University Policies & Regulations

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    A Stacked Ensemble Machine Learning Model for Predicting Ionospheric Total Electron Content Over Uganda
    (Busitema University, 2026-09-15) Adriko, Norbert Bakole
    Ionospheric delay, which is directly determined from Total Electron Content (TEC) is the largest source of error in GPS positioning. Because many GPS receivers widely used in Uganda lack the capacity to measure this delay directly, they must rely on models to correct for it. The models currently available are global and therefore capture neither the steep latitudinal gradient of the equatorial ionization anomaly or the day-to-day variability typical of low-latitude regions such as Uganda, which creates a need for a local model. This study first characterised the behaviour of TEC over Uganda and then developed a regional TEC model using a stacked machine learning ensemble trained on 26 years of Global Ionosphere Map data and six months of TEC observations from the Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network in Uganda. The local correction stage relies on observation-derived residual lags, which bounds its evaluation to the station density and time span sampled here. The characterisation revealed a post-noon maximum between 13:00 and 17:00 local time, with night-time values remaining above 5 TECU. A semi-annual anomaly was also evident with the March monthly mean exceeding the June–July mean by 66%. The storm-time response proved to be a latitudinal redistribution rather than a network-wide change during the November 2025 storm: TEC at the northernmost station (ABON) rose markedly above its quiet-day baseline, while the southernmost station (KABA) tracked its own baseline to within 1 TECU. Global Ionospheric Map observations and IRI-2020 carried a mean bias of +18.0 TECU and +27.9 TECU respectively when compared against the ground truth CORS network observations. On the test period, the full ensemble achieved a RMSE = 3.970 TECU, R2 = 0.958 and a Skill Score of +0.724 against the climatological mean. This correlates with an 80% reduction in RMSE relative to the background field at the same locations thereby reducing ranging error of L1 from 3.26 m (background error) to 0.64 m (ensemble prediction). Spatial performance showed a strong trough-to-crest TEC latitudinal transition; leave-one-station-out cross-validation confirmed the model generalises to unseen locations, though with degraded accuracy (RMSE rising from 3.97 to 6.41 TECU) relative to stations seen during training. These observations suggest that the ensemble is a useful tool for ionospheric delay correction over Uganda.
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    A Web-Based Campus Medical Unit Information Management System
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-26) Odero Emmanuel
    ABSTRACT The Busitema University Nagongera Campus Medical Unit relies on a manual, paper-based system to manage healthcare services, which has resulted in inefficiencies in patient registration, appointment scheduling, prescription management, referral processing, and health reporting. This study designed, developed, and implemented a web-based Campus Medical Unit Information Management System (CMUIMS) to automate and streamline these clinical workflows. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, combining qualitative interviews and observations with quantitative questionnaire data collection from 30 participants including students, university staff, a Lab Technician, and a Nurse. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology guided the system development through iterative prototyping and continuous stakeholder engagement. The system was developed using React and Tailwind CSS (frontend), Node.js and Express.js (backend), and SQLite (database). It supports role-based access for four user categories: System Admin, Lab Technician/Nurse (Medical Personnel), and Patients (Students and Staff). Key modules include patient self-registration, appointment booking and approval, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) management, prescription management, referral management, and automated health report generation with email notification capabilities. Testing was conducted through unit testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and security testing. Results demonstrated that all core modules function correctly, with positive user feedback confirming improved efficiency, ease of use, and better record management. It is recommended that the university formally deploy the system, provide staff training, and explore integration with national digital health frameworks.
