School of Built Environment (SBE) Collections

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    A comparative analysis of conventional RCC slabs and Composite Steel Deck Slabs during the construction phase.
    (Makerere University, 2025-12-09) Muzamil, Sande
    Concrete and steel are by far the most popular when it comes to construction materials in Uganda and the world at large, particularly for projects of medium and low height. In the past decades, Concrete has been used as the main composite material for build construction but recently we have witnessed an overwhelming adoption of Structural steel being used for the construction of tall buildings. This has mainly been attributed to the need to optimize costs and fast & timely delivery of project time lines which have been and are still the major challenges to construction projects This study presents a comparative analysis of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) slabs and Structural Steel Decked (SSD) slabs, with a particular focus on their cost and time efficiency during the construction phase. Using the proposed Kabira Country Club Hotel extension project as a case study, the research evaluates material and labour costs, construction durations, and key structural characteristics of each slab system. Data was collected through site observations, construction records, and project documents, and analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings indicate that SSD slabs offer notable advantages over RCC slabs, including a 20.3% reduction in total construction cost and a 43.75% decrease in construction time. Additionally, SSD systems simplify labour requirements by eliminating traditional formwork and reducing reinforcement needs. The study concludes that SSD slabs are a more efficient alternative for modern construction projects where time and cost are critical considerations. Recommendations are made for broader adoption of SSD systems, further training for construction professionals, and additional research into long-term performance and sustainability factors.
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    A GIS assessment of the effect of uncontrolled urbanisation on ECO system services in Wakiso, Uganda : a case study of Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Sitenda, Nicodemus Magulu
    This study investigated the trend of the LULC and variation of ESV in Kyengera Town Council using remote sensing data for twenty years, from 2000 to 2020. Also, the study clearly states the importance of remote sensing and satellite images in quantifying land cover changes and ecosystem conservation that was covered in the objectives of the study. The study area was centred and rotated on Kyengera Town Council situated along Kampala – Masaka road and its headquarters are located at Nsangi – Mukono in Nsangi parish, approximately 15km from Kampala Capital City Authority. The primary data included GPS coordinates picked to aid in accuracy assessment and field photos and the tools used included, Google Earth Engine, ENVI software, Arc GIS and Microsoft office for the tasks summarized; also, those tools were used to extract urbanization and vegetation cover data. The methodology used mainly included the pre-processing methods that were done to remove flaws and deficiencies in the images due to atmospheric and electric noise and, included operations such as atmospheric and radiometric corrections, tasseled cap and PCA. LULC change was being driven by a combination of factors, including growing urban populations and their livelihoods, unplanned urban settlement, transportation congestion, air pollution, unmanaged solid waste disposal, and global climate change. Also, the findings of this study suggested the current value of ecosystem services; also suggested that policymakers should consider the regional heterogeneity of ES supply and the gradient analysis for a more accurate definition of ES supply. However, the study provided the new insight into variation in ESV in the region over the past 20 years of the study period. In summary, the study recommended the integrating nature-based solutions in urban development plans, policies, and financial support for implementing smart interventions; some of the recommended plans were green roof space, rainwater harvesting, sufficient use of clean and green energy, and plantation in available spaces at large scales with the active participation of communities and coordination with governmental bodies to enhance the ecosystem services by increasing LULC dynamics. The results of this study were useful in land use, and land cover model analysis tests alternate approaches for the determination how they (land use, and land cover model analysis tests) affected the ecosystem. ESV calculation was a conclusive and suitable method for valuing the ecosystem in terms of money, giving the scientific foundation for directing the policies.
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    A Land Tenure Arrangement for Refugees on Customary Land.
