Mbarara University of Science and Technology Institutional Repository (MUST-IR)

MUST-IR preserves research output from the MUST Community

Student Forms and Guides

Download the documents needed for self-archiving your research in MUST IR.

Self-Archiving Consent Form

Download, complete and sign the consent form.

Download Consent Form (PDF)

Student Self-Archiving Guide

Follow the steps for submitting research to MUST IR.

Download Student Guide (PDF)

Communities in MUST-IR

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

Central Administration 131
This community will contain collections from the general Administrative staff
Faculty of Agriculture, Enviroment and Veterinary Sciences 2
Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology 71
Faculty of Business and Management Sciences 127
Faculty of Computing and Informatics 152
Faculty of Health Science 2445
Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies 226
Faculty of Science 576
Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation 124
Maternal Newborn and Child Health Institute 18
MUST Research Institute 3

Recent Submissions

Building intercultural competence in Indonesian engineering education through faculty development, institutional support, and teaching innovation
(2026-09-30) Husin, Muhammad; Almaaytah, Shahab Ahmad; Ibrahim, Abdullateef Abdullahi; Hashi, Abdinasir Ismael; Omenyo, Laban
Globalization and increasing cultural diversity in higher education demand innovative teaching approaches that support the development of intercultural competence. This study develops and tests a process-oriented model examining how undergraduate engineering students’ perceptions of faculty development support and institutional support are associated with students’ cultural intelligence, intercultural competence, perceptions of interculturally informed teaching practices, intercultural student engagement, and student learning outcomes. Survey data were collected from 814 undergraduate engineering students in Indonesia and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that students who perceived stronger faculty development support reported higher levels of cultural intelligence, which was positively associated with intercultural competence and greater perceived implementation of interculturally informed teaching practices. Students who perceived more interculturally informed teaching practices also reported higher intercultural student engagement, which was positively associated with higher self-reported student learning outcomes. These findings provide an integrated perspective on how undergraduate engineering students perceive the relationships among institutional support, faculty practices, intercultural development, and learning outcomes, offering practical insights for supporting more inclusive and globally responsive engineering education.
Peer assessment framework to support group-based Assessment in E-learning Environment for Higher Institutions of Learning
(Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2025-08) Kalema, Job
Online learning in higher education races challenges in fostering meaningful student interactions. particularly in group-based assessments. Key issues include coordinating group participation. uneven student engagement, difficulty measuring individual contributions. High failure rates due to lack of material engagement. unclear instructions. and poor group relationships. Peer assessment is an effective approach to support group work but existing frameworks. primarily developed outside Uganda. have limitations. These include inadequate support for managing group assessments, addressing bias and fairness, providing effective feedback. and integrating with online learning platforms. These shortcomings hinder student engagement. feedback quality, and collaborative learning outcomes. This study proposes a new peer assessment framework to address these issues, enhance group-based assessments. And improve student interactions in online learning environments. The study applied ease study design and human-centered design approaches closely examine the data collected. The framework was evaluated using DeLone and Maclean model questionnaire on experts and to achieve the objectives. employed a mixed-methods research approach. The study revealed key obstacles faced by participants while conducting group-based assessment online and include; Technical problems were the most significant issue, affecting 62.8% of respondents, emphasizing the need for reliable technology. Communication tool limitations were reported by 23.5%. indicating that existing platforms may not fully support effective feedback and interaction. Additionally. 13.7% of students struggled with group coordination, often due to scheduling conflicts. fairness concerns. or differing communication styles. In conclusion this study contributes to the growing body of research The study highlights challenges in Uganda’s higher education institutions with group-based assessments in online learning. including low student engagement. difficulty measuring individual contributions, and high failure rates due to limited interaction with course materials. A new peer assessment framework was designed to address these issues. tailored to Uganda-s online learning context. with improved management tools. bias mitigation. and enhanced feedback mechanisms. The study recommends adopting a tailored peer assessment framework in Uganda's higher education to enhance group-based assessments by improving management, fairness, feedback, and collaboration. with suggestions tar training. scalable integration, and future research on its adaptability and AI augmentation.
