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Item ASSESSING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) RAISED WITH MAIZE BRAND MIXED WITH TERMITES (Macroterms bellicosus) IN POND CULTURE(Busitema university, 2026-09-27) oniro benardNile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important cultured fish species because of its fast growth, adaptability and contribution to food security and household income. However, the high cost of fish feed remains a major constraint to profitable aquaculture production. This study evaluated the effect of integrating termite meal (Macrotermes bellicosus) with maize bran on the growth performance, and economic performance of Nile tilapia. Three dietary treatments were evaluated: maize bran only, a mixture of maize bran + termite meal at a ratio of 1:1(5kg of maize bran+ 5kg of termite meal) and termite meal only. The feeding trial lasted 90 days. Growth performance was assessed using final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate, while Economic performance was assessed using feed cost, revenue, net return and benefit-cost ratio. The results showed that the mixture of maize bran plus termite meal at a ratio of one to one (5kg of maize bran+5kg of termite meal diet yielded significantly superior growth performance, with the highest final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate. Economically, the 100% maize bran diet had the lowest feed cost and the highest benefit-cost ratio, whereas the 5kg of maize bran + 5kg termite meal diet (a ratio of one-to-one nutritive dietary balance) generated the highest net return per fish. Overall, mixing M. bellicosus meal with maize bran improved growth and feed conversion compared with maize bran alone and termite alone and provided a favorable balance between biological performance and economic return. By providing an appropriate balance of nutrients and carbon, termites and maize bran enhance macro-microbial acceleration that provide natural food production to Nile tilapia, as such nutrient utilization by Nile tilapia is efficiently balanced resulted into increased body weight and reduced production cost. The maize bran + termite meal diet is therefore a promising alternative feeding option for Nile tilapia production under the conditions of the study.Item Sheenah and the rat surprise(Daily Monitor, 2026-05-23) Mugabe, ArnoldOn the first day of the first term holiday, Sheenah had one mission, which was to keep their house spotless. It was a declaration of war against house pests. She was dead serious, and before long the entire house sparkled day and night, until all pests began migrating.Item FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS SCREENING AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN MBALE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL(2026-09-25) Musana, Henry godfreyThe growing dual burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. T2DM increases the risk of developing active TB and is associated with poorer TB treatment outcomes, including delayed sputum conversion, treatment failure, relapse and mortality. Despite national and global recommendations for bidirectional screening, implementation of T2DM screening among TB patients remains suboptimal in many settings, including Uganda, leading to missed diagnoses and poor treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with TB screened for T2DM, assess factors associated with T2DM screening, and explore healthcare worker and health system barriers and facilitators affecting implementation at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed. The quantitative phase used a cross-sectional review of 310 TB patient records selected from an eligible sampling frame of 532 records, while the qualitative phase used key informant interviews with healthcare workers involved in TB and diabetes care. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using the six phases described by Braun and Clarke. Overall, 18.1% (56/310) of patients with TB were screened for T2DM. Among those screened, 44.6% (25/56) had normal blood glucose, 42.9% (24/56) had prediabetes, 8.9% (5/56) were newly identified with T2DM, and 3.6% (2/56) were already known to have T2DM. In the final multivariable model, age 50 years and above and rural residence were independently associated with T2DM screening. Drug resistant TB showed a strong bivariate association with screening but was not estimated as an independent predictor because near universal screening in this group produced quasi complete separation. Qualitative findings identified commodity shortages, weak service integration, workload, documentation burden and selective screening as major barriers, while guidance, training, supervision, routine data use and availability of TB and diabetes services were facilitators. T2DM screening among patients with TB at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital was low and selective rather than routine. The findings indicate important missed opportunities for early detection, including five newly identified T2DM cases among the 56 patients screened. Strengthening screening requires reliable commodities, clearer integration of TB and diabetes services, routine documentation and review of screening indicators, and continuous healthcare worker mentorship.Item A web-based inventory management system for motorcycle spare parts and engine oils (case study: Dani motorcycle spare parts and engine oils retail shop)(Busitema university, 2026-08) OKOLONG, CharlesThis research report presents the development and evaluation of a web-based inventory