Browsing by Author "Kambugu, Robert K."

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    Assessment of Municipal Organic Solid Waste, as a Potential Feedstock for Briquette Production in Kampala, Uganda
    (Uganda. Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, 2020) Abondio, Richard B.; Komakech, Allan J.; Kambugu, Robert K.; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Wanyama, Joshua; Zziwa, Ahamada; Kyamanywa, Samuel
    The current shortage of energy resources coupled with environmental degradation problems resulting from deforestation in Uganda has contributed to increased demand for renewable energy resources including municipal organic solid waste and agricultural residues. However, organic waste from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) may contain contaminants that are harmful to public health and the environment. This study determined the heavy metal concentration in MSW in Kampala City, Uganda. Also, the physicochemical properties of briquettes produced from the MSW were compared with charcoal. The waste samples were collected from residential, institutional and market areas over a period of two weeks. They were then analyzed for the presence of heavy metals. Briquettes were made from the bio-waste and were subjected to calorific and proximate analysis. Results indicated that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb were 1.25 mg/kg, 2.04 mg/kg, 38.2 mg/kg, 3.97 mg/kg and 1.99 mg/kg respectively while Hg was not detected. The calorific values of briquettes ranged from 8.9 to 15.3 MJ/kg and were lower than those of charcoal. Heavy metal concentrations in bio-waste collected were below the permissible acceptable limits. These findings indicate that the sampled MSW does not pose a health hazard arising from the presence of such heavy metals and therefore could be a safe source of renewable energy
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    Relative efficiency of sawmill types operating in Uganda's softwood plantations
    (Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Kambugu, Robert K.; Banana, Abwoli Y.; Zziwa, Ahamada; Agea, Jacob G.; Kaboggoza, John R. S.
    The overall aim of this study was to determine the appropriate saw milling technologies that should be promoted for use in Uganda's softwood plantation. Conversion efficiency, sawing accuracy, and sawing capability of four sawmill categories were evaluated. Data were collected from sawing of 604 good Aquality logs using eleven Rolling ATable Sawmills, Dimensional Swivel Sawmills, Band Sawmills, and Locally Afabricated Snwmills. Sawing accuracy data were collected from 165 boards in three timber sizes (75 mm x 50 mm, 100 mm x 50 mm, 150 mm x SO mm). Sawing capability was assessed from saw blade parameters, merchantable timber size, and size of available logs. AN OVA was used to show differences in recovery and sawing accuracy between and within sawmills. Band sawmills exhibited the most efficient sawmill technology for converting logs into sawn timber while rolling-table sawmills were more efficient than dimensional swivel and locally manufactured sawmills. Band sawmills were more accurate than sawmills in the other categories. Therefore, band sawmills should be promoted in Uganda and mechanical modifications carried out on the swivel and locally-manufactured sawmills operating in softwood plantations to improve their feed A work and setwork mechanisms