Department of Physics

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Impact of x-class solar flares on GPS l_1 and l_2 signal to noise ratio (snr) at Nagongera receiver, Uganda during the solar cycle 25 maximum.
(Busitema University, 2026) Besigye, Boaz
The 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 30-minute 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.
Design of a low-cost thermal cooker using local materials.
(Busitema University, 2026) Owori, Gerald
This study was about designing, constructing, and testing a low-cost thermal cooker using materials that are easy to find around Nagongera Town Council. The idea came from seeing how much families still depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking, which ends up wasting a lot of fuel, driving up household costs, and harming the environment. I used an experimental approach to develop and test the cooker. The insulating materials like rice husks, sponge from old mattresses, and cotton fabric were chosen because they are cheap, easy to get, and don't conduct heat well. The cooker works on a simple heat retention principle: you heat the food until it boils, then move the pot into an insulated chamber where it keeps cooking without needing any extra fuel. The test results showed that the thermal cooker could hold onto heat for hours, allowing food to continue cooking even after being taken off the stove. This cut down fuel use significantly compared to traditional cooking methods. The findings also made it clear that good insulation really does improve cooking efficiency and lower energy costs. In the end, this study showed that a simple, affordable thermal cooker made from locally available materials can reduce fuel use, save money on cooking, and reduce the environmental and health problems linked to traditional cooking. This kind of technology is well suited for rural and low-income households.
Effect of roof colour on roof surface temperature variation due to solar radiation absorption.
(Busitema University, 2026) Wenyaa, Esther
This research investigated the effect of roof color on roof surface temperature due to solar radiation absorption. The study aimed to determine how different roof colors influence the amount of solar energy absorbed and consequently affect surface temperature variations. Experimental measurements were carried out on selected roofing materials painted with different colors, including dark and light shades, under similar environmental conditions. Surface temperature readings were recorded at specific time intervals during periods of solar exposure using appropriate temperature measuring instruments. The results revealed that darker roof colors, such as black and red, absorbed more solar radiation and therefore attained higher surface temperatures compared to lighter colors such as white and cream, which reflected a greater proportion of solar energy and maintained relatively lower temperatures. The findings demonstrated that roof color significantly affects thermal performance, indoor comfort, and potential energy consumption for cooling. The study concluded that selecting lighter roof colors can effectively reduce roof surface temperatures, minimize heat gain, and improve energy efficiency in buildings, especially in regions with high solar intensity. These findings provide useful insights for homeowners, architects, and policymakers in promoting sustainable building practices through appropriate roof color selection.
Radiological risk assessment of drinking water sources around the Osukuru phosphate mining area, Tororo district, Uganda.
(Busitema University, 2026) Egau, Herbert
Phosphate mining and processing at Osukuru mines in Tororo District, Uganda, release naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) into the environment, potentially contaminating drinking water and posing long-term health risks such as cancer, kidney damage, and bone disorders. This study quantified radionuclide concentrations in local water sources, compared them with WHO and EPA safe limits, and assessed radiological risks. Fifteen (15) water samples were analyzed using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry with Gamma Vision software. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from (0.11 to 0.22) BqL⁻¹, (0.13 to 0.37) BqL⁻¹, and (6.08 ± 3.04 to 10.67 ± 3.80) BqL⁻¹, respectively. The mean values were 0.16 Bq L⁻¹ (226Ra), 0.211 BqL⁻¹ (232Th), and (8.98 ± 3.47) BqL⁻¹ (40K). Notably, in all samples, 232Th exceeded the WHO screening level of 0.1 BqL⁻¹, while 226Ra were lower than WHO safe limits of 1.0 BqL⁻¹ and 40K remained within the safe limit except for S8, S9, S11 and S14. Mean hazard indices for external hazard (0.0031), internal hazard (0.00352), and gamma index (0.005) were all less than 1, indicating low dose levels. The mean annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) was (4.18 ± 1.09) μSvy⁻¹, mean radium equivalent activity (Raeq) (1.15 ± 0.27), absorbed dose rate (0.58 ± 0.14) nGyh⁻¹, mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) (2.48 × 10⁻⁶ ± 0.001), which was lower than the global limit of 2.9 𝑥 10−4 and mean annual effective dose rate (7.08 × 10⁻⁴) mSvy⁻¹ was lower than WHO dose limit of 0.1 mSvy⁻¹. Although the calculated radiological risk indices indicate low risks, the study recommended heavy metal and radionuclide combined assessment, establishment of local radiological surveillance, seasonal studies, groundwater modelling, and routine monitoring because 232Th concentrations exceeded WHO screening levels of 0.1BqL−1. This could be attributed to the mining and processing of phosphate ore for fertilizer production, or the radioactive wastes entering the water bodies.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using banana pseudo stem extracts for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production.