management system designed specifically for Dani Motorcycle Spare Parts and Engine Oils Shop, a small retail business located in Tuba, Molo Sub-county along the Tororo-Mbale highway in Uganda. The shop previously operated entirely on a manual, paper-based inventory system, which resulted in frequent stockouts, overstocking of slow-moving items, time-consuming stock-taking processes, poor record-keeping, and an inability to generate accurate financial reports for informed decision-making. The main objective of this study was to develop a web-based system that enables the shop owner to efficiently manage stock levels, record sales and purchases, track suppliers, generate business reports, and receive automated low-stock alerts. The study employed qualitative research methods, including interviews, observation, questionnaires, and literature review, to gather functional requirements from the shop owner, staff, and customers. The system was developed using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology within the Structured System Analysis Design Method (SSADM) framework, utilizing WAMPP (Apache, MySQL, PHP), HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Visual Studio Code as the integrated development environment. The system significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced stockouts, enhanced financial management, and provided the shop owner with actionable business intelligence.Item Prevalence and Influencing Factors to Malnutrition among Children 5–17 Years with Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Uganda(Busitema University, 2026) Mukhokosi, JanetABSTRACT Background Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a public health concern, with an estimated burden of 7.74 million people living with sickle cell disease. SCD places a nutritional burden on individuals affected. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among individuals with SCD, affecting patients of different age groups and disease severities. It remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the existence of this problem, there is limited literature about the prevalence and influencing factors of malnutrition among children 5-17 years with SCD at Mbale regional referral hospital Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, employing a quantitative approach. Data were collected at one point in time from 331 children with sickle cell disease and their caregivers attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. A structured questionnaire administered through KoboCollect was used as the main data collection tool. The tool was developed by the researcher with guidance and adaptation from existing validated tools commonly used in nutrition research, including WHO/UNICEF child nutrition guidelines. Data were analyzed using Stata version 18, and the findings were triangulated. Results: Of the 331 children assessed, 46.83% were malnourished based on BMI-for-age classification, and 28.10% had a MUAC measurement below 14.9 cm, indicating risk of acute undernutrition. Age (p=0.04), breastfeeding status (p=0.04), and meal frequency (p<0.001) were significantly associated with malnutrition at the bivariate level. On multivariate analysis, hospitalization in the past six months (AOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.94, p=0.034), severe shoulder muscle wasting (AOR=2.90, 95% CI: 0.10–8.49, p=0.047), and the presence of ascites (AOR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.99, p=0.047) remained independently associated with malnutrition. Conclusion: The study established a high prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 5–17 years with sickle cell disease in Eastern Uganda and identified hospitalization history, severe shoulder muscle wasting, and ascites as the key independent predictors. These findings can be used by MRRH to strengthen routine nutritional screening and inform policy makers on the burden of malnutrition among older children with SCD.Item A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi DamarisThis study focuses on the design and implementation of a web-based tourism management system for Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda. Tourism in rural destinations often faces challenges such as limited access to information, inefficient booking processes, and inadequate promotion of attractions. The main objective of this research was to develop a system that enhances tourism service delivery by providing an online platform for destination information, accommodation booking, tour scheduling, and visitor feedback. Specific objectives included analyzing existing tourism management practices, identifying user requirements, designing system architecture, and testing the functionality of the proposed solution. