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Item Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Factors, Bacterial Isolates and Antibacterial Susceptibility Patterns Among Febrile Children Under Five Years Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital(Busitema Universty, 2026-09-16) Mathias BadaazaBackground: Fever is a common presentation among children under five years, and urinary tract infection is an important diagnosis to consider because clinical features may be nonspecific in young children. Local bacterial isolate and antibacterial susceptibility data are also important for guiding treatment. This study assessed bacterial urinary tract infections, associated factors, bacterial isolates and antibacterial susceptibility patterns among febrile children aged 2 to 59 months attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 328 febrile children aged 2 to 59 months at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical assessment. Urine specimens were obtained by sterile in and out catheterisation or clean catch midstream collection. Urine culture was used to identify significant bacterial growth, isolates were identified using standard microbiological procedures, and antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, CLSI interpretive criteria. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with bacterial urinary tract infection, UTI. Results: Ninety of the 328 participants had culture confirmed bacterial UTI, giving a prevalence of 27.4%. Uncircumcised male children were 2.1 more likely to have bacterial UTI compared to the circumcised children, (adjusted Prevalence Ratio, aPR 2.1, 95% Confidence interval, CI 1.022 - 4.396, p = 0.044). 97 bacterial isolates were identified from 90 febrile children with 7 children having duo isolates. Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified isolate, 25.8%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, 16.5%. Susceptibility was generally higher to imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and piperacillin tazobactam, while lower susceptibility was observed for several commonly used agents including ampicillin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Culture confirmed bacterial UTI was identified nearly 1 in 3 febrile children aged 2 to 59 months in this study. lack of circumcision among boys was associated with bacterial UTI. The bacterial isolate and susceptibility findings support the use of locally generated microbiological evidence to guide treatment decisions and antimicrobial stewardship. Keywords: Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection, Febrile Children, Bacterial Isolates, Antibacterial Susceptibility, Antimicrobial Resistance.Item SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION(Busitema University, 2026-09-16) NAKKU JOANITAHABSTRACT This study examined social media platforms and mathematics achievement among university students: A case study of Busitema University, Faculty of Science and Education. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design, the study targeted a population of 850 mathematics education students. A representative sample of 272 students was selected using simple random sampling, and data was collected via structured self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive analysis revealed that WhatsApp and YouTube were the most frequently used social media platforms for academic and non-academic activities whereas the inferential analysis using a simple linear regression model (Y = β₀ + β₁X + ε) demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship between average daily hours spent on social media (X) and students' final mathematics percentage grades (Y). The model accounted for approximately 26.16% of the variance in mathematics achievement (R2 = 0.2616, F (1, 270) = 97.7, p <.001) where the slope coefficient (β₁= -2.3725) indicated that for every additional hour spent daily on social media platforms, a student's mathematics percentage score decreased by 2.37 percentage points. Consequently, the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected. The study concluded that excessive, unguided daily social media usage duration displaces essential self-regulated study and practice intervals, thereby lowering mathematics performance. It is recommended that the faculty of science and education establish structured digital time-management guidelines and integrate academically focused online peer-learning groups to mitigate social media induced cognitive distraction, guide students toward video tutorial usage and establish self-regulatory frameworks to limit daily recreational screen time.Item Medical Doctor(Busitema University, 2026-09-16) Walter AkolBackground: Virologic non-suppression, defined in this study as a viral load of at least 1,000 copies/mL at six months after ART initiation, increases the risk of HIV disease progression, opportunistic infections, drug resistance and mortality. Children living with HIV continue to experience lower viral suppression than adults. This study determined virologic non-suppression at six months, described six-month clinical status and assessed associated factors among children aged 2 to 14 years receiving first-line ART at the Chronic Care Clinic of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of children aged 2 to 14 years on first-line antiretroviral therapy at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Chronic Care Clinic. All eligible records were included. Data were abstracted on socio-demographic characteristics, antiretroviral therapy history, adherence, clinical status, opportunistic infections, nutritional status, and viral load outcomes. Virologic non-suppression was defined as viral load of at least 1,000 copies per millilitre after at least six months of antiretroviral therapy. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression. Adjusted prevalence ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p values were reported. Results: A total of 274 children’s records were analysed. Overall, 23.7% of the children had not achieved virological suppression after six months of antiretroviral therapy. Of the children, 49.3% were in World Health Organisation clinical stage II, while 28.8% were in stage III or IV. Opportunistic infections were documented 32.7% of children. The factors independently associated with virologic non-suppression were caregivers being relatives other than parents [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 to 3.93], poor treatment adherence [aPR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.53 to 5.51], World Health Organization clinical stage III or IV [aPR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.01 to 3.02], and having opportunistic infections at six months [aPR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.12] at six months in Conclusion: Virologic non-suppression was common among children on first-line antiretroviral therapy at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Strengthening adherence support, caregiver-centred follow-up, clinical monitoring, and timely management of opportunistic infections is critical for improving paediatric human immunodeficiency virus treatment outcomes.Item One party, one pulpit, same tyranny(Daily Monitor, 2026-02-22) Tacca, AlanThe 49th anniversary of the murder of Archbishop Janani Luwum during Idi Amin’s rule comes when Uganda has just witnessed one of the ugliest election cycles in the country’s history. Many sober citizens cannot figure out how the ruling NRM will design and engineer its continuity in power without resorting to naked barbarism.Item WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(case study SIPI FALLS KAPCHORWA)(CHEPKWEMOI DAMARIS, 2026-09-16) 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 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VIRAL LOAD NON-SUPPRESSION AMONG OLDER PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV IN MBALE CITY(2026-09-07) Kisige EmmanuelBackground: Viral load suppression (VLS) is a key indicator of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). Evidence on viral load non-suppression (VLNS) among older persons aged 60 years and above in Sub-Saharan Africa remains limited and inconsistent. In Uganda, VLNS among older persons is estimated at 7.5%-12.1%, but facility-based evidence on associated factors is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of VLNS and associated socio-demographic and clinical factors among older persons living with HIV (OPHIV) in Mbale City. Methodology: A facility-based cross-sectional study using secondary data from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Mbale. Data were extracted from Electronic Medical Records and HIV Care Cards for all eligible OPHIV aged ≥60 years who had been on ART for at least six months and had documented viral load results between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025. VLNS was defined as a plasma viral load of ≥200 copies/mL. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. Results: A total of 1,476 OPHIV were included, comprising 718 from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and 758 from TASO Mbale. The mean age was 65.6±5.1 years; 59.7% (n=881) were female, and 81.8% (n=1207) resided in rural areas. Overall, 10.0% (95% CI: 8.5-11.6) had VLNS. In the multivariable analysis, study site (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04-2.48), male sex (aOR 4.27, 95% CI: 2.81-6.48), rural residence (aOR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.22-4.10), non-DTG-based ART (aOR 13.66, 95% CI: 8.53-21.87), and polypharmacy (aOR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.01-3.21) were independently associated with higher odds of VLNS. Conclusion: VLNS affected one in ten OPHIV in Mbale City. Targeted HIV care for older men and rural residents, ART optimization, strengthened HIV service delivery, and routine medication review may help reduce VLNS among OPHIV.Item TLC-BIOAUTOGRAPHY GUIDED IDENTIFICATION AND GC-MS CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL COMPOUNDS FROM CANNABIS SATIVA LEAVES(busitema university, 2026) obuni,judeThe emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for novel antibacterial agents from natural sources. This study aimed to localize, recover and tentatively characterize antibacterial constituents from Cannabis sativa leaves using TLC-bioautography-guided isolation followed by GC-MS analysis. Fresh Cannabis sativa leaves were collected, dried and extracted by maceration using three solvents of increasing polarity, namely hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The crude extracts were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) using direct TLC-bioautography with resazurin dye as a microbial-growth indicator. The extracts produced distinct inhibition zones (blue or colourless regions against a pink background) against both bacterial strains, with a visually more pronounced response observed for S. aureus, consistent with the absence of an outer membrane in Gram-positive bacteria; this observation is descriptive rather than quantitative, as inhibition-zone measurements and replicate testing were not performed. Ethyl acetate produced four cleanly separated spots with no co-elution under the hexane:ethyl acetate (7:3) TLC mobile-phase system used, indicating that the ethyl acetate extract yielded the cleanest chromatographic profile among the three extracts. Ethanol produced six spots with co-elution at a retardation factor (Rf) of 0.4, while hexane produced five spots with co-elution at Rf 0.5. GC-MS analysis of the recovered active bands from the ethanol extract generated tentative, library-based annotations for several constituents, including a compound provisionally annotated as a Cannflavin-related flavonoid (consistent with 2’,4’-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methylflavone) from Spot 2 (Rf 0.5), a compound provisionally annotated as oleanolic acid from Spot 3 (Rf 0.4), and fatty-acid esters including methyl palmitate, methyl stearate and methyl oleate. