Department of Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation Engineering
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Item The development of intensity duration frequency curves under climate change considerations using remote sensed rainfall data in Uganda.(Stellenbosch University, 2026) Okirya, MartinThe intensification of extreme rainfall poses significant risks to hydrological infrastructure, particularly in data-scarce regions such as Uganda. Reliable intensity durationfrequency (IDF) curves are essential for climate-resilient design, yet their development is constrained by the lack of long-term subdaily rainfall records. The challenge addressed in this research is the limited availability of subdaily and long-term daily rainfall data required to generate IDF curves. The research addressed this challenge by evaluating and bias-correcting remotely sensed rainfall (RSR) data, assessing daily rainfall disaggregation methods, and integrating observed rainfall, bias-corrected RSR, and regional climate model (RCM) outputs to develop IDF curves for both the current (1991 2020) and mid-century (2036 2065) climate scenarios. Seven RSR datasets were evaluated against observed records using the root mean square error (RMSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and Kolmogorov Smirnov metrics. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Centre (NOAA_CPC) product performed best at Jinja (PBIAS = 12.95%), whereas the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) dataset showed better performance at Soroti ( 9.66%), Mbarara ( 5.93%), and Gulu (3.05%). To further improve their accuracy, the datasets were bias-corrected using four different methods, among which quantile mapping (QM) emerged as the most effective. For example, at Gulu, QM reduced the NOAA_CPC RMSE from 29.20 mm to 19.00 mm and improved the PBIAS from 19.23% to 1.05%. IDF curves developed from observed, bias-corrected RSR, and best-evaluated RCMs (BCCRWRF331 and REMO2009) were fitted with the generalized extreme value distribution. The results revealed strong spatial variability from RCM outputs. Under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5, intensities increased moderately at Gulu (9 21%) but rose at Jinja (50 79%) and Mbarara (46 73%), with Fort Portal showing the greatest increase (up to 170% for rare events). Soroti showed increases at low return periods but decreases at higher return periods. Under RCP8.5, most stations recorded increased intensities, whereas Jinja and Gulu showed decreases, reflecting localized climate variability. To support application in ungauged catchments, multilinear regression analysis (MLR) models were then developed to regionalize IDF coefficients based on elevation and the mean of annual maximum series (AMS) rainfall as predictors. Station-level validation using leave-oneout cross-validation (LOOCV) revealed high numerical accuracy, with percentage errors below 2% at Tororo, Arua, and Soroti for coefficient b and below 5% for all stations for c. In conclusion, bias-corrected RSR data and the aligned time distribution (TD) disaggregation approach offer reliable alternatives for IDF curve development in data-scarce settings. Novel contributions include a bias correction framework and a MLR regionalization model. These tools support climate-resilient hydraulic infrastructure planning in data-scarce regions. It is recommended that government agencies, along with planners and consultants, consider using bias-corrected RSR datasets in areas lacking ground-based rainfall and use aligned TD factors where subdaily records are unavailable. Infrastructure design should integrate IDF curves under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, with design standards updated to support scenario-based planning that accounts for a range of plausible climate futures.Item Return flow analysis in large paddy rice irrigation scheme : Kibimba.(Busitema University, 2026) Makabuli, YasinThe study analysed the irrigation return flow in the large paddy rice irrigation scheme at Kibimba, Uganda, where inefficient surface irrigation practices contribute to downstream waterlogging and deterioration of irrigation water quality. The main objective of the study was to analyse the return flow irrigation in the scheme through investigating return flow quantity, assessing return flow quality and modelling the relationship between return flow quantity and quality. A mixed research approach involving field measurements, water quality assessment, spatial analysis and statistical modelling was adopted. Return flow quantity was measured using a discharge metre, while water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, salinity, electrical conductivity and nitrates were assessed using a Hydrolab - H2O multiprobe sensor. ArcGIS 10.8, Irrigation Water Quality Index and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis and modelling. The findings revealed a return flow coefficient of 33%, indicating substantial downstream waterlogging resulting from irrigation inefficiencies. The assessed return flow quality yielded an IWQI value of 100.38, classifying the water as unfit for irrigation due to quality degradation. Regression analysis further showed that 69% of the variation in return flow quality was explained by return flow quantity, with a strong positive correlation r, 0.830. The developed model was statistically significant with p-values less than or equal to 0.05. The study concludes that sustainable management of irrigation return flow is essential for improving