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    A WEB-BASED CLEARANCE SYSTEM CASE STUDY: NAGONGERA CAMPUS BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY
    (NASSER TWAIFU, 2026-08-31) NASSER TWAIFU
    The clearance process at Busitema University, Nagongera campus, has been traditionally using a manual, paper-based approach that requires students to physically move across multiple departments to obtain approvals, this has proven to be inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to errors such as document loss and lack of transparency in tracking clearance progress (Jonathan et al., 2019; Emmanuel Ifeanyi, 2013). As a result, students experience delays in completing their clearance while staff face difficulties in record management and monitoring of departmental activities. This study focused on design and implement a Web-Based Clearance System aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and reliabilities of clearance process. Drawing on best practices from existing online clearance systems (Agbo-Ajala & Makinde, 2015), the proposed system enables students to submit clearance requests digitally, track their progress in real-time, and receive automated notifications regarding approvals or rejections. Department officers can process clearance requests through dedicated dashboards, while administrators can monitor the entire process, generate reports, and manage user accounts. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining interviews and questionnaires to gather system requirements from administrators, lecturers and students. The system was developed using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach within Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) framework. Implementation was carried out using XAMPP, PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The system was tested through unit, integration, functional, and user acceptance testing. The results from validation indicated improved efficiency, reduced progressing time and increased user satisfaction. The findings confirm that the proposed system effectively address the limitations of the manual clearance process and support digital transformation in university administration. Future work should focus on hosting the system on a commercial cloud platform and extending it to a Progressive Web Application (PWA) for enhanced mobile accessibility.
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    A WEB-BASED CORRUPTION REPORTING SYSTEM FOR KOLE DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTHERN UGANDA
    (Busitema University, 2026-09-01) Omongo Denis
    ABSTRACT Corruption continues to undermine public service delivery, accountability, and socio-economic development across local governments in Uganda. In Kole District, corruption associated with strategic government empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), among others, has degraded public confidence in local governance and severely affected the equitable distribution of public funds. Existing corruption reporting channels—primarily physical visits to sub-county headquarters, verbal reports to Local Council officials, or written complaint letters—are critically limited by geographical distance barriers, high transport costs, fear of retaliation due to the lack of a secure, trackable channel, and a total absence of post-submission tracking mechanisms. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a secure, web-based corruption reporting system for Kole District Local Government to enable registered citizens to securely report corruption in either English or Leblango/Luo and monitor investigation progress using a secure tracking code. The research adopted a System Development Research (SDR) design executed through the Agile-Scrum methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select fifteen key stakeholders (N=15), consisting of PDM beneficiaries, Local Council leaders, civil servants, village savings group leaders, and community elders across six sub-counties (Aboke, Alito, Akalo, Ayer, Bala, and Okwerodot). Sample size adequacy was grounded in the data saturation principle for qualitative software requirements engineering (Guest et al., 2006). Primary data were collected via semi-structured interviews, direct field observation, and document analysis, and evaluated using thematic analysis. The developed application follows a Three-Tier Client-Server Architecture. The presentation layer was constructed using React.js (v18.x) and react-i18next for multilingual switching. The application tier was built using Python 3.11, Django 4.2+, and Django REST Framework (DRF), utilizing Gunicorn and WhiteNoise servers. The database tier relies on PostgreSQL for structured data and AWS S3 for secure media evidence storage. System security was implemented using authenticated, role-restricted request handling (no IP address or fingerprint logging in server logs), Fernet symmetric encryption for sensitive report descriptions at rest, TLS/HTTPS in transit, and JWT-based Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for administrative management. Rigorous evaluation comprising Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with 5 representative field evaluators demonstrated that the application satisfied all specified functional and non-functional criteria. Evaluators awarded the platform an overall usability score of 4.8 out of 5.0, highlighting its ease of use, secure encrypted handling, and tracking code transparency. The study concludes that web-based civic platforms can substantially improve anti-corruption reporting in rural local governments. Recommendations include official adoption by Kole District Local Government, integration with central anti-corruption bodies (IGG, SHACU), and future expansion to USSD/SMS channels for non-smartphone users.
