guided by the consultant. In the implementation phase, all the project management functions on behalf of the client were entirely vested in the author. These management functions included work supervision, work measurement and certification for CAO’s approval. Geotechnical Investigation and structural integrity tests were carried out on the existing structure using Makerere University Soil Mechanics Laboratory with the objective of determining the material properties of the soil in order to compute the bearing capacity which would consequently help to determine the maximum number of levels (floors) the existing foundation could handle. The field exploratory activities were conducted in accordance with BS 5930: 1999 “Code of Practice for Site Investigations” which mainly included performing of the DCP test. Rebound Hammer (Schmidt) Test were carried out on critical existing structural elements. Results generally showed that the ground consistency for the trial pit was predominantly stiff. The least value of the bearing capacity at the founding depth was chosen to be the design the bearing capacity of the soil. Through iterative design the maximum load the existing footings could safely handle at the design bearing capacity was found to be ground plus four suspended floors. The proposed structure was thus designed with 5 main levels accessed by a ramp and two staircases. The Construction system chosen for this structure was the conventional reinforced Concrete Frame with load transfer from ribbed slabs to Reinforced concrete beams, columns and finally concrete pad footings. In the procurement phase, open national bidding procurement method approved by the contracts committee was used. The evaluation method used was Technical Compliance Selection (TCS) which involved preliminary analysis, Technical and Financial Evaluation procedures. The lowest evaluated bidder, DALA WARE (U) LIMITED, was ranked best and was recommended for award of the contract at a contract price of UGX 445,054,747/= (Four Hundred Forty Five Million Fifty Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Seven Shillings) only. The implementation of this project is carried out annually depending on the availability and source of funds. It was commissioned in 2012 however due to the meagre resources and the subsequent redesigning process, the implementation was halted for two years. This financial year 2017/2018, Luweero DLG received 450,000,000/= (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Shillings) for partial implementation with DDEG and PHC as source of funds. An OHSE plan was put into place with the aim of promoting Health, Safety & Environment of persons affiliated to the project and the general public. This OHSE prescribed rules, procedures and safe practices in order to create a working environment free of condition and factors that might contribute to accidents or injury /Illness. Lack of Skilled Workers, Poor Scheduling of Resources, Lack of Proper Communication, Poor Document Management and Poor Financial Management were some of the challenges that were experienced on this project. Finally for better management of projects, Information Technology should be incorporated in project management. Information Technology is very useful since it provides templates which address all the above challenges faced during the execution of works.
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    Assessment of the application of sustainability principles on bridge construction projects in Uganda: A case study of Nyawa Bridge
    (Makerere University, 2018-06-18) Owori, Wilbrod Milwen
    ABSTRACT This report provides an assessment of the construction of Nyawa Bridge project, in terms of its sustainability performance. It presents the principles of sustainability, the general construction and implementation of Nyawa Bridge and project management practices that the author participated in as the Contractor’s Assistant project manager (Project Site Manager) during the construction of Nyawa Bridge. Also it presents a subjective assessment of the application of sustainability principles on Nyawa Bridge Project phases. Chapter one presents the background to the project, the project site location, the problem statement, study justification, study objectives, the scope of assessment and the author’s involvement. Chapter two reviews literature on current existing sustainability principles and practices on sustainable construction in general and on sustainable bridge construction in particular. Chapter three presents project implementation and construction methodologies, activities and contract administration procedures under taken at various phases of the project life cycle. It also presents the different project management practices employed to solve project challenges of scope, cost, quality, time and procurement. Chapter four presents a subjective assessment of the application of sustainability principles at the different phases of the project life cycle. Chapter five presents the report summary, conclusion and recommendations. The study established that bridge projects in Uganda are initiated with sustainability intentions in mind, and they are implemented through the initial phases of the project life cycle through to design phase. The study though identifies a non-transferability of these sustainability requirements into the construction process and with little strategies to attain a more sustainable bridge construction process in the short term. The study therefore identifies the challenges and recommends strategies towards improved performance on sustainable bridge construction.