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were associated primarily with putative alkanes (eicosane, heneicosane), fatty-acid esters and sterol-related compounds. Because these assignments rest on GC-MS spectral-library matching without confirmation by authentic standards, retention-index comparison, or complementary spectroscopy, and because no minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or dose-response data were generated for isolated compounds, all compound identities and potency comparisons reported here should be regarded as tentative rather than confirmed. Within this limitation, the study indicates that Cannabis sativa leaf extracts contain multiple chromatographically separable constituents associated with antibacterial activity, with the ethanol extract yielding the constituents of greatest apparent interest despite co-elution, and the ethyl acetate extract offering the cleanest analytical separation. These findings provide preliminary, exploratory support for the traditional use of Cannabis sativa in managing bacterial infections and identify candidate bands — most notably the putative Cannflavin-related flavonoid — that warrant purification, structural confirmation and quantitative antibacterial testing in future work.Item Adsorption And Kinetics Of Thiamethoxam From Wastewater Using Activated Carbon From Rice Straws Biomass(2026-08-28) Muwanguzi, JoshuaThiamethoxam (TMX) is a highly toxic neonicotinoid pesticide, and its entry into water sources endangers both human and aquatic life, necessitating the development of a low-cost, eco-friendly adsorbent for its removal. In this study, we examined the adsorption of Thiamethoxam from Aqueous solutions using Rice straw Activated Carbon (RSAC) as a low-cost and environmental friendly adsorbent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Rice Straw Activated Carbon in removing Thiamethoxam under varying operational conditions including contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration and solution pH. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out and residual concentrations were determined using a UV-Vis spectrometry based on a calibration curve. The results showed that adsorption efficiency increased with contact time reaching equilibrium at approximately 120 minutes. Adsorption was enhanced by increasing adsorbent dosage, while higher initial Thiamethoxam concentrations resulted in reduced percentage removal due to saturation of active sites. The optimum adsorption occurred at pH 6, a contact time of 120 minutes, and a dosage of 0.5 g adsorbent, with a maximum removal efficiency of 84.6%. Characterisation of the Rice Straw Activated Carbon using the Scanning Electron Microscope revealed a highly porous and heterogeneous surface structure. At the same time, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of functional groups such as OH and C-O, which facilitated adsorption interactions. Equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption. Kinetic studies showed that Pseudo Second Order model provided the best fit, indicating that chemisorption was the dominant rate controlling mechanism. The findings demonstrated that Rice Straw Activated Carbon is an effective, low cost, and sustainable adsorbent for removal of Thiamethoxam from contaminated Water.Item AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FARMERS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF BIO PESTICIDES IN CONTROLLING FIELD PESTS OF CABBAGE IN BUNANGO PARISH, NALWANZA SUB COUNTY, BUDUDA DISTRICT.(Busitema University, 2026-09-15) Kutosi, Michael WeswaABSTRACT This study investigates the farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the use of bio-pesticides in controlling field pests of cabbage in Bunango Parish, Nalwanza Sub-county, Bududa District, Uganda. Cabbage production is an important economic activity and a major source of livelihood for smallholder farmers in the area. However, productivity has continuously been threatened by destructive field pests such as aphids, diamondback moths, cutworms, flea beetles, and whiteflies, which significantly reduce yields and market quality. As a result, many farmers heavily rely on synthetic chemical pesticides whose prolonged and indiscriminate use has contributed to environmental pollution, pesticide resistance, increased production costs, health risks, and contamination of water sources and agricultural produce. The study findings revealed that although a number of farmers have heard about bio-pesticides and acknowledge their environmental and health benefits, the majority still depend on synthetic pesticides due to perceptions that bio-pesticides are less effective, slow acting, labor-intensive, and not readily available. Limited technical knowledge, inadequate agricultural extension services, lack of training opportunities, high poverty levels, and poor access to reliable bio-pesticide products were identified as major barriers to adoption. The study further established that cabbage farming remains highly profitable in Nalwanza Sub-county despite the numerous production challenges faced by farmers. The study concludes that bio-pesticides have great potential in promoting sustainable cabbage