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ItemCharacterization of dolomite rock deposits in Musumba-Cibitoke for their suitability as agricultural lime(Makerere University, 2025)Soil acidity is a significant handicap to agricultural productivity in Burundi, affecting soil fertility, crop yields, and food security. Agricultural lime (ag-lime) is one of the solutions for neutralizing such acidity, but the rate of ag lime production is still inadequate, meaning that its availability and affordability remain limited due to low local material sources. Despite the existence of dolomitic rocks that could be used for the production of agricultural lime in Musumba-Ruhagarika, Cibitoke Province, their characterization and utilization have not yet been done. Their chemical and physical properties remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of this deposit, to evaluate the contents of the chemical and physical properties, and to determine their suitability for the production of agricultural lime. Twenty-seven (27) rock samples of 4 kg each were collected from 9 sample points using systematic random sampling over an area of 1 km², 200 meters apart from one sample point to another within Musumba and four (4) soil samples were randomly collected from a plot of 400 m² located in Mutumba, Bujumbura before and after dolomite rock application on the soil. These samples were analyzed in three national laboratories using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for the rock chemical properties including calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), impurities and trace elements such as MnO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, SO3, K2O, CuO, P2O5, and SrO, and using gravimetric method at 800oC for the Loss on Ignition (LOI) determination. The rock and soil pH were determined using a direct reading method with a sample-to-water ratio of 1:5. For the physical analysis of the rock, the absolute density was determined using pycnometer method, and water absorption using sample wetting and drying method. Results from the analysis showed an average content of 71.65% CaO, 19.89% MgO, and a rock pH of 9.66, indicating an alkaline rock composition. The soil pH increased from 5.24 to 7.335 during the field trial experiment. The average LOI of 45.43% confirmed high carbonate content of the rock, while physical analyses showed density of 2.84 g/cm³ and low water absorption of 0.78%. Semi-variogram and kriging models were used to plot and show the variability and spatial distribution of each property within the study area. The Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE) and Purity Index (PI) values were determined and computed from chemical results and showed that CCE is high, with an average of 169.3% and PI average of 94.3%, which confirmed the dolomitic limestone nature and high acid neutralizing capacity of the rock, making it an effective amendment for the soil.
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ItemA computerized maintenance management system for real-time monitoring of medical equipment under the Ministry of Health, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of efficient healthcare service delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Uganda. Amid the surge in demand for healthcare services, the Ministry of Health faced significant challenges in managing medical equipment due to the lack of a centralized system for tracking equipment status and performance. The reliance on outdated, paper-based systems exacerbated delays, inefficiencies, and poor resource allocation, underscoring the urgency for a more robust solution. This research addressed this gap by developing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tailored to the needs of Uganda’s healthcare system, focusing on real-time monitoring and management of forty (40) Digital X-ray machines across public health facilities. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining stakeholder consultations, system requirement gathering, and iterative system design. Quantitative data was collected through system performance tests in different network environments, while qualitative insights were obtained from focus group discussions with hospital administrators, radiographers, and biomedical engineers. The CMMS was designed to integrate Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication for real-time data acquisition, alert management, and maintenance scheduling. The system was evaluated for usability, functionality, and effectiveness in tracking equipment status and downtime. Key findings indicate that the CMMS significantly reduced equipment downtime by facilitating prompt fault reporting and maintenance interventions. Data transmission delays were minimal in urban settings (2-5 seconds), although rural facilities experienced longer delays (up to 50 seconds) due to network limitations. User feedback provided the system’s intuitive dashboard and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Overall, the CMMS demonstrated the potential to streamline maintenance operations and strengthen healthcare service delivery.
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ItemDevelopment of modified cellulosic bio–polymers from non– edible biomass for bio-plastic packaging applications(Makerere University, 2025)Single-use plastic packaging has led to significant plastic pollution in the environment. Efforts are being made to develop bioplastic packaging from different biomass sources like food crops, wood, animal waste, and agricultural residues. This study investigated the transformation of non-edible biomass (NEB) namely; Mucuna pruriens, Tripsacum andersonii, Brachiaria brizantha, Chloris Gayana, Setaria sphacelate, Lagenaria siceraria, Alternnthera sessilis, and Hyparrhenia rufa into chemically modified cellulose (NEBCM) for potential application in sustainable bioplastic packaging. NEB underwent alkaline treatment at 3%, 6%, and 9% NaOH concentrations through delignification, pulping, and bleaching to extract cellulose, which was then chemically modified via acetylation, amination, and crosslinking. Solvent casting was used to fabricate NEBCM films. Bio-chemical characterization of NEB used VanSoest approach, while NEBCM was characterized using SEM-EDX, FT–IR, water absorption and thermal conductivity test. Setaria sphacelate exhibited the highest cellulose yield across 3% and 6% NaOH concentrations (44%, and 41% respectively), while Chloris Gayana, Lagenaria siceraria and Alternanthera sessilis showed lower yields, not exceeding 15%. Yield reductions were observed beyond 6% NaOH, in Mucuna pruriens (15%), Brachiaria brizantha (19%), Chloris gayana (13%), and Lagenaria siceraria (11%). Setaria sphacelate (33.5% cellulose, 20.7% hemicellulose, 9% lignin) and Brachiaria brizantha (28.9% cellulose, 32.9% hemicellulose, 7.5% lignin) emerged as promising biopolymer sources due to their favourable composition. O–H peaks shifted from 3400–3450 cm⁻¹ in NEB to 3340–3360 cm⁻¹ in NEBCM, C=O from ~1640 cm⁻¹ to 1683–1685 cm⁻¹, and 1030–1045 cm⁻¹ peaks disappeared. 1324–1325 cm⁻¹ suggested partial lignin retention, and new bands at 2154– 2179 cm⁻¹, indicated the presence of alkyne groups (C≡C). SEM-EDX confirmed improved surface morphology, from rough fibrous to homogeneous and more compact textures especially in Setaria sphacelate and Alternanthera sessilis. Thermal conductivity values ranged between 0.1744–0.3472 W/m•K, with Lagenaria siceraria demonstrating superior insulation potential. Water absorption ranged from 96.67% to 100.83%, linked to abundant hydroxyl groups; Alternanthera sessilis (100.83%), Setaria sphacelate (100.45%), and Chloris gayana (100.00%) recorded the highest values. NEBCM films showed promise as renewable polymer bases but need plasticizers and blending to improve strength and flexibility.