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    A WEB-BASED CORRUPTION REPORTING SYSTEM FOR KOLE DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTHERN UGANDA
    (Busitema University, 2026-09-01) Omongo Denis
    ABSTRACT Corruption continues to undermine public service delivery, accountability, and socio-economic development across local governments in Uganda. In Kole District, corruption associated with strategic government empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), and Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), among others, has degraded public confidence in local governance and severely affected the equitable distribution of public funds. Existing corruption reporting channels—primarily physical visits to sub-county headquarters, verbal reports to Local Council officials, or written complaint letters—are critically limited by geographical distance barriers, high transport costs, fear of retaliation due to the lack of a secure, trackable channel, and a total absence of post-submission tracking mechanisms. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a secure, web-based corruption reporting system for Kole District Local Government to enable registered citizens to securely report corruption in either English or Leblango/Luo and monitor investigation progress using a secure tracking code. The research adopted a System Development Research (SDR) design executed through the Agile-Scrum methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select fifteen key stakeholders (N=15), consisting of PDM beneficiaries, Local Council leaders, civil servants, village savings group leaders, and community elders across six sub-counties (Aboke, Alito, Akalo, Ayer, Bala, and Okwerodot). Sample size adequacy was grounded in the data saturation principle for qualitative software requirements engineering (Guest et al., 2006). Primary data were collected via semi-structured interviews, direct field observation, and document analysis, and evaluated using thematic analysis. The developed application follows a Three-Tier Client-Server Architecture. The presentation layer was constructed using React.js (v18.x) and react-i18next for multilingual switching. The application tier was built using Python 3.11, Django 4.2+, and Django REST Framework (DRF), utilizing Gunicorn and WhiteNoise servers. The database tier relies on PostgreSQL for structured data and AWS S3 for secure media evidence storage. System security was implemented using authenticated, role-restricted request handling (no IP address or fingerprint logging in server logs), Fernet symmetric encryption for sensitive report descriptions at rest, TLS/HTTPS in transit, and JWT-based Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for administrative management. Rigorous evaluation comprising Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with 5 representative field evaluators demonstrated that the application satisfied all specified functional and non-functional criteria. Evaluators awarded the platform an overall usability score of 4.8 out of 5.0, highlighting its ease of use, secure encrypted handling, and tracking code transparency. The study concludes that web-based civic platforms can substantially improve anti-corruption reporting in rural local governments. Recommendations include official adoption by Kole District Local Government, integration with central anti-corruption bodies (IGG, SHACU), and future expansion to USSD/SMS channels for non-smartphone users.
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    A WEB-BASED INTERNSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-31) Angole Sharif Abubakar
    The management of internship programmes at Busitema University, Nagongera Campus, has historically depended entirely on paper-based logbooks, infrequent physical field visits, and manual administrative record-keeping. This manual approach produces systemic inefficiencies including document loss and forgery, the absence of real-time student monitoring, prohibitively costly field supervision, and no structured channel through which students can confidentially report challenges encountered at placement sites. This study aimed to develop a Web-Based Internship Management System (WIMS) for Busitema University, Nagongera Campus, enabling students to submit geo-tagged daily logs, allowing field and university supervisors to provide structured remote feedback and monitor cohort-wide progress in real time, and equipping administrators with placement management and institutional reporting capabilities. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches within a Rapid Application Development (RAD) framework from the Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM). Requirements were gathered through semi structured interviews and structured questionnaires administered to 49 purposively and randomly selected participants across four stakeholder categories. Implementation used React 18 with TypeScript for the frontend, Node.js with Express.js for the backend REST API, and SQLite as the embedded relational database, deployed on Vercel and Railway hosting platforms. Key findings revealed that supervisors were unable to effectively monitor student progress between logbook submissions, while students identified document loss and the inability to report placement challenges as major limitations of the current system. The study also established that students were generally ready to adopt a digital solution due to their familiarity with smartphone technology. The proposed system was successfully validated through unit, integration, functional, and user acceptance testing, demonstrating that it met the specified functional requirements and achieved satisfactory usability. These results indicate that the system is suitable for adoption at Busitema University, Nagongera Campus.