production, improving food safety, reducing environmental degradation, and lowering health risks associated with synthetic chemicals. However, their successful adoption requires intensive farmer sensitization, practical training, improved access to extension services, government support, establishment of demonstration gardens, and strengthening of local farmer groups. The study therefore recommends increased investment in farmer education programs, promotion of integrated pest management strategies, subsidization of bio-pesticide inputs, and collaborative efforts between government agencies, researchers, and non-governmental organizations to encourage sustainable agricultural practices among smallholder cabbage farmers in Bududa District and Uganda at large.Item A Stacked Ensemble Machine Learning Model for Predicting Ionospheric Total Electron Content Over Uganda(Busitema University, 2026-09-15) Adriko, Norbert BakoleIonospheric 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.Item Coffee Disease Detection System(2026-09-14) odoi immanuelItem THE FAMILY BACKGROUND INFLUENCE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PHYSICS STUDENTS IN THE COMPETENCE BASED CURRICULUM IN DABANI SUBCOUNTY, BUSIA DISTRICT(BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, 2026-09-12) MUGENI STEPHENThe study was set to establish the family background influence on the academic performance of physics in the competency-based curriculum in Dabani subcounty, Busia district. The study was guided by the following objectives; to find out if socioeconomic status of parents influences their student’s academic performance in physics, to find out whether educational attainment of parents affect their student’s academic performance in physic and to find out the influence of family size on the educational upbringing of physics students. A survey research design made use of collected data from 80 respondents were selected. Questionnaires, interviews were used, teachers and students were positively selected as they were the key source of information and students were selected using simple random sampling. The study revealed that the family background of the student influences his or her performance in physics in the CBC because the performance in physics was poor and the enrollment of students in advanced level was very low. Students had no educational resources like the textbooks and even books for writing their notes. Some students take a year without paying tuition especially those from the low- income families. Students are not given attention and help from parents because of no education of most parents. This information can be used for academic purposes to improve on their performance in physics.Item IMPACT OF X-CLASS SOLAR FLARES ON GPS 𝑳𝟏 AND 𝑳𝟐 SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO (SNR) AT NAGONGERA RECEIVER, UGANDA DURING THE SOLAR CYCLE 25 MAXIMUM.(BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, 2026-09-11) BESIGYE,BoazThe 2025–2026 maximum of Solar Cycle 25 was characterised by frequent X-class solar flares capable of producing intense X-ray radiation that can disrupt GPS signal propagation through the ionosphere. Uganda's Busitema University GNSS (BUSG) receiver at Nagongera is located in the equatorial ionospheric region, where GPS signals are strongly influenced by the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA). However, the frequency-specific effects of X-class solar flares on GPS signal quality at this station have not previously been investigated. This study assessed the impact of four daytime X-class solar flare events (X5.1, X4.0, X1.6, and X4.2) that occurred between November 2025 and February 2026 on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of GPS L1 and L2 signals. SNR time series were extracted from observation files, and flare-induced degradation was quantified by comparing flare-period observations with a 30minute pre-flare baseline. The results showed that the L2 signal consistently experienced greater degradation than L1 during all four flare events. The X5.1 flare produced the largest reduction in L2 SNR, with values falling below the commonly used carrier-tracking threshold, indicating a likely loss-of-lock condition. During the X4.2 event, the observed vulnerability ratio closely matched the prediction of the Appleton-Hartree theory, providing empirical support for its application under equatorial ionospheric conditions. These findings demonstrate that X-class solar flares can significantly degrade dual-frequency GPS signal quality at Nagongera and highlight the importance of incorporating space weather information into GNSS-based geodetic and positioning operations in Uganda.Item Bioethanol production from waste pineapple peelings as a value addition approach to waste management(Busitema university, 2026-09-11) NAMULINDA, MABLEBioethanol production from agricultural wastes has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to renewable energy generation and environmental conservation due to the increasing accumulation of agricultural and fruit wastes and inadequate waste management and poor disposal practices. This study focuses on the production of bioethanol from agricultural fruit waste with a specific focus on pineapple peelings as a value addition approach to waste management. Large quantities of pineapple peelings are discarded from homes, markets and fruit processing industries, leading to environmental pollution from unpleasant odors and poor waste disposal practices, so, there is need to develop a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to manage wastes and value to them through fermentation process and produce sustainable bioethanol. Pineapple peelings contain considerable amounts of fermentable sugars that can