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from infected wounds at Mbale regional referral hospital, Uganda
(Microbes and Infectious Diseases., 2026) Mabonga, Habert; Nalumaga, Pauline Petra; Byarugaba, Frederick; Bazira, Joel; Tuhamize, Barbra
Background: Wound infections are a major cause of morbidity and are increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance. This study determined the bacterial etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of wound infections at a regional referral hospital in Eastern Uganda. Methods: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital between May and August 2023. Wound swabs from 210 patients with clinically suspected wound infections were cultured, bacterial isolates identified using standard microbiological methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed according to CLSI 2023 guidelines. Results: Bacterial growth was detected in 41.9% (88/210) of wound swabs. Gram-negative organisms predominated, accounting for 61.4% (54/88) of isolates. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (22/88, 25.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (18/88, 20.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (14/88, 15.9%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13/88, 14.8%). MRSA prevalence among S. aureus isolates was 61.1% (11/18; 95% CI: 35.8-82.7%). High resistance was observed to ampicillin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. Overall, 28.4% (25/88) of isolates were multidrug resistant. Conclusion: Wound infections at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital were characterized by Gram-negative predominance and substantial antimicrobial resistance, including high MRSA and multidrug resistance rates. Routine microbiological testing, infection prevention measures, and antimicrobial stewardship are needed to support effective wound infection management.
Artificial intelligence integration and learner achievement in competence-based education in higher education institutions in Uganda
(Discover Artificial Intelligence, 2026-09-23) Mabirizi, Vicent; Nampijja, Florence Kirabo; Katushabe, Calorine; Kasozi, Joseph Brian M.; Muhoza, Gloria B.; Omali, Denis; Kawuma, Simon
The rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping higher education through real-time tutoring, personalised learning, and advanced knowledge synthesis. In Uganda, the adoption of Competence-Based Education (CBE) emphasises learner-centered pedagogy, critical thinking, and practical skill development. While AI presents opportunities to strengthen CBE, its unstructured use may undermine independent inquiry, critical thinking, and authentic competency development. The study investigated how institutional readiness, stakeholder perceptions, and AI use patterns relate to learner achievement within a competence-based curriculum in an AI-powered environment. It further identified strategies for integrating AI to support competency attainment, academic performance, assessment outcomes, and learning outcomes while preserving the principles of CBE in Ugandan higher education institutions. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving academic staff (n = 52) and students (n = 513) from public and private universities in Uganda. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling using online platforms. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring institutional readiness, stakeholder perceptions, AI usage patterns, learner achievement, and pedagogical strategies for AI integration. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed using the JASP statistical tool and Python-based data analysis tools. The findings revealed moderate institutional readiness for AI adoption, with technology recording the highest readiness (M = 3.2), followed by pedagogy (M = 2.9), while policy and governance readiness remained low (M = 2.4). Stakeholders perceived AI as supporting competency achievement (M = 4.1, 85%) and self-directed learning (M = 4.0, 80%), although concerns were raised regarding independent problem-solving (M = 3.6, 65%) and assessment authenticity (M = 3.8, 70%). Students reported frequent use of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT (81.1%), Gemini (56.8%), and Copilot (38.8%), primarily for concept clarification (89.2%), research (81.1%), and idea generation (70.3%). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between AI use frequency and academic performance (r = 0.544), while chi-square analysis confirmed a significant association between AI use and academic performance (χ2 = 241.898, p < 0.001). The study concludes that effective AI integration in CBE requires AI literacy training, lecturer capacity building, institutional policy frameworks, and competency-oriented assessment approaches to enhance learner achievement while preserving the integrity of competency development.
