College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

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    Accessing the Sewer Infrastructure Susceptible to damage due to Flooding in Kampala Area
    (Makerere University, 2023-06-22) Namuli, Pauline
    Sustained periods of heavy rain can be more problematic than a few puddles, flooding is becoming an issue in several areas of Uganda. The changes in climate are causing increased storm surges and, as a result, an increase in the number of yearly floods. The amount of stormwater is also increasing in many geographical areas. These floods are gradually becoming a threat to the sewer infrastructure including sewer pipes and manholes. Sewer overflows are on the increase same applies to broken and damaged manholes and sewer pipes. This project embarked on determining the flood susceptible areas of Kampala area and after which determine the sewer infrastructure within these flood zones that is prone to damage due to flooding. The infrastructure at risk was obtained by multiplying the Hazard, Exposure and Vulnerability Factors. The Multi-criteria analysis method used six parameters of Slope, Flow Accumulation, Geology, Elevation, Rainfall, and Land use/Land Cover to determine the flood susceptible areas of the Kampala area. This was considered the Hazard factor The Sewer infrastructure was then obtained and a density map showing its location concentration geographically generated after normalization, this becomes the Exposure factor. The Vulnerability of the sewer network was obtained by considering the pipe size and pipe material. The project found out that the sewer infrastructure that is at risk of damage is in the areas of - Makerere Kavule - Lugogo by-pass - Kyambogo- along Kyambogo road - Kibuli- along Albert cook road - Kibuye- along kayemba road The project recommended frequent de-silting of the stormwater and open drainages to reduce the vulnerability of the sewer infrastructure. Improvement of the attribute data of the sewer infrastructure to include age and condition will eventually lead to a better analysis of the sewer vulnerability for future studies.
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    Activated carbon from cassava peels for removal of active pharmaceutical ingredients from wastewater.
    (Makerere University, 2022-08) Kayiwa, Ronald
    Over the past decade, cassava production has been accelerated, ranking as the 5th most produced food crop at an estimated global production of 298.8 million metric tons by 2020 as per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With the 10-20% peel composition of the tuber weight, the implied cassava peel production ranges between 29.88 to 59.76 million metric tons. The main application of cassava peels is Papering animal feeds. However, this is limited due to the peels’ low protein content (<6%). Throughout the past decade, cassava peels have been valorized into activated carbons with qualities able to curb recalcitrant adsorbates like heavy metals, dyes, and arsenics. However, the application of cassava peel-based activated carbon in the adsorption of pharmaceuticals from wastewater has not been explicitly studied. This study aimed at modifying the valorization processes of cassava peels into activated carbon capable of removing active pharmaceutical ingredients from wastewater. This involved, (i) characterization of peels of six predominant cassava varieties (NAROCAS 1, NAROCAS 2, NASE 1, NASE 3, NASE 14, and NASE 19) grown in Uganda for production of activated carbon (ii) optimization of activated carbon production conditions from the most viable peel variety, (iii) characterization of the wastewater from effluents of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants (PMPs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Kampala for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and (iv) determination of the performance of the produced activated carbon towards the removal of active pharmaceutical ingredients from wastewater. All the six cassava peel varieties were potential activated carbon AC precursors with ash contents as low as <5% dry basis and fixed carbon of 13.78–15.34%. NAROCAS 1 cassava peel variety was the most suitable due to its lowest ash content (1.93%), high elemental carbon content (59.40%), balanced volatile matter (81.93%), and fixed carbon content (13.78%). Pre-leaching of the peels using 1– 4% NaOH revealed a more remarkable effect on the increase of volatile matter and fixed carbon (1.00% and 3.56% respectively) than ash content reduction (0.51%). The optimal process conditions for the production of physically activated carbon were found to be a temperature of 782 °C and a heating time of 148 mins resulting in a specific surface area of 756.42 m2g-1, and a yield of 4.57%. The best chemically activated carbon resulted from a 4.0%w/v NaOH pre-leaching at 50 °C and a 5:2 KOH: peel ratio of 5:2 (mass basis) activation at 60 °C for 3 hours. This was followed by carbonization at 780 °C for 2 hours resulting in a 42% yield, total pore volume of 0.756 cm3g-1, and the highest ever reported specific surface area for cassava peel activated carbon (CPAC) of 1684 m2g-1. The concentration ranges of the selected APIs targeted in this study were
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    Adaptation of the smart methodology to value management of the Uganda School Facilities Grant programme
    (Makerere University, 2010-10) Kivumbi, A.D.