be converted into useful products like bioethanol. The main objectives of the study were: to produce and determine the concentration of bioethanol from fresh and dried pineapple peelings then compare the yield. Ripe pineapple peelings, both dried and fresh were subjected to pretreatment by pounding and blending respectively to form fine mixture and powder, then acid hydrolysis using 5 % sulphuric acid to break the complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars, then added sodium hydroxide to neutralize the acid. Fermentation was then carried out using yeast, baker’s yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) and distillation to obtain bioethanol. The findings revealed that both fresh and dried pineapple peelings successfully produced bioethanol, although dried pineapple peelings yielded higher concentration of ethanol compared to fresh peelings. This difference was attributed to the higher concentration of fermentable sugars present in the dried substrate due to reduced moisture content. The study therefore demonstrates that pineapple peel waste can effectively be utilized for bioethanol production, thereby reducing environmental waste while generating a valuable renewable energy. Therefore, the study demonstrates the potential of converting agricultural waste into economically and environmentally beneficial products.Item Projected future habitat suitability of selected medicinal plants in Eastern Uganda under climate change: a maxent modelling approach(Busitema university, 2026-09-11) WANZALA, Andrew JacobThe selected medicinal plants are a source of primary health care for both poor communities and those in developing countries. They are an alternative for synthetic drugs in places with limited health facilities, and in some areas, they are resorted to for their safety and low toxicity. However, accurate prediction of the future distribution of these MPs under changing environmental conditions has, until now, not been available, limiting the conservation strategies that could be planned in advance of anticipated habitat change. The area of study was selected using purposive sampling from information sources such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Makerere University Herbarium (MUH), supplemented by field-collected GPS occurrence and elevation data. The changes in five environmental variables (land use, slope, precipitation, temperature, and soil factors) were projected using MaxEnt software, and the future distribution was mapped for two horizons, 2040 and 2060, alongside a current-conditions baseline for comparison. The projections show that most of the nine focal species are expected to retain broadly stable habitat suitability surfaces through 2040 and 2060, with the most spatially restricted species Warburgia ugandaensis and Croton macrostachyus projected to remain confined to their current narrow southern range with no new refugia emerging elsewhere in the country. Tephrosia linearis is the exception, with its currently even distribution projected to fragment into a mosaic of high- and low-suitability patches in north-eastern Uganda by 2060. The environmental variables of mean annual temperature, elevation, precipitation, and land use/cover were identified as the primary drivers of the projected future distribution.Item THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL ILLITERACY, PERFORMANCE AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SMEs. A CASE STUDY OF BUKEDEA TRADING TOWN, BUKEDEA DISTRICT.(2026-09-11) OTAI JAMES PETERABSTRACT This preface study examined the relationship between financial illiteracy and SME performance and sustainability of SMEs in Bukedea Trading Town, Bukedea, and the it specifically, it focused; To assess the level of financial illiteracy among SME owners in Bukedea trading, examine the relationship between financial illiteracy on business performance and sustainability in Bukedea trading town and to identify financial management challenges affecting SME owners in Bukedea trading town. A cross-sectional approach was used and both quantitative and qualitative data to collect data from 40 respondents to arrive at the conclusions. The quantitative results produced a relatively low grand mean (2.49) and the Pearsons correlation showed that there is a negative correlation between financial illiteracy and SME performance while the regression results show that a percentage of about 46.8% contributing to SME collapse attribute to financial illiteracy and the remaining comes from other factors. This study has also cited out key problems facing the SMEs in Bukedea such as poor financial records, mixing of funds, poor loan repayment plans, high loan interests and recommends financial training, separating of personal and business funds, and encourages government and SAACO institutions to provide advisory services in order to achieve SME sustainability.Item Assessing Factors Affecting Maize Production of Smallholder Farmers in Pallisa District, A case Study of Olok Sub County(Busitema university, 2026-07-05) Mwanika, James WilliamMaize is a staple crop in Uganda and it bears important implications for poverty alleviation and food security. This thesis aims to assess the factors affecting maize production of smaller households’ farmers in Pallisa district specifically in Olok Sub County. The study used descriptive research design to investigate the factors affecting maize productivity in Olok Sub County. The populations of smallholder farmers in Olok Sub County were 121 and the researcher used a sample size of 57 smaller holder farmers. The researcher made use of questionnaire to collect information for research study. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to smaller holder farmers in Olok Sub County, and the researcher targeted the farmers group in Olok Sub County which regularly meets on. The data was analyzed using descriptive methods only. Research data was presented using the following; frequency tables, and percentages, bar graphs and pie charts. The findings indicated that young farmers adopt technology fast and easy as compared to old farmers. Male-headed households (HHS) are more productive as compared to female-headed HHS. Majority of smallholder farmers (SHFs) in Olok Sub County uses unpaid for family labor as a source of power followed by animal draught power, The main in maize production its fertilizers followed by land preparation. SHFs in Olok Sub County do not practice modern farming methods which are cost effective in maize production for example they do not practice minimum tillage and they do they do not apply herbicides to their crops, but they know that these modern farming methods reduce cost production. Majority of farmers in Olok Sub County do not attend field days however they know the importance of extension services to them. Significant number of SHFs in Olok Sub County Indicated that they have never received loan of which a loan is essential in farming to enable financing of farming practices, Majority of farmers did not sell their maize because less was produced and it was used to feed families. The findings also show that SHFs are aware of climate change and majorities have been affected by it. The researcher then recommended the following; SHFs in Olok Sub County should engage young farmers in their farming practices through employing attaches from colleges and universities, encourage female headed HHS to seek information on different aspects and attend extension services, SHFs cooperate and buy or hire machine power since it prepares the land well and it’s cost effective. The farmers group leader should report to the local government that they are receiving subside late to see if it can be adjusted to effectively use government subsidies. Individual farmers should also be encouraged to use subsidies effective. Farmers should also seek financial information from different financial institutions to and choose the credit facility that is affordable and meet the farmers’ needs.Item PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ABNORMAL LUNG FUNCTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS AGED 12 YEARS AND ABOVE WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN EASTERN UGANDA(2026-09-10) Achiro Kevin; Richard Katuramu; Assoc.Prof.David Mukunyai ABSTRACT Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most prevalent genetic condition in the world caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene. The lungs are among the progressively damaged organs by this condition. The majority of research conducted in Africa is restricted to younger individuals with SCD, and yet there is a downward trajectory in lung function with age. Due to advancements in care, many young people with SCD are living into adulthood, and therefore, it's critical to comprehend the anomalies in lung function that these individuals experience. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with abnormal lung function among adolescents and adults aged 12 years and above with SCD in Eastern Uganda. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among 228 individuals with SCD aged ≥12 years attending the Sickle Cell Clinic (SCC) at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). The inclusion criteria were individuals with SCD aged 12 years and above who provided informed consent or assent, as appropriate. Exclusion criteria included those who were critically ill, had musculoskeletal disorders capable of influencing lung function, verified cases of pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, or any other respiratory illness being treated or diagnosed at the time of enrollment. Lung function was assessed using spirometry. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data were analysed using R version 4.5.2. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and spirometric patterns. Prevalence was estimated with 95% confidence intervals, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with abnormal lung function. ORs, aORs, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values were reported; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of 228 enrolled participants, 218 with valid spirometry were analysed. The median age was 17 years (IQR 14–22), 53.2% were male, 70.6% had a history of recurrent acute chest syndrome, and 92.7% were receiving hydroxyurea therapy. The prevalence of abnormal lung function was 47.2% (103/218; 95% CI: 40.7–53.9%). Restrictive lung pattern was the most common abnormality (48.5%), followed by obstructive pattern with reversibility (26.2%). In multivariable analysis, Haemoglobin levels showed the strongest association, with moderate anaemia (aOR 6.04, 95% CI 2.26 to 16.15, p < 0.001) and severe anaemia (aOR 13.99, 95% CI 4.98 to 39.28, p < 0.001) having higher odds than mild or normal haemoglobin. Each additional year of age was associated with 9% higher odds of abnormal lung function (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17, p = 0.009; likelihood ratio test for age p = 0.007) and non-use of hydroxyurea (aOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.01–12.49; p = 0.049) were independently associated with abnormal lung function. Conclusion Adolescents and adults with SCD frequently have impaired lung function, with a restrictive spirometric pattern being the most common. Significant predictors included growing older, anaemia, and non-use of hydroxyurea. Pulmonary outcomes may be improved by routine lung function evaluation, proper management of anaemia, and optimisation of