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    Construction and distribution of fresh water supply system at Kazinga
    ( 2018-07-22) Kusemererwa, Stephen
    I have completed a four months period of training at Kyegegwa District Local Government. Water department is a section in the works and technical services sector that is responsible for planning, design and development of water and sanitation infrastructure. The major activities executed in the department included making reviews in designs for new water supply projects, construction of new water supply facilities, construction of latrines in Rural Growth Centers, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities, sensitizations, and promotion of sanitation and hygiene. All works were tendered to Companies called Ms. Mast logistics and Gash Consultancy Services for construction and distribution of fresh water. The Major projects are tendered to the private sector and therefore the water department does only supervisory role to ensure that the projects are in a cost effective manner and that are constructed according to the specifications laid down in the Bid Documents. The most important outcome from training in Kyegegwa District Local Government, Water Department is acquiring many new practical skills of various types and developing some of my existing skills. I think these skills are very valuable since they can signify an impact in solving problems.
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    Design review and capacity improvement Project Lot B, Kampala Northern Bypass
    (Makerere University, 2018-08) Kigambo, Alex Daniel
    The study was done specifically to this project to undertake a design review and construction supervision of the physical construction of the works on behalf of the Uganda National Roads Authority while ensuring that the works are completed on time, within budget and meeting the required specifications. The Contractor’s office and accommodation as well as Engineer’s Office are fully established All major items of equipment required at start-up are now on site with the exception of additional 3 No motor graders and 2 No dozers that are expected to arrive next month. Resettlement Action Plan Consultant to be nominated by the Employer UNRA has not yet been mobilized to site, the compensation process will soon incapacitate the works as the contractor looks fully mobilized. Materials supply is unsatisfactory: Borrowed areas are still under investigations, the quarry establishment is not completed. However the earthworks can now start after access to more road reserve is granted to the Contractor and redesigned drawings for the start-up section are approved by the Employer. Quality management and control was measured through inspection and testing of materials intended for use in concrete works, earthworks (fill) and swamp treatment has been done on a regular basis. Field Density tests were carried out on completed sections of fill and roadbed preparation. Production rates are low on preliminaries and nil on the permanent works. The contractor’s planned progress for the next quarter (as per revised works programme- Rev 2) will be 11.48%. The contractor is expected to start permanent works including but not limited to; Clearing and grubbing, Excavation to spoil, Installation of cross culverts and Relocation of services. The Contractor’s cash flow forecast for next quarter, based on the 2ndrevised work program is 77.521 Billion Uganda Shillings. The Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was provisionally accepted and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) based on this plan issued The Employer by his letter dated 14th May 2015 nominated a subcontractor for the HIV/AID community awareness programme. The Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be scrutinized further by this Nominated Services Provider (NSP) before final approval and acceptance.
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    Proposed office development on plot 16, Army Avenue Road Nakasero, Kampala
    ( 2018-09-10) Senoga, Gerald
    The Purpose of this Report is to describe the project aspects on the construction of Lotis Towers located at Plot 16, Army Road, Nakasero Kampala which is privately owned by Mr. Samuel Lotigo under Lotigo properties Ltd. The report focuses on how the client selected the team to support with project implementation, how the project was executed, from inception to Concept Development, Study, design, Construction and post construction management, challenges faced and recommendations made. Chapter One; This chapter lays down the introduction of the field study, briefly discussing the background of the project, how the project team was selected, the scope, the funder and other respective stakeholders on the Project. The project management aspect adopted for the project is briefly highlighted in this chapter as well Chapter Two; This chapter gives an account of the project from the inception stage, through the design, tendering, contract award to the contractor, the construction stage in the order of execution with images clearly showing what was done on site from site mobilization through construction, element by element. Chapter three; This chapter evaluates the project management aspects and the key deliverables usually given much focus during project implementation which include; quality, time and cost, challenges encountered on the project during implementation and the life after project completion. Chapter four; This chapter gives conclusions and recommendations based on the information discussed in the previous chapters.