    In any construction project, the aim of the developer is to maximize profit at minimum cost within the context of the quality possible as per the required specifications. Therefore, loss of resources should be minimized as much as possible, especially in such a crucial project as the School Facilities Grant (SFG) project, so that there is perceived cost-effectiveness. This dissertation considers the adaptation of the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) methodology, which is easy and useful for varied decision makers, to Value Management (VM) of the Uganda SFG primary school classroom construction programme in Mukono and Kampala districts. Application of SMART involves interacting with various stakeholders and then holding a key stakeholder workshop through which a shared understanding of the issues under consideration can be reached. This understanding is translated into an information pack developed for use in the workshop. A Value Tree is used as the tool for consideration of opinions by the stakeholders. The allocation of importance weights to the lower – order attributes of the tree provides a rational basis for determining the best-valued Design Option. Each Option is assessed against each of the identified attributes in the evaluation, the assessment being performed by a process of scoring the n Option against each attribute. A Standard Analysis Form is used and the ratio of Aggregated Utility Rating to Estimated Capital Cost, U / C of the ith Design Option calculated, with the highest value of U /C providing the rational choice. The testing of the sensitivity of the outcome of the rating process to marginal changes in the key variables, or Sensitivity Analysis, is then carried out. This was applied to Value Management of the SFG school construction in the two mentioned districts. A brainstorming session was later held to generate a variety of ideas that would also enable the evaluation of the practicality of the identified Option. The SMART methodology was found to be applicable to the SFG programme with the stakeholders being easily comfortable with the common understanding reached. They were also able to make some rational decisions/evaluations of the SFG Design Options. A new policy could be formulated for the programme and the model that has been obtained could be adapted for use for other projects.
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    Adoption of labour-based approaches in construction of low-cost seal roads: experience from Ajena Road in Soroti City
    (Makerere University, 2024-07) Oranit, Samuel
    This study examines the implementation of low-cost sealed road infrastructure through labour-based techniques in Soroti City, focusing on Ajena Road. Soroti City adopted Low-Cost Seal (LCS) Technology to address gravel road maintenance costs and resource depletion issues. The research analyzes challenges, assesses social benefits, evaluates environmental impact, and measures project cost, time, and quality impacts using Excel, SPSS, Likert scale, and descriptive statistics. Key findings reveal challenges such as inadequate funds for utility relocation and incomplete drainage works due to underestimated quantities in Bills of Quantities. Despite interruptions from rain, the project concluded a month ahead without cost overruns, meeting specifications. Recommendations include including utility relocation costs in future Bills of Quantities, allocating ample resources for drainage works, engaging communities throughout project phases, planning projects for dry seasons, and organizing training for local communities on low-cost sealing techniques. These measures aim to improve project planning, sustainability, and community involvement in urban infrastructure development.
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    An Advanced protection scheme to avert blackouts due to transmission network overload.
    ( 2018-08-24) Rwendeire, Andrew
    The transmission and distribution networks suffer various overloads which have reduced power availability and utility income generation. Some networks employ frequency monitoring with Under Frequency Load Shedding to ensure system stability. However, other conditions that threaten power system stability like the loss of a tie line, overload trip of power transformers, distribution and transmission lines need to be monitored and prevented by implementing protection schemes which automatically shed off the extra load. This will not only improve reliability and continuity of service but also fast decision making to reduce the blackout zone and downtime. This paper presents a load management scheme that performs automatic load shedding and feeder restoration by strictly following the set threshold values using PCM600, an ABB tool. The logic configuration from PCM600 was validated and the Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) report published. The Configured IED Description (CID) file from each IED (in PCM600) was saved in Substation Configuration Language (SCL) format and imported into IEDScout to simulate the IEC61850 communication. The developed model was applied to a case study on the Ugandan transmission network to achieve a 500ms GOOSE messaging sequence on the station bus. IEDScout demonstrated a station-bus traffic data flow rate of 2 kbps responsible for CB commands and status update. The traffic on the Ethernet cable was captured and analyzed using WireShark, a graphic user interface network protocol, two data packets were sent every second through the Ethernet cable and 464 k bytes of data packets were sent as messages on the station bus during the simulation. The model was tested and was able to send a CB open command with in 2ms of overload threshold violation and when the transformer load was reduced, CB close command for load re-connection was sent with in 2ms. A cost benefit ratio of 1.647 was obtained. This model caters for very rare, non-continuous but possible and very catastrophic occurrences on the power system. Therefore, this paper provides an efficient solution to transmission line and transformer overload by automating downstream load-shedding and load restoration.
