Department of Natural Resource Economics
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Item Assessing the environmental and socio-economic effects of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Bitsya sub-county, Buhweju district.(Busitema University, 2026) Nuwampire, EdwinThe study assessed the environmental and socio-economic effects of ASGM in Bitsya sub-county, Buhweju district, Uganda, focusing on Kanoni and Muziguru villages. The specific objectives were to identify the environmental effects of ASGM, examine its social and economic effects, and suggest measures for ensuring sustainable gold mining practices in the area. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 75 respondents was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, determined using Morgan’s formula. Data were collected through household questionnaires, observation, and key informant interviews, and analysed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics presented in tables. The findings showed that gold mining is central to the livelihoods of the community, with 89.3% of respondents directly involved in mining and 95.5% of miners reporting personal benefits such as employment and direct income from gold sales. However, most respondents (77.4%) rated environmental degradation in the area as moderate to very high, mainly due to mercury use, poor waste disposal, soil erosion, deforestation, and wetland degradation. Socially, 64% of respondents had personally experienced mining-related challenges such as loss of farmland and displacement, while 56% reported health problems linked to mining, including skin rashes and respiratory problems. Awareness of mining laws and exposure to sustainable mining training remained low. Respondents identified alternative livelihoods, environmental education, stronger law enforcement, and safer mining technologies as the most needed measures to improve mining practices. The study concluded that ASGM in Bitsya sub-county provides essential income where few other livelihood options exist, but it is simultaneously degrading the environment and exposing miners and their households to serious health and social risks. It recommends a balanced approach that supports alternative livelihoods, promotes mercury-free technologies such as the borax method, strengthens enforcement of existing mining regulations, and rehabilitates degraded wetlands and land to ensure more sustainable mining practices in the area.Item Assessing the effects of climate variabilty on sorghum production in Ngoleriet subcounty in Napak district, Uganda.(Busitema University, 2026) Lomele, VivianThis study assessed the effects of climate variability on sorghum production in Ngoleriet Subcounty, Napak District, Uganda, an area where sorghum is the primary staple food crop and rainfed agriculture remains highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to identify the sorghum varieties grown in the subcounty, to determine the growth stages of sorghum most affected by climate variability, and to examine the adaptation strategies used by farmers to cope with its effects. A cross-sectional research design and a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data, were employed. Data were collected from a sample of 90 respondents drawn from four sorghum-producing villages Kangole Chini, Naguleangolol, Too Ekitela, and Nakiroma —selected using simple random and purposive sampling, and analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed that sorghum production in Ngoleriet Subcounty remains dominated by local landraces such as Natum, Naterekune, Akirikir, and Akareut, with most farmers relying on saved seed rather than formal seed distribution channels; only a minority had adopted improved varieties such as Olal. Climate variability was found to affect sorghum most severely during the flowering and vegetative growth stages, resulting in stunted growth, poor germination, and premature harvesting. Although formal awareness of adaptation strategies was low, a considerably larger share of households were already practicing informal adaptation, most notably crop diversification, planting of drought-tolerant varieties, and adjusted planting dates. Farmers' capacity to adapt further was constrained mainly by limited education and awareness, inadequate extension services, and limited access to finance. The study concludes that climate variability has a measurable and specific effect on sorghum production in Ngoleriet Subcounty, and that farmers are responding through low-cost, informal adaptation largely unsupported by formal extension services. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension, delivering climate education in the local language, improving access to drought-tolerant seed, targeting support to the most vulnerable growth stages, and expanding access to affordable credit. These measures would contribute to enhanced sorghum resilience, improved household food security, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land)Item Soil fertility survey on small holder sorghum fields : a case study of Kabale municipality in Kabale district.