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ItemAssessment of thermal comfort, air quality and energy performance of naturally ventilated residential buildings in Kampala City, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Low-income households in Uganda and similar tropical regions predominantly depend on natural ventilation to achieve Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) conditions due to limited access to and affordability of mechanical cooling systems. Factors such as building orientation, ventilation design, building envelope materials, and occupant behavior shape the effectiveness of natural ventilation in providing IEQ conditions and reducing building energy demand. Despite its significance, research on the effectiveness of natural ventilation on thermal comfort, air quality, and energy performance of low-income tropical residences remains scanty. This study explored the role of natural ventilation (NV), outdoor environment (OE), and building design in shaping indoor air quality (IAQ), occupant health (HI), thermal comfort, and energy performance in low-income housing in Kampala, Uganda. A mixed-methods approach, including questionnaire surveys, the Delphi technique, statistical modeling using IBM® SPSS® Amos V24, and building simulation using IES VE V2024, were utilized to examine the relationships between variables. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between NV, IAQ, and HI, highlighting the importance of natural ventilation in low-income households. Building factors like orientation, window type, and roofing materials impact thermal comfort, with North- and East-facing homes and clay tile roofs offering better indoor conditions. Despite utilizing adaptive measures, many residents expressed dissatisfaction with the thermal environment, highlighting the need for optimized building designs, passive cooling strategies, and urban greenery to enhance comfort. Simulation results demonstrated substantial improvements in thermal comfort, Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD), and internal gains with the test model, achieving a 44.3 % and 72.7 % annual reduction in discomfort hours above 28 °C in the living room and master bedroom, respectively. Model validation highlighted that the test model outperforms the base model and the sample buildings, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed building envelope and orientation modifications. Utilizing the Delphi technique, the key building sustainability indicators tailored to Uganda include energy optimization, advanced construction technologies, and natural ventilation design, among others. This research provides critical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to advance energy efficiency and sustainability within Uganda's built environment. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable building practices and contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 7, 11, and 13 by promoting health, energy efficiency, resilient urban environments, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in tropical regions.
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ItemA model to predict occurrence of head-on traffic crashes along Kampala–Masaka road(Makerere University, 2025)The study evaluates the influence of geometric factors and traffic factors in the causation of head-on traffic crashes on a two-lane rural highway in Uganda using Negative Binomial Regression (NBR) Model. Head-on traffic crashes data for a period of five years (2013 to 2017) was obtained from Uganda Police Traffic Accidents Register (TAR). The Traffic Accidents Register was accessed at different police stations along Kampala–Masaka road. A total of ten blackspots with the highest frequency of head-on traffic crashes were selected for this study. Geometric factors were extracted from as-built drawings obtained from Uganda National Roads Authority while others were measured using tape measure and measuring wheel. The free flow speed data was collected by mounting a tripod camera near the road for five hours to collect video recording at the study locations. Classified manual traffic counts were carried out at the ten blackspots to obtain traffic volume data. Aerial drones were flown over study points where video footages were extracted. The video footages were analysed by Kinovea software to generate passing manoeuvres data i.e. speed of the passed vehicle in the manoeuvre and time taken by passing vehicle to complete the manoeuvre. The Negative Binomial Regression Model results indicated that all the independent variables used this study were statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The performance of the model was evaluated by running the model on seven different sets of data collected at seven locations. The performance metrics used was Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) which was computed at each location. The NBR model results indicated that 85th percentile of free flow speed was the greatest predictor variable to the causation of head-on traffic crashes while time required to complete the manoeuvre was the least predictor variable to occurrence of head- on traffic crashes. Sensitivity analysis was conducted and it was determined that operating speeds greater than 105 km/hr would cause higher likelihood of occurrence of head-on traffic crashes on two-lane rural roads. It was recommended that motorists should drive at speeds less than 105 km/hr, the absolute vertical grade should be less than 8%, time required by passing vehicle to complete a manoeuvre should be less than 6 seconds and for two-lane highways with ADT value exceeding 9,800 vehs/day, an additional lane should be provided for heavy vehicles.