Socio-cultural Practices and Fertility Behavior Among Banyankole Families in Sheema Municipality, Southwestern Uganda
(Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2025-05) Kwabaho, Juliet Mujuni
Origins and spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in greater Kabale region - South western Uganda
(Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2019-09) Baguma, Andrew
Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a major global healthcare problem responsible for increased motility, prolonged hospitalization and surging economic loss in the livestock. The prevalence in human across African continent is heterogeneous. The emergency of highly pathogenic clones is of solemn concern. We determined the nasopharyngeal carriage rate of MRSA, respective spa diversity and relatedness among human and livestock from greater Kabale region — south western Uganda. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in greater Kabale region, between June 2016 and April, 2019. Nasopharyngeal samples from 580 outpatients and 450 routine clinical samples were processed for identification of MRSA basing on inhibition zone diameter of f19mm on 30 ug cefoxitin disk and MecA PCR. The positive MRSA outpatients were followed back to their respective house hold contacts (n = 1536) and domestic cattle (n = 710) and swine (n = 585) swabbed and their nasopharyngeal swabs also analysed for presence of MRSA. "The spa typing was performed using PCR — High resolution melting based method. The spa sequences analysed using MEGA — X software to determine phylogenetic relationship. Results: A total of 487 MRSA isolates (18.9%) were recovered from human (OPD, HHC and IP) while 342 MRSA isolates (26.4%) were recovered from cattle and swine. A total 27 spa types were recovered among all isolates which included Spa types; t701, t034, 041, 1044, t437, t037, t4677, t127 t1451, 19377, t032, t121, t1544, t922, 019, t108, t002, t030, t018, 002, t040, t021, t012, t! 358, t267 and 025 were detected and the most frequent were and 11451 (6.9%). spa types; t021, t012, t1358 and t325 were only recovered from inpatients. Conclusion: MRSA carriage rate in both human and animal of greater Kabale region is high with increasing spa types diversity. The origin of spread remains unknown but there are ongoing bidirectional transmissions between humans and animals. Infection prevention and control procedures in both community, human health-care settings and animal husbandry is urgently needed to restrict infections using one health approached.
Community engagement, cultural integration, and livelihood outcomes of the Karimojong pastoralists in wildlife conservation in Kidepo valley national park, North Eastern Uganda
(Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2025-08) Chegem, Lolem Lucy
Wildlife conservation in Uganda's Kidepo Valley National park (KVNP) takes place in a culturally sensitive context where the Karimojong pastoralists hold extensive ecological knowledge and deep cultural ties to the land. Yet, mainstream conservation approaches have often marginalized these Indigenous values and practices, leading to limited community ownership and livelihood benefits. This study investigated the interrelationships among cultural values, community engagement, cultural integration, and livelihood outcomes of the Karimojong in KVNP, while also examining the moderating role Of culture in these relationships. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was applied. Data were collected from 243 respondents, five key informant interviews (n —5), and five focus group discussions (n =37). Stata version 17 and NVivo 12 were used for quantitative and qualitative analyses,respectively. Findings showed that culture was disrespected (M = 2.8/5), with 50.4% (n =979) disagreeing. Community engagement was low, with 89.3% (n disagreeing that communities actively participate (M =1.4/5). Integration was limited, scoring an overall mean of 1.4/5, with 89.5% (n —2,176) disagreeing. Livelihood outcomes scored an overall mean of 2.6/5, with 69.7% (n = 508) reporting a disagreement. Community engagement significantly predicted livelihood outcomes through cultural integration (indirect effect = 0.147, 95% Cl [0.05, 0.18], p
Culture and women's professional career attainment in Kabale district, Uganda
(Mbarara University Of Science and Technology, 2025-09) Mategeko, Betty
Culture remains a powerful determinant of women's professional trajectories, shaping the opportunities, choices, and constraints they encounter in education and the workplace. In Uganda, and particularly within the Bakiga community of Kabale District, traditional norms emphasizing women's domestic roles continue to hinder their advancement despite progressive policies such as Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary Education, and affirmative action frameworks. This study examines the influence of Kikiga culture on women's professional career attainment, interrogating how cultural beliefs, practices, and gendered expectations intersect with contemporary educational and professional opportunities. Guided by Social Constructionist Theory, Liberal Feminist Theory, and Cultural Capital Theory, the research explores the dual processes through which women negotiate cultural identity while pursuing professional growth. The study is anchored in a subjectivist epistemology and a constructivist ontology, acknowledging that knowledge and realities Of women's professional career attainment are socially constructed through lived experiences. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to explore and interpret these experiences in depth. Data were collected from Bakiga women's professionals, key informants, and institutional representatives through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Using a multi-site case study approach in Kabale District, the study draws insights from higher education institutions, local government bodies, and community organizations. The findings reveal persistent cultural barriers early marriages, gendered divisions of labour, and societal expectations that limit women' s access to leadership and formal employment. At the same time, the research highlights women ' s resilience and agency, as some navigate cultural constraints to pursue careers. The study underscores the paradox of cultural preservation versus gender equity, illustrating how Kikiga cultural norms simultaneously anchor community identity while constraining women's career mobility. The study concludes that to structural and cultural barriers enhanced to support women's career growth, requires context-sensitive interventions that combine education reforms, gender-responsive policy implementation, and community engagement to reframe cultural perceptions of Women's roles. By illuminating the cultural underpinnings of women's professional career attainment in Kabale, the research contributes to broader debates on gender equality and sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG S on Decent Work and Economic Growth. Ultimately, empowering Bakiga women to reconcile cultural identity with career aspirations is not only essential for their personal advancement but also critical for the socio-economic transformation of Kabale District and Uganda at large.