(Busitema University, 2026) Omusana, Simon Peter
Zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) is among the widely studied semiconductor materials; it has shown high efficiency in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting process and photostability as well. Its performance has been slowed by a wide bandgap and fast electron-hole recombination rate, its use in PEC activity has become of great concern to scientific research. While several studies used neem and eucalyptus leaf extracts, this study used the banana pseudo stem (BPS) extracts which is cheap and is in abundance in Uganda. The ZnO NPs were fabricated by green synthesis using the BPS extract that acted as a source of the caping and stabilizing agents. Characterization of the fabricated NPs was by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV Vis) and PEC testing that revealed high crystallinity, small crystal and particle sizes of 10 𝑛𝑚 − 20 𝑛𝑚, and 15 𝑛𝑚 − 25 𝑛𝑚 respectively with energy bandgaps ranging between 1.8 𝑒𝑉 − 2.3 𝑒𝑉. The SEM images showed higher particle agglomeration(clustering). The SEM images revealed that there were many smaller particles within the range of 5 to 15 nm, while the rest of the particles had diameters of up to between 147 nm and 156.8 nm, as evidenced in Figures 4.3 and 4.4. On computation, the mean particle diameter/size were found within 15 nm and 25 nm. On comparing the crystal sizes and particle sizes, it was realized that particle sizes were relatively greater than the crystal sizes which revealed the formation of agglomerates and clusters on the synthesized NPs. These agglomerates aided in the introduction of more active sites for enhanced PEC activities. The optimization prediction revealed that increase in both extract mass and the reaction temperatures led to formation of smaller crystal and particle size NPs with reduced energy band gaps. The compromised optimal conditions found were Mass of 9.79 𝑔, temperature of 88.0 0𝐶 producing crystal and particle sizes of 21.98 𝑛𝑚 and 21.86 𝑛𝑚, and energy bandgap of 2.075 𝑒𝑉. The PEC testing was done on all the 5 samples which revealed reducing hydrogen production as the extract masses increased. This produced photocurrent decay slope lied between 0.001 𝑚𝐴𝑠−1 𝑡𝑜 0.01 𝑚𝐴𝑠−1 which was low as compared with the expected amounts of about 1.5 𝑚𝐴𝑠−1 and this reduced value was attributed to be dominated by surface recombination and slow interfacial kinetics at the photoanode/electrolyte junction, rather than bulk transport limitations because the expected sizes of between 10 nm to 40 nm and energy bandgap of between 1.8 eV to 2.3 eV that is in the visible range had been achieved.
Green synthesis and characterization of undoped and aluminium-doped nano ferric-biochar composite for water treatment and photocatalytic dye degradation.
(Busitema University, 2026) Okoth, Joshua
Despite widespread efforts, existing water treatment techniques in Uganda remain insufficient to address chemical contamination from industrial dyes. In Uganda, most municipal water supplies utilize disinfection by chlorination. the aim of this study is to explore innovative sustainable alternatives that combine high-performance pollutant removal with environmental safety. This study explored. The use of nano ferric-biochar composite as an innovative and affordable solution to this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the performance of green-synthesized nano ferric-biochar composite materials for use in water treatment, targeting the removal synthetic dyes. The materials were synthesized via green chemistry route and characterized by various methods including SEM/EDX, FTIR, XRD and UV-Vis. SEM gave the material’s morphology, while EDX gave the composition. Analysis of SEM images gave standard nanoparticle sizes of 22.28 ± 0.86 nm and 15.83 ± 0.86 nm for the doped and undoped samples respectively. Both particle sizes fall within the Nano-scale range of 1-100 nm. XRD results revealed a nano-crystalline hematite phase on biochar for both the doped and undoped samples, with crystallite sizes of 14.0 nm and 7.0 nm with interplanar spacings of 0.4 and 0.3 nm respectively. The mean degradation times were 68 ± 2.5 minutes for the undoped and 81 ± 2.5 minutes, for the aluminum-doped respectively. The photodegradation percentages of methylene blue dye were 87± 0.26% and 71 ± 0.21% with the Aluminium-doped and undoped samples respectively. The degradation of methylene blue is a pseudo-first order, with rate constants of 0.0114 min-1 and 0.0101 min-1 for the Al-doped and undoped nano ferric-biochar composites respectively. The energy band gap is 2.3 eV and lies within the visible range. This energy band gap shows that the material is a potential photocatalyst. The achieved levels of MB dye degradation make it promising in water treatment applications. Hence, the study introduces a new water treatment technology in Uganda, that can remove synthetic dyes from water.