    (Makerere University, 2025-12-08) Nagujja, Sophia
    Countries addressing the global refugee crisis are increasingly shifting toward integrating refugees within national systems by granting them access to community land held customarily. Uganda is lauded for its refugee policy that allocates free land to refugees, with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) negotiating with landowners to voluntarily settle them. Although this process is intended to be formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), implementation frequently falls short, resulting in inadequate representation of the rights, restrictions, and responsibilities (RRR) of all parties and the spatial units involved. These gaps pose tenure security risks for both host communities and refugees. This challenge motivated the central research question: What kind of tenure arrangement can safeguard the rights of customary landholders while ensuring secure access for refugees? The study examined the impact of existing customary land acquisition rules and procedures on tenure security and explored improved practices. It investigated the institutional framework and developed a conceptual model for a tenure arrangement that balances the security needs of both rights holders and refugees. The study followed a single-case design with embedded multiple cases and used mixed methods, including document review, semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and expert opinions. It also applied design thinking methodology and Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) specialization to develop the tenure arrangement. Findings revealed that current customary land acquisition practices significantly affect tenure security for both host communities and refugees, with more severe consequences for host communities due to deviations from the standard principles of Voluntary Land Donation (VLD). The study proposed more transparent, locally contextualized procedures that align with international VLD standards to minimize insecurity for both groups. It introduced new institutions mandated by local legal frameworks to manage communal land in collaboration with OPM, ensuring tenure security remains central. A tenure arrangement compliant with LADM that recognizes all social tenure rights for host communities and refugees was also developed. The study concluded that current acquisition practices compromise tenure security and presented a more transparent acquisition and institutional framework, along with a tenure arrangement that acknowledges all rights holders. It recommends strengthened, standardized land acquisition practices, formally recognized agreements by the relevant Ministries and OPM, and prioritizing the operationalization of land tenure arrangement for refugees
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    A report on the construction of Dormitory, one unit- three classroom block and other facilities at Kisozi Seed Secondary School – Gomba District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Mbulalina, David
    The construction of a dormitory, one unit three classroom blocks and other facilities is aimed at providing more accommodation and reducing the number of students to classroom ratio at Kisozi Seed Secondary School. Other expected outcomes are improved access to inclusive and quality education services for the surrounding communities in Gomba District, expand and equip capacity of infrastructure. The project included the following details; project name, purpose of the project, main objective of the project, the stakeholders involved, cost and estimated project duration. Management challenged identified and discussed such as employment of the non-skilled youth from the surrounding communities at the project, environmental and social safeguards, noise interferences during learning sessions. Management decisions taken, discussed and lessons learnt. Finally, conclusion drawn and appropriate recommendations made from management issues discussed. Rhen relevant document such as working drawings, BOQs, and photographs taken site to show progress.
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    A review of success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; a case study of Kampala.
    (Makerere University, 2026-01-05) Nyarenga, Innocent
    The study review success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; A case study of Kampala. This study was guided by the following objectives; to review factors that affect the performance of DB contract, analyze how these factors apply in the Ugandan construction industry, reveal the challenges faced by DB contracts in Uganda and to examine the different changes needed to DB contracts in Uganda. Survey Method, the questionnaire was used to collect data from; Civil engineers, Architects and Quantity surveyors. The questions that these respondents answered on a Likert scale were drawn from these study objectives. The study employed the interview method. Interviews in this study helped the researcher obtain more information on the topic under investigation. The researcher interviewed contractors and architects in line with the study objectives and the interview guide. The researcher reviewed documents in order to obtain recorded information that is related to success factors for design-build contracts in the developing economies, the study also used Archival records, to get information related to the study, when the research observed key documents and information about design and build were also further included in the study, a sample size of 40 respondents was taken from a total population of 45 respondents, who included civil engineers, Architects, quantity surveyors, and construction contractors. The research confirmed that D&B offers significant advantages over traditional methods, including greater flexibility for early design adjustments, faster decision-making, and improved communication through single-point responsibility, enhanced time efficiency via integrated scheduling (e.g., Gantt charts, simplified client supervision, better cost control through negotiated savings, and stronger quality assurance and accountability. The Mbuya project demonstrated that early presentation of architectural designs, provision of financial guarantees by reputable institutions, and proactive risk identification (especially funder liquidity) substantially increased client confidence and project momentum. However, benefits were partly offset by delays in approvals, under-quoting, and coordination challenges within joint ventures. To maximise D&B potential for affordable housing, the study recommends that contractors should be empowered for early-stage design changes, adopt robust scheduling tools, maintain direct and regular client communication, enforce rigorous quality supervision, secure financial guarantees, ensure realistic and detailed early cost planning, and present designs for client approval before contract award.
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    A review of the Housing resettlement of the Maasai from Ngorongoro to Msomera-Handeni-Tanga.
    (Makerere University, 2025-12-04) Kivuyo, Moses L.