(Busitema University, 2026) Kansiime, IsabellaSorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a vital food and income crop for smallholder farmers in Kabale Municipality, Southwestern Uganda. It is valued particularly for its drought tolerance and adaptability to the region’s hilly terrain. However, sustained productivity of this crop is critically dependent on soil health and there has been limited scientific documentation of the actual soil fertility status in local sorghum fields. This study was therefore conducted to fill that knowledge gap by assessing the current soil fertility conditions, evaluating the impact of current soil management practices on sorghum performance, and recommending appropriate fertility management strategies for farmers in Kabale Municipality. A mixed-methods research approach was employed combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered electronically via Kobo Collect, face-to-face interviews and direct field observations. Laboratory soil analysis was conducted using a soil field test kit to assess five key soil fertility parameters that is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter (OM) and soil pH. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis. Findings from the laboratory soil analysis revealed a complex but concerning fertility picture whereby Nitrogen levels were generally adequate of the sampled fields though some showed inadequate levels and complete nitrogen deficiency. Potassium was sufficient in the vast majority of the fields. Phosphorus was at a moderate level of the fields though actual phosphorus uptake by plants is likely constrained by prevailing soil acidity. Organic matter was very high and high in some of the fields indicating that farmers’ organic management practices are yielding positive results. The most critical finding was that all sampled fields exhibited acidic soil pH which significantly limits nutrient availability and can cause aluminum toxicity harmful to sorghum roots. Regarding the soil management practices, the majority of farmers relied heavily on crop rotation and manure application. Most respondents described themselves as “somewhat knowledgeable” about soil fertility management and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing was the dominant source of agricultural information. Despite some progress, farmers faced significant challenges including climate change, soil degradation and financial constraints. Encouragingly, all respondents expressed a strong willingness to adopt new and improved soil management techniques.Item Assessment of solar energy access and the disposal of end of life solar materials In Kamuli municipality, Kamuli district.(Busitema University, 2026) Kamoga, DariusKamuli Municipality has experienced a steady increase in the use of solar energy technologies, especially Solar Home Systems (SHS) and Pico PV lanterns among households, small businesses, institutions, and service providers that depend on off-grid or supplementary electricity solutions. This growth reflects wider national efforts to expand clean and affordable energy access in Uganda, where the Energy Transition Plan places strong emphasis on off-grid solar as a key pathway toward universal electricity access. National electricity access stands at approximately 45% with rural and peri-urban rates significantly lower yet off-grid solar solutions have bridged critical gaps with 61% of households in Kamuli Municipality relying on solar for lighting. However, the expansion of solar energy also creates an emerging environmental challenge because batteries, panels, controllers and related components eventually become waste that requires safe handling and disposal. This study assessed the relationship between solar energy access; patterns of solar system use and the disposal of end-of-life solar materials in Kamuli Municipality. Specifically, it determined the level of solar energy adoption among households and businesses, examined how solar systems are used in everyday practice and assessed the current management and disposal practices of solar waste. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data was collected through a digitalized questionnaire administered to 103 respondents. Key findings revealed that 82.5% of respondents use solar energy with Solar Home Systems (SHS) being the most popular (69.9%). Primary uses were lighting (92.7%) and phone charging(69.5%). Batteries were the most frequently worn-out component (96.7%). The most common disposal method was selling to scrap dealers (45.0%) followed by returning to suppliers (26.7%). Only 47.0% were fully aware that solar waste contains harmful substances and 87.9% did not perceive solar waste as a serious environmental problem. The study recommends the establishment of solar waste collection points, targeted public awareness campaigns, government regulation and technician training programs to address the growing solar waste challenge in Kamuli Municipality. The findings contribute to the limited local evidence base on solar energy access and e-waste management in Uganda.Item Gomba cattle keepers told to vacate forest reserve.