Department of Natural Resource Economics

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    Soil fertility survey on small holder sorghum fields : a case study of Kabale municipality in Kabale district.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Kansiime, Isabella
    Sorghum (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.
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    Assessment of solar energy access and the disposal of end of life solar materials In Kamuli municipality, Kamuli district.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Kamoga, Darius
    Kamuli 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.
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    Gomba cattle keepers told to vacate forest reserve.
    (New Vision, 2017-09-26) Lule, Jeff Andrew
    Cattle 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.
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    Floods ravage eastern Uganda
    (New Vision, 2018-05-22) Odeke, Faustine; Watala, Paul; Bita, George
    Floods 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.
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    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.
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    Land: Acholi leaders yet to agree on ownership
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-11) Owiny, Jolly Tobias
    Undecided. The leaders are still debating on whether to own the land through certification of customary land ownership or a Land Trust.
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    Government to cancel land titles in wetlands
    (New Vision, 2018-05-10) Wasajja, Nicholas; Karugaba, Mary
    In a move to save the environment, the Government has named 27 certificates of titles issued for land in wetlands that are due for cancellation.
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    Nebbi locals stuck after bridge collapses
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-18) Okaba, Patrick
    At 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.
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    Floods cut off Lango, Karamoja
    (New Vision, 2018-06-08) Watala, Paul
    Over 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.
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    Landslides strike Bududa again.
    (New Vision, 2018-05-02) Watala, Paul
    Landslides 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.
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    Is Lake Victoria starting to suffer a slow death?
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-12) Ssemogerere, Karoli
    On 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.
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    Islanders look for solutions to drowning
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-16) Ssekweyama, E. Martins
    The organisation aims at training 500 people to train others with skills to prevent drowning especially among fishing communities.
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    Minister asks locals to prepare for oil production
    (New Vision, 2017-09-11) Musinguzi, Andrew
    Economic 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.
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    UPDF's marine unit winning war against illegal fishing
    (New Vision, 2018-05-04) Semakula, John
    Uganda 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.
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    Commission probes ranch giveaway
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-13) Ocungi, Julius
    The 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.
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    Ethiopia takes chair of River Nile matters
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-10-18) Musisi, Frederic
    Water 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.
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    NFA restores Gangu forest.
    (New Vision, 2017-08-09) Ssekidde, Simon
    Gangu 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.
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    Katakwi residents, cattle share contaminated water.
    (Daily Monitor, 2017-09-19) Emwamu, Simon Peter; Imalingat, Joshua
    When 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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    Kenyan fishermen get boats from Sigulu Islands
    (New Vision, 2018-05-15) Bita, George
    As the ban on tree cutting in Kenya bites, Kenyan fishermen have opted to buy ne boats from Bukhooli Islands in Uganda.
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    River Muzizi bursts its banks, road closed.
    (New Vision, 2018-04-26) Kasooha, Ismael
    The road connecting Kibaale and Kyegegwa districts has been closed after River Muzizi burst its banks, causing flooding. Geria said the alternative routes that motorists can use for the time being are Kitutu via Buterevu to Kyegegwa and Kitutu via Katebe to Kyegegwa (from and to Kibaale).