Peer-led sexual and reproductive health education and risky sexual behavior among adolescent girls and young women in rural Uganda: A quasi-experimental pre-post study
(PLOS Global Public Health, 2026) Komuhangi, Alimah; Appeli, Saidi; Izudi, Jonathan
Adolescent girls and young women face significant sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. This study assessed the preliminary effectiveness of a community-based, peer-led SRH education intervention on risky sexual behaviors and comprehensive SRH knowledge among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years in Moroto District, northeastern Uganda. From October 2024 to January 2025, we conducted a pre-post quasi-experiment study without a com parison group across six villages. Participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling approach and assessed at the baseline. They subsequently received the community-based peer-led SRH education intervention, with each participant serving as their own control in the absence of a comparison group. Risky sexual behavior was the primary outcome, and comprehensive SRH knowledge was the secondary outcome, both measured on a binary scale. The intervention effect was assessed using a generalized estimating equation with a Poisson distribution, log link function, and exchangeable correlation structure. We reported adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of 389 participants who completed both the pre- and post-intervention evaluation, the mean ages were comparable (19.29 ± 2.94 years vs. 19.31 ± 2.91 years; p = 0.922, respectively). After the intervention, there was a significant decline in the proportion of participants who engaged in risky sexual behavior (57.1% before vs. 37.8% after, p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in comprehensive SRH knowledge (85.6% before vs. 99.5% after, p < 0.001). Findings revealed a 33% reduction in risky sexual behavior (aRR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57-0.75) and a 16% improvement in comprehensive SRH knowledge (aRR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12-1.20). Accordingly, the intervention reduced risky sexual behavior and improved comprehensive SRH knowledge. However, these findings should be considered preliminary as robust studies are needed, including a need for nuanced strategies to address contextual factors that contribute to risky behavior despite improved comprehensive SRH knowledge
Transoceanic Introduction of a Freshwater Gastropod of Major ONE HEALTH Importance in Nigeria
(Water, 2026) Hinmikaiye, Funmilayo Faith; Ejere, Vincent Chikwendu; Clewing, Catharina; Rwibutso, Marcellin; Albrecht, Christian
Invasive gastropods pose significant risks to ecosystem stability and public health by acting as intermediate hosts for parasites like Fasciola spp. During malacological surveys across Nigeria (2024–2025), populations of a previously unknown lymnaeid snail were discovered in two distinct habitats. Using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examination and COI DNA barcoding, the species was identified as the Neotropical liver fluke snail Galba cubensis. Phylogeographical analysis revealed that Nigerian specimens share a common haplotype widespread in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, indicating a major transcontinental range expansion. While xeno monitoring of four specimens showed no current trematode infections, G. cubensis is a primary intermediate host for Fasciola hepatica. The establishment of this highly adaptable species in West Africa raises urgent ONEHEALTH concerns, including potential parasitic covers pill and competition with native snails like Radix natalensis. Freshwater gastropod invasions in Nigeria, cryptic invasions in Africa, and future developments are discussed. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity of dedicated malacological surveys and risk management to address the spread of globally invasive freshwater snails
Early Adverse Perinatal Outcomes Among Women With Placental Abruption: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in Uganda
(Journal of Pregnancy, 2026) Siham, Idiris Omar; Ishimwe, Marie Pascaline Sabine; Nteziyaremye, Theodore; Kajabwangu, Rodgers; Kiswezi, Ahmed; Hakizimana, Theoneste
Background and Aims: Placental abruption is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, the World Health Organization prioritized improving maternal and newborn care to reduce preventable deaths. This study is aimed at determining the proportion of early adverse perinatal outcomes and identifying the factors associated with these outcomes among women with placental abruption delivering at three tertiary hospitals in Uganda. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from September 30, 2023, to January 30, 2024, at Jinja, Fort Portal, and Mubende Regional Referral Hospitals. A total of 110 consecutive women with clinically diagnosed placental abruption were enrolled in labor suites. Data were collected via pretested questionnaires and analyzed via STATA Version 14.2. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the incidence and describe adverse perinatal outcomes. Associations between variables were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analyses, with a significance level set at p 50% placental detachment were 8 times more likely to experience adverse outcomes (aRR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.48–3.13, p=0.005). Conclusions: Women with placental abruption experienced a high burden of early adverse perinatal outcomes. Abnormal fetal heart rate at admission, mode of delivery, and extent of placental detachment were independently associated with these out comes. These findings highlight the importance of timely diagnosis, close fetal monitoring, and prompt obstetric management among women presenting with placental abruption.