Validation of nequick2 and cor2 topside options in IRI-2020 using GPS-derived TEC over low-latitude regions of Africa and south America.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kipruto, Moses
The International Reference Ionosphere 2020 (IRI-2020) model offers four topside electron density options namely; NeQuick2 (NeQ), IRI-2001, IRI-2001cor and COR2. This study evaluates the ability of the NeQ and COR2 topside options of IRI-2020 to reproduce GPS-derived TEC over selected low-latitude regions of Africa and South America during ascending phase of solar cycle 25 under both quiet and geomagnetically disturbed conditions. The GPS TEC observations from Addis Ababa, Malindi, Libreville, Brasília, Belém, and Porto Velho were assessed against TEC estimates from IRI-2020 topside options for years 2020, 2022, and 2024, representing low, medium, and high solar activity conditions, respectively. The Percentage root mean square error (PRMSE) was used to quantify the performance of NeQ and COR2 options. The performance of NeQ and COR2 were observed to vary with latitude, season, intensity of storms and solar activity. During low and medium solar activity, COR2 demonstrates stronger performance at the trough stations across all seasons with COR2 best performance of 17.7% at BELE and 15.3% at ADIS in June during low and medium solar activity conditions whereas NeQ performs better at the crest stations across all seasons and solar activity levels with the lowest PRMSE value of 7.6% in March of medium solar activity conditions. Under high solar activity, however, NeQ’s better performance extends to the trough stations as well achieving the lowest PRMSE value of 18.7% in September equinox. The COR2 outperforms NeQ during weak storm of 20 April 2020 and moderate storm of 3 March 2024, while NeQ is more robust under strong geomagnetic storm of 11 May 2024. Best performance of NeQ (16.1%) option was recorded in day 134 and worst performance of COR2 (200.4%) was observed in Day 132 over BRAZ during strong storm. Both top side options performed better at EIA trough regions than crest regions during low and medium solar activity. The high accuracy applications require regional validation and context specific selection of the IRI- 2020 topside electron density options, as no single model options performs consistently well across all regions, solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. Future studies could explore whether combining the NeQ and COR2 topside approaches may provide useful improvements under different geophysical conditions, with its effectiveness requiring further investigation and validation.
Design, construction and evaluation of an arduino-based flood monitoring prototype for flood prone communities Butaleja district, Uganda.
(Busitema University, 2026) Akol, Denis
Flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards in Uganda and continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in flood-prone communities of Butaleja District. Although several Flood Monitoring Systems have been developed, many depend on Internet or cellular communication infrastructure, making them unsuitable for rural areas where communication services may be unreliable during flood events. This study aimed to design, construct, and evaluate an Arduino-based Flood Monitoring System prototype capable of providing localized real-time fl ood monitoring and early warning for flood-prone communities in Butaleja District, Uganda. The prototype consisted of two integrated subsystems: a Remote Sensing and Transmission Unit and a Central Processing and Alert Unit. Water level was measured using an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, while rainfall occurrence was detected using an LM393 rain sensor module. Sensor data were transmitted wirelessly through 433 MHz RF communication modules to the receiver unit, where predefined threshold logic generated visual and audible flood alerts using a 20 × 4 I2C LCD, RGB LED module, and active buzzer. The prototype was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions by assessing sensor calibration, wireless communication performance, alert response time, and operational reliability. The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor achieved an average percentage error of 0.71%, corresponding to an overall measurement accuracy of 99.29%. RF communication testing demonstrated reliable short-range wireless transmission suitable for localized monitoring applications. The average end-to-end alert delay was 1.424 s, indicating that warning messages were generated rapidly following changes in water level. Reliability testing involving 220 simulated operating-state transitions produced 218 successful detections, corresponding to an overall operational reliability of 99.1%. The results demonstrate that the developed prototype provides accurate water level sensing, dependable wireless communication, rapid warning generation, and reliable integrated operation under laboratory conditions. Owing to its low cost, ease of implementation, and independence from Internet and cellular communication infrastructure, the prototype developed in the present study offers a practical solution for localized flood early warning in resource-constrained communities. Future work should focus on field deployment, long-term environmental testing, and integration of additional environmental sensors to enhance operational performance.