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    Alwi dry corridor water supply project in Nyarwodo, Nebbi District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Nabbuma, Mariam
    This report is about the ALWI DRY CORRIDOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT, in NYARWODO which was an initiative by The Ministry of Water and Environment to supply water to the people of Nebbi and ensure sanitation in the area. Chapter one mainly talks about the project itself thus, the contractors, who were Vambeco Ent Ltd, the consultants, Alliance Consultants Limited, the contract commencement, finish date, and the overall cost of the project. Chapter two follows with the project works, thus, construction of water treatment plant and all the activities involved like, concrete works, pipe work and the procedures and methodologies adapted at each stage to ensure quality. Chapter three gives a brief description of the project management issues, thus, cost, time and quality and how each was achieved on this project. Lastly the lessons learnt, recommendations and the conclusions come in the fourth chapter. In a nut shell the project had an efficient project management team, proper information flow, and communication, compliance to the contractual obligations by all the parties and thus there were limited cost overruns, good quality works and a few delays, therefore, for any project to be successful, it should have a good project manager.
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    Analyses of spatio–temporal dynamics of wetland cover in Kampala
    ( 2021-05-05) Wanyama, Wilberforce
    Globally, wetland cover is declining due to the fragile nature of these ecosystems and unplanned land consumption practices. Kampala has undergone tremendous transformation in its landuse/landcover due to rapid urbanization. It has therefore become important for environmental planners to extract, detect, monitor and predict wetland cover changes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of wetlands in Kampala using GIS, RS techniques and Land change modeler between the years 1986 to 2016 so as to forward and encourage development interventions. To estimate the land cover change in Kampala, Landsat ETM ETM+ for 1986,1996,2006 and 2016 respectively were analyzed using ArcGIS10.0 and IDRISI Selva. After processing the imagery/land use/land cover, (LULC) images were classified, analyzed and used to predict the future wetland cover of 2040 using Land Change Modeller (LCM) of TerrSet software. The data for road network, and population data for Kampala, were used as ancillary data to run the modeller. The study adapted the Kappa index for assessing accuracy of the landuse/cover maps generated from the analysis to improve the accuracy of results. An accuracy level of 89.2% was achieved. The results reveal an overall significant increase in built-up area and other landuses at the expense of wetlands from 30.6% in 1986 to 6.1% in 2016. Wetlands lost 3,535 ha to built and woodlots 1,200 ha and a minor proportion to open water. Woodlots and built-up constituted more than half of the total area of Kampala with 4,523.3 ha (23.3%) and 12,117.1 ha (62.3%) respectively. The remaining portion of the area is covered by open water with 1,621.7 ha (8.3%). The study projects a further decline of wetland cover by 428 ha (or by 2.2%), built up covering 15,643.7 ha ( 80.4%) and woodlots with 1,759 ha (9.0%) in 2040 if steps are not instituted to control the rate of decline. These results provide new insights for predicting future changes of wetland vegetation influenced by the on-going threats from climate change and human activities, and form a foundation for sustainable wetland management in Kampala. The study further recommends more research on wetland valuation (including indirect and non-use values) in Kampala should be conducted. This may assist in assessing trade-offs between maintenance of intact wetland against its conversion into other uses.
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    Analysis of delayed payments to contractors in public construction projects: a case study of the construction of the Sembabule Community Justice Centre
    (Makerere University, 2024-05) Odong, Brian Francis
    In Uganda, delayed payments to contractors in public construction projects have been a common issue that affects the smooth execution and timely completion of such projects. This study analyzes these delayed payments to identify the factors contributing to the delayed payments and their effect on contractors in public construction projects using the construction of the Sembabule Community Justice Centre in Uganda as a case study. Through analyzing literature and project documents, the research identifies clients’ budget constraints, approval delays, delay in the valuation of work done, inaccuracies in contractors' claims, changes in policy of handling variations, and unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic as causes of delayed payments. These factors negatively affect the project timeline, and budget. The analysis also identifies the negative effects of delayed payments which include financial difficulties to the contractor, project delays, strained relationships with suppliers and workers, slow down and suspension of works, and loss of new opportunities. This research proposes remedies such as including contract provisions that allow contractors to receive extensions without penalty if payments are delayed, including contract provisions that specify the timeframe within which a project manager should approve the contractors’ submitted valuation of works done, contract flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with provisions for renegotiation of terms, and contractors providing all necessary accurate documentation for their claims. The findings of this research emphasize the importance of addressing delayed payments for effective public construction project management.