Voluntary medical male circumcision uptake and perceptions among men aged 30–49 years in Ntungamo district, Uganda
(Discover Public Health, 2026) Kwikiriza, Aggrey; Muhwezi, Abraham; Bahati, Amon; Chemisto, Beatrice; Mulogo, Edgar Mugema
Background Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a proven HIV prevention strategy, yet uptake among older men remains suboptimal in many settings. Understanding the level of uptake and perceptions among men aged 30–49 years is essential for improving targeted VMMC programs in Uganda. This study investigated the uptake and perceptions of VMMC among men aged 30–49 years in Ntungamo district, southwestern Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, we randomly reviewed selected medical records (Safe Male Circumcision client form - HMIS ACP 029) of all men (10–49 years) who had undergone VMMC in the district between October 2021 and September 2023. Data entered in Microsoft Excel and descriptive analysis was performed. We also conducted 8 focus group discussions, each consisting of 8–12 men aged 30–49 years, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed manually using thematic analysis. Results Out of 368 records of all men (10–49 years) who had undergone VMMC, only 16.1% (59/368) were aged 30–49, of which, the majority, 71.2% (42/59), were married. Qualitatively, two main themes emerged: (1) awareness of VMMC and its benefits, which included men’s understanding of VMMC and the sources of information through which knowledge was acquired; (2) perceptions of the VMMC services, encompassing perceived barriers such as fear of pain, economic and time constraints, and socio-cultural beliefs, as well as perceived facilitators of VMMC uptake, including peer influence, spousal support, and perceived health and sexual benefits. Conclusion The uptake of VMMC among men aged 30–49 years is suboptimal. While awareness of VMMC and its benefits exists, decisions to undergo circumcision are strongly shaped by perceptions of the procedure and post-circumcision care. There is a need for targeted, age-appropriate VMMC strategies that address specific barriers faced by older men while leveraging social support systems to improve uptake in this population
Fire hawk optimizer adjusted PD-PI cascade controller for automatic generation control of IPS
(Electrical Engineering, 2025) Awal, Moses; Atim, Michael Robson; Wanzala, Jimmy Nabende; Obungoloch, Johnes; Barakat, Mohamad
This research enhances automatic generation control (AGC) within interlinked power systems (IPS), which is critical for ensuring power grid stability and efficiency. However, challenges such as dynamic load variations, system nonlinearities, and diverse power sources can limit its effectiveness. To address these issues, a proportional-derivative–proportional-integral (PD-PI) cascade controller (CC), optimized by the fire Hawk optimizer (FHO), is proposed and tested across three systems to evaluate their efficacy in solving AGC problems. FHO is utilized in AGC investigations as a novel application, revealing further research gaps that require attention. FHO is inspired by the foraging strategies of whistling kites, brown falcons, and black kites, which use fire-starting techniques to capture prey. The proposed FHO: PD-PI CC is evaluated using the integral time multiplied absolute error (ITAE)metric. The robustness of the closed-loop system is assessed through sensitivity analysis in response to various step load changes (SLC) in a two-area non-reheat thermal IPS, both with and without governor dead band nonlinearity. The comprehensive applicability method is demonstrated through an examination of various power plant models, including reheat, hydro, and gas units with distinct SLC under a high-voltage direct current link. The proposed FHO: PD-PI CC scheme’s performance surpasses alternative controller schemes, including HHO: PD-PI, HBFO-PSO: PI, TLBO: PID, ISFS: PID, IGWO: PID, DE: PID, and CPSO: PI, in terms of objective values and settling times. In the three systems analyzed, the FHO: PD-PI demonstrates lower ITAE quantities compared to the HHO: PD-PI, with improvements of 74.4%, 4.5%, and 5.7%, respectively. The results highlight the proposed approach’s effectiveness in improving AGC performance and its feasibility for practical application.