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    A web-based inventory management system for motorcycle spare parts and engine oils (case study: Dani motorcycle spare parts and engine oils retail shop)
    (Busitema university, 2026-08) OKOLONG, Charles
    This research report presents the development and evaluation of a web-based inventory management system designed specifically for Dani Motorcycle Spare Parts and Engine Oils Shop, a small retail business located in Tuba, Molo Sub-county along the Tororo-Mbale highway in Uganda. The shop previously operated entirely on a manual, paper-based inventory system, which resulted in frequent stockouts, overstocking of slow-moving items, time-consuming stock-taking processes, poor record-keeping, and an inability to generate accurate financial reports for informed decision-making. The main objective of this study was to develop a web-based system that enables the shop owner to efficiently manage stock levels, record sales and purchases, track suppliers, generate business reports, and receive automated low-stock alerts. The study employed qualitative research methods, including interviews, observation, questionnaires, and literature review, to gather functional requirements from the shop owner, staff, and customers. The system was developed using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology within the Structured System Analysis Design Method (SSADM) framework, utilizing WAMPP (Apache, MySQL, PHP), HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Visual Studio Code as the integrated development environment. The system significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced stockouts, enhanced financial management, and provided the shop owner with actionable business intelligence.
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    A web-based inventory Management system for Motorcycle Spare Parts and Engine Oils.
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-27) Okolong Charles
    ABSTRACT This research report presents the development and evaluation of a web-based inventory management system designed specifically for Dani Motorcycle Spare Parts and Engine Oils Shop, a small retail business located in Tuba, Molo Sub-county along the Tororo-Mbale highway in Uganda. The shop previously operated entirely on a manual, paper-based inventory system, which resulted in frequent stockouts, overstocking of slow-moving items, time-consuming stock-taking processes, poor record-keeping, and an inability to generate accurate financial reports for informed decision-making. The main objective of this study was to develop a web-based system that enables the shop owner to efficiently manage stock levels, record sales and purchases, track suppliers, generate business reports, and receive automated low-stock alerts. The study employed qualitative research methods, including interviews, observation, questionnaires, and literature review, to gather functional requirements from the shop owner, staff, and customers. The system was developed using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology within the Structured System Analysis Design Method (SSADM) framework, utilizing WAMPP (Apache, MySQL, PHP), HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Visual Studio Code as the integrated development environment. The system significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced stockouts, enhanced financial management, and provided the shop owner with actionable business intelligence.
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    A WEB-BASED RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. CASE STUDY: CHESIMAT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER.
    (KIBET LEVI, 2026-09-01) KIBET LEVI
    The increasing need for effective management of child development Centre records highlighted the limitations of traditional manual systems used at Chesimat Child Development Centre (CDC). These methods were associated with inefficiencies such as data duplication, loss of records, delayed reporting, and difficulties in tracking sponsorship and donation activities, which affected transparency and accountability. To address these challenges, this study developed a Web-Based Records Management System aimed at providing a centralized, automated, and user-friendly platform for managing child records, sponsor information, and donations. The project employed the agile methodology, which facilitated iterative development, continuous user feedback, and incremental system improvement throughout the development process. System requirements were gathered through interviews, observation, and document analysis, ensuring that the system reflected both user needs and organizational requirements. The system was designed using structured design approaches, including UML diagrams, to model system processes, user interactions, and data flow. The implementation phase utilized HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the frontend, while PHP and MySQL were used for backend development and data management. These technologies were selected for their reliability, scalability, and suitability for web-based applications. After development, the system was tested and validated with input from staff, administrators, and sponsors at Chesimat CDC. The results showed that the system improved efficiency in record management, enhanced transparency, reduced data redundancy, and enabled faster access to information. The study concludes that a web-based system effectively improves operational efficiency and accountability in child development Centre’s. It is recommended that Chesimat CDC adopts the system to replace manual processes and further enhance service delivery.