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    Construction of 22 No. public toilets in Kawempe Division: Kawempe Sanitation Improvement Project (KSIP)
    ( 2018-11-09) Ambrose, Mbyemeire
    This project report entails the construction methodology used and aspects of construction project management practice exercised by the author while part of the construction team during improvement of water supply and sanitation services of the Urban Poor in Kampala through National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). It further details contract administration during execution stage and the application of project management knowledge areas during project implementation. The knowledge areas discussed at length include cost, quality, and time and communication management. The construction methodology adopted by the contractor at every stage of the works has also been discussed at length in this report. The project involved construction of toilet facilities that range from three stances to six stances and each facility had provisions for shower rooms. Construction projects involve a diversity of skills that comes from the diversity of professions, specialists and suppliers that are involved in the process from inception to end. Successful implementation of a project can only be achieved with good project management practices in place. Failure to have proper project management monitoring and control systems can easily result in poor relationships, disputes and cost overruns on a project.
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    Rehabilitation of Kampala Portbell Railway line
    ( 2018-11-15) Asiimwe, Brian
    This project report covers the construction methodology used and aspects of construction project management practice exercised by the author during the rehabilitation of Kampala-Portbell railway line This report details contract administration during execution stage and the application of project management knowledge areas during project implementation. The knowledge areas detailed at length include cost, quality, and time and communication management. The construction methodology adopted by the contractor at every stage of the works has also been discussed at length in this report. The project was a railway line starting from U-turn line at Goodshed Kampala to Luzira landing site at Portbell. The line was rehabilitated to revive railway transport from Kampala to Portbell which acts as a link to Mwanza Port in Tanzania via water transport on Lake Victoria. Cargo would link to Dar-es-salam port on the Indian Ocean via Tanzania railway Line. This line has now provided an alternative route to Kampala-Malaba-Mombasa railway line for transportation of cargo to overseas. The project was successfully completed as planned. The railway line was rehabilitated and currently cargo from Kampala is linked to the sea via the railway route to Portbell. So far 22 wagons for world food programme have been transported via the railway line from Dar-es-salaam port to Mwanza and then Via Umoja ferry to Port bell. Uganda Railways Corporation should put in place a comprehensive strategy to remove encroachers from the entire 60m railway corridor. The acquired 20m corridor under this project should be maintained free from encroachers by using permanent way workers and URC police along the line.
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    Impact of higher education, science and technology curriculum on employability of graduates in the construction industry
    (Makerere University, 2018-11-26) Kiiza, Smith Semu
    This research sought to investigate the impact of the Higher Education (HE) Science and Technology curriculum on employability of graduates in the construction industry. The study was guided by three study objectives and adopted a cross sectional survey design which covered a sample of 124 respondents selected from 62 firms in Kampala and Wakiso Districts. Data collection was done by the use of a self-administered questionnaire, interview guide including a review of the related literature. The main statistical procedures employed included the paired samples t-test, the Analysis of Variance and a Pearson correlation. The study established a negative and significant relationship between the skill requirements of the construction industry and what graduates have which implies that the skills and competencies provided by higher education do not adequately match with the employability skills required by employers. With regard to the second objective, it was established that although technicians and engineers considered the training as somehow effective, architects and surveyors refuted this claim and according to them, the training they underwent was generally ineffective in the acquisition or development of technical, business and personal skills and competencies required in the construction industry. But overall, the perceptions of graduates with regard to the relevance of HE in helping them acquire and develop skills needed were not statistically dependent on their current designations. The study also established a significantly positive relationship between HE collaboration with the construction industry and employability skills of graduates. Employers who perceived collaboration with HE to be an important factor were also likely to have high expectations from graduates with regard to the skills they considered to be crucial in the construction industry. Conclusions and recommendations were then made on the basis of the research findings. Key words: Employability, Higher Education Science and Technology (HEST), higher education collaboration.