Temporal trends of water quality parameters, heavy metals, microplastics, and emerging organic pollutants in Lake Victoria and its basin: knowns, knowledge gaps, and future directions
(Environmental Nanotechnology, 2024-05-10) Oyege, Ivan; Katwesigye, Richard; Kiwanuka, Moses; Mutanda, Hosea Eridadi; Niyomukiza, John Bosco; Kataraihya, Dafrosa John; Kica, Solomon; Egor, Moses
The deteriorating water quality and increasing pollution of Lake Victoria, Africa’s most important and world’s second-largest freshwater lake, is threatening the critical resource within East Africa, which has profound ecological and socio-economic significance. This comprehensive review investigates the environmental dynamics of the lake, exploring temporal trends in water quality, heavy metals, microplastics, and emerging organic pollutants in Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan waters. Assessing the period from January 2000 to December 2022, the analysis integrates research findings from Lake Victoria and its basin. A complex interaction between natural processes and human activity causes fluctuations in the water quality of Lake Victoria. The study reveals substantial variations in key parameters, reflecting the impacts of industrial discharges, agricultural practices, urbanization, and wastewater inputs. Noteworthy among these variations are heavy metal concentrations, with lead consistently surpassing the acceptable levels in Kenyan and Ugandan waters. Zinc concentrations showed varying patterns, and chromium levels in sediments raise concerns by surpassing EPA guidelines in specific lo cations. The investigation of organic pollutants identified over 170 contaminants, highlighting the dominance of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivatives. Microplastics, recognized in the guts of vital fish species and surface water, merge as a growing concern, posing risks to the aquatic ecosystem. This review illuminates the nature of pollutants in Lake Victoria and identifies knowledge gaps in research attention, especially in the northwestern, western, and southwestern lake basins, and the islands of Lake Victoria, overlooked for more than two decades. Scrutinizing existing research, it serves as a compass, pointing towards areas necessitating further investigation and thereby charting future directions in the research community.
Dam breach analysis of Kibimba Dam in Uganda using HEC‑RAS and HEC‑GeoRAS
(Environmental Systems Research, 2023) Kiwanuka, Moses; Chelangat, Cyrus; Mubialiwo, Ambrose; Lay, Francis Joel; Mugisha, Ayubu; Mbujje, Webster Joel; Mutanda, Hosea Eridadi
Dam failures have severe consequences on human life and property. In the case of an earth filled Kibimba Dam located in Eastern Uganda, the occurrence of a flood equal to or larger than the probable maximum food (PMF) could result in catastrophic economic losses including loss of human life. This study utilized the USACE Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) and Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Geographic River Analysis System (HEC-GeoRAS) to analyze the potential dam break of Kibimba Dam, considering overtopping and piping failure scenarios. The results of the analysis revealed that the spillway of Kibimba Dam possesses sufficient capacity to safely discharge a flood resulting from a probable maximum flood peak of 400 m3/s. Therefore, the dam is not susceptible to breach under the overtopping failure mode. However, the dam failed under the piping failure mode. To assess the downstream impact of the dam break, the breach hydrographs resulting from piping failure were examined. Consequently, the study investigated the effects of flood propagation downstream of the dam. This resulted in varying inundation depths of up to 6 m and velocities ranging from 1.2 to 10 m/s. These findings highlight the devastating consequences of Kibimba Dam’s failure, particularly affecting rice field plantations, infrastructure, and other economic activities in the downstream area. Therefore, the outcomes of this study are crucial for the development of Emergency Action Plans that incorporate dam breach and flood routing analyses specific to the affected downstream regions.