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    A WEB-BASED TOOL FOR REPORTING AND RECOVERING LOST ITEMS FOR BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NAGONGERA
    (2026-09-04) Amos Fred Musitwa
    This is a computerized web-based lost item reporting and recovery system project study that was carried out at Busitema University Faculty of Science Education, Nagongera Campus. The main objective of the study was to develop a web-based tool for reporting and recovering lost items to address the challenges of lost belongings on campus, improve recovery rates, and enhance the overall campus experience for students and staff. To come up with the system, data was collected through interviewing students and some administrators as well as observation, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The data collected was analyzed and then used to design and implement the system using RAD model approach. The system was developed using the Unifying Modeling Languages with frontend and backend interfaces with a database system. The developing software tools included PHP, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Bootstrap, Xampp together with MYSQL. The database stores records of lost items, found items, claims, users, and other related information. The system also enables the Dean of Students, Chairpersons, System Administrator, and other system users to update, edit, delete, view, and add new records and manage the escalation process for claims
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    A WEB-BASED TOOL FOR REPORTING AND RECOVERING LOST ITEMS FOR BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NAGONGERA
    (2026-09-03) Amos Fred Musitwa
    ABSTRACT This is a computerized web-based lost item reporting and recovery system project study that was carried out at Busitema University Faculty of Science Education, Nagongera Campus. The main objective of the study was to develop a web-based tool for reporting and recovering lost items to address the challenges of lost belongings on campus, improve recovery rates, and enhance the overall campus experience for students and staff. To come up with the system, data was collected through interviewing students and some administrators as well as observation, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The data collected was analyzed and then used to design and implement the system using RAD model approach. The system was developed using the Unifying Modeling Languages with frontend and backend interfaces with a database system. The developing software tools included PHP, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Bootstrap, Xampp together with MYSQL. The database stores records of lost items, found items, claims, users, and other related information. The system also enables the Dean of Students, Chairpersons, System Administrator, and other system users to update, edit, delete, view, and add new records and manage the escalation process for claims
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    A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
    (Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi Damaris
    This study focuses on the design and implementation of a web-based tourism management system for Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda. Tourism in rural destinations often faces challenges such as limited access to information, inefficient booking processes, and inadequate promotion of attractions. The main objective of this research was to develop a system that enhances tourism service delivery by providing an online platform for destination information, accommodation booking, tour scheduling, and visitor feedback. Specific objectives included analyzing existing tourism management practices, identifying user requirements, designing system architecture, and testing the functionality of the proposed solution. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, tourists, and document reviews. System development followed the RAD model, incorporating requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Key findings revealed that the current tourism management practices at Sipi Falls are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies and limited accessibility for international visitors. The proposed web-based system addresses these gaps by offering real-time information, streamlined booking processes, and improved communication between tourists and service providers. In conclusion, the system demonstrates significant potential to improve tourism management and promote rural destinations. Recommendations include training local stakeholders on system use, continuous system updates to meet evolving needs, and integration with national tourism platforms to maximize visibility. The study highlights the importance of digital solutions in enhancing tourism sustainability and supporting socio-economic development in Uganda.
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    A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
    (Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi Damaris
    This study focuses on the design and implementation of a web-based tourism management system for Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda. Tourism in rural destinations often faces challenges such as limited access to information, inefficient booking processes, and inadequate promotion of attractions. The main objective of this research was to develop a system that enhances tourism service delivery by providing an online platform for destination information, accommodation booking, tour scheduling, and visitor feedback. Specific objectives included analyzing existing tourism management practices, identifying user requirements, designing system architecture, and testing the functionality of the proposed solution. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, tourists, and document reviews. System development followed the RAD model, incorporating requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Key findings revealed that the current tourism management practices at Sipi Falls are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies and limited accessibility for international visitors. The proposed web-based system addresses these gaps by offering real-time information, streamlined booking processes, and improved communication between tourists and service providers. In conclusion, the system demonstrates significant potential to improve tourism management and promote rural destinations. Recommendations include training local stakeholders on system use, continuous system updates to meet evolving needs, and integration with national tourism platforms to maximize visibility. The study highlights the importance of digital solutions in enhancing tourism sustainability and supporting socio-economic development in Uganda.
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    Academic handbook 2020/22-2023/24.