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    Analysis of human EMF exposure in close proximity scenarios to cellular system transmitters
    (Makerere University, 2024-12-02) Kyemba Kitimbo, Ben
    Wireless communication systems, particularly cellular network system, are the primary sources of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) due to their radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emission. Excessive exposure of human body to the RF-EMF has been associated with various potential health risks, including nerve stimulation, skin cancer, and alterations in cell membrane permeability. To safeguard human health and the environment, international regulatory bodies such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have established guidelines that define the maximum permissible levels of RF-EMF exposure. These guidelines are essential for ensuring that radiation levels remain within safe limits. This study references the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines to evaluate the whole-body exposure compliance of cellular system deployments in Kampala against the permissible levels. Uganda’s telecommunications landscape has experienced rapid growth, marked by the introduction of 5G technology, a 64% internet penetration rate, 34.9 million mobile subscriptions, and over 4,963 base transceiver stations (BTSs). For this assessment, points of investigation (POIs) were strategically selected near radiating antennas at each identified cellular deployment site. The goal of this study was to characterize the RF-EMF exposure from cellular system transmitters in close proximity scenarios. This was achieved by measuring the Power Density (PD) from all the frequency bands in use today. At each POI, PD measurements were taken by directly aligning a spectrum analyzer with the radiating sector antenna. The study utilized an Aaronia AG spectrum analyzer (Spectran HF 60105, 700MHz - 2.5GHz) paired with an omnidirectional antenna (Omni log 90200) to accurately measure PD levels. Across 46 sites, a total of 639 measurements were taken across 8 different frequency bands at 127 POIs. The results indicated an average overall exposure level of only 0.19% of the ICNIRP threshold, demonstrating minimal exposure. Notably, 5G technology contributed 37.56% to the total RF-EMF measured in Kampala. This translates to an overall average exposure of just 0.244% from 5G deployments, further emphasizing its low impact on overall exposure levels. However, the study also identified a few isolated sites with slightly elevated exposure levels, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure they remain within safe limits. Keywords: RF-EMF, NIR, INCNIRP, Exposure
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    Analysis of Phenological and Growing season dynamics in Savannah ecosystem of Karamoja sub-region, Uganda.
    ( 2019-11-20) Magaya, John Paul
    Vegetation phenology is an important control on the global fluxes of energy, water, and carbon from terrestrial ecosystems and is a useful indicator of ecosystem response to climate variability and change. However, few studies have focused on the phenology dynamics of different savannah vegetation types and associated fluxes as indicators for length of growing season. This study i) identified savannah phenological characteristics, ii) determined the effect of rainfall on savanna phenology and, iii) determined the length of growing season in Karamoja sub-region. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer’s Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (MODIS NDVI) imagery (MOD13Q1) was used. Rainfall data obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) with a daily temporal resolution and gridded resolution of 0.2 x 0.2 degrees was used. Phenological attributes from four major savannah vegetation types (bushland, grassland, thickets and woodland) with eight savannah phenological characteristics (Time of onset of greenness ,Time of end of greenness, Duration of greenness ,Time of maximum NDVI, Value of onset of greenness, Value of end of greenness, Value of maximum NDVI, Range of NDVI which were categorized as Temporal NDVI metrics and NDVIvalue metrics) and rainfall effect on phenological dynamics and length of growing season were analyzed in R and TIMESAT analytical software. Phenological characteristics results revealed that thickets had the earliest onset of greenness (85th day) and earliest end of greenness time (244th day) with maximum greenness, onset NDVI value, and end NDVI value of 0.68, 0.42 and 0.57 respectively. In addition, woodland revealed the highest Max NDVI value, Onset NDVI value, End of greenness NDVI value and least Range of NDVI value of 0.73, 0.56, 0.67 and 0.18 respectively. Rainfall as a driver of phenological change had a positive and significant effect over the 18 year period of analysis on bushland, grassland, thickets and woodland with correlation coefficient of 0.704, 0.722, 0.701, and 0.65 respectively. On average, the start, end and length of growing season were found to occur in pentad 23 (April 19th - 20th), pentad 47 (August 22rd - 23rd) and 123 days respectively. These results reveal that green up of savannah vegetation has positive relationship with rainfall but the start and end of green up is less influenced by the start and end of the rains. Therefore, it is recommended that there is need to couple other drivers such as fires with rainfall for a comprehensive monitoring of savannah vegetation phenological dynamics in Karamoja sub-region.