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    Evaluation of the extent of ICT use in the building industry in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018-12) Sebanenya, Julius Daniel
    The construction industry has over the years been criticized for inefficiency and poor quality productivity. This situation has been associated to the industry’s ineffective communication and exchange of information and data during project execution. In fact, the construction industry in Uganda has lagged behind other industries regarding adaption and use of new technologies more particularly ICT (Peansupap, 2012). In the recent past there has been some sort of recognition of the need to use ICT for improving data and communication in the construction processes. Nonetheless, contractors in the Ugandan building industry still largely use manual and traditional process in conducting business and performing tasks. Yet the manual process presents numerous disadvantages that directly affect productivity. With such a backdrop, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the use of ICT for productivity improvement in the Building Industry in Uganda. To achieve the aim and specific objectives of this study, a quantitative research approach was adopted with the help of questionnaires which were administered to contractors registered with the Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors. The findings revealed that majority of the contractor’s used some form of ICT tools and systems as reflected in their organizations’ ICT infrastructure. There was high usage of ICT hardware such as desktop computers, and laptops among other devices. Microsoft Project software was identified as the most popular software used for project planning and scheduling whereas Estimate software and WinQS were popular in estimating and cost calculations. The use of AutoCAD as CAD software for the drawings production and modelling was equally observed. Contractors viewed ICT usage as critical to the running of their organizations as it adds value to their performance. The current usage of ICT was just average though a considerable number of contractors felt it was low. Contractors highly used ICT to execute activities such as production of project Drawings, works scheduling and planning. There was moderate use of ICT for activities such as purchasing and invoicing, resource management, and subcontractors among others. There was a notably high usage of a number of ICT tools such as Electronic-mail (E-mail), Mobile internet, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), while modeling and visualization and Building Information Modeling (BIM) ICT tools were found to be moderately used. The most prevalent factors hindering use of ICT were; rapid changes in ICT technologies, high cost of training professionals in ICT, satisfaction of employers with existing work methods, and budget constraint for ICT investment due to high cost of ICT investments. It was also observed that there was some resistance within some contractor organizations about use of ICTs due to fear of fast and accurate tracking of their financial resources leading to taxation. Conclusively, notwithstanding the several challenges faced by the Ugandan building industry, ICT is well recognized as a significant means that can help increase the effectiveness of communication and data exchange during the construction process. Indeed, there is a significant level of awareness among the contractors about the potential benefits ICT can offer to their operations. Hence the level of ICT usage on some of the contractors’ activities in the building industry in Uganda was quite encouraging. Although the majority of the firms were deficient in the use of most advanced ICT tools and applications. Notably the extensive non-use of ICT is associated with financial, human resources and technological level of absorption of ICT advances. With such limiting factors to use of ICT, the study recommended for financial Support for ICT Investment for Building Contractors, provision of training and management support for ICT in Building Construction Firms, the need to promote the use of ICT through increased external requirement in which construction clients take into account the contractors ICT technological capabilities as a criterion for selection, and incorporating into the construction courses a robust content of ICT education which will generate adequate construction ICT skills acquisition.
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    Improved road network to ease access to social services and overall economic development : A case study of Kyanyawara and Kiko Wards by filling the Mburru Swamp in Kiko Town Council, Kabarole District
    ( 2019-07) Burolerro, James Happy
    This report was written to find out whether improved road network can lead to significant increase in access to social services and enhanced economic development. A case study was taken from Kiko Town in KabaroleDistrictwhere a swamp was raised to connect villages of Makobyo, Kanyawara, Kasojo and Ibura on the opposite side of the Central Business District to Rwengaju and Mburru on the side of the Central Business District, with the idea of connecting two adjacent collinear roads but with dead ends initiated, planned for and finally executed. The reason was to ensure that there is easy movement that saves time and money as people move from either side, as well as seeing more structures built for both commercial and residential functions, so there is increased human activity along the same stretch in particular and the Central Business District in general. The major problems to the area were: First of all, there were steep slopes in Makobyo and Rwengaju which would not allow motorized transport to take place, which required that they are cut to reduced levels. Secondly, these slopes were joined by a swamp of an average of 400mm wide which was making it hard even for pedestrians to cross from one village to the other, that it required to fill this swamp to allow movement. The hills on both sides of Mburru and Makobyo which share the swamp boundaries, were cut to reduced levels to allow movement of traffic from either side. The cut soils were used to fill the swamp, so as to allow traffic to cross the swamp and also to let water flow in a streamlined manner.People of Makobyo, Mburru and the neighboring villages are able to access service centers that are much concentrated in the central business district of Kiko town council.