    (Busitema University, 2021-06) Busitema University Council; Vice Chancellor; Busitema University Academic Registrar; Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation; University Secretary
    Academic handbook 2020/22-2023/24.
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    ADSORPTION AND KINETICS OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID (2,4-D) FROM WASTE WATER USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM CASSAVA PEELS.
    (2026) owor Balaam
    The increasing use of herbicides in modern agriculture has contaminated water bodies, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. Among these herbicides, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used for weed control but is persistent in the aquatic environment and can negatively affect non-target organisms at excessive concentrations. Conventional methods for removing herbicides from waste water are often expensive and less sustainable, creating the need for low-cost and environmentally friendly alternatives. Agricultural wastes such as cassava peels can be converted into activated carbon and utilized as an efficient adsorbent for pollutant removal. This study investigated the adsorption and kinetics of 2,4-D removal from aqueous solutions using activated carbon derived from cassava peels. The main objective was to prepare and characterize activated carbon from cassava peels using the chemical activation method for 2,4-D removal, and to determine the adsorption kinetics governing the process. Activated carbon was prepared through chemical activation of cassava peels. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying conditions of contact time, PH, adsorbent dosage, and initial herbicides concentration(Jordana Georgin et al. 2022). The adsorption data were analyzed using kinetic models including pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations. The results indicated that cassava-peels activated carbon possessed high adsorption capacity due to its porous structure and large surface area. Adsorption efficiency increased with increased contact time and adsorbent dosage but decreased with increasing initial concentration of 2,4-D. Maximum adsorption was observed under acidic to neutral PH conditions. The kinetic analysis showed that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model more closely than the pseudo-first-order suggesting that chemisorption was controlling the adsorption. The activated carbon demonstrated rapid uptake of 2,4-D during the initial stages followed by equilibrium. In conclusion, activated carbon derived from cassava peels is an effective, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbent for removal of 2,4-D from contaminated water.
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    Adsorption and Kinetics of Chlorpyrifos from Wastewater using Activated Carbon from Orange Peels
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-31) ADIYO NANCY
    ABSTRACT Widespread agricultural use of Chlorpyrifos leads to severe surface runoff and aquatic contamination. Traditional wastewater treatments fail to eliminate this persistent, lipophilic pollutant, posing human health risks like neurotoxicity. Commercial activated carbon effectively captures such organic pollutants but remains prohibitively expensive. Utilizing abundant agricultural waste like orange peels offers a dual solution for cost-effective environmental remediation and sustainable waste management. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize orange peel-derived activated carbon (OPAC), evaluate optimal operating parameters (pH, dosage, contact time), and examine adsorption kinetics and isotherms. Prepared orange peels were chemically activated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at a 1:2 w/w ratio and carbonized. Characterization included Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and iodine number determination. Batch experiments were monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a maximum wavelength of 290 nm to trace Chlorpyrifos concentrations. Characterization confirmed a highly active material with a prominent iodine number of 435.0. pH optimization revealed that Chlorpyrifos removal is significantly higher in acidic mediums, peaking at an 87.5% removal efficiency at pH 3.0 and decreasing sharply past the point of zero charge (pHzpc=7.0). Kinetic data aligned closely with the pseudo-second-order model (R2=0.9954), showing a calculated equilibrium capacity (qe) of 7.07 mg/g and establishing that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step. Equilibrium profiling demonstrated an excellent fit with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9944), yielding a maximum monolayer capacity (Qm) of 10.57 mg/g and a favorable dimensionless separation factor (RL) of 0.3339. Conversely, the Freundlich model was unfavorable (n = 1.8202). In conclusion, orange peel-derived activated carbon serves as a highly efficient, ecologically sustainable, and low-cost bio-adsorbent for remediating pesticide-polluted water systems.