Design and construction of a low-cost dual-module fluid mechanics apparatus for A-level physics instruction.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kisule, Latifu
This 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.
Calibration and validation of low cost IoT weather sensors for localized microclimate monitoring in Uganda.
(2026-09-15) Opio, Godfrey Moi
The current weather monitoring infrastructure in Uganda is sparsely distributed, and data collection is mainly manual with limited connection to GTS. This study focuses on the design, calibration, and validation of low-cost, IoT-based weather sensors interfaced with an ESP32-S3 microcontroller. The sensors measure key environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, pressure and wind direction and transmit readings to a cloud-based web server via the ThingSpeak IoT platform. The system aims to provide sustainable, real-time weather data that can enhance localized microclimate modelling in Uganda. Data were collected at 15-second intervals from June to July 2026 and validated against the co-located Trans-African Hydro Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) reference station measurements. A comprehensive data preprocessing pipeline was implemented in MATLAB, following the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM) Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). The pipeline performs column standardization, outlier detection using the Interquartile Range (IQR) method, missing-value filling, temporal alignment, and systematic uncertainty quantification. Error propagation analysis was carried out for all derived meteorological quantities, including heat index and dew point temperature. The system integrates renewable energy principles, a solar panel and battery pack with IoT technology for off-grid, real-time monitoring, making it suitable for resource-limited environments. Results demonstrate the feasibility of low-cost IoT sensors for localized microclimate monitoring and highlight the importance of rigorous calibration and uncertainty analysis for scientific and agricultural applications in Uganda.
Design and construction of a low-cost vibration sensor using electromagnetic induction.
(Busitema University, 2026) Wekhola, Derick
Vibration monitoring is essential for keeping machines running safely, detecting intruders, and warning people about earthquakes, but most commercial sensors are too expensive for ordinary households, small workshops, and schools in developing countries like Uganda. This study therefore aimed to design and build the simplest possible vibration sensor using electromagnetic induction, with just seven components: a 2.0 H inductor to pick up vibrations, a single BC547 transistor to amplify the signal, two resistors (100 𝑘𝛺 𝑎𝑛𝑑 10 𝑘𝛺) for biasing and current limiting, an LED and buzzer for alerts, and a 9 V battery for power. When the inductor vibrates, it generates a tiny voltage through Faraday's law of induction, and this voltage drives the transistor base, switching on the LED and buzzer. Testing showed that the circuit draws only 0.6 µA when idle, meaning a battery could last for years, and it achieved 100% success in detecting vigorous shaking, 80% success for strong taps, and 40% for moderate taps, though very light vibrations did not trigger the alarm. All measured currents stayed well within safe limits for the components, confirming that the design is both functional and reliable. In conclusion, this study proves that a practical vibration sensor can be built with an absolute minimum of parts, making it an affordable and accessible tool for educational demonstrations, basic security applications, and simple machine monitoring in resource-limited environments.
Development and validation of an anti-leakage least-squares spectral analysis-based zenith tropospheric delay model for the East African region.
