School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collections
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ItemEffects of land use and land cover on water quality of River Namatala and its tributaries in Kyoga Basin, Eastern Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)Although water quality issues are gaining increasing attention globally, research is inconclusive on how land use affects water quality in dynamic tropical catchments. This is more apparent in many catchments in Uganda undergoing land use transformations with implications on water quality. This study was conducted to assess the effect of land use on water quality in Namatala sub-catchment on mountain Elgon, with rapid urbanization. Three objectives for the study were formulated; (i) to characterize the existing land use types and their implications on water quality in Namatala sub catchment, (ii) to assess the effect of land use on the nutrient enrichment and microbial inputs in catchment rivers (iii) to assess the level of heavy metals concentrations in Namatala river associated with specific land use practices. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Land use characterization was determined using satellite imagery data which was used to classify land use. Random Forest algorithm that follows supervised classification were used to generate distinct land use classes and Landsat 8 panchromatic band (15m pixel resolution) was applied to fuse with selected multispectral bands (30m pixel resolution), thereby improving the spatial detail of the final RGB composite. Water quality assessment was premised on collection of water samples at 30 strategic locations (with point source challenges identified during the preliminary assessment) along river Namatala. The samples were analyzed to assess the levels of nutrients in the river water (phosphorus, ammonium and nitrates). Additional tests were conducted to assess the concentrations of heavy metals such as manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in the river water. The study results revealed that the sub catchment along River Namatala is dominated by shrubland (30%), followed by tree cover (28%), cropland (20%), grassland (17%), built-up areas (4%) and wetlands (1%). Nitrates (mg/l) were falling within a range of 0.21-20 with a mean of 2.0. Phosphates ranged between .06-2.2 mg/l with a mean of 0.25. Ammonium had a range of 0.003-0.86 mg/l with a mean of 0.07. With a significant variation (p<0.05), phosphorus concentrations in the river water along forested sites were higher than those in built-up and shrub areas. The mean phosphate content was higher in built-up areas. Low levels of ammonium in river water were found in sites dominated by tree cover, built-up, and shrubs. On the other hand, the highest ammonium levels were found in wetlands and cropland sites. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in catchment river water varied. Manganese averaged 34.0 mg/l, copper (1.57 mg/l), lead (0.18µg/l), zinc (5.21 µg/l), aluminium (10.99 µg/l), cobalt (0.20 µg/l), arsenic (0.34 µg/l), iron (99.7 µg/l), nickel (0.50 µg/l) and chromium (0.22 µg/l) and were within the permissible drinking water thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization (2011) with exception of except Vanadium (2.90 µg/l). Land use had a significant effect on water quality with water samples collected from cultivated areas and settlements exhibiting higher concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals. Mitigating water quality changes in Namatala river and its tributaries will require preservation and conservation of the natural ecosystems through regulation of farming activities and settlements.