disease-modifying treatment.Item AN EXAMINATION OF BETRAYAL IN IYOLWA VILLAGE IN TORORO DISTRICT VERSUS BETRAYAL IN THE NOVEL, DEVIL ON THE CROSS(Busitema University, 2026-09-10) Nyabel LindahThis study explored the theme of betrayal as evidenced in Iyolwa Village, Tororo District, and as depicted in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Devil on the Cross. Betrayal was defined as the breaking of trust or loyalty and was examined as one of the most destructive moral vices affecting both individuals and society. The study investigated how betrayal manifested within human relationships politically, socially, and economically, and how literature reflected such lived realities. Findings from Iyolwa Village revealed that betrayal was increasingly manifested through leadership corruption, dishonesty in family and business relationships, infidelity, and the neglect of societal norms and values. Such practices weakened social cohesion and undermined development. Data collected through interviews and discussions indicated that personal greed, competition for limited resources, and declining moral discipline were key drivers of betrayal. Cultural elders further observed that the erosion of traditional values such as loyalty, togetherness, and truthfulness made betrayal more prevalent in contemporary society. In Devil on the Cross, Ngugi wa Thiong’o portrayed betrayal on a broader national scale, illustrating how Kenyan elites betrayed their country by collaborating with foreign exploiters. Characters such as Mwireri wa Mukiraai and participants in the “Feast of the Devils” symbolized leaders who sacrificed the welfare of their people for personal gain. At the interpersonal level, betrayal was also evident in broken relationships, particularly in Wariinga’s story, where love, exploitation, and self-realization intersected. A comparative analysis of Iyolwa Village and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s fictional Kenya revealed that, although shaped by different contexts, betrayal arouse from similar moral weaknesses, including greed, selfishness, and disregard for communal well-being. In both cases, betrayal eroded trust and contributed to wider social challenges such as corruption, inequality, and moral decay. By combining literary analysis with real-life experiences, the study demonstrated that literature served as a mirror of society. The study was organized into five chapters. Chapter one presented the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, scope, and significance of the study. Chapter Two reviewed related literature on betrayal in African societies and in postcolonial literary works, with specific reference to Devil on the Cross. Chapter Three outlined the qualitative methodology used, including interviews, discussions, observations, and textual analysis. Chapter Four presented and analyzed findings from Iyolwa Village alongside the portrayal of betrayal in the novel, drawing comparisons and contrasts. Chapter Five provided recommendations and, conclusions. The significance of this study lied in its potential to promote moral awareness and critical reflection. It underscored that literature could not be separated from life, as it artistically reflected social realities. The findings were valuable to educators, cultural leaders, and policymakers seeking to strengthen ethical values, restore trust, and rebuild social cohesion in Ugandan communities.Item THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS’ STUDY HABITS AND PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS IN MBALE CITY(2026-09-09) CRISPUS MUGAMBAThis research study investigated the relationship between study habits and Mathematics performance among secondary school students in Mbale City, Uganda. The investigation was prompted by consistent academic challenges in quantitative subjects within the region's urban centers. The study was guided by three specific objectives. to assess the prevalence of various study habits, to evaluate current Mathematics achievement levels, and to determine the extent to which these habits influence academic outcomes. The research employed a descriptive correlational research design, utilizing a quantitative approach to ensure objective measurement of variables. Data was collected in May 2026 using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 322 structured questionnaires were distributed to Senior Three and Senior Four students across four purposively selected schools. Wanale View School, Mbale High School, Nkoma Secondary School, and St. Paul’s College. A total of 282 valid responses were retrieved, representing a robust response rate of 87.6%. The findings revealed a significant performance gap, with 56% of students scoring in the Basic (D) or Elementary (E) categories. Analysis of study habits indicated a widespread deficiency in formal time management, as many students reported lacking personal study timetables. However, a positive trend was noted in digital discipline, with a majority of learners avoiding electronic distractions during revision. Crucially, 88.3% of respondents expressed a firm belief that their personal study routines were the primary determinant of their current grades. The study concludes that while students possess a high level of self-awareness regarding their academic routines, the absence of structured planning and a "resilience deficit" in problem-solving hinders achievement. The research recommends that school administrators implement mandatory study skills workshops and establish "Mathematics Clinics" to encourage professional consultation. Furthermore, the study suggests that shifting from peer-dependent learning to teacher-guided revision is essential for moving students from basic competency to academic excellence.