(Busitema University, 2026) Matsukuni, Nicholas
Accurate estimation of Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) remains challenging over East Africa because of strong spatial and seasonal atmospheric variability and the limited distribution of continuous GNSS observations. Existing empirical models such as GPT3 and GTrop mainly describe temporal ZTD variability using predefined harmonic terms, which may not adequately represent the more complex regional seasonal behaviour. This study developed a regional ZTD model for East Africa using Anti-Leakage Least-Squares Spectral Analysis (ALLSSA) and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2013 to 2020. Unlike fixed-harmonic approaches, the developed model represents temporal ZTD variability using statistically significant frequencies identified adaptively from the time series, allowing the spectral structure to respond to regional differences in atmospheric behaviour. ERA5 atmospheric profiles were used to derive ZTD, while the vertical dependence was represented using a reference ZTD and a height-dependent decay parameter. Sensitivity analysis showed that increasing the number of ALLSSA iterations beyond N=40 produced little further reduction in RMSE, and this value was adopted for model development. Internal evaluation against ERA5-derived ZTD yielded a mean correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a mean RMSE of 25.19 mm, showing that the model retained the dominant variability represented in ERA5. Independent validation using GNSS-derived ZTD from the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory at nine stations in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania gave a mean RMSE of 21.99 mm and a mean bias of -5.30 mm. Compared with GTrop and GPT3, ALLSSA reduced the mean RMSE by approximately 29-32% and the absolute mean bias by approximately 48-62%. The improvement was not uniform across the region. It was greatest in the equatorial sub-region, where ZTD exhibits a bimodal seasonal cycle, and became smaller farther south where the temporal behaviour is predominantly annual. Seasonal bias showed a less consistent pattern, with GPT3 or GTrop producing smaller absolute biases under some conditions despite their larger RMSE. The results show that allowing the temporal representation of ZTD to adapt to the frequencies present in the regional signal provides an advantage over fixed-harmonic empirical models, particularly where seasonal atmospheric variability is more complex. The developed approach therefore provides a basis for improved regional ZTD estimation over East Africa.
Design and construction of a simple battery level indicator.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kirya, Dauson
This study focused on the design and construction of a simple and low-cost battery level indicator using locally available electronic components. The study was carried out because many users of battery-powered devices cannot easily determine the remaining battery charge level before complete discharge, leading to sudden power failure and reduced battery lifespan. The project therefore aimed at developing an affordable and reliable battery monitoring device. The battery level indicator was designed using components such as LEDs, resistors, transistors, diodes, and an LM358 operational amplifier. The study adopted an experimental research design involving circuit design, construction, calibration, and testing of the device. The circuit was first assembled on a breadboard and later soldered onto a circuit board after successful testing. The results showed that the constructed device successfully indicated different battery charge levels. When the battery voltage was high, the yellow LED illuminated brightly to indicate a fully charged battery. At medium voltage levels, the yellow LED became dim, while at low voltage the red LED turned on to indicate low battery condition. The system responded effectively to voltage changes and consumed low power during operation. The study concluded that a reliable and effective battery level indicator can be constructed using simple and inexpensive electronic components. The device can help users monitor battery conditions, prevent over-discharge, and improve battery lifespan. The study recommends further improvement of the system through the use of microcontrollers, digital displays, and alarm systems for more accurate batter
Optimization of sound absorption using a combination of different locally available materials.
(Busitema University, 2026) Okiror, Jonathan
Noise pollution has emerged as a significant environmental and health concern in urban areas of Uganda, necessitating the development of effective and sustainable sound absorption solutions. This study investigated the optimization of sound absorption through the combination of different locally available materials. The research aimed at determining the physical properties (density and porosity) of selected materials, evaluate their individual sound absorption characteristics, and assess the absorption performance of combined material configurations. Three materials wood, polyester cloth, and sponge were selected for investigation based on their availability and acoustic potential. The density of each material was determined using dimensional measurements and mass weighing, while porosity was determined through the saturation method. Sound absorption was measured using an experimental setup comprising a signal generator, microphone, and cathode ray oscilloscope, following procedures adapted from ISO 10534-2 standards. Results revealed that sponge exhibited the highest porosity (85.3%) and lowest density (0.042 g/cm³), while wood showed the highest density (0.586 g/cm³) and lowest porosity (28.7%). Individual material testing demonstrated that sponge achieved the highest sound absorption, particularly at higher frequencies, while wood showed better absorption at lower frequencies. Combined material configurations demonstrated superior absorption across broader frequency ranges compared to individual materials. The wood-sponge combination showed the most promising results, achieving an absorption coefficient of 0.82 at 2000 Hz. These findings confirm that combining materials with complementary acoustic properties can optimize sound absorption performance. The study contributes valuable information on the acoustic properties of locally available materials and provides a foundation for developing sustainable, cost-effective sound absorption solutions for noise pollution control in Uganda.