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ItemOpportunities and constraints in Uganda’s policy framework for agroforestry development(Makerere University, 2025)Agroforestry is increasingly becoming recognised as a sustainable land-use system that integrates trees within agricultural landscapes to enhance ecological stability, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Despite its potential, adoption in Uganda remains limited due to the weak operationalisation of land-use policies and fragmented institutional coordination. This study determined the extent to which Uganda’s land-use policies support the strategic priorities of the Uganda National Agroforestry Strategy (2025/2027 – 2034/2035), evaluated the coherence of these policies in relation to agroforestry promotion, and examined stakeholder perspectives on interventions required to strengthen agroforestry development in Uganda. The study employed a descriptive and interpretive research design, using qualitative techniques, and conducting document analysis of the ten (10) land-use policies, which are anchored to the key global frameworks. The study also involved conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants drawn from government Ministries, Departments, & Agencies, Academia/Research organisations, Civil Society Organisations, and Development Partners. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis to determine Uganda’s land use policy–national agroforestry strategy alignment and a thematic analysis to synthesise cross-cutting narratives from participants. Findings show that Uganda’s policy framework conceptually supports agroforestry, although the degree of support varies across policies. Capacity Building emerged as the most strongly supported priority of the national agroforestry strategy, whereas Research was the least supported. The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) demonstrated the highest alignment with the strategy, while the Climate Change Policy (2013), Energy Policy (2023), Wetlands Policy (2015) and Wildlife Policy (2014) provided minimal supportive provisions. Policy coherence was moderate but characterised by horizontal fragmentation across the agriculture, environment, land, and forestry sectors, and by weak vertical alignment with government structures. Stakeholders highlighted important interventions, including tree-tenure rights, fiscal incentives, extension systems, institutional capacity, and the mainstreaming of agroforestry in national programs. The study concludes that while agroforestry is conceptually recognised in Uganda’s land-use policy environment, implementation remains weak due to limited coordination, inadequate financing, and the absence of enforceable mechanisms. To strengthen agroforestry development, the study recommends establishing an inter-ministerial coordination platform, integrating agroforestry into sectoral and istrict planning frameworks, strengthening extension and training systems, enhancing research investment, securing tree-tenure rights, and developing value chain strategies supported by fiscal incentives. Effective translation of policy commitments into coordinated, evidence-based, and well-financed action is essential for Uganda to fully harness the ecological and livelihood benefits of agroforestry.
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ItemAssessing perceptions and response mechanisms of Kampala residents to urban heat risks(Makerere University, 2026)Climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying extreme heat in many African cities, yet little is known about how residents perceive and respond to these conditions. This study examined perceptions of urban heat and related health risks, and the coping mechanisms used by residents of three settlements (Kibuye I, Kibuye II and Makindye II) in Makindye Division, Kampala City. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study, combining household and business surveys (n = 358) with key informant interviews and focus group discussions; quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using Poisson regression, and qualitative data were examined thematically. Most respondents reported frequent and severe heat, including at night during the January–March dry months. They linked hot conditions to symptoms such as headaches, excessive sweating and fatigue, and to the worsening of respiratory, skin and cardiovascular problems, particularly among people with pre-existing illness. Perceptions of heat risk and reported impacts varied by settlement type, work environment and health status, reflecting spatial and socio-economic inequalities in exposure and vulnerability. Residents relied mainly on low-cost individual responses, including drinking more water, changing clothing and adjusting daily routines, while opportunities for collective measures such as tree planting were uneven across settlements. The findings reveal that urban heat is already a tangible health concern in Kampala and that local responses remain largely reactive and fragmented. Strengthening climate and health communication, protecting vulnerable groups and incorporating heat-risk considerations into urban planning and greening initiatives are critical for building resilience in rapidly growing cities like Kampala.