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    Adsorption and kinetics of ibuprofen from wastewater using activated carbon from pineapple peels
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-27) SANDE MERCY
    ABSTRACT The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments has become a global concern due their persistence and potential effects on human health and aquatic organisms. Ibuprofen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic drug with occurrence in the aquatic systems of 47 countries. The presence of ibuprofen in aquatic systems poses a threat to the health of both human and aquatic organisms. The current treatment methods for removing ibuprofen from wastewater are often expensive and environmentally friendly leading to a pressing need for alternative solutions. Previous and existing studies have primarily focused on conventional water treatment methods like activated carbon derived from traditional sources without adequately investigating the potential of bio waste materials such as pineapple peels rendering them ineffective in removing ibuprofen, highlighting the need for alternative technologies. Therefore; this study developed pineapple peels activated carbon using H3PO4 and carbonization in a furnace of 500-700°C as a three-dimensional adsorbent for aqueous ibuprofen remediation. Pineapple peel’s activated carbon was characterized using iodine method to determine the surface area, pore volume and size distribution of the activated carbon, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to identify the functional groups present on the surface of the activated carbon using a PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 spectrometer. Batch adsorption studies were carried out from pH 2 to 10, Adsorbent dosages from 1g/L to 5g/L, contact time from 10 to 60 minutes. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 4 at an ibuprofen concentration 2mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 1g/L. Adsorption followed second order kinetics well (R2=0.999). The adsorption isotherms almost remained constant with an increase in initial concentration of ibuprofen shown by Langmuir adsorption capacity, qe=19.421mg/g. Pineapple peelings provided an efficient ibuprofen adsorption capacity (with column parameters; pH=4.0, adsorbent dosage=5g/L.). Adsorption of ibuprofen onto activated carbon from pineapple peels involves H-bonding, pore filling with complexation and hydrophobic π-π donor acceptor attractions likely participating. Which allows efficient removal of ibuprofen from water. Affordable costs of pineapples together with excellent adsorption capacity makes pineapple peels activated carbon an efficient low-cost adsorbent for ibuprofen removal. Thus, this study describes a sustainable pineapple waste management strategy as well as treatment of ibuprofen contaminated water.
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    Adsorption and kinetics of ibuprofen from wastewater using activated carbon from pineapple peels
    (Busitema University, 2026-08-27) SANDE MERCY
    ABSTRACT The increasing occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments has become a global concern due their persistence and potential effects on human health and aquatic organisms. Ibuprofen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic drug with occurrence in the aquatic systems of 47 countries. The presence of ibuprofen in aquatic systems poses a threat to the health of both human and aquatic organisms. The current treatment methods for removing ibuprofen from wastewater are often expensive and environmentally friendly leading to a pressing need for alternative solutions. Previous and existing studies have primarily focused on conventional water treatment methodslike activated carbon derived from traditional sources without adequately investigating the potential of bio waste materials such as pineapple peels rendering them ineffective in removing ibuprofen, highlighting the need for alternative technologies. Therefore; this study developed pineapple peels activated carbon using H3PO4 and carbonization in a furnace of 500-700°C as a threedimensional adsorbent for aqueous ibuprofen remediation. Pineapple peel’s activated carbon was characterized using iodine method to determine the surface area, pore volume and size distribution of the activated carbon, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to identify the functional groups present on the surface of the activated carbon using a PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 spectrometer. Batch adsorption studies were carried out from pH 2 to 10, Adsorbent dosages from 1g/L to 5g/L, contact time from 10 to 60 minutes. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 4 at an ibuprofen concentration 2mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 1g/L. Adsorption followed second order kinetics well (R2=0.999). The adsorption isotherms almost remained constant with an increase in initial concentration of ibuprofen shown by Langmuir adsorption capacity, qe=19.421mg/g. Pineapple peelings provided an efficient ibuprofen adsorption capacity (with column parameters; pH=4.0, adsorbent dosage=5g/ L.). Adsorption of ibuprofen onto activated carbon from pineapple peels involves H-bonding, pore filling with complexation and hydrophobic π-π donor acceptor attractions likely participating. Which allows efficient removal of ibuprofen from water. Affordable costs of pineapples together with excellent adsorption capacity makes pineapple peels activated carbon an efficient low-cost adsorbent for ibuprofen removal. Thus, this study describes a sustainable pineapple waste management strategy as well as treatment of ibuprofencontaminatedwater.
