College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)
MANIRAGABA Fred
Determinants of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda
Mr. Fred Maniragaba investigated the determinants of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda. In this study, quality of life focused on physical health, intimacy, and social participation dimensions. The findings show that more than 3 in 10 older persons had low scores on social participation, intimacy and physical health. Overall, 4 in every 10 older persons had poor quality of life. The distribution of poor quality of life varied by sex, wealth status, region of residence, education, engagement in physical activity and HIV sero-status. The study recommended that older persons should be economically empowered, included in HIV prevention interventions such as safe sex education, embrace active ageing; and educated ones should be encouraged to participate in community social engagements. This study was funded by Makerere University and Consortium for Advanced Research and Training in Africa (CARTA). It was supervised by Dr. Betty Kwagala and Professor James Ntozi.
TURYAREEBA Dickson
The Augmented Solow Growth Model, Total Factor Productivity Growth and the Cross-Country Income Growth Disparities in Africa
Mr. Turyareeba Dickson’s study was purposely to make a scholarly contribution to the growth accounting debate on the relative importance of factor accumulation and total factor productivity growth in explaining cross-country differences in income growth in Africa. His study found that differences in both factor accumulation and total factor productivity growth can explain the cross-country differences in income growth in Africa. His study results however showed that differences in factor accumulation played a more important role than differences total factor productivity growth in explaining growth disparities in Africa and in the clusters. Mr. Turyareeba Dickson’s study revealed that to spur more economic growth in Africa, there is the need for governments to design policies that boost gross capital formation; earmark extra resources for human capital development and for increased investment in ICT infrastructure; create incentives for credit expansion to the private sector and devise stronger policies against inflation. To foster economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, results showed that governments need to increase investments in ICT infrastructure, implement outward-looking development strategies, expand credit to the private sector and implement population growth control measures. The study was self-funded and supervised by Associate Professors: Eseza Kateregga and Elia Hisali.
College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
ADUWO Jennifer Rose (Ms)
A Machine Learning Model for Automatic Field Based Classification of Cassava Mosaic Disease and its Severity
Ms. ADUWO Jennifer Rose investigated how machine learning can be used for detection of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and its severity using field based cassava leaf images. The study employed an experimental design. A total of 340 healthy and 313 CMD infected cassava leaf images were collected from National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Uganda for the experiments. The developed machine learning Artificial Neural Network model provided accuracy rate of 97.2% for CMD classification and 88% for CMD severity grading. Within the model, CMD classification including its severity could be implemented on a mobile phone. In terms of policy, NaCRRI could spearhead the development of a policy on integration of machine learning in CMD management and engagement of Agricultural Extension Workers to detect CMD and its severity using the developed model. This study was self-funded and supervised by Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende and Dr. Ernest Mwebaze.
KABURU Dennis Mugambi
An adjustable usable security approach for a continuous user authentication scheme
Mr. KABURU Dennis research developed an adjustable usable security approach that enhances the alignment of security and usability attributes to achieve a better interaction in continuous user authentication schemes. He established that software developers have neglected the effect of the authentication approaches on the cognitive processes of a user, resulting into not user-friendly systems. Through experiments, the resultant approach showed a threshold that adjusts user interactions at different times and a technique that quantitatively recommends combinations that minimize the cognitive load and usability deficiency. Software developers can use this approach as a platform that enables their reasoning of how their use of authentication mechanisms affects end user efficiency and make refined decisions that improve usability of user interactions in a continuous authentication scheme. This study was funded by METEGA, and was supervised by Dr. Julianne Sansa–Otim and Dr. Tony Bulega.
MASABO Emmanuel
Integrated feature engineering approach for classification and detection of polymorphic malware using machine learning
Mr. MASABO Emmanuel’s research focused on the security of computer systems, by investigating the challenges related to the eradication of malware. The study showed that poor detection of current malware by existing technologies is due to polymorphism in today’s malware, which enables them to disguise themselves by creating infinite number of new variants of themselves in order to evade detection systems. This study developed a new machine learning approach to effectively address the aforementioned problem. The findings showed improved performance both in terms of classification and detection of polymorphic malware. This study was funded by Metega, and was supervised by Dr. Kyanda Swaib Kaawaase and Dr. Julianne Sansa Otim.
NAKIBUULE Rose (Ms)
Traffic flow speed and congestion monitoring in resource-constrained crowded cities
Ms. NAKIBUULE Rose's study was to develop a low cost collection tool and computer vision based computation models for monitoring traffic flow speed and congestion levels of unstructured traffic flow found in resource-constrained crowded cities. Current computer vision methods tailored for traffic flow speed and congestion monitoring are costly and computationally expensive. The study revealed that by assembling a set of off-the-shelf hardware components and programming smartphone cameras as automatic image sensors reduce data acquisition costs by 80% as compared to conventional closed circuit televisions (CCTVs). The study developed a tool for real-time traffic flow monitoring and data acquisition. This study was funded by NUFFIC, DAAD, and College of Computing and Information Sciences, and was supervised by Dr. John Alexander Quinn, Dr. Ernest Mwebaze and Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende
NINA Olivia (Ms)
Indigenous knowledge utilization strategies for HIV prevention in Uganda: a study of secondary school adolescents, Kampala District
Ms. NINA Olivia investigated approaches for enhancing use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention among adolescents. Prevention programs that blended biomedical and IK were known to be more successful than those that did not. With increasing HIV infections among adolescents, promoting combination of approaches was critical to increasing access to accurate comprehensive information. However, existing national guidelines on use of IK were limited, fragmented and their implementation was not yet clear. The study revealed that the IK information being used contained misinformation. Ties between IK sources and adolescents were too weak to support IK use. The study recommended development of a specific national IK school health policy. Synergies between indigenous information sources and adolescents needed to be strengthened and documented IK integrated into existing HIV prevention information. This study was self-sponsored, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga and Prof. Robert Ikoja-Odongo.
OMODA-ONYAIT Godfrey
A model for personalizing learning in an E-learning System
Mr. OMODA-ONYAIT Godfrey’s research investigated the requirements for personalizing learning in an e-learning system to address the issue of learner diversity and changing learner needs. A survey was conducted to gather requirements for the model using questionnaires and interviews. The findings were used to develop the model. Model evaluation was done using experts, and prototyping; and the model was found suitable. The following factors were established for determining personalized learning: learner commitment; learner motivation; learner engagement; and learner experience. From a practical point of view, the results provided a generic model that can help practitioners and policy makers in personalizing and implementing learning in an e-learning system, hence addressing learner diversity and their changing needs. This study was self-funded, and was supervised by Prof. Jude T. Lubega and Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga.
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB)
YAJJ Nuol Aywel Madut
Brucellosis at human-domestic animal interface in Greater Bahr el Ghazal States, South Sudan
Mr. YAJJ Nuol Aywel Madut assessed the prevalence of brucellosis among humans and domestic animals in pastoral settings in post-conflict Greater Bahr el Ghazal States, South Sudan. Brucellosis prevalence was high both in human and animals due to the lack of control measures and awareness and the disease was common among febrile patients attending outpatient department (OPD) in Wau Hospital. The consumption of infected animal products played a major role in transmission of brucellosis. Age, herd size, lactation, health status, hygroma and history of abortion were factors associated with the infection. There is need for mandatory routine testing for brucellosis among herders and other high-risk groups, and control should be accomplished at the animal level since people have a social and cultural tendency to consume raw animal products. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. George William Nasinyama and Assoc. Prof. Clovice Kankya.
Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.