Modeling and simulation of human lung mechanics using single to multi-compartment electrical circuit models
(Discover Applied Sciences, 2026) Wanzala, Jimmy Nabende; Atim, Michael Robson
This study focuses on the development, simulation, and comparative analysis of electrical analog models for representing human respiratory mechanics. The respiratory system was modeled using lumped parameter elec¬trical circuits, where physiological variables such as pressure, airflow, lung compliance, airway resistance, and airway inertance were represented by voltage, current, capacitance, resistance, and inductance, respectively. Four distinct models: single-compartment, two-compartment, three-compartment, and multi-compartment were developed and implemented using MATLAB/Simulink and to investigate their predictive accuracy and com¬putational efficiency under both normal and diseased lung conditions, including asthma, COPD, and ARDS. Performance was evaluated using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and correla¬tion coefficients by comparing the single-, two-, and three-compartment model outputs against a high-fidelity ten-compartment (𝑁𝑁 𝑁 𝑁𝑁) reference model, rather than against patient or clinical ventilator data. Results indi¬cated that predictive error decreased, and correlation with the reference model increased, monotonically with compartment count (from a correlation coefficient of 0.9990 for the single-compartment model to 1.0000 for the 𝑁𝑁 𝑁 𝑁𝑁 reference model itself); the multi-compartment model’s computational complexity makes it more suitable for offline analysis. A weighted decision matrix was used to compare the single-, two-, and three-compartment models on predictive accuracy, computational speed, clinical applicability, ease of parameter estimation, and model stability. A sensitivity analysis showed that the top-ranked model depends materially on how the qualitative criteria (clinical applicability, parameter estimation ease, stability) are scored: under an illustrative expert-judgment scoring the three-compartment model scored highest, while under a fully formula-derived scoring the two-compartment model scored highest instead, and the single-compartment model became competitive with both under weight assumptions with no built-in preference. The study therefore identifies the two- and three-compartment models as the strongest real-time candidates, with the specific choice between them depending on which criteria a given clinical deployment prioritizes, rather than concluding that a single configuration is unconditionally optimal.
The Moderating Role of Health Centre Characteristics in the Relationship between Psychosocial Work Environment and Quality of Health Care in Health Centre IVs in South Western Uganda
(Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 2026) Bangirana, Sephas; Mulogo, Edgar Mugema; Musiita, Benjamin; Bakashaba, Rennie; Mucunguzi, Charlse; Twinematsiko, Ivan
Abstract: This study examined the moderating role of health centre characteristics in the relationship between psychosocial work environment and quality of health care in Health Centre IVs in South Western Uganda. The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional design grounded in a critical realist philosophical orientation. Data were collected from 35 Health Centre IVs in Southwestern Uganda, involving 238 healthcare workers, 172 health service recipients, and six District Health Officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between psychosocial work environment and quality of health care (r = .496**, p < .01). SEM results indicated that psychosocial work environment was positively and significantly associated with quality of health care (β = .507, p < .001), while health centre characteristics were also positively and significantly associated with quality of health care (β = .161, p < .001). More importantly, the interaction between psychosocial work environment and health centre characteristics was positive and statistically significant (β = .235, p < .001), indicating that favorable health centre characteristics strengthened the positive relationship between psychosocial work environment and quality of health care. These findings suggest that improving workplace conditions alone may not achieve optimal service quality unless supported by favorable organizational and structural conditions within Health Centre IVs. This study extends the literature by demonstrating that health centre characteristics significantly moderate the relationship between psychosocial work environment and quality of health care
Bridging programmatic gap in post-TB treatment prevention: applying the COM-B model and Behavior Change Wheel to improve the uptake of TB preventive therapy
(Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2026-09) Izudi, Jonathan; Sekaggya-Wiltshire, Christine; Kerkhoff, Andrew D.; Cattamanchi, Adithya
Tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) is a core component of the global tuberculosis (TB) control strategies and aims to reduce progression from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection to TB disease (hereafter, TB), including preventing recurrent TB.1, 2 The World Health Organization recommends TPT policies should be developed for other populations at risk, including those most likely to be exposed to TB and those at high risk of progression from infection to the disease.3 The Uganda Ministry of Health, through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTP), recommends the initiation of TPT immediately after completion of TB treatment (hereafter, post-TB treatment TPT or PTT-TPT).4 Immediate PTT-TPT targets people with retreatment TB (i.e., people previously treated for TB) who remain at elevated risk for future TB. Among others, the NTLP guideline states, "TPT should also be given to those who have previously been treated for TB immediately after completing TB treatment.".