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    Analysis of spatial-temporal patterns of African swine fever in Uganda
    ( 2022-03-17) Rubongoya, Edward
    African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease of both domestic pigs and wild boars, with no cure or vaccine, causing economic devastations to farmers. Previous studies in Uganda have not fully addressed the spatial dimension in the epidemiology of the disease. Attempts using traditional methods do provide some spatial insights at district or regional level. However, they are limited in provision of precise spatial patterns and relationships where the disease manifests, hence limiting the full understanding of the spatial diffusion of the disease. To this effect, spatial analysis was conducted using Average Nearest Neighbour (ANN), Moran’s I and Hot spot analysis to characterize the spatial distribution of ASF in Uganda from 2013-2019. A retrospective space-time permutation scan statistic was then used to assess the spatiotemporal clustering of ASF. The socio-environmental and demographic factors such as land use land cover, human population density, density of roads, rivers and water bodies were incorporated to assess the likely causes of clustering. ANN index of 0.45 was less than 1 thus revealing a clustering pattern in the distribution of ASF cases. Moran’s index of 0.52 was greater than 0 thus revealing a positive spatial relationship where-by, ASF cases of similar values were closer to one another than ASF cases with dissimilar values. Hot spot analysis revealed maximum spatial clustering distance of 11.4km (p<0.01). Spatial clustering of high infection rates (hot spots) was mostly observed in Tororo, Busia and Manafwa districts, and spatial clustering of low infection rates (cold spots) was mostly observed in Kole, Omoro and Otuke districts. Space-time clusters highlighting the center of infection, period and size of ASF outbreaks were observed across the study area. The most likely space-time cluster was observed in Alebtong district represented by a log likelihood ratio with the highest value of 1745 (p<0.001) among others. Temporal clustering was observed throughout the whole year; with most outbreak trends increasing from January to April and October to November. A combination of socio-environmental and demographic factors was associated with clustering pattern of ASF observed in various areas. The study concludes that the spatial processes describing clustering of ASF (e.g., animal movements and trade related activities) with high infection rates occur within a maximum distance of 11.4km. January to April and October to November are high prevalent periods. Spatial analysis offers a more informative approach to define the difference or relationship between cases in close proximity and those far-away from each other –which is useful in decision making for better management of epidemics. It is therefore recommended that targeted intervention be adopted; in high prevalent periods like January to April and October to November. Secondly, a buffer zone of not more than 11.4km be established in hot spot areas –during surveillance and imposing quarantines as opposed to quarantining the whole district.
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    Analysis of successive rainfall water on urban flooding in Kigali-Rwanda for designing a spatially based flood management model using geospatial techniques
    (Makerere University, 2023-01) Zagabe, Thierry
    Floods are the most catastrophic and dangerous disasters that usually inhibit the development of countries at a sustainable rate, and these include a strong rainfall that affects urban areas where Rainfall directed from high elevations to lowlands results in strong floods that destroy lives and property in urban areas of Kigali city. Kigali has an altitude of 1400-2000 m, resulting in a steep slope, and the urban area has grown, with more floods destroying infrastructure and damaging businesses. Geospatial techniques were used to come up with maps for flood management. Despite the fact that there is a persistent problem of flooding in Kigali that has resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, damaged crops, and restricted movement, there’s no existing formal flood management system to mitigate these recurring problems. The study aimed at analyzing the successive urban flooding of Kigali City resulting from heavy rainfall that causes strong storm water to be directed into urban areas and, hence, determining the location of the drainage in Kigali that can mitigate flood risks through analysis using geospatial techniques. The first method used was to make statistics that show how rainfall in Kigali has been increasing from 2000 to 2018. The results show that from 2017 to 2018, a strong rainfall in urban areas brought more floods. The second method, DEM, is used to generate slope, flows of water and watershed, and the change in elevation (contours), where the comparison between wetland places and cadastral survey data from 2018 results in showing a number of parcels in risk areas where 165,223,152 km2 is a wetland with 56,244 residential plots in a risk area. Thirdly, the overlay between the slope, rainfall, wetland, and topographic maps of Kigali shows 5 areas where flood risk is high and where flood management should focus in order to slow down floods by using drainages that can follow a vertical interval of 100 meters. As the altitude of Kigali is between 1400-2000 m, a vertical interval of 100 m in elevation is quite significant, implying that five areas for drainage must be built while causing no disruption to existing infrastructure. Because rainfall in Kigali ranged between 462 and 1193 mm from 2000 to 2018, the city should be able to save a lot of water by utilizing drainages that can direct floods into artificial lakes that can be used for various activities such as fishing culture or to distribute water for water conservation. This study found that 22% of the settlement areas were affected by floods on the cadastral data in Kigali, which caused plot values to decrease and slowed down agriculture projects. This study recommended that they change the design of household reservoirs for rainwater as a flood control measure by creating drainage at 100-meter vertical intervals in the five areas identified in our research. This would help reduce the amount of storm water flow directed into urban areas
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    Analysis of the contribution made by the clinker cement manufacturing process to greenhouse gas emissions in Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2023-07-24) Asiimwe, Lindah
    The cement industry is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Cement raw materials produce emissions. The manufacturing operations are also extremely energy intensive, requiring a lot of fuel and ultimately resulting in emissions. The cement industry produces tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO) total organic carbon (TOC), and nitric Oxide (NO) each year. This research provides an analysis of cement operations and emissions produced in a developing country like Uganda where intense construction activities are being undertaken. This research aimed to determine the major indirect and direct greenhouse gas emissions produced during the clinker production stage of cement production in Uganda. The second aim of the research was to analyze the factors that largely influence the GHG emissions while the third aim of this research was to determine the optimum level for producing less greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions were identified at the clinker production stage by taking daily recordings using data sheets. For the indirect emissions, electricity data in kWh consumed by running factory machinery per day was recorded. This was multiplied by an emission factor for grid electricity in Africa to get the carbon dioxide produced per day. The direct emissions were recorded daily on data sheets for a period of 8 weeks. These readings were recorded from the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) machine. CO2 was produced indirectly by the electricity consumed to run the machines with a minimum of 29 kg/t and a maximum of 274 kg/t. The direct GHG emissions produced during the clinker stage include CO and NOX producing 1053mg/Nm3, and 576mg/Nm3 respectively as the highest emissions to answer objective one. Furthermore, with a 95% confidence level, raw materials (kiln feed) used significantly affects TOC, CO2, and CO. Biomass significantly affects TOC, CO2, and CO. Heavy fuel oil significantly affects TOC, CO2, and SO2, Coal significantly affects TOC, CO2, SO2, and CO. The number of kiln operating hours and the level of clinker production significantly affect CO2 an indirect emission. The results also pointed to the production of more clinker leads to less GHG emissions emitted direct and indirect emissions except for total organic carbon which increases greatly as the clinker being produced increases.