(New Vision, 2017-09-26) Lule, Jeff AndrewCattle keepers in Maddu sub county, Gomba district, have been given an ultimatum of two months to vacate Nsowe and Kalombi central forest reserves. Kalombi and Nsowe forest are catchment areas for River Katonga covering 3,836 and 5,097 hectares respectively.Item Floods ravage eastern Uganda(New Vision, 2018-05-22) Odeke, Faustine; Watala, Paul; Bita, GeorgeFloods have ravaged five sub-counties in Bulambuli district, leaving 680 households and pit latrine under water. Most Families have vacated their homes and taken shelter in the nearby schools, churches and trading centres.Item Calming effect of trees in Schools.(New Vision, 2017-11-01) Nsubuga, Umar"Anyone looking for good academic performance from any school may have to first pay attention to the environment around the learners, teachers or trainers," Fagil Mandy, a veteran educationalist, who is now a private education consultant, says.Item Land: Acholi leaders yet to agree on ownership(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-11) Owiny, Jolly TobiasUndecided. The leaders are still debating on whether to own the land through certification of customary land ownership or a Land Trust.Item Government to cancel land titles in wetlands(New Vision, 2018-05-10) Wasajja, Nicholas; Karugaba, MaryIn a move to save the environment, the Government has named 27 certificates of titles issued for land in wetlands that are due for cancellation.Item Nebbi locals stuck after bridge collapses(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-18) Okaba, PatrickAt least 5,000 residents of Jupumbanya Village in Nebbi Sub-county Nebbi District, are stranded after the bridge that links them to the municipal council collapsed following a downpour.Item Floods cut off Lango, Karamoja(New Vision, 2018-06-08) Watala, PaulOver 100 people have escaped death after four trucks loaded with merchandise were swept away by floods that submerged Alito-Acoan Pii bridge that connects Lango, Karamoja and the Tes0 sub-region.Item Landslides strike Bududa again.(New Vision, 2018-05-02) Watala, PaulLandslides last weekend struck again, affecting 11 villages in two parishes of Bushibino and Bukimuma in Bududa district. The landslides left 1,600 people seeking shelter in schools and trading centres.Item Is Lake Victoria starting to suffer a slow death?(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-12) Ssemogerere, KaroliOn Buggala Island, fish is scarce. Fish is more expensive than beef or chicken. A 1kg weight equivalent of fish costs sh16,000, beef sh12,000 (up from 10,000) after a quarantine on cattle from Masaka District and chicken (broiler or off-layer (sh13,000) prices above the ordinary pocket.Item Islanders look for solutions to drowning(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-16) Ssekweyama, E. MartinsThe organisation aims at training 500 people to train others with skills to prevent drowning especially among fishing communities.Item Minister asks locals to prepare for oil production(New Vision, 2017-09-11) Musinguzi, AndrewEconomic monitoring state minister Dr Kasirivu Atwooki has challenged people in oil-rich Bunyoro sub-region to start strategising on how they will benefit from the oil and gas industry, especially through agriculture production.Item UPDF's marine unit winning war against illegal fishing(New Vision, 2018-05-04) Semakula, JohnUganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) marine unit has registered tremendous achievements in the fight against illegal fishing on water bodies in the last one year.Item Commission probes ranch giveaway(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-13) Ocungi, JuliusThe Commission of Inquiry into land matters sitting in Gulu Town has kicked off investigations into controversies on the operation of Aswa Ranch which lies in the neighbouring Pader district.Item Ethiopia takes chair of River Nile matters(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-18) Musisi, FredericWater and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris last week handed over chairmanship of the Nile council of ministers to Ethiopia's Water, Irrigation and Electricity minister Sileshi Bekele, after the would be chairing country Burundi, opted out.Item NFA restores Gangu forest.(New Vision, 2017-08-09) Ssekidde, SimonGangu Central Forest Reserve has had its greenery restored after nearly 10 years of degradation by encroachers. The forest, which measures 1,054 hectares, is shared by Mpigi and Butambala districts and covers Kammengo, Buwama and Bulo sub-counties.Item Katakwi residents, cattle share contaminated water.(Daily Monitor, 2017-09-19) Emwamu, Simon Peter; Imalingat, JoshuaWhen Ms. Helen Apule, 22, got married, she knew her next residence would be at Ongongoja Village in Ongaongoja sub-county, Katakwi District. One of her roles as housewife was to ensure that the day's meals are ready on time. However, this task is harder as she lives in a water-scarce village.
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