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Item Kenya fuel demos turn violent(Daily Monitor, 2026-06-19) CitizenThe protests erupted after Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a fresh fuel price increase last week, amid a nationwide transport strike yesterday.Item AN AUTOMATED FUEL ORDERING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (FOMS)(Busitema University, 2026-10-02) Opolot GeresomABSTRACT The downstream petroleum retail distribution sector in developing economies, particularly across decentralized rural districts like the Teso sub-region in Eastern Uganda (encompassing Soroti, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, Bukedea, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, and Kapelebyong), experiences persistent supply chain fragility and operational bottlenecks. These systemic inefficiencies stem from archaic manual practices, including telephone-based order placements, physical dipped-stick tank readings, fragmented paper ledgers, uncoordinated road tanker dispatches, and prolonged 48-to-72-hour bank reconciliation delays. Consequently, regional retail stations suffer from frequent stockouts, inflated logistical overheads, credit-limit disputes, and lost retail revenues. This project presents the design, development, and empirical evaluation of an automated, web-based Fuel Ordering and Management System (FOMS) engineered to resolve these logistical, inventory, and financial bottlenecks. Grounded in a robust 3-Tier Client-Server Architecture, FOMS integrates a responsive, Single Page Application frontend built with HTML5, CSS3, ES6 JavaScript, and Leaflet.js interactive GPS mapping; a stateless, event-driven Node.js and Express RESTful API middleware; and an ACID-compliant, highly normalized MySQL relational database engine operated via asynchronous connection pooling. Crucially, the system features a simulated B2B Mobile Money payment processing engine (supporting MTN MoMo and Airtel Money STK Push protocols) that executes real-time invoice reconciliation, dynamically adjusts ledger balances, and automatically releases credit-hold restrictions upon successful settlement. Real-time fleet tracking is achieved through driver GPS telemetry rendered dynamically on regional Teso maps, while inventory reserves across the Soroti Main Depot and regional buffer tanks are continuously monitored against configurable low-stock reorder thresholds. The system development was guided by the Agile Scrum methodology across five two-week sprints. Multi-tier quality assurance - comprising a 40-case functional test matrix, automated load testing, and security penetration audits - confirmed 100% test pass rates, sub-100ms API response latency under 100 concurrent requests, and robust protection against SQL injection, XSS, and privilege escalation. An empirical User Acceptance Testing (UAT) survey involving 20 regional petroleum stakeholders yielded an exceptional System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 84.8/100 (Grade A), while quantitative benchmarking demonstrated an 87.5% reduction in stockout occurrences and reduced order-to-delivery administrative latency from 54 hours to under 4.2 hours. FOMS provides a scalable, cost-effective digital blueprint for modernizing downstream petroleum supply chains in emerging economies. Downstream Petroleum Logistics, Fuel Ordering, Automated Ledger Reconciliation, Mobile Money B2B, GPS Fleet Tracking, Agile Scrum, Node.js REST API, MySQL, Teso Region.Item The impact of marketing strategies on the growth of small, Mediium enterprises in Pallisa town council.(Busitema University, 2026) Akello, Jackie AnnaThis study examined the effect of marketing strategies on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pallisa Town Council, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of product strategies, pricing strategies, and promotion strategies on SME growth. A descriptive research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. Primary data were collected from 66 owners, managers, and sales personnel of SMEs using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent characteristics, while Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to establish the relationship between marketing strategies and SME growth. The findings revealed that marketing strategies have a strong positive and statistically significant influence on the growth of SMEs. The regression model showed a strong relationship between the independent and dependent variables (R = 0.802), with marketing strategies explaining 64.4% of the variation in SME growth (R² = 0.644). The overall regression model was statistically significant (F = 37.345, p < 0.001), confirming that marketing strategies collectively have a significant effect on SME growth. Among the predictor variables, product strategy emerged as the strongest determinant of SME growth (ß = 0.480, p < 0.001), while pricing strategy and promotion strategy also had positive and statistically significant effects. The study concludes that effective implementation of product, pricing, and promotion strategies significantly enhances the growth of SMEs in Pallisa Town Council. The study recommends that SME owners prioritize product development, adopt competitive pricing policies, and strengthen promotional activities to improve business performance and achieve sustainable growth. Keywords: Marketing strategies, small and medium enterprises, growth, Pallisa town council, product strategies, pricing strategies, promotion strategiesItem THE STUDENT TEACHERS' LINGUISTIC REASONING PROCESSES(NELIMA JUDITH, 2026-09-30) NELIMA JUDITHThis research report explores the linguistic reasoning processes of student teachers, focusing on how they formulate linguistic questions, consult relevant sources and construct arguments. The study was conducted at Busitema University, involving 32 student teachers from the Education program. The primary aim was to understand the mechanisms underlying their linguistic engagement to inform pedagogical improvements. The problem addressed is the observed gap in student teachers' ability to engage deeply with linguistic concepts which affects their teaching efficacy. The purpose was to analyze their reasoning processes with specific objectives: (1) to examine how student teachers ask linguistic questions, (2) to investigate how they consult linguistic sources and (3) to assess how they build argumentation. Research questions included: What strategies do student teachers use to formulate linguistic questions? What types of sources do they prefer and why? How do they structure arguments based on linguistic evidence? A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, interviews and observation of classroom activities. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Validity was ensured through triangulation and ethical considerations included informed consent and anonymity. Findings revealed that student teachers often asked surface-level questions due to limited exposure, primarily consulted online sources like dictionaries and academic websites and built arguments through logical sequencing but struggled with evidence integration. Interpretation linked these to curriculum deficiencies, suggesting enhanced training in critical linguistics. Conclusions highlight the need for targeted interventions with recommendations for curriculum reform, further research on digital literacy in linguistics and policy changes to integrate reasoning skills in teacher education. This study contributes to improving student teachers' linguistic proficiency, ultimately benefiting language education outcomes.Item ADSORPTION AND KINETICS OF LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN FROM WASTEWATER USING ACTIVATED CARBON FROM BANANA PEELINGS BIOMASS(CHEROP RAEL, 2026) CHEROP RAELThe 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.Item THE STUDENT TEACHERS' LINGUISTIC REASONING PROCESSES(NELIMA JUDITH, 2026-09-30) NELIMA JUDITHThis research report explores the linguistic reasoning processes of student teachers, focusing on how they formulate linguistic questions, consult relevant sources and construct arguments. The study was conducted at Busitema University, involving 32 student teachers from the Education program. The primary aim was to understand the mechanisms underlying their linguistic engagement to inform pedagogical improvements. The problem addressed is the observed gap in student teachers' ability to engage deeply with linguistic concepts which affects their teaching efficacy. The purpose was to analyze their reasoning processes with specific objectives: (1) to examine how student teachers ask linguistic questions, (2) to investigate how they consult linguistic sources and (3) to assess how they build argumentation. Research questions included: What strategies do student teachers use to formulate linguistic questions? What types of sources do they prefer and why? How do they structure arguments based on linguistic evidence? A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, interviews and observation of classroom activities. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Validity was ensured through triangulation and ethical considerations included informed consent and anonymity. Findings revealed that student teachers often asked surface-level questions due to limited exposure, primarily consulted online sources like dictionaries and academic websites and built arguments through logical sequencing but struggled with evidence integration. Interpretation linked these to curriculum deficiencies, suggesting enhanced training in critical linguistics. Conclusions highlight the need for targeted interventions with recommendations for curriculum reform, further research on digital literacy in linguistics and policy changes to integrate reasoning skills in teacher education. This study contributes to improving student teachers' linguistic proficiency, ultimately benefiting language education outcomes.Item Context-specific recommendations and strategies for promoting the adoption of feed technologies in the cattle enterprise: A case study in Asuret subcounty and Soroti west division, Soroti city, Uganda(Busitema University, 2026) Emaat, EmmanuelCattle production in Uganda is constrained by seasonal fluctuations in the availability and quality of forage, which can affect animal performance and the reliability of feed supply. Feed technologies such as haymaking offer an opportunity to conserve forage and improve feed availability during periods of pasture scarcity. This study aimed to generate context-specific evidence to support recommendations and strategies for promoting the adoption of feed technologies within the cattle enterprise. The study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design to compare cattle fed on hay with those maintained on pasture in Asuret Sub- County and Soroti West Division, Soroti City. It assessed feed intake, water intake, weight gain and milk productivity. Additional contextual information was obtained from two farmers to provide practical insights relevant to the use of feed technologies. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, independent-samples t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and a linear mixed-effects model for repeated milk-production measurements, with statistical significance assessed at the 5% level. Results showed significant differences in recorded feed intake between the hay and pasture groups (U = 0.00, p < .001), with pasture-fed cattle recording higher feed consumption. Water intake was also significantly different (U = 1024, p < .001), with hay-fed cattle recording higher drinking-water consumption. No significant difference was observed in weight gain between treatments (U = 148.0, p = .443), and baseline-adjusted Week 4 body weight also showed no significant treatment effect (F = 0.256, p = .617). Milk productivity differed significantly between treatments, with significant effects of treatment, week and treatment-by-week interaction (p < .001), although the mixed-effects model showed convergence and near-singularity concerns that require cautious interpretation. Overall, the findings indicate that hay and pasture have outcome-specific implications, rather than one system being universally superior. The study recommends integrating feed and water management, routine monitoring of animal performance, reliable baseline measurements, practical extension support, and assessment of forage quality and availability when promoting feed technologies. Further research using larger samples, longer study periods and well-controlled experimental designs is recommended to strengthen the evidence base for context-specific cattle feeding strategies.Item DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LOW-COST DUAL-MODULE FLUID MECHANICS APPARATUS FOR A-LEVEL PHYSICS INSTRUCTION(2026-09-29) KISULE, LATIFUThis study addressed the persistent "practical deficit" in physics education within Ugandan secondary schools, a challenge exacerbated by the high cost of imported laboratory equipment and the structural demands of the 2025 National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) competency-based syllabus. The primary objective of this research was to design, fabricate, and empirically validate a low-cost, durable, and integrated fluid mechanics instructional apparatus utilizing locally sourced, post-consumer polymers. The engineered system comprises two distinct operational units: a Fluid Statics Module employing a master-slave arrangement of graduated polystyrene syringes to model Pascal’s Principle, and a Fluid Dynamics Module combining recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle funnels and transparent Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) conduits to construct a functional Venturi flow tube with integrated piezometric manometers. Quantitative testing and calibration trials were conducted in the Department of Physics Education laboratory at Busitema University to evaluate the metrological accuracy of the apparatus. The Fluid Statics Module demonstrated excellent hydrostatic reliability, yielding an experimental force amplification deviation of only 4.9% from the theoretical geometric area ratio. Concurrently, the Fluid Dynamics Module successfully mapped localized pressure head drops as fluid velocity accelerated through the Venturi throat, maintaining an operational error margin of 9.2% under steady flow conditions. Both values fall safely within the 10% maximum error threshold mandated for Advanced Level physics practical examinations. Additionally, localized dye-injection configurations allowed for the direct visual identification of laminar-to-turbulent flow transitions. These findings indicate that localized material improvisation using engineering grade scrap polymers offers a scientifically precise, economically viable, and pedagogically transformative alternative to conventional imported laboratory glassware, effectively bridging the gap between abstract fluid theory and classroom experimentation.Item DRIVERS OF GROUNDNUT FARMERS HOUSEHOLD MARKET PARTICIPATION DECISIONS IN KATETA SUB-COUNTY, SERERE DISTRICT(BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, 2026-09-28) OKWOTO SOLOMONThis study examined the drivers of groundnut farmers' intra-household market participation decisions in Kateta Sub-county, Serere District, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: characterize smallholder groundnut farmers according to their market participation status; determine the socio-economic factors influencing intra-household market participation decisions; and identify the major challenges affecting market participation among smallholder groundnut farmers. A cross-sectional research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. Primary data were collected from 150 randomly selected smallholder groundnut farmers using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed significant differences between market participants and non-market participants in terms of age (p = 0.017), household size (p = 0.049), quantity harvested (p = 0.003), years of growing groundnuts (p = 0.006), land size (p = 0.036), quantity sold (p = 0.001), and selling price (p = 0.012). Education level (χ² =2.25, p=0.028 and main occupation (χ² =6.20, p=0.013 were significantly associated with market participation, while gender and marital status showed no significant association. Binary logistic regression analysis further indicated that age (B=-0.041, p=0.031 and household size (B=-0.118, P=0.023) significantly influenced household market participation decisions, while gender, marital status, education level, main occupation, fertilizer application, access to credit, extension services and agricultural training were not strategically significant predictors in the fitted model. The study also identified several constraints affecting market participation, including low prices, inadequate access to reliable markets, poor road infrastructure, high transport costs, limited access to market information, inadequate capital and week institutional support. These constraints reduced farmers ability to commercialize groundnut production and limited household income.Item Sheenah and the rat surprise(Daily Monitor, 2026-05-23) Mugabe, ArnoldOn the first day of the first term holiday, Sheenah had one mission, which was to keep their house spotless. It was a declaration of war against house pests. She was dead serious, and before long the entire house sparkled day and night, until all pests began migrating.Item FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS SCREENING AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN MBALE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL(2026-09-25) Musana, Henry godfreyThe growing dual burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. T2DM increases the risk of developing active TB and is associated with poorer TB treatment outcomes, including delayed sputum conversion, treatment failure, relapse and mortality. Despite national and global recommendations for bidirectional screening, implementation of T2DM screening among TB patients remains suboptimal in many settings, including Uganda, leading to missed diagnoses and poor treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with TB screened for T2DM, assess factors associated with T2DM screening, and explore healthcare worker and health system barriers and facilitators affecting implementation at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed. The quantitative phase used a cross-sectional review of 310 TB patient records selected from an eligible sampling frame of 532 records, while the qualitative phase used key informant interviews with healthcare workers involved in TB and diabetes care. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using the six phases described by Braun and Clarke. Overall, 18.1% (56/310) of patients with TB were screened for T2DM. Among those screened, 44.6% (25/56) had normal blood glucose, 42.9% (24/56) had prediabetes, 8.9% (5/56) were newly identified with T2DM, and 3.6% (2/56) were already known to have T2DM. In the final multivariable model, age 50 years and above and rural residence were independently associated with T2DM screening. Drug resistant TB showed a strong bivariate association with screening but was not estimated as an independent predictor because near universal screening in this group produced quasi complete separation. Qualitative findings identified commodity shortages, weak service integration, workload, documentation burden and selective screening as major barriers, while guidance, training, supervision, routine data use and availability of TB and diabetes services were facilitators. T2DM screening among patients with TB at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital was low and selective rather than routine. The findings indicate important missed opportunities for early detection, including five newly identified T2DM cases among the 56 patients screened. Strengthening screening requires reliable commodities, clearer integration of TB and diabetes services, routine documentation and review of screening indicators, and continuous healthcare worker mentorship.Item 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, CharlesThis 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.Item Prevalence and Influencing Factors to Malnutrition among Children 5–17 Years with Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Uganda(Busitema University, 2026) Mukhokosi, JanetABSTRACT Background Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a public health concern, with an estimated burden of 7.74 million people living with sickle cell disease. SCD places a nutritional burden on individuals affected. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among individuals with SCD, affecting patients of different age groups and disease severities. It remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the existence of this problem, there is limited literature about the prevalence and influencing factors of malnutrition among children 5-17 years with SCD at Mbale regional referral hospital Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, employing a quantitative approach. Data were collected at one point in time from 331 children with sickle cell disease and their caregivers attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A structured questionnaire administered through KoboCollect was used as the main data collection tool. The tool was developed by the researcher with guidance and adaptation from existing validated tools commonly used in nutrition research, including WHO/UNICEF child nutrition guidelines. Data were analyzed using Stata version 18, and the findings were triangulated. Results: Of the 331 children assessed, 46.83% were malnourished based on BMI-for-age classification, and 28.10% had a MUAC measurement below 14.9 cm, indicating risk of acute undernutrition. Age (p=0.04), breastfeeding status (p=0.04), and meal frequency (p<0.001) were significantly associated with malnutrition at the bivariate level. On multivariate analysis, hospitalization in the past six months (AOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.94, p=0.034), severe shoulder muscle wasting (AOR=2.90, 95% CI: 0.10–8.49, p=0.047), and the presence of ascites (AOR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.99, p=0.047) remained independently associated with malnutrition. Conclusion: The study established a high prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 5–17 years with sickle cell disease in Eastern Uganda and identified hospitalization history, severe shoulder muscle wasting, and ascites as the key independent predictors. These findings can be used by MRRH to strengthen routine nutritional screening and inform policy makers on the burden of malnutrition among older children with SCD.Item A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi DamarisThis 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.Item Haruna Kasolo on why 'NRM bounced back in Buganda'(Daily Monitor, 2026-05-23) Kiyonga, DerrickHaruna Kasolo the outgoing State Minister for Finance in-charge of Microfinance and Small Enterprises, retook the Kyotera County slot from National Unity Platform's Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago. In an interview with Derrick Kiyonga, he explains why he thinks the ruling NRM party is still loved in Buganda and it's relationship with the Catholic Church.Item A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi DamarisThis 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.Item Effect of the parish development model on cattle productivity and household income in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda(Busitema University, 2026-09-21) Auta, AmosThis study examined the effect of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on cattle production and household income of farmers in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda. Government has had various interventions to improve productivity and household income of farmers to remove them from subsistence agriculture. However some of these interventions have not had good results to remove people from poverty. The PDM was launched in 2021 but little information exists on how it has improved productivity and income of farmers. Data was collected using questionnaires where 202 PDM beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were selected randomly in two selected Sub Counties of Amuria District. The study employed structured questionnaires incorporating Likert-scale items to measure perceptions on cattle production improvements, household income changes, and challenges faced. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, Results of the study showed that PDM has positively influenced cattle productivity by improving milk yields from a mean of 32.9l/month-38.4l/month per each household and income from it by 16.6% and 136.6% respectively giving an average of UGX 27.899-65.876. Results also indicated that a live weight of cattle increment of 61.2%, was realized by farmers engaged in livestock fattening though this did not translate into improved income for them because during the time of disbursement of the PDM funds, the demand for animals increased which led to increase in the prices for buying this animals, while the selling price reduced due to increased supply of animals in the market which reduced the income status of this farmers PDM beneficiaries perceived the project to less extent as having improved livestock production and income of its farmers. The biggest challenges reported were livestock diseases through drought and water shortages and limited extension services; delayed release of funds and market access followed. District and Sub County veterinary and extension departments should prioritise PDM cattle beneficiaries for community animal health worker coverage, SACCOs and other fund managers administering the PDM cattle enterprise grant should incorporate basic enterprise recordkeeping and cost budgeting guidance, Local government departments responsible for water-for-production infrastructure should coordinate more closely with PDM cattle enterprise implementation in Amuria District, prioritizing valley tanks, boreholes and other livestock water sources in parishes with a high concentration of PDM cattle beneficiaries. Move an enterprise such as bull fattening, which has an inherently lumpy, longer-cycle return beyond incremental gains.Item PSYCHOLINGUISTICS AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE CLASSROOM AMONG PUPILS AT ROCK VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TORORO DISTRICT, UGANDA.(2026-09-17) SHARON, ASIOThis study investigates the application of psycholinguistic principles in the teaching and learning processes among pupils at Rock View Primary School in Tororo District, Uganda. Psycholinguistics, as an interdisciplinary field combining psychology and linguistics, focuses on understanding how the human mind processes, acquires, and produces language. In the context of primary education, the application of psycholinguistic knowledge can enhance pupils’ comprehension, reading, and oral communication skills, especially in multilingual settings such as Uganda, where English is used as the medium of instruction for learners whose first language is different. Language plays a central role in the cognitive and academic development of learners. However, in many Ugandan schools, the teaching of language often emphasizes content delivery over understanding how pupils mentally process and internalize language concepts. As a result, many pupils face persistent challenges in reading, comprehension, and effective communication. The current curriculum does not fully integrate psycholinguistic strategies, and most teachers have limited knowledge of how to apply them in classroom instruction. This gap in teaching methodology has contributed to low literacy levels and limited learner engagement in language related subjects. The purpose of this study is to examine how psycholinguistic principles can be practically incorporated into classroom instruction to improve pupils’ language acquisition and overall academic performance. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the extent to which the current primary school curriculum integrates psycholinguistic principles, evaluate teachers’ knowledge and competence in applying psycholinguistic strategies, and determine the impact of these strategies on pupils’ reading, comprehension, and oral communication skills. Through this analysis, the study aims to provide recommendations for improving language teaching methods and curriculum design in Ugandan primary schools. The study will be guided by the following objectives: to examine the extent to which the curriculum integrates psycholinguistic principles; to determine the impact of psycholinguistic strategy application on pupils’ language skills; and to propose recommendations for teacher professional development and curriculum improvement. The research questions will focus on how teachers understand and apply psycholinguistic approaches, what challenges they face in implementation, and what outcomes these strategies have on learners’ performance.Item FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF LESS EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG WOMEN USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA(2026-09-15) Chebet, StellaBackground: Unintended pregnancy remains a major public health challenge in Kenya. Despite increasing contraceptive uptake, some women continue to use less-effective contraceptive methods, which are associated with higher typical-use failure rates and increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Evidence on the prevalence and determinants of less-effective contraceptive use remains limited. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with use of less-effective contraceptive methods among women using family planning in Nandi County, Kenya. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 422 women aged 18–49 years using family planning methods in Nandi County, Kenya. Participants were selected through multistage sampling and all 422 sampled women completed the interview. Data were collected from May to July 2026 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in KoboToolbox and analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Overall, 25.4% (107/422) of participants used less-effective contraceptive methods, with the Standard Days Method being the most commonly used (17.8%). Fear of side effects was the leading reported reason for use (95.3%). Utilization was significantly associated with age 25–34 years (aPR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.30), age 35–49 years (aPR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.84), marital status (aPR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65), employment status (aPR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91), partner-influenced contraceptive choice (aPR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03–2.20), never having visited a health facility for contraceptive services (aPR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.32–4.46), not discussing family planning with a partner (aPR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.16–0.63), and reporting that contraceptive stock-outs was associated with less effective contraceptive choice (aPR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.37–0.99). Conclusion: Less-effective contraceptive use was common among family planning users in Nandi County. Strengthening contraceptive counselling and community-based interventions may support informed contraceptive choice and reduce reliance on less-effective methods.