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ItemOpportunities and constraints in Uganda’s policy framework for agroforestry development(Makerere University, 2026)Agroforestry is increasingly becoming recognised as a sustainable land-use system that integrates trees within agricultural landscapes to enhance ecological stability, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Despite its potential, adoption in Uganda remains limited due to the weak operationalisation of land-use policies and fragmented institutional coordination. This study determined the extent to which Uganda’s land-use policies support the strategic priorities of the Uganda National Agroforestry Strategy (2025/2027 – 2034/2035), evaluated the coherence of these policies in relation to agroforestry promotion, and examined stakeholder perspectives on interventions required to strengthen agroforestry development in Uganda. The study employed a descriptive and interpretive research design, using qualitative techniques, and conducting document analysis of the ten (10) land-use policies, which are anchored to the key global frameworks. The study also involved conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants drawn from government Ministries, Departments, & Agencies, Academia/Research organisations, Civil Society Organisations, and Development Partners. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis to determine Uganda’s land use policy–national agroforestry strategy alignment and a thematic analysis to synthesise cross-cutting narratives from participants. Findings show that Uganda’s policy framework conceptually supports agroforestry, although the degree of support varies across policies. Capacity Building emerged as the most strongly supported priority of the national agroforestry strategy, whereas Research was the least supported. The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) demonstrated the highest alignment with the strategy, while the Climate Change Policy (2013), Energy Policy (2023), Wetlands Policy (2015) and Wildlife Policy (2014) provided minimal supportive provisions. Policy coherence was moderate but characterised by horizontal fragmentation across the agriculture, environment, land, and forestry sectors, and by weak vertical alignment with government structures. Stakeholders highlighted important interventions, including tree-tenure rights, fiscal incentives, extension systems, institutional capacity, and the mainstreaming of agroforestry in national programs. The study concludes that while agroforestry is conceptually recognised in Uganda’s land-use policy environment, implementation remains weak due to limited coordination, inadequate financing, and the absence of enforceable mechanisms. To strengthen agroforestry development, the study recommends establishing an inter-ministerial coordination platform, integrating agroforestry into sectoral and istrict planning frameworks, strengthening extension and training systems, enhancing research investment, securing tree-tenure rights, and developing value chain strategies supported by fiscal incentives. Effective translation of policy commitments into coordinated, evidence-based, and well-financed action is essential for Uganda to fully harness the ecological and livelihood benefits of agroforestry.
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ItemSurface water quality and usage in Rwamwanja refugee settlement and adjacent villages.(Makerere University, 2026)This study assessed the quality and utilization of surface water sources in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement and the adjacent villages within Kamwenge district in Uganda. Field sampling was carried out at the surface water sources used for domestic and livelihood purpose. Water quality parameters were analyzed and the results compared against the WHO water quality standards. Structured questionnaires were also used in capturing the water usage patterns and preferences. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical difference between the water quality parameters in the refugee camp and the host community was determined using t- tests. Chi-square tests were used to determine any relationships between the surface water uses and the different social categories, Cramer’s V tests values were also used to determine the association strength and the significant variables. Binary logistic model was used in analyzing the influence of the social categories on water usage. The temperature in host community sources exceeded those in refugee settlements (Ponds: 24.4 ± 2.7 °C > 17.85 ± 2.65 °C, Swamps: 22.75 ± 0.42 °C > 20.8 ± 0.63 °C, and streams: 23.04 °C > 21.53 °C). The host sources were neutral in pH (Ponds: 7.08 ± 0.14; Swamps: 7.15 ± 0.08), while the ones in the refugee settlement had a variation (7.84 ± 0.87). EC levels ranged between 107.87 μS/cm-264.20 μS/cm. TDS in the swamps within refugee swamps was higher than those in the host community (634.95 ± 510.05 mg/L > 355.95 ± 171.05 mg/L. Turbidity levels were significantly higher in refugee sources (Ponds: 290 ± 8 NTU in refugee settlement > 53.2 ± 34.5 NTU in host communities, and streams: 134.07 NTU in refugees > 24.50 NTU in host communities). The refugee swamps and streams had higher TP levels (Swamps: 1.13 ± 1.07 mg/L; Stream: 2.05 mg/L). Nitrogen concentrations were more balanced with swamps in refugee settlement having 3.02 ± 1.72 mg/L while swamps in the host community having 3.06 ± 2.04 mg/L. COD levels ranged between 17 mg/L (swamp 3) and 164.17 mg/L (stream 1) while BOD ranged from 0.65 mg/L (pond 2) to 50.32 mg/L (stream 1). Mean T. Coli count between settlement refugee and host community was almost identical (136 ± 16 and 135 ± 15 CFUs/100 mL). E. coli levels were substantial within the host community (pond 3: 12 CFUs/100 mL and stream 2: 129.33 CFUs/100 mL). Sex, household numbers and education level influenced water usage. Most physico-chemical properties of the water sources were relatively similar between the refugee settlement and the host villages. The study recommends water treatment before usage, protection of the water sources and improvement of water infrastructure within the area.