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    ADSORPTION AND KINETICS OF LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN FROM WASTEWATER USING ACTIVATED CARBON FROM BANANA PEELINGS BIOMASS
    (CHEROP RAEL, 2026) CHEROP RAEL
    The escalating crisis of agricultural pesticide pollution in surface waters demands the development of affordable, localized wastewater treatment technologies. In regions like Eastern Uganda, the intensive use of the synthetic Type II pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-CH) has led to documented contamination of transboundary aquatic ecosystems presenting severe neurotoxic risks to aquatic life and local communities. While adsorption is a highly efficient remediation method, the localized potential of waste-derived activated carbon has not been fully realized. Disparities in pesticide removal efficiencies between non-optimised banana peel carbons and optimised biomass alternatives highlight a critical research gap in targeting appropriate material synthesis and surface chemistry protocols within the Ugandan context. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of chemically activated carbon synthesized from abundant, low-cost banana peelings biomass for the targeted removal of λ-CH from wastewater. Fresh banana peels will be collected, dried, milled, and impregnated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at a 1:1 ratio before being carbonised at 500°C. The resulting activated carbon will be characterized Iodine number. Batch adsorption experiments will be conducted to evaluate the effects of contact time (up to 120 minutes), solution pH (2–11), and adsorbent dosage (0.1–0.5 g/L), with residual pesticide concentrations measured quantitatively via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Preliminary laboratory data demonstrate exceptionally favorable monolayer adsorption, adhering strictly to the Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.9985). Kinetic monitoring revealed that the equilibrium state is reached within 120 minutes, with a peak removal efficiency of 99.9% under optimal acidic conditions (pH 2), fitting closely to pseudo-second-order and Elovich chemisorption mechanisms. The findings confirm that optimised banana-peel activated carbon is a highly potent, ecologically sustainable, and scalable adsorbent for decentralised pesticide remediation in agrarian river basins.
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    Adsorption and kinetics of sodium lauryl sulfate from wastewater using activated carbon derived from saw dust biomass
    (Okello solomon, 2026-08-21) Okello Solomon
    Background and Problem Statement: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in domestic and industrial detergents. Its discharge into aquatic ecosystems poses significant environmental and toxicological risks, creating an urgent need for cheap and effective wastewater treatment methods.Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize activated carbon from locally sourced Tororo sawdust biomass and evaluate its performance in removing SLS from aqueous solutions.Methods: The adsorbent was synthesized via phosphoric acid activation at 800°C. Surface analysis was conducted using the standard iodine index and a JASCO FT/IR-6600 spectrometer. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of contact time (0–120 min), initial concentration (10–40 mg/L), solution pH (2.0–12.0), and adsorbent dosage (0.5–5.0 g/L). Surfactant tracking was managed via the Methylene Blue Active Substance (MBAS) method using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 652 nm.Key Findings: The synthesized carbon exhibited an excellent iodine number of approximately 940 mg/g. FTIR analysis confirmed a rich surface chemistry featuring hydroxyl (≈3280 cm⁻¹), aromatic (≈1600 cm⁻¹), and acid-phosphate (≈1060 cm⁻¹) groups. Adsorption kinetics fitted perfectly to the Pseudo-Second-Order model ( 0.9986), proving a chemisorption rate-limiting mechanism. Equilibrium studies strictly followed the Langmuir isotherm model (= 0.9932), showing a maximum monolayer capacity () of 8.26 mg/g. Peak removal (99.5%) occurred at pH 2.0 due to electrostatic attraction, while 2.0 g/L was identified as the practical optimum dosage, yielding 97.2% efficiency.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that sawdust-derived activated carbon is an elite, eco-friendly, and highly efficient bio-adsorbent for removing anionic surfactants from industrial wastewater streams