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, tourists, and document reviews. System development followed the RAD model, incorporating requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Key findings revealed that the current tourism management practices at Sipi Falls are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies and limited accessibility for international visitors. The proposed web-based system addresses these gaps by offering real-time information, streamlined booking processes, and improved communication between tourists and service providers. In conclusion, the system demonstrates significant potential to improve tourism management and promote rural destinations. Recommendations include training local stakeholders on system use, continuous system updates to meet evolving needs, and integration with national tourism platforms to maximize visibility. The study highlights the importance of digital solutions in enhancing tourism sustainability and supporting socio-economic development in Uganda.Item Haruna Kasolo on why 'NRM bounced back in Buganda'(Daily Monitor, 2026-05-23) Kiyonga, DerrickHaruna Kasolo the outgoing State Minister for Finance in-charge of Microfinance and Small Enterprises, retook the Kyotera County slot from National Unity Platform's Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago. In an interview with Derrick Kiyonga, he explains why he thinks the ruling NRM party is still loved in Buganda and it's relationship with the Catholic Church.Item A WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(Chepkwemoi Damaris, 2026-09-24) Chepkwemoi DamarisThis study focuses on the design and implementation of a web-based tourism management system for Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda. Tourism in rural destinations often faces challenges such as limited access to information, inefficient booking processes, and inadequate promotion of attractions. The main objective of this research was to develop a system that enhances tourism service delivery by providing an online platform for destination information, accommodation booking, tour scheduling, and visitor feedback. Specific objectives included analyzing existing tourism management practices, identifying user requirements, designing system architecture, and testing the functionality of the proposed solution. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, tourists, and document reviews. System development followed the RAD model, incorporating requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Key findings revealed that the current tourism management practices at Sipi Falls are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies and limited accessibility for international visitors. The proposed web-based system addresses these gaps by offering real-time information, streamlined booking processes, and improved communication between tourists and service providers. In conclusion, the system demonstrates significant potential to improve tourism management and promote rural destinations. Recommendations include training local stakeholders on system use, continuous system updates to meet evolving needs, and integration with national tourism platforms to maximize visibility. The study highlights the importance of digital solutions in enhancing tourism sustainability and supporting socio-economic development in Uganda.Item Effect of the parish development model on cattle productivity and household income in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda(Busitema University, 2026-09-21) Auta, AmosThis study examined the effect of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on cattle production and household income of farmers in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda. Government has had various interventions to improve productivity and household income of farmers to remove them from subsistence agriculture. However some of these interventions have not had good results to remove people from poverty. The PDM was launched in 2021 but little information exists on how it has improved productivity and income of farmers. Data was collected using questionnaires where 202 PDM beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were selected randomly in two selected Sub Counties of Amuria District. The study employed structured questionnaires incorporating Likert-scale items to measure perceptions on cattle production improvements, household income changes, and challenges faced. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, Results of the study showed that PDM has positively influenced cattle productivity by improving milk yields from a mean of 32.9l/month-38.4l/month per each household and income from it by 16.6% and 136.6% respectively giving an average of UGX 27.899-65.876. Results also indicated that a live weight of cattle increment of 61.2%, was realized by farmers engaged in livestock fattening though this did not translate into improved income for them because during the time of disbursement of the PDM funds, the demand for animals increased which led to increase in the prices for buying this animals, while the selling price reduced due to increased supply of animals in the market which reduced the income status of this farmers PDM beneficiaries perceived the project to less extent as having improved livestock production and income of its farmers. The biggest challenges reported were livestock diseases through drought and water shortages and limited extension services; delayed release of funds and market access followed. District and Sub County veterinary and extension departments should prioritise PDM cattle beneficiaries for community animal health worker coverage, SACCOs and other fund managers administering the PDM cattle enterprise grant should incorporate basic enterprise recordkeeping and cost budgeting guidance, Local government departments responsible for water-for-production infrastructure should coordinate more closely with PDM cattle enterprise implementation in Amuria District, prioritizing valley tanks, boreholes and other livestock water sources in parishes with a high concentration of PDM cattle beneficiaries. Move an enterprise such as bull fattening, which has an inherently lumpy, longer-cycle return beyond incremental gains.Item PSYCHOLINGUISTICS AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE CLASSROOM AMONG PUPILS AT ROCK VIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TORORO DISTRICT, UGANDA.