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    Analysis of the reliability of time schedule forecasts adopted at road project tendering in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2024) Odoch, Simon Peter
    This study takes a close look at the accuracy of time schedule forecasts used in road construction projects across Uganda, focusing on seven key projects. It explores the common discrepancies between the estimated timelines at the tender stage and the actual time it takes to complete the projects. In Uganda’s infrastructure sector, precise scheduling is critical to managing resources effectively and keeping costs under control. However, time overruns, increased expenses, and delays in delivering planned projects are frequent challenges. These issues point to a deeper problem in how projects are planned and scheduled during tendering. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative analysis of scheduling deviations with qualitative insights from project documentation including tender schedules, progress reports, and completion certificates. The quantitative analysis shows that some projects took two to four times longer to complete than originally forecasted. Qualitative insights helped to identify the root causes of these delays. Key internal factors affecting project timelines included contractor capacity, resource limitations, and restricted access to credit. External factors also played a role, such as delays in relocating utilities, challenges with land acquisition, unexpected ground conditions, and delayed utility relocations. Together, these issues created significant hurdles in meeting the projected timelines. For each of the seven case study projects, the original Time Schedule Forecasts at the tender stage were reviewed. All the projects had used Microsoft Project for scheduling, along with the Critical Path Method (CPM). The analysis revealed that while the forecasts were accurate and reliable for the construction phase, they had however, underestimated the time needed for preconstruction activities. On this basis, the study proceeded to estimate reliable durations for preconstruction activities based on the project documents for the seven case study projects. Based on data from the seven case study projects; the study proceeded to determine the major causes of delay that Project Managers and various Stakeholders need to plan against; to ensure timely project execution. The research aims to enhance our understanding of infrastructure development in Uganda, offering insights for policymakers, contractors, and project managers. By addressing some of the root issues in scheduling practices, the study advocates for improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and satisfaction among all stakeholders involved in Uganda’s road construction projects, helping the country meet its infrastructure goals for the future.
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    An Analysis of Time overruns during the construction of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2024-05-31) Nanyanzi, Maria Gorreti
    Many construction projects in developing countries including Uganda suffer from time and budget overruns. Generally, time overrun is inevitable in construction projects. There are various factors responsible for the time overrun which require serious attention to understand and address in order to achieve successful completion of projects on time. This is because time overrun has great impact to construction cost which can never be recovered. This paper focused on the discussion of the analysis of time overruns that occurred during the construction of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute in Jinja, Uganda. The study in this report is a practical problem developed through experience and observation of the construction of the UHTTI project. This study presents a customized root cause analysis approach to identify the causes of delay, use of the schedule performance index to analyze the schedule performance of the project and provide improvements measures for the causes of the delays identified. From the literature review and project data, the delay factors were categorized into four main causes of delay by responsibility to the contract parties including; contractor, client, consultant and external- related factors. The approach is an analytical approach that uses actual technical data from the project documentation. Various analysis tools are embedded in the approach including: data collection, fishbone diagram, Pareto chart, Pie chart and S-curves. As a result, it was found that the main cause behind the schedule deviations was contractor-related factors. To ameliorate the effects of time overrun, the research recommends that clients engage competent hands to manage projects sites while ensuring they fulfill their own obligation of prompt payment to contractors thereby improving time performance
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    Analyzing contributing factors to construction claims on water projects in Uganda using multivariate regression modelling
    (Makerere University, 2023-09-19) Ddumba, Derrick Arthur