Alcohol use and its association with dementia among older persons in northern and southwestern Uganda: a case-control study
(BMC Geriatrics, 2026) Benyumiza, Deo; Kakongi, Nathan; Nimusiima, Evas; Kintu, Timothy Mwanje; Wakida, Edith K.; Obua, Celestino; Maling, Samuel
Background Alcohol use is a major modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, there is a paucity of literature on alcohol use and the development of dementia in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Uganda. This study investi¬gated alcohol use and the development of dementia among older persons in rural Uganda. Methods A community-based case-control study among 588 older persons aged 60 years and above in Northern and Southwestern Uganda. Using the IDEA cognitive screening tool (294 Cases and 294 controls) older persons were enrolled. Interview data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.0, cleaned, and transferred to SPSS version 26.0 for statistical analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of development of dementia at a 95% confidence interval. Results In this study, the proportion of participants reporting alcohol use was at 82.0% (482/588) among older persons aged 60 years and above in rural Uganda. Specifically, alcohol exposure was higher among cases at 85.7% (252/294), compared to 78.2% (230/294) among controls. Alcohol exposure was significantly associ¬ated with 1.67-fold increase in the odds of possible dementia among older persons in rural Uganda [cOR:1.67, CI:1.08–2.56, p = 0.018]. Furthermore, alcohol use for more than 10 years [cOR:2.15, CI:1.27,3.64, p = 0.005], no formal education [aOR:2.03, CI:1.37,3.01, p < 0.001], and physical inactivity [aOR:1.84, CI:1.30,2.61, p = 0.001] were significantly associated with increased odds of being a case among older persons 60 years and above. Conclusion and recommendation In this study, alcohol exposure between cases and controls is substantially high and is significantly associated with increased odds for being a case among older persons in rural Uganda. Furthermore, alcohol use for more than ten years, lack of formal education, and physical inactivity were signifi¬cantly associated with increased odds for being a case among older persons. These findings highlight the need for community-based interventions that reduce harmful alcohol use, promote lifelong learning, and encourage physical activity among older adults.
Artificial neuro-fuzzy intelligence for dynamic tracking and prediction of HIV prevalence and new infections among individuals aged 15 to 49 years in Uganda
(Medicine, 2026) Abdalla, Elnazeer Ali Hamid; Elsadig, Muna; Omar, Umi; Eze, Val Hyginus Udoka; Mergani, Adil; Salhi, Amina; Dafalla, Abuagla M.; Alkhalig, Yasreen Gasm; Sahla, Mohammed Ahmed; Mumbere, Bienfait Vahwere
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major global health burden, and Uganda continues to experience rising new HIV incidence, making prevention and management increasingly challenging. Accurate estimation of HIV prevalence (PHIVP) and tracking new HIV incidence (PHIVN) require robust computational models to effectively inform public health interventions. This study aims to develop a computational tracking model based on a 2-level intelligent framework to dynamically monitor PHIVP and PHIVN in Uganda and to identify influential factors that contribute to HIV trends among individuals aged 15 to 49. Six datasets from 146 Ugandan districts for 2023: sex rate, antiretroviral therapy coverage, awareness, education, personal income, and historical HIV indicators (prevalence and new incidence) were analyzed. A 2-level intelligent technique was employed: level I, an upgraded clustering algorithm was used to identify optimal parameters influencing PHIVP and PHIVN and level II, a neuro-fuzzy model was trained on these parameters to construct the computational tracking model. Data were partitioned into 85% for model training and 15% for testing and validation. Model accuracy was evaluated using regression performance, error metrics, and statistical significance. The model predicted a decline in PHIVP from 5.1% to 4.92%, and accurately tracked 37,996 PHIVN cases out of 38,132 actual incidences. The computational framework demonstrated strong predictive performance, yielding high regression values of R = 0.832 to 0.987 for PHIVP and PHIVN across 3 scenarios. Statistical analysis confirmed model reliability with P < .001 and P = .001. The 2-level intelligent approach exhibits strong potential for dynamically monitoring HIV prevalence and new incidence in Uganda. The 6 analyzed datasets represent significant determinants of PHIVP reduction and PHIVN tracking among adults aged 15 to 49. These findings support the feasibility of computational modeling as a tool for enhancing HIV surveillance, guiding prevention strategies, and strengthening evidence-based public health decision-making in Uganda.