    This research reviewed the process of housing provisions during the resettlement of the Maasai from Ngorongoro to Msomera-Tanga. Despite housing being crucial for human sustainability, it poses significant challenges for the Maasai community in Tanzania during the resettlement from one area to another. Current housing policies and programs fail to effectively address the socio-cultural aspects of sustainability and often overlook the community's unique needs. These initiatives focus on the quantity of housing units delivered rather than the broader system, neglecting the socio-cultural aspirations of beneficiaries and resulting in cultural disconnection and social fragmentation. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-depth interviews, participatory observation, focus group discussions, site surveys, and document reviews to explore housing challenges. It also utilized ArcGIS Pro software to analyse land use patterns from 2013 to 2023, identifying changes in vegetation, water features, and bare land that may impact the pastoral lifestyle. While many studies have explored housing delivery challenges based on specific community needs, these challenges differ significantly across contexts. This research aimed to address this gap by providing an overview of housing provisions and the obstacles to sustainable housing in MsomeraTanga. Findings indicate that the despite the concerted efforts provided by the government and Maasai adaptation to new environment, the relocation still pose challenges in terms of their cultural values which results in disruption of cultural identity. This research holds practical significance for policymakers, implementers, and researchers focused on achieving successful and sustainable resettlement out-comes. The research recommends the use of participatory design approach as it actively involves the Maasai community in the design process, ensuring that housing solutions reflect their voices, cultural values, and specific needs, ultimately enhancing their well-being and cultural identity.
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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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    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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    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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    An assessment of land use/land cover changes and their impact on the urban heat island effect dynamics : a case of Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2025) Buule, Ibrah
    Urbanization in African cities poses significant environmental challenges, including Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. The accumulation of anthropogenic heat in cities exacerbates this issue, posing serious health risks to the public. This study investigates the UHI trends associated with LULC changes at a local scale, residents’ heat perceptions, and coping strategies to guide planning interventions for improved UHI mitigation and adaptation. The study employed a mixed-method research design. Quantitatively, Kampala’s landscape was classified into homogenous LULC zones based on thermal properties. The UHI trends were analyzed using LST data from Landsat imagery for the years 2005, 2014, and 2023, while LULC changes were assessed through change detection analysis. The relationship between UHI and LULC was examined using the ANOVA tests, boxplots, and grid analyses. Furthermore, local perceptions and behavioral responses were assessed through face-to-face interviews using closed-ended questionnaires and key informant interviews. Findings revealed an expansion of UHI-affected areas from 58% of Kampala city’s landscape in 2005 to 72% in 2023, driven by the observed increase in built-up areas and a decline in natural cover. The built-up LULC zones were associated with the highest UHI values, while natural cover zones had the lowest. The increase in UHI was significantly correlated with urban expansion, densification, and vertical enhancement. Compact high/mid-rise, compact low-rise, lightweight low-rise, and large low-rise zones experienced the highest UHI effects. Nakivubo I, Nakulabye I, Kamwokya II, and the civic center were selected for the heat perception and behavioral response survey. Most respondents (82%) perceived urban heat as increasing and greatly impacting their daily lives, but lacked awareness of its causes. Coping strategies included staying hydrated (81%) and using electric fans/air conditioners (21%), alongside opening windows, wearing light clothes, frequent bathing, and shading. Challenges encountered included increased electricity and water bills, water scarcity in the informal settlements, exposure to water-borne diseases, and limited space for greening. Based on the LULC zone, heat perceptions, and expert recommendations, the study proposes planning strategies for enhanced UHI adaptation and mitigation. Short-term strategies include public awareness campaigns and planning for cooling centers, while long-term measures focus on urban greening, increasing city albedo, and innovative building designs. These findings provide insights for urban planners, policy makers, and public health officials to foster a more resilient and sustainable Kampala city.
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    An assessment of property rates as an alternative local revenue generation : a case study of Kawempe Division, Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2025) Epieu, Emmanuel
    Kawempe Division lies right within the heart of Kampala City and yet revenue collections from property rates is always lagging below other divisions. Property rates has a very big potential of eccelerating revenue potential of the division. Its in the background of this that the auther set out to establish the magic potential of property rates as an alternative revenue generation source for Kawempe Divition.