    Globally organizations continue to grapple with construction claims, which have contributed to the cost escalation on projects estimated at 28%. Construction claims on water projects in Uganda account for an average of 14.56% of the initial contract sum where in extreme cases the cost overrun due to these claims can exceed 40% of the contract amount. This phenomenon has affected the implementation of the core projects of the National Development Plan (NDPIII) in terms of their financial performance where large sums of money have been re-directed to settlement of claims. In earlier studies, 78% of engineering construction companies believed that project risks were increasing. This created a need to model and understand the behavior of claims. There is need to analyze the underlying factors leading to the construction claims, identify the contributing factors and thereafter develop a model to predict their impact on the overall claim amount. A total of eight claim areas were identified as based on FIDIC red book which was consistent with most of the construction contracts executed on water projects in Uganda and from literature. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving professionals from National Water and Sewerage Corporation, contracting firms and consultancy firms where feedback from 88 respondents on frequency and impact of the contributing factors was rated using a five-point Likert scale. Complete data were gathered on 16 completed water projects in Uganda and the contributing factors ranked basing on importance index (II). The five highest ranked contributing factors were identified and a regression model for predicting the claim amount was developed using MS excel. The five factors ranked basing on their significance on the claim amount in the model were; variations, right of access to site, unforeseen physical conditions, extension of time for completion and delays by authorities. The data revealed that the five major contributing factors to claims accounted for 13.99% cost overrun due to claims and 96.08% of the entire claim amounts raised. Variations had the biggest impact on claim amount with 32.97% on average whereas delays by authorities had the least impact with 7.55% on average. The predictive model for construction claims on water projects was developed with a coefficient of determination (R-square) of 0.996 where 99.6% of the claim amount could be predicted by the model. It was concluded that lack of clarity on contract clauses and poorly designed scope as well as scope alterations led to variations which was the leading contributing factor to claims. Clear contract clauses on claims and prevention of scope creep will limit the development of claims.
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    Analyzing the effectiveness of gasifier-produced biochar as a soil amendment in the humid tropics
    (Makerere University, 2009-05) Deal, Christopher William
    Biochar is the solid, carbonaceous byproduct from thermal treatment of biomass that is produced specifically for application to soils. Studies have shown that when biochar is added to soils it is able to increase yields, prevent erosion, and effectively store carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. Sizeable research has been conducted using biochar from traditional charcoal kilns as this is the method that maximizes biochar production. Biochar from gasification, however, has been relatively unexamined. The intent of this research, therefore, was to determine if gasifier-produced biochar would act as an effective soil amendment. The motivation behind this study was to create a valuable byproduct from gasification that would also allow the entire process to be considered “carbon-negative.” This investigation was designed to analyze the effectiveness of gasifier-produced biochar through a comparison with kiln-produced biochar. Two types of biomass – maize cobs and eucalyptus wood chunks – were used in the creation of biochar from a gasifier and traditional charcoal kiln. The biochar samples were combined with undisturbed soil from the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute at Kabanyolo in a 45 day pot experiment to compare effects on plant growth. The experimental results show that, on average, soils amended with gasifier-produced biochar have higher yields than soils amended with kiln-produced biochar. The magnitude of this increase, however, was varied, and this variance was indicative of the sample‟s composition. Biochar composition varied across feedstocks, production methods, and even within samples from the same feedstock and production method. Results indicated that the characteristic with the greatest influence on soil productivity was the soluble ash content in the biochar. Soluble ash, when introduced to soils, helped to increase pH levels. Ugandan soils, like most soils in the humid tropics, are strongly acidic, and this increase in pH allowed for more favorable growing conditions and higher nutrient availability. This study indicates that gasifier-produced biochar has significant potential for use as a soil amendment in the humid tropics. However, further research
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    Analyzing the potential of Cycling in the CBD of Kampala City.