Design and construction of a paper cutting device incorporating a charging system using locally sourced components.
(Busitema University, 2026) Wesonga, Emma
This project focused on the design and construction of a low cost paper cutting device incorporating a rechargeable charging system using locally sourced materials and electronic components. The study was motivated by increasing need for affordable and portable paper cutting equipment in schools, offices and small printing business enterprises, especially in areas with unstable electricity supply. The most available electric paper cutting Machines are expensive and difficult to maintain, while manual cutting tools require a lot of human effort and often produce inaccurate cuts. The device was constructed using a DC motor, rechargeable battery, charging circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, LEDs, diodes, USB charging port, breadboard, switch, double-edged blade, timber frame, wires, and adhesive materials. The charging system enabled the device to operate continuously even during power interruptions. A design and experimental research approach was adopted during the construction and testing of the prototype. Performance evaluation was conducted based on cutting efficiency, portability, safety, durability, and reliability of the charging system. The findings revealed that the constructed device was capable of cutting ten sheets of paper measuring 24 cm × 16 cm into smaller pieces of 2 cm × 2 cm within approximately three minutes. This was faster compared to ordinary manual scissors, which required about five minutes to complete the same task. The device also reduced direct hand contact with cutting blades, thereby improving user safety. The total cost of construction was approximately UGX 64,000, which is relatively cheaper than commercially available electric paper cutting machines. However, the device showed reduced efficiency when cutting thicker stacks of paper and lacked advanced safety guarding mechanisms. The study concluded that locally sourced materials can successfully be used to construct an affordable and functional paper cutting device with an integrated charging system. The study recommends further improvements such as incorporation of speed control mechanisms, protective blade covers, and automated paper feeding systems to improve efficiency and safety.
Analysis and testing of an improved charcoal stove with high thermal efficiency.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-05) Butuma, Elisaphani
In this study, an improved charcoal stove with high thermal efficiency was designed and tested as a cooking system that utilizes charcoal as its primary fuel while minimizing heat loss and fuel consumption. The system focuses on improving energy utilization rather than eliminating fuel use, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional charcoal stoves. The constructed improved charcoal stove comprised of a combustion chamber, insulation layer, air inlet vents, pot support, outer casing, and other locally sourced materials. The stove was designed to enhance heat retention, regulate airflow, and improve combustion efficiency. An experimental setup was developed where two charcoal stove models were tested simultaneously using equal quantities of charcoal and water. Temperature measurements were taken at regular time intervals using thermometers inserted into the cooking pots to monitor heat transfer performance. The results obtained were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of each stove. The improved charcoal stove demonstrated better performance by achieving a higher temperature of 60°C compared to 47°C from the other stove within 30 minutes of operation. This indicates improved heat transfer, reduced heat loss, and better fuel utilization. The efficiency improvement is attributed to enhanced insulation and controlled airflow, which ensure more effective combustion of charcoal. The study concludes that improved charcoal stoves can significantly reduce fuel consumption while increasing cooking efficiency. This technology is suitable for household use, particularly in areas where access to modern energy sources is limited. It provides a practical solution for reducing energy costs, minimizing environmental impact, and improving cooking performance among households and small-scale users.