irrigation efficiency and minimizing downstream environmental degradation. Further research on treatment, recycling, and reuse of return flow for irrigation is recommended to enhance sustainable water resource utilization in paddy rice irrigation schemes.Item Decision Support Tool for Optimal Crop Planning: Bugiri Sugarcane Farm(Busitema University, 2026-07-13) Nakandi, Proscovia NorahThis study developed a data-driven Decision Support Tool (DST) for crop yield prediction and resource optimization using computational optimization techniques to address agricultural challenges in developing regions such as Uganda, particularly climate variability, inefficient resource use, and limited access to predictive technologies. To ensure maximum data integrity and localized relevance, the framework was trained using historical climate datasets cross-validated with ground-truth records from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), correcting for satellite retrieval biases Focusing on sugarcane production in the Busoga sub-region of Eastern Uganda, the framework integrated geospatial analysis, climatic modeling, soil hydraulic characterization, evapotranspiration simulation, and intelligent optimization within a unified system. The tool’s functionality was specifically enhanced by incorporating location-specific soil nutrient parameters, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and pH levels, to guide objective varietal selection. Historical climate, soil, and agronomic datasets were used to train a Hybrid GRU-LSTM deep learning model and an Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, both evaluated using R², NSE, RMSE, and MAE, with the GRU-LSTM model outperforming XGBoost achieving a training Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.9986 and a testing NSE of 0.8212. To transition these complex models into a practical tool for smallholders, the research prioritized the design of an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), ensuring the framework is accessible and providing actionable "Farm Action Plans" for non-technical users in rural Ugandan contexts. To convert predictions into actionable decisions, the system incorporated Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Non-Linear Programming (NLP), and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization for crop selection, irrigation scheduling, and resource allocation, resulting in improved Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (IWUE), including over 20% irrigation water savings without significant yield loss. Overall, the DST offers an intelligent, science-driven platform for enhancing yield forecasting, irrigation planning, and economic decision-making, supporting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable productivity in Uganda and comparable tropical systems.Item Comparative Assessment of Emitter Clogging under Fishpond and Swamp Water Sources for Smallholder Drip Irrigation Systems. A Case Study of Limoto Wetland Restoration Site, Pallisa District, Uganda(Busitema University, 2026) Etum, SamuelEmitter clogging is the leading operational constraint of drip irrigation systems when low-quality surface water is used. At the Limoto Wetland Restoration Site, Pallisa District, Uganda, fishpond water (FW) and swamp water (SW) are alternately supplied through a solar-powered drip system serving smallholder vegetable farmers. This study comparatively assessed emitter clogging under both sources over a 90-day field experiment, addressing water quality characterization, emitter discharge performance, deposit characterization, and source-specific engineering mitigation. FW posed Severe clogging risk across all parameter categories: total suspended solids (185 mg/L), turbidity (126 NTU), iron (1.66 mg/L), calcium (82 mg/L), phosphate (6 mg/L), total coliforms (1.6 × 10⁶ CFU/100 mL), and algal biomass (85 µg/L), all substantially exceeding SW values and FAO risk thresholds. Field monitoring revealed a clear divergence: FW emitter discharge declined from 1.599 L/h to 1.025 L/h, yielding a clogging rate of 35.90% surpassing the ISO failure threshold of 25%. SW emitters recorded only 20.64% clogging, remaining within acceptable operational limits throughout. Welch's t-test confirmed highly significant differences at every monitoring interval (t = 29.07, df = 12, p = 1.71 × 10⁻¹²). Deposit characterization via SEM, loss on ignition, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry revealed contrasting clogging regimes. FW deposits were dominated by a biological fraction (48%), driven by a synergistic EPS-iron hydroxide ochre biofilm. SW deposits were predominantly physical (54%), comprising porous granular silt despite greater deposit mass a phenomenon termed the "Clogging Paradox." The standard 130-µm disc filter was found inadequate for both sources. Recommended mitigation includes sand media filtration with periodic shock chlorination (10-20 mg/L) and acid injection for FW, and sedimentation basins with bi-weekly lateral flushing for SW. These findings provide actionable, context-specific engineering guidance for improving smallholder drip irrigation sustainability at Limoto Wetland Restoration Site.Item Optimization of tractor operations and maintenance management system : a case of Kinyara sugar works.