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    An assessment of quality management practices for corrective actions on Uganda’s public construction projects: a case study of Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2026) Mawanda, Dennis
    Recurring nonconformances and quality deficiencies on public construction projects have been a challenge in developing countries like Uganda. These quality issues adversely affect the projects’ success by leading to cost over runs, delays, increased wastages, reworks, client dissatisfaction as well as health and safety threats towards the users and environment. The recurrence of these quality issues raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of quality management practices for corrective actions. Therefore, this research delved into assessing the quality management practices for corrective actions on public construction projects in Kampala City, Uganda, with the aim of developing a framework for their effective implementation. The research assessed the current quality management practices for corrective actions, the challenges inhibiting their effective implementation, as well as the key performance indicators and critical success factors for their effectiveness on public construction projects. The study mainly employed a quantitative research method using an electronically distributed survey questionnaire as the research instrument. A total of two hundred and nineteen responses were obtained from construction professionals working on public construction projects within Kampala. The respondents were selected mainly using the stratified random sampling technique and supplemented by purposive sampling. The data collected were analysed using mean item score, standard deviation, crosstabulation, analysis of variance, relative importance index, exploratory factor analysis and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the five most significant quality management practices for corrective actions were having mechanisms in place for quick detection of quality deficiencies, conducting root cause analysis for all major quality deficiencies, documentation of quality deficiencies and corrective actions, having clear measures in place to identify and segregate nonconforming items, and issuance and sharing of non-conformance reports with responsible stakeholders. The study further identified challenges inhibiting effective quality management practices for corrective actions, as well as the key performance indicators and the critical success factors for effective quality management practices for corrective actions. The study recommends strengthening independence of quality management teams, adoption of the developed framework, adopting online documentation and reporting platforms, establishing documented timelines and escalation protocols for corrective actions as well as enforcing stringent anti-corruption policies to improve quality performance of public construction projects.
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    An evaluation of time and cost overruns during the design and build of the Masindi (Kisanja) and the Tangi junction – Paara – Buliisa Road
    (Makerere University, 2025) Ausio, Jessica
    This report provides an assessment of the Masindi (Kisanja) – Park Junction and Tangi Junction – Paraa – Buliisa road project in Uganda, which was a design and build contract undertaken to expedite the delivery of critical oil infrastructure, yet it encountered significant time and cost management challenges. This study evaluates the extent of time and cost overruns during the project’s implementation and identifies their underlying causes. A case study approach was employed, analysing project records, contract documents, and progress reports to compare planned timelines and budgets against actual outcomes. The findings reveal that the project experienced substantial schedule slippage. The initial completion target of April 2021 had to be extended multiple times, with final completion not achieved until September 2024 – about three and a half years beyond schedule and the completion report submitted to UNRA on the 30th December 2024, thus more than doubling the planned duration. Several factors contributed to these delays, including exceptional rainfall events, the incorporation of additional works (such as Uganda Wildlife Authority and other access roads added mid-project), operational constraints from working within Murchison Falls National Park, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the cost front, the base contract price was largely maintained through allocated contingencies and formal variation orders for the extra scope, keeping the final contract sum close to the original value. However, significant inflationary pressures during the extended project period led to cost escalations that exceeded the contract’s price adjustment provisions, indicating an implicit cost overrun beyond the initial budget. Furthermore, the prolonged project timeline necessitated an extension of the design and supervision services beyond their initially contracted period. Overall, the evaluation highlights that even with a Design and Build procurement strategy intended to mitigate delays, unforeseen environmental, scope, and external factors can bring about major schedule extensions and associated cost implications in large-scale road projects.
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    An investigation into the impact of super plasticiser dosage on the compressive strength of cement concrete
    (Makerere University, 2025) Kato, Peter
    Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) has long been used as a superplasticiser (SP) in the production of high-strength concrete. However, new SP products are frequently released into the market with various compositions, leading to different dosage requirements and concrete properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SP dosages of 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4, 0.5,0.6,0.7,0.8,0.9, and 1 litre per 50kg of cement on concrete performance. The study assessed the material properties of cement concrete ingredients, created mix designs for 20MPa, 25MPa, and 30MPa, and produced 297 concrete cubes using varying superplasticiser dosages to investigate the impact of Master Glenium 3889 superplasticiser on concrete compressive strength. Using a plasticiser in the mix reduced the required quantity of cement, thereby reducing the overall cost of the constituent materials by an average of 8%. Laboratory experiments on fresh and hardened concrete properties were conducted and compared to a control normal concrete using the slump test and compressive strength. A thorough analysis was performed in MATLAB R2024a, using the best slump values and compressive strength without concrete defects as the criteria for determining the optimal dosage. The results showed that, with a constant water-cement ratio, increasing the SP dosage resulted in increased workability and compressive strength for the various concrete grades when compared to normal mixes. From the experimental results obtained, it has been found that the optimal SP dosages for G20, G25, and G30 were between 0.6 litres and 0.8 litres. This is because these dosages resulted in the highest attainable compressive strength while also providing the best workability. The results showed a significant improvement in the properties of concrete after using superplasticisers to achieve the highest compressive strength while maintaining high workability.
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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 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