Validation of Dst Prediction Model Run By Busitema University Space Science Center
(Busitema University, 2026-09-03) Onangole, Nathan
The Disturbance Storm Time (Dst) index is a critical measure of geomagnetic activity serving as a key indicator for space weather monitoring and forecasting. Accurate prediction of the Dst index is essential for mitigating the destructive effects of geomagnetic storms on technological infrastructure including satellite operations, power grids, communication systems and navigation networks. This research is about evaluation of Busitema University Space Weather Tool that has a capability of forecasting the Dst index among other metrics of space weather. Model data from Busitema University Space Weather Tool is evaluated against observation data obtained from OMNIweb run by NASA. The performance of the model was evaluated during quiet and disturbed days. The model demonstrated excellent predictive capability across both categories. A key observation is that the model achieved exceptional performance during intense storm conditions indicating almost perfect tracking of storm dynamics from onset to recovery. However a systematic negative bias was identified across the majority of events indicating a consistent tendency for the model to underestimate the magnitude of Dst extremes. This bias was more pronounced during disturbed days and quiet days with negative values for the daily average Dst index, suggesting that while the model effectively captures the trend of geomagnetic activity, it tends to under predict extreme values. This means that it is necessary to implement correction techniques to address the systematic underestimation. The strong correlation coefficients observed across all categories confirm the model's ability in tracking the overall trends and dynamics of the Dst index. The results of this research strongly indicate that the Busitema University Space Weather Tool is able to provide valuable information to support stakeholders affected by geomagnetic disturbances hence contributing to the protection of critical technological infrastructure against space weather hazards.
Fabrication of an electronic soil moisture sensor for efficient water management in crop production.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kajubi, Paul
This research presents the development and evaluation of an electronic soil moisture sensor designed to measure soil moisture content in a practical and accurate manner. The sensor utilizes a resistive sensing mechanism, where changes in soil moisture affect the electrical resistance between two probes, resulting in a corresponding voltage output. To ensure accuracy, the sensor was calibrated using a gravimetric method, where soil samples were weighed before and after oven drying to determine the moisture content percentage. The sensor demonstrated a linear relationship between soil moisture content and voltage output, with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. The sensor employs a resistive sensing mechanism, where changes in soil moisture alter the electrical resistance between two embedded probes resulting in a corresponding voltage output. The sensor was constructed using two galvanized nails as the sensing probes, a 10k ohm resistor and a 5v power supply. Testing was conducted using soil samples prepared at five moisture levels that’s 0,25,50,75 and 100% moisture content by weight. Results showed that the sensor could clearly distinguish between dry soil and moist soil.
Design and construction of a fire sensor alarm using heat and flame detection.
(Busitema University, 2026-08-25) Namisano, Herbert
This study focused on the design and construction of a simple fire sensor using readily available electrical components to provide an affordable and efficient early fire detection system. The main objective was to develop a low-cost prototype capable of detecting fire conditions such as heat or flame and triggering an alarm to enhance safety in homes, schools, and small institutions. The study followed experimental procedures involving circuit design, construction, and performance testing under controlled conditions. The sensor was evaluated based on temperature variation, response time, sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability. The results showed that the system responded progressively to increasing temperature level, the findings further revealed that the use of locally available components significantly reduced construction cost while maintaining effective performance. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that a simple fire sensor can be effectively designed and constructed using basic electronic components, making it suitable for low-cost fire detection applications in resource-limited environments. Overall, the research contributes to the development of affordable safety technologies aimed at reducing fire-related risks and improving emergency response in developing regions.
Design and implementation of an automatic solar lighting system using basic electronic components.
(Busitema University, 2026) Watoboko, Samuel
Access to reliable electricity remains a challenge in many parts of Uganda, especially in rural areas where households rely on kerosene lamps and candles. Even where solar lighting systems exist, many require manual switching, leading to energy wastage and reduced battery life. This project aimed to design and implement an automatic solar lighting system using basic, affordable electronic components that can be locally sourced and repaired. The system consisted of an 8V solar panel, LM7805 voltage regulator, 1N4007 diode, 3.7V 18650 rechargeable battery, IRFZ44N MOSFET, resistors, and a 3V LED. The solar panel's own voltage was used to control the MOSFET, eliminating the need for a separate light sensor. During the day, the panel charged the battery while the LED remained off. At night, when panel voltage dropped, the MOSFET turned on, allowing current to flow to the LED. Testing was conducted at the Busitema University Physics Laboratory on 15th April 2025. Under bright sun (12:30 PM), the panel produced 8.2V, the battery charged at 4.1V, and the LED remained off. At dusk (6:45 PM), the LED began glowing dimly, and by 8:30 PM it was fully bright. The LED stayed lit for approximately 8 hours on a full battery. This project demonstrates that a functional, automatic solar lighting system can be built using basic components available in Ugandan local markets. The design eliminates manual switching, prevents energy wastage, and offers an affordable alternative to kerosene lighting for off-grid community.

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