(2026-09-17) SHARON, ASIOThis study investigates the application of psycholinguistic principles in the teaching and learning processes among pupils at Rock View Primary School in Tororo District, Uganda. Psycholinguistics, as an interdisciplinary field combining psychology and linguistics, focuses on understanding how the human mind processes, acquires, and produces language. In the context of primary education, the application of psycholinguistic knowledge can enhance pupils’ comprehension, reading, and oral communication skills, especially in multilingual settings such as Uganda, where English is used as the medium of instruction for learners whose first language is different. Language plays a central role in the cognitive and academic development of learners. However, in many Ugandan schools, the teaching of language often emphasizes content delivery over understanding how pupils mentally process and internalize language concepts. As a result, many pupils face persistent challenges in reading, comprehension, and effective communication. The current curriculum does not fully integrate psycholinguistic strategies, and most teachers have limited knowledge of how to apply them in classroom instruction. This gap in teaching methodology has contributed to low literacy levels and limited learner engagement in language related subjects. The purpose of this study is to examine how psycholinguistic principles can be practically incorporated into classroom instruction to improve pupils’ language acquisition and overall academic performance. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the extent to which the current primary school curriculum integrates psycholinguistic principles, evaluate teachers’ knowledge and competence in applying psycholinguistic strategies, and determine the impact of these strategies on pupils’ reading, comprehension, and oral communication skills. Through this analysis, the study aims to provide recommendations for improving language teaching methods and curriculum design in Ugandan primary schools. The study will be guided by the following objectives: to examine the extent to which the curriculum integrates psycholinguistic principles; to determine the impact of psycholinguistic strategy application on pupils’ language skills; and to propose recommendations for teacher professional development and curriculum improvement. The research questions will focus on how teachers understand and apply psycholinguistic approaches, what challenges they face in implementation, and what outcomes these strategies have on learners’ performance.Item FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF LESS EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG WOMEN USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA(2026-09-15) Chebet, StellaBackground: Unintended pregnancy remains a major public health challenge in Kenya. Despite increasing contraceptive uptake, some women continue to use less-effective contraceptive methods, which are associated with higher typical-use failure rates and increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Evidence on the prevalence and determinants of less-effective contraceptive use remains limited. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with use of less-effective contraceptive methods among women using family planning in Nandi County, Kenya. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 422 women aged 18–49 years using family planning methods in Nandi County, Kenya. Participants were selected through multistage sampling and all 422 sampled women completed the interview. Data were collected from May to July 2026 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in KoboToolbox and analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Overall, 25.4% (107/422) of participants used less-effective contraceptive methods, with the Standard Days Method being the most commonly used (17.8%). Fear of side effects was the leading reported reason for use (95.3%). Utilization was significantly associated with age 25–34 years (aPR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.30), age 35–49 years (aPR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.84), marital status (aPR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65), employment status (aPR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91), partner-influenced contraceptive choice (aPR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03–2.20), never having visited a health facility for contraceptive services (aPR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.32–4.46), not discussing family planning with a partner (aPR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.16–0.63), and reporting that contraceptive stock-outs was associated with less effective contraceptive choice (aPR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.37–0.99). Conclusion: Less-effective contraceptive use was common among family planning users in Nandi County. Strengthening contraceptive counselling and community-based interventions may support informed contraceptive choice and reduce reliance on less-effective methods.Item Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Factors, Bacterial Isolates and Antibacterial Susceptibility Patterns Among Febrile Children Under Five Years Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital(Busitema Universty, 2026-09-16) Mathias BadaazaBackground: Fever is a common presentation among children under five years, and urinary tract infection is an important diagnosis to consider because clinical features may be nonspecific in young children. Local bacterial isolate and antibacterial susceptibility data are also important for guiding treatment. This study assessed bacterial urinary tract infections, associated factors, bacterial isolates and antibacterial susceptibility patterns among febrile children aged 2 to 59 months attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 328 febrile children aged 2 to 59 months at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical assessment. Urine specimens were obtained by sterile in and out catheterisation or clean catch midstream collection. Urine culture was used to identify significant bacterial growth, isolates were identified using standard microbiological procedures, and antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, CLSI interpretive criteria. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with bacterial urinary tract infection, UTI. Results: Ninety of the 328 participants had culture confirmed bacterial UTI, giving a prevalence of 27.4%. Uncircumcised male children were 2.1 more likely to have bacterial UTI compared to the circumcised children, (adjusted Prevalence Ratio, aPR 2.1, 95% Confidence interval, CI 1.022 - 4.396, p = 0.044). 97 bacterial isolates were identified from 90 febrile children with 7 children having duo isolates. Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified isolate, 25.8%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, 16.5%. Susceptibility was generally higher to imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and piperacillin tazobactam, while lower susceptibility was observed for several commonly used agents including ampicillin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Culture confirmed bacterial UTI was identified nearly 1 in 3 febrile children aged 2 to 59 months in this study. lack of circumcision among boys was associated with bacterial UTI. The bacterial isolate and susceptibility findings support the use of locally generated microbiological evidence to guide treatment decisions and antimicrobial stewardship. Keywords: Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection, Febrile Children, Bacterial Isolates, Antibacterial Susceptibility, Antimicrobial Resistance.Item SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION(Busitema University, 2026-09-16) NAKKU JOANITAHABSTRACT This study examined social media platforms and mathematics achievement among university students: A case study of Busitema University, Faculty of Science and Education. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design, the study targeted a population of 850 mathematics education students. A representative sample of 272 students was selected using simple random sampling, and data was collected via structured self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive analysis revealed that WhatsApp and YouTube were the most frequently used social media platforms for academic and non-academic activities whereas the inferential analysis using a simple linear regression model (Y = β₀ + β₁X + ε) demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship between average daily hours spent on social media (X) and students' final mathematics percentage grades (Y). The model accounted for approximately 26.16% of the variance in mathematics achievement (R2 = 0.2616, F (1, 270) = 97.7, p <.001) where the slope coefficient (β₁= -2.3725) indicated that for every additional hour spent daily on social media platforms, a student's mathematics percentage score decreased by 2.37 percentage points. Consequently, the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected. The study concluded that excessive, unguided daily social media usage duration displaces essential self-regulated study and practice intervals, thereby lowering mathematics performance. It is recommended that the faculty of science and education establish structured digital time-management guidelines and integrate academically focused online peer-learning groups to mitigate social media induced cognitive distraction, guide students toward video tutorial usage and establish self-regulatory frameworks to limit daily recreational screen time.Item Virologic Non-Suppression, Clinical Status and Associated Factors Among Children on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy At Mbale Regional Referral hospital(Busitema University, 2026-09-16) Walter AkolBackground: Virologic non-suppression, defined in this study as a viral load of at least 1,000 copies/mL at six months after ART initiation, increases the risk of HIV disease progression, opportunistic infections, drug resistance and mortality. Children living with HIV continue to experience lower viral suppression than adults. This study determined virologic non-suppression at six months, described six-month clinical status and assessed associated factors among children aged 2 to 14 years receiving first-line ART at the Chronic Care Clinic of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of children aged 2 to 14 years on first-line antiretroviral therapy at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Chronic Care Clinic. All eligible records were included. Data were abstracted on socio-demographic characteristics, antiretroviral therapy history, adherence, clinical status, opportunistic infections, nutritional status, and viral load outcomes. Virologic non-suppression was defined as viral load of at least 1,000 copies per millilitre after at least six months of antiretroviral therapy. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression. Adjusted prevalence ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p values were reported. Results: A total of 274 children’s records were analysed. Overall, 23.7% of the children had not achieved virological suppression after six months of antiretroviral therapy. Of the children, 49.3% were in World Health Organisation clinical stage II, while 28.8% were in stage III or IV. Opportunistic infections were documented 32.7% of children. The factors independently associated with virologic non-suppression were caregivers being relatives other than parents [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 to 3.93], poor treatment adherence [aPR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.53 to 5.51], World Health Organization clinical stage III or IV [aPR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.01 to 3.02], and having opportunistic infections at six months [aPR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.12] at six months in Conclusion: Virologic non-suppression was common among children on first-line antiretroviral therapy at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Strengthening adherence support, caregiver-centred follow-up, clinical monitoring, and timely management of opportunistic infections is critical for improving paediatric human immunodeficiency virus treatment outcomes.Item One party, one pulpit, same tyranny(Daily Monitor, 2026-02-22) Tacca, AlanThe 49th anniversary of the murder of Archbishop Janani Luwum during Idi Amin’s rule comes when Uganda has just witnessed one of the ugliest election cycles in the country’s history. Many sober citizens cannot figure out how the ruling NRM will design and engineer its continuity in power without resorting to naked barbarism.Item WEB-BASED TOURISM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(case study SIPI FALLS KAPCHORWA)(CHEPKWEMOI DAMARIS, 2026-09-16) Chepkwemoi DamarisThis study focuses on the design and implementation of a web-based tourism management system for Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda. Tourism in rural destinations often faces challenges such as limited access to information, inefficient booking processes, and inadequate promotion of attractions. The main objective of this research was to develop a system that enhances tourism service delivery by providing an online platform for destination information, accommodation booking, tour scheduling, and visitor feedback. Specific objectives included analyzing existing tourism management practices, identifying user requirements, designing system architecture, and testing the functionality of the proposed solution. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with stakeholders, tourists, and document reviews. System development followed the RAD model, incorporating requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Key findings revealed that the current tourism management practices at Sipi Falls are largely manual, leading to inefficiencies and limited accessibility for international visitors. The proposed web-based system addresses these gaps by offering real-time information, streamlined booking processes, and improved communication between tourists and service providers. In conclusion, the system demonstrates significant potential to improve tourism management and promote rural destinations. Recommendations include training local stakeholders on system use, continuous system updates to meet evolving needs, and integration with national tourism platforms to maximize visibility. The study highlights the importance of digital solutions in enhancing tourism sustainability and supporting socio-economic development in Uganda.Item FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VIRAL LOAD NON-SUPPRESSION AMONG OLDER PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV IN MBALE CITY(2026-09-07) Kisige EmmanuelBackground: Viral load suppression (VLS) is a key indicator of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). Evidence on viral load non-suppression (VLNS) among older persons aged 60 years and above in Sub-Saharan Africa remains limited and inconsistent. In Uganda, VLNS among older persons is estimated at 7.5%-12.1%, but facility-based evidence on associated factors is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of VLNS and associated socio-demographic and clinical factors among older persons living with HIV (OPHIV) in Mbale City. Methodology: A facility-based cross-sectional study using secondary data from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) Mbale. Data were extracted from Electronic Medical Records and HIV Care Cards for all eligible OPHIV aged ≥60 years who had been on ART for at least six months and had documented viral load results between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025. VLNS was defined as a plasma viral load of ≥200 copies/mL. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. Results: A total of 1,476 OPHIV were included, comprising 718 from Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and 758 from TASO Mbale. The mean age was 65.6±5.1 years; 59.7% (n=881) were female, and 81.8% (n=1207) resided in rural areas. Overall, 10.0% (95% CI: 8.5-11.6) had VLNS. In the multivariable analysis, study site (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04-2.48), male sex (aOR 4.27, 95% CI: 2.81-6.48), rural residence (aOR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.22-4.10), non-DTG-based ART (aOR 13.66, 95% CI: 8.53-21.87), and polypharmacy (aOR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.01-3.21) were independently associated with higher odds of VLNS. Conclusion: VLNS affected one in ten OPHIV in Mbale City. Targeted HIV care for older men and rural residents, ART optimization, strengthened HIV service delivery, and routine medication review may help reduce VLNS among OPHIV.Item TLC-BIOAUTOGRAPHY GUIDED IDENTIFICATION AND GC-MS CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL COMPOUNDS FROM CANNABIS SATIVA LEAVES(busitema university, 2026) obuni,judeThe emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for novel antibacterial agents from natural sources. This study aimed to localize, recover and tentatively characterize antibacterial constituents from Cannabis sativa leaves using TLC-bioautography-guided isolation followed by GC-MS analysis. Fresh Cannabis sativa leaves were collected, dried and extracted by maceration using three solvents of increasing polarity, namely hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The crude extracts were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) using direct TLC-bioautography with resazurin dye as a microbial-growth indicator. The extracts produced distinct inhibition zones (blue or colourless regions against a pink background) against both bacterial strains, with a visually more pronounced response observed for S. aureus, consistent with the absence of an outer membrane in Gram-positive bacteria; this observation is descriptive rather than quantitative, as inhibition-zone measurements and replicate testing were not performed. Ethyl acetate produced four cleanly separated spots with no co-elution under the hexane:ethyl acetate (7:3) TLC mobile-phase system used, indicating that the ethyl acetate extract yielded the cleanest chromatographic profile among the three extracts. Ethanol produced six spots with co-elution at a retardation factor (Rf) of 0.4, while hexane produced five spots with co-elution at Rf 0.5. GC-MS analysis of the recovered active bands from the ethanol extract generated tentative, library-based annotations for several constituents, including a compound provisionally annotated as a Cannflavin-related flavonoid (consistent with 2’,4’-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methylflavone) from Spot 2 (Rf 0.5), a compound provisionally annotated as oleanolic acid from Spot 3 (Rf 0.4), and fatty-acid esters including methyl palmitate, methyl stearate and methyl oleate. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were associated primarily with putative alkanes (eicosane, heneicosane), fatty-acid esters and sterol-related compounds. Because these assignments rest on GC-MS spectral-library matching without confirmation by authentic standards, retention-index comparison, or complementary spectroscopy, and because no minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or dose-response data were generated for isolated compounds, all compound identities and potency comparisons reported here should be regarded as tentative rather than confirmed. Within this limitation, the study indicates that Cannabis sativa leaf extracts contain multiple chromatographically separable constituents associated with antibacterial activity, with the ethanol extract yielding the constituents of greatest apparent interest despite co-elution, and the ethyl acetate extract offering the cleanest analytical separation. These findings provide preliminary, exploratory support for the traditional use of Cannabis sativa in managing bacterial infections and identify candidate bands — most notably the putative Cannflavin-related flavonoid — that warrant purification, structural confirmation and quantitative antibacterial testing in future work.Item Adsorption And Kinetics Of Thiamethoxam From Wastewater Using Activated Carbon From Rice Straws Biomass(2026-08-28) Muwanguzi, JoshuaThiamethoxam (TMX) is a highly toxic neonicotinoid pesticide, and its entry into water sources endangers both human and aquatic life, necessitating the development of a low-cost, eco-friendly adsorbent for its removal. In this study, we examined the adsorption of Thiamethoxam from Aqueous solutions using Rice straw Activated Carbon (RSAC) as a low-cost and environmental friendly adsorbent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Rice Straw Activated Carbon in removing Thiamethoxam under varying operational conditions including contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration and solution pH. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out and residual concentrations were determined using a UV-Vis spectrometry based on a calibration curve. The results showed that adsorption efficiency increased with contact time reaching equilibrium at approximately 120 minutes. Adsorption was enhanced by increasing adsorbent dosage, while higher initial Thiamethoxam concentrations resulted in reduced percentage removal due to saturation of active sites. The optimum adsorption occurred at pH 6, a contact time of 120 minutes, and a dosage of 0.5 g adsorbent, with a maximum removal efficiency of 84.6%. Characterisation of the Rice Straw Activated Carbon using the Scanning Electron Microscope revealed a highly porous and heterogeneous surface structure. At the same time, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of functional groups such as OH and C-O, which facilitated adsorption interactions. Equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption. Kinetic studies showed that Pseudo Second Order model provided the best fit, indicating that chemisorption was the dominant rate controlling mechanism. The findings demonstrated that Rice Straw Activated Carbon is an effective, low cost, and sustainable adsorbent for removal of Thiamethoxam from contaminated Water.