(Busitema University, 2026-06-16) Makmot, Ronald Anywar; Kwures, TimothyThis implementation report presents the design, development, and validation of a web-based Computerized Operations and Maintenance Management System (COMMS) for tractor fleet management at Kinyara Sugar Works Limited, which operates over 735 tractors on 11,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations. The company faced critical challenges including unplanned maintenance, poor task scheduling, inadequate spare-parts management, and unreliable paper-based record keeping, resulting in tractor availability as low as 69.4% in the sampled fleet. To address these challenges, a web-based COMMS was designed and implemented using PHP, MySQL, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript. The system integrates four core modules: operator task logging, mechanic repair tracking, administrator management, and inventory control with automated SMS low-stock alerts. Data were collected from operational logs, maintenance records, structured questionnaires, and field observations across a stratified sample of 50 tractors. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was applied to the collected maintenance data to identify and prioritize critical tractor failure modes. Results showed that tyre/brake failures had the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN = 315) due to high occurrence frequency, while engine failures caused the greatest total downtime (over 450 of the 942.75 hours recorded). The implemented COMMS corrected systematic errors in the paper-based records for example, improving reported 4WD tractor availability from 84% to 87% and demonstrated strong technical performance with an average response time of 1.20 seconds and throughput of 2.22 requests per second. The system provides Kinyara Sugar Works Limited with a reliable, data-driven platform to reduce downtime, improve maintenance efficiency, and support cost-effective tractor operations.Item Design and Fabrication of Engine-driven Maize De-husking and Threshing Machine(Busitema University, 2026-06-17) Kimuli, HermanTraditionally, maize Dehusking and threshing were done using manual methods, which are time-consuming and tedious, and they continue because of the low incomes of maize growers in Uganda. The mechanical method of using a combine harvester is faster, highly efficient, and increases maize production while reducing maize losses. However, it is very expensive, and few or no medium- and small-scale farmers can afford it in Uganda. To overcome this problem, there was a need to design a simple machine that performs the same purpose but cheaper than the combine harvester. The main objective of this work was to design and fabricate a simple, affordable, engine-powered maize dehusking and threshing machine. The method adopted involved selecting an engine suitable for the operation. Based on the available engine, the mechanical part was fabricated to work with the engine. The maize husks were effectively detached from the maize by two spirals and two rollers in the design, and the kernels were detached by spikes in the shelling unit. Choosing materials that are long-lasting and resistant to hot environments, maintaining food safety, and maximizing mechanical efficiency were important design factors. The research methodologies employed were research design, data collection, the design of a maize de-husking and threshing machine using Solid Works software, engineering textbooks, work preparation, manufacturing fabrication, process, and work testing. Durable, corrosion-resistant materials, such as mild steel with a food-safe coating, wire meshes, a shelling unit, and certain parts that come into direct contact with the seeds, were used during fabrication. Performance evaluation yielded a dehusking efficiency of 82.1% and a threshing efficiency of 94%, with a throughput capacity of 117.14 kg/hour and fuel consumption of 1.5 liters per hour. Financial analysis showed a positive Net Present Value (UGX 35,167,418), a Profitability Index of 17.8, and a payback period of approximately 2 months and 4 days, demonstrating economic viabilityItem Govt starts a new mechatronics course.(New Vision, 2017-09-06) Nsubuga, UmarMichael Mulindwa trained as a mechanical engineer, but always struggled to fit into his job at his father's motor vehicle workshop. He was not well-grounded in handling some cars, especially those with the latest technology. They are more computerised,Item EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC MULCHES VS ORGANIC MULCHES ON WATER USE EFFICIENCY (WUE) WITH BEAN YIELD UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION IN BUSIA, UGANDA(BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, 2026) TSEMALE RAYMONDBean production in Busia District, Uganda, is increasingly constrained by soil moisture deficits arising from erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells, resulting in low and unstable yields. This study evaluated the impact of synthetic mulch (plastic film) and organic mulches (straw and wood chips) on water use efficiency (WUE) and bean (NABE 32) yield under drip irrigation at the Busitema University Demonstration Site. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments which included plastic mulch (T1), straw mulch (T2), wood chips mulch (T3), and a no-mulch control (T4) each replicated three times, was used. Key parameters measured included soil moisture content, plant height, number of leaves, days to flowering, pods per plant, grain yield, WUE, and economic performance indicators. Results showed that mulch type had a highly significant effect on all measured parameters (P < 0.05). Plastic mulch produced the highest grain yield of 1,963 kg/ha, followed by straw mulch at 1,685 kg/ha, wood chips at 1,444 kg/ha, and the control at 1,056 kg/ha. Corresponding WUE values were 8.15, 7.00, 6.00, and 4.38 kg/mm respectively. Soil moisture was consistently highest under plastic mulch (25.19–29.97%) and lowest in the control (17.93–22.95%) throughout the cropping season. Mulched treatments also exhibited earlier flowering, taller plants, more leaves, and higher pod counts compared to the control, reflecting the cumulative agronomic benefits of improved soil moisture conservation under drip irrigation. Economic analysis revealed that although plastic mulch generated the highest net return (UGX 4,338,883/ha), straw mulch achieved the most favourable benefit-cost ratio (BCR = 5.06) and return on investment (ROI = 405.6%), making it the most economically efficient option for smallholder farmers. All treatments exceeded their break-even yield thresholds, confirming financial viability across the board. The study concludes that integrating mulching with stage-based drip irrigation scheduling significantly enhances crop productivity and water use efficiency, with straw mulch offering the most practical, cost-effective, and scalable solution for bean production in water-stressed tropical environments such as Busia District, UgandaItem Design and Fabrication of an Engine Powered Weeder Sprayer Machine for Maize(2026) Kikyo Hellen, Mudoola CorneriousWeeds are a major constraint to crop productivity, contributing to an estimated 25–26% yield losses in major crops annually and billions in financial losses worldwide. Traditional weed control methods, such as manual removal and conventional mechanical devices, often result in high labor costs, significant drudgery, and inconsistent efficacy, particularly in smallholder farming contexts. Engine-powered weeding machines have demonstrated substantially improved weeding efficiency up to 90% compared to manual methods, which typically achieve 65–82% efficiency. This project focused on the design and fabrication of an engine-powered weeder-sprayer machine capable of mechanically removing weeds in crop inter-rows while simultaneously spraying herbicides within intra-row. The machine integrates dual implements, that is, the fixed tines for physical weed removal and cutting and a targeted spraying system for precise selective herbicide application. Performance benchmarks show that such machines can deliver a field efficiency of approximately 86%, maintain plant damage below 4%, and reduce weeding costs by over 60% when compared to traditional practices. By leveraging mechanical automation and selective herbicide application, the proposed solution aims to address labor shortages and improve both the quality and quantity of crop production. The system is designed to be accessible, economical, and environmentally conscious, promising substantial benefits for small and medium-sized farms and aligning with the demand for sustainable agriculture.Item Design and Fabrication of an engine Powered Weeder Sprayer Machine(2026) Mudoola Cornerious, Kikyo hellenWeeds are a major constraint to crop productivity, contributing to an estimated 25–26% yield losses in major crops annually and billions in financial losses worldwide. Traditional weed control methods, such as manual removal and conventional mechanical devices, often result in high labor costs, significant drudgery, and inconsistent efficacy, particularly in smallholder farming contexts. Engine-powered weeding machines have demonstrated substantially improved weeding efficiency up to 90% compared to manual methods, which typically achieve 65–82% efficiency. This project focused on the design and fabrication of an engine-powered weeder-sprayer machine capable of mechanically removing weeds in crop inter-rows while simultaneously spraying herbicides within intra-row. The machine integrates dual implements, that is, the fixed tines for physical weed removal and cutting and a targeted spraying system for precise selective herbicide application. Performance benchmarks show that such machines can deliver a field efficiency of approximately 86%, maintain plant damage below 4%, and reduce weeding costs by over 60% when compared to traditional practices. By leveraging mechanical automation and selective herbicide application, the proposed solution aims to address labor shortages and improve both the quality and quantity of crop production. The system is designed to be accessible, economical, and environmentally conscious, promising substantial benefits for small and medium-sized farms and aligning with the demand for sustainable agriculture.Item EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF BIOGAS SLURRY ON AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TOMATOS AND SOIL FERTILITY UNDER OPEN FIELD CONDITIONS(2026) Edyangu KokasTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is among the most economically important horticultural crops in Uganda, contributing significantly to household income, nutrition, and food security. However, open field tomato production remains constrained by declining soil fertility and prohibitively high costs of inorganic fertilizers. This study evaluated the influence of biogas slurry (BGS) on agronomic performance of tomatoes under open field conditions at Busitema University Demonstration Farm, Busia District, Eastern Uganda. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments biogas slurry, chemical fertilizer (NPK 17:17:17), cow dung, and an unfertilized control replicated twice was employed over 42 days. Vegetative parameters (plant height, stem diameter) and reproductive parameters (number of flowers, number of fruits per plant) were measured. Soil organic matter and organic carbon were analysed before and after treatment application using the Walkley-Black method. Data were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Microsoft Excel. Results indicated that while vegetative growth differences among treatments were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), both biogas slurry and NPK consistently outperformed cow dung and the control numerically. Reproductive parameters showed statistically significant treatment effects, with NPK recording the highest flower and fruit counts, followed closely by biogas slurry. Soil fertility analysis revealed highly significant increases in soil organic matter under organic amendment treatments, particularly cow dung and biogas slurry (F = 129.98, p = 0.000193). These findings demonstrate that biogas slurry is a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative or complement to chemical fertilizers for smallholder tomato production in Uganda.Item EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION LEVELS UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION WITH MULCHING ON TOMATO YIELD AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY.(BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, 2026) ABESIGA, DennisTomato production in Busia District, eastern Uganda, is increasingly constrained by seasonal water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices. This study evaluated the effects of three deficit irrigation levels 100% (I₁), 75% (I₂), and 50% (I₃) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) combined with two mulching treatments (mulched and non-mulched) on tomato (Money Maker) growth, yield, soil moisture dynamics, and water productivity under drip irrigation. The experiment was conducted at Busitema University Research Field, Busia District, during the dry season from December 2025 to March 2026, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 3×2 factorial arrangement replicated three times. Results showed that both irrigation level and mulching had highly significant effects (P<0.001) on all measured parameters. The highest marketable yield of 44.17 t/ha was recorded under I₁+Mulch (full irrigation with mulching), while the lowest yield of 20.39 t/ha was recorded under I₃+No Mulch. Mulching provided a mean yield advantage of 4.41 t/ha (+14.2%) across all irrigation levels. Critically, the I₂+Mulch treatment (75% ETc with mulching) achieved a yield of 39.14 t/ha statistically equivalent to full irrigation without mulch (39.61 t/ha) while using 25% less irrigation water. Soil moisture content was maintained above the permanent wilting point (0.10 g/g) in all treatments throughout the season, validating the 50% management allowable deficit (MAD) scheduling approach. The I₂+Mulch treatment recorded the highest irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of 17.70 kg/m³, surpassing the full irrigation treatment (16.26 kg/m³), and reduced seasonal irrigation demand by 504 m³/ha compared to full irrigation. The I₂+Mulch treatment was identified as the optimal deficit irrigation strategy, offering the best balance between yield, water productivity, and irrigation efficiency for smallholder tomato production under drip irrigation in Busia District. These findings provide practical, evidence-based guidelines for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers on sustainable irrigation water management for tomato production in sub-humid eastern Uganda.Item 48 irrigation schemes constructed, 30 in pipeline(New Vision, 2018-05-18) Tenywa, Gerald; Amamukirori, BettyThe Ministry of Water and Environment is constructing 48 new small and big irrigation schemes in order to increase food security and resilience against climate change impacts.Item President Museveni's simplicity: Why all water is not safe for irrigation(New Vision, 2017-01-06) Kanyarusoke, Kant AteenyiAre you inventing a rain-making machine? A close relative and childhood playmate, now in Kampala- Grace Kiiza- teased me during my protracted doctor of engineering research in solar energy. She had learnt I was working on some solar-related invention and both of us were concerned about the changing climate of the country leading to droughts even in regions that had been wet during our youth.Item Technology to facilitate agricultural financing.(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-05) Ladu, Ismail MusaSmall holder farmers have for years been unable to access credit, hindering their transformation from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, sector experts have said. According to the chief operations officer of aBiTrust, Ms. Josephine Mukumbya, whose organisation guarantees credit extended to farmers, small holders farmer financing comes with huge risks,Item Makerere builds solar power irrigation pump(New Vision, 2017-01-06) Nantambi, AgnesMakerere University's college of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has fabricated a solar-powered pump with capacity to irrigate up to 10 acres.Item Guidelines for agriculture mechanisation in the offing(New Vision, 2018-04-03) Nandudu, ProssyThe Agriculture ministry is drafting a policy that will guide the country on how to design appropriate interventions in agriculture mechanisations.Item Did you know? Farmers seek irrigation(Saturday Monitor, 2018-02-10) Mukombozi, RajabOn August 15 of every year was a day every farmer in South Western region looked up wit eagerness. It marked the beginning of the rain season.