    (Makerere University, 2023-03) Euphrasius, Omeja Fuorr
    The aim of this study was to analyse the potential of cycling in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kampala City. This research identified the factors affecting cycling, examined the city dweller’s perceptions on cycling, and evaluated cycling possibilities, making recommendations of approaches and designs to promote cycling in Kampala CBD. There is limited research on cycling, and hence little is known about cycling and its potential to ease movement. The research used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The tools for data collection included; observation, questionnaires, interview schedule, photography, mapping, sketching and secondary data from libraries and the internet. The tools for data analysis were descriptive statistics presented in the form of tables, percentages, graphs and charts, content analysis of the questions administered with reference to the research objectives. The research used softwares of Epidata and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to carry out data analytical processing. The analysis of all the raw data collected yielded the realities about cycling in Kampala CBD. The study found that the lack of cycling infrastructure, the busy state of roads and poor road safety in Kampala Central Business District (CBD) are the major factors affecting cycling; the use of the bicycle. The Perception of city dwellers on cycling is low because they stated that, they have poor physical health, other modes of transport are faster and more comfortable, and the use of the bicycle is not safe. Furthermore, some said, they lack the finance to even buy bicycles and that, the society has a negative cultural attitude that women are not supposed to cycle. The use of the bicycle in the CBD of Kampala is possible because the study found out that, there is a presence of bicycle services such as bicycle retail and repair shops. In addition, the city dwellers stated that, if safe cycling infrastructure is provided, new taxation on transportation is introduced, and funds allocated to the transport sector are redistributed to support cycling, the use of the bicycle for mobility would be very possible. To encourage cycling; the use of the bicycle, this research recommended the construction and installation of a robust cycling infrastructure, introduction of cycling education, and establishing an inclusive cycling funding system. The Promotion of cycling in Kampala City CBD will reap the benefits of health, transportation, economics, quality of life and environment. There must be a logical integration of cycling in the transportation sector to enhance sustainable movement in the CBD.
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    The application of environmental sustainability principles in housing construction projects: a case study of Solana Lubowa housing project
    ( 2022-03-04) Sekajja, Gitta Allan
    This report provides the application of environmental sustainability principles in housing construction projects using the case study of Solana Lubowa housing project. It presents the implementation of the principles of environmental sustainability in the design and construction of the 306 residential units in Phase 1 of the project. Furthermore, presents a subjective summary of the application of environmental sustainability principles on the project. The introduction of the project covers the project background, problem statement, objectives, scope, project site location and finally the author’s involvement. More so, the report covers the Literature studies that been undertaken covering definitions and concepts of sustainable development in general and environmental sustainability in construction works. Further on, an overview of useful indicators of environmental sustainability for housing construction, and its advantages. In addition, the contract administration details such as the project works scope and the contract particulars of the four contractors and the supervising consultant are presented together with more highlights on the design review that was carried out and finally the current contract performance of the contractors and consultant. Furthermore, the report explores the application of the various environmental sustainability principles at Solana Lubowa Housing Project and provides a subjective summary of the extent of their implementation on the project focusing on the phase 1 which is currently under construction. Finally, the report presents the challenges observed and concludes that the principles of environmental sustainability were efficiently applied in Solana Lubowa Housing Project. The report further highlights that the conclusion made on the extent of application of the principles was based on literature, guidelines applied worldwide and the author’s professional and subjective judgment. Lastly, it points to some recommendations on how to improve the application of environmental sustainability principles in construction.
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    Application of gas path analysis for performance monitoring and maintenance evaluation of a turbofan gas turbine
    (Makerere University, 2023) Mukoka, Gidion
    The aftermarket maintenance service of gas turbines came with a lot of technical challenges that included; low availability of the power plant (33.2) %, poor reliability (66%), and high maintenance costs (28.6%). This was because the guaranteed performance deteriorated even under strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program. This deterioration was managed by condition-based maintenance (CBM), which was applied through Gas Path Analysis and performance monitoring. The Condition-Based Maintenance strategy was always applied rigidly without assessing the availability, reliability, and need for real-time maintenance requirements. The gas turbines were always subjected to unnecessary major maintenance and overhauls when still in good operating condition and also at times, failing before the guaranteed manufacturer’s approved safety margin of operation. This, therefore, called for an urgent need to develop a performance monitoring approach, that quantifies degradation and evaluates the realtime maintenance effectiveness. This performance monitoring approach used operational data from real installation and a novel model-free data analytics method. This had the advantage of the ease of applicability within the industrial setting. Five performance indices were proposed to be used and tested using the Anova Tool. Performance patterns for Parameter-dependent models were developed using the polynomial curve fitting methods. The maintenance system was evaluated and optimized regarding availability and reliability (safety margin) and overall effectiveness. These gas path parameters were Revolution per minute (N), Air inlet angle (A), Jet nozzle throat area (F), Turbine exhaust Temperature (T), and Vibrations (V). Results showed that Condition-based maintenance could be pushed to 6.3 weeks’ intervals with a range of (5.65±0.65) weeks instead of weekly intervals, however without forgetting the need for pre-post run inspections. This increased availability, and reliability by 26.2% that is to say (71.4 to 97.6) %, and lowered maintenance cost from 28.6% down to 2.5%. A higher performance level of up to 88.5% was achieved from 66.8%. For maintenance cost-effectiveness, a statistical selection method was a function of p-value and its weighted rank, percent error-value (E)and its weighted rank, and Restoration coefficient value (C) and its weighted rank. These were used to select the most effective and responsive parameters for performance indication and monitoring that had a percentage weighted index of above 80%. This boosted the maintenance effectiveness by 20.7% (from 68.8 to 89± 0.5) %.