School of Built Environment (SBE) Collections

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 404
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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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    Redevelopment of Agule B fish landing site in Kumi District 2023–2033
    (Makerere University, 2025) Ikiring, Emma
    Agule is located in Kumi District in Eastern Uganda, approximately 17kmfromkumitown. It is found Kumi Sub county, Omatege Parish and in Agule village. It is bordered by Okichira village to the East, Aipany to the West. The area has a tropical climate with two (2) rainy seasons in the year. The winds blow from the East to West with the wind strength depending on the season. However, the strong dry winds are usually experienced in a dry season. Agule has a relatively flat terrain with, lake bisina in the area and the swamp
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    Evaluating the implementation of gender-sensitive customary land registration in Olwelai Parish, Katine Subcounty, Soroti District
    (Makerere University, 2025) Eriamu Sam
    Gender-sensitive customary land registration among households is the pressing issue in land administration in Uganda. The critical problem of gender-sensitive land registration among household impacts the growth and economic development in Soroti District. This study examined current registration approaches, socio-cultural and institutional influences, implementation challenges, and strategies for improving gender inclusivity. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving household surveys and a survey of members of the Area Land Committee and District Land Board. Additionally, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders including GIZ-RELAPU project beneficiaries, civil society organizations, representatives from the Iteso Cultural Institution, and district land officials. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed, while qualitative findings were thematically assessed to explore patterns of gender inclusion in land registration. Findings show that Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) are the most widely adopted formal mechanism, supported by culturally rooted practices like traditional boundary marking and community-based mapping. However, digital registration tools faced challenges in adoption. The study identified several barriers to gender-sensitive registration: socially, patriarchal norms, polygamy and cohabitation limit women’s land rights; economically, high registration costs and financial dependency reduce participation; culturally, inheritance practices favoring men remain prevalent, though awareness campaigns have begun to shift attitudes. Institutionally, implementation gaps and low awareness further weaken gender equity. Key challenges include Lack of legal awareness, literacy levels, corruption, bureaucratic delays, and resistance from male family members, all of which disproportionately affect women. To overcome these barriers, the study recommends increased community sensitization, fee reductions, and mandatory joint spousal registration to improve both access and legitimacy of women’s land rights under customary tenure. In conclusion, while Uganda’s legal frameworks are progressive, actual implementation remains constrained by socio-cultural, economic, and institutional limitations. A hybrid approach merging formal legal systems with culturally sensitive community engagement while adopting minimum technological advancements is essential for achieving equitable land registration for all. Policy recommendations include simplifying registration procedures, promoting legal literacy, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. This research informs policy discussions on gender-inclusive land registration and contributes to the realization of Uganda’s National Land Policy (2013), Sustainable Development Goals (1, 2, and 5), and international frameworks such as CEDAW. It emphasizes the need for systemic reform to bridge the gap between customary norms and statutory protections in rural Uganda. Keywords: Customary land registration, gender-sensitive, Soroti District, Uganda, women’s land rights.
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    Assessing the significance of schedule management in facilitating schedule compliance for the successful project completion in renovation projects
    (Makerere University, 2024) Karungi, Prunella Nielsen
    Effective schedule management is integral to the construction industry, facilitating timely project completion, meeting project requirements, and proactively addressing potential risks to achieve project objectives. Serving as a fundamental pillar, it fosters alignment among stakeholders and enables seamless collaboration among project team members. With the construction industry evolving and operations growing more complex, schedule management assumes increasing importance, especially in light of recent challenges witnessed. Construction scheduling entails organizing activities and their sequencing within a project, serving as a project management tool that outlines the project's execution roadmap. It not only structures activities and tasks but also establishes the overall project timeline, including milestones. The primary challenge for any construction project management system is to achieve project completion within the designated timeframe and budget constraints. Factors such as unclear project goals, scope and budget creep, and miscommunications contribute significantly to this challenge. In this paper, the author discusses the project schedule management strategies employed as a Quantity Surveyor during Phase 1 of the Refurbishment, Remodeling, and Extension of a Multi-Unit County complex in Luwero District. The paper delves into the importance of schedule adherence, the obstacles encountered in achieving it, and methods for improving compliance with project timelines. Through an in-depth examination of pertinent literature and case studies, the manuscript evaluates the ramifications of schedule deviations on project outcomes and presents best practices for mitigating delays. Additionally, it explores the contributions of technology, stakeholder collaboration, and proactive risk management to enhance schedule compliance. By addressing these fundamental aspects, stakeholders in the construction industry can optimize project efficiency and ensure successful project completion within designated timeframes.
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    Development of local speed-flow models accounting for road condition to facilitate reliable traffic assignment procedures
    (Makerere University, 2024) Kisuule, Henry Simon
    Traffic assignment models, integral to the four-step urban travel demand modelling process, utilize speed-flow functions to depict the interaction between speed and traffic volume. This, in turn, informs the assignment of traffic across network links. The commonly used speed-flow functions such as the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) function, were developed in the 1960s. With changes in traffic flow conditions, there is a pressing need to update these models, particularly to accommodate the characteristics of unpaved roads prevalent in developing countries like Uganda. This study sought to address the above limitation by developing local speed-flow functions that take into account road conditions i.e. differentiating between paved and unpaved roads. The research utilized data gathered from a selection of roadways in Uganda, where traffic data was recorded using high-definition CCTV cameras and analysed with the aid of Python programming language. The developed local models have calibrated shape parameters 𝛼 and 𝛽, which are crucial for accurately representing traffic dynamics. The 𝛼 coefficient indicates the ratio of travel time per unit distance at practical capacity relative to the free-flow speed. This means that it reflects how travel time increases as roads approach their maximum capacity. On the other hand, the 𝛽 parameter determines the rate at which the estimated average speed decreases from the free-flow speed as the volume-to-capacity ratio (v/c) increases. In simpler terms, 𝛽 shows how quickly congestion impacts travel speeds. For paved roads, the local models had 𝛼 values of 0.98 and 𝛽 values of 5.71. For gravel roads, the models had 𝛼 values of 0.71 and 𝛽 values of 6.25. These parameters provide a more accurate representation of traffic flow and road pavement conditions in Uganda. When compared with the BPR function, the developed local models displayed superior fit with lower root mean square error and lower average relative error values. Additionally, the study provides roadway capacity ranges for gravel roads between 830 to 1,192 passenger car units (pcu) per hour per lane, and for paved roads, from 964 to 1,348 pcu per hour per lane. These findings contribute valuable insights into the planning and management of road networks in Uganda, demonstrating the importance of context-specific traffic models