NRU :: Browsing by Author "Kiggundu, Nicholas"

Browsing by Author "Kiggundu, Nicholas"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 36

Assessing Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Murchison Bay Catchment of Lake Victoria Basin in Uganda
(Journal of Sustainable Development, 2018) Kiggundu, Nicholas; Abugri Anaba, Listowel; Banadda, Noble; Wanyama, Joshua; Kabenge, Isa
The Murchison Bay catchment in the northern shoreline of Lake Victoria basin is a high valued ecosystem because of the numerous human-related activities it supports in Uganda. The catchment has undergone tremendous human-induced land use/cover changes, which have not been quantified. This study aimed at quantifying the land use/cover changes as well as the rate at which these changes occurred over the last three decades in the catchment. This was achieved using remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyse and contextualize the changes. To that effect, images of Landsat satellites MSS, TM, ETM+ and OLI were interpreted using supervised image classification technique to determine the land use/land cover changes from 1984 to 2015. The obtained results indicated that the catchment has undergone huge land use and land cover transformations over the last three decades attributable to rapid population growth and urbanization. The prevailing changes in footprint between 1984 and 2015 were expansions of built–up land (20.58% to 49.59%) and open water bodies (not detected in 1984 to 1.74%), and decreases in the following sectors: agricultural lands (from 43.88% to 26.10%), forestland (from 23.78% to 17.49%), and wetlands (from 11.76% to 5.08%). The changes pose a threat to the environment and water quality of the Murchison Bay and consequently increases National Water and Sewerage Corporation water treatment costs. Therefore, there is the need to take critical and practical measures to regulate and police land use, water use rights and conserve the environment especially wetlands.
Assessing the Effect of Irrigation Water Management Strategies on Napier Productivity—A Review
(Agricultural Sciences, 2021) Ntege, Ivan; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Wanyama, Joshua; Nakawuka, Prossie
Napier, a fast growing and perennial grass has a dry matter (DM) yield potential of 78 tons/ha/yr. However, under water availability constraints Napier’s yield potential reduces to 62 tons/ha/yr. In an effort to attain Napier’s yield potential, irrigation management strategies have been integrated into its production to provide the highest productivity. This review assesses the effect of irrigation water management strategies on Napier productivity and also looks at future perspectives. Application of these strategies i.e. , precision irrigation, deficit irrigation, and application of biophysical models, can increase Napier’s yield potential to 112 tons/ha/yr. Review findings revealed that there is a need to close the knowledge gap on response of Napier productivity to different irrigation water management strategies. The future perspective explores the potential of the FAO AquaCrop model in provision of pre-season decision-making on irrigation strategies due to its relatively low cost and simplifications required in parameterization.
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
Assessment of the suitability of pineapple waste as feedstock for vermicomposting
(Agricultural Engineering International CIGR Journal, 2021) Miito, Gilbert; Komakech, Allan; Zziwa, Ahamada; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Kambugu, Robert
Declining soil fertility is a challenge to sustainable agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. However, large volumes of agricultural waste are generated from pineapples that could be converted into soil conditioners through vermicomposting utilizing earthworms. Several types of agricultural waste have been studied extensively as vermicompost feedstock, but little work exists on pineapple waste. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of pineapple waste as feedstock for vermicomposting. We assessed the physicochemical properties of fresh, pre-composted pineapple waste and the resultant vermicompost. We also studied the optimal feeding rate and stocking density of the system. The study revealed that pre-composting reduced the moisture content (29%), volatile organic carbon (VOC) (10%), and increased the pH (57%), which was helpful in waste stabilization as well as in the mass reduction of the waste. Vermicomposting after pre- composting increased the bulk density (92%), ash content (25.4%), pH (10%), EC (14%), total phosphorus (21%), and total potassium (28%). The technology also decreased the moisture content (1%), VOC (12%), total organic carbon (81%), total nitrogen (22%), and the carbon to nitrogen ratio (76.4%) of the pineapple waste hence yielding a more stabilized and mineralized vermicompost. The study further revealed an optimal feeding rate of 2 kg feeds/kg worms and a stocking density of 1 kg worms m-2 for total nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization of the pineapple waste. The degradation of the pineapple waste by earthworms demonstrated the practicability of vermicomposting as a low-cost and straightforward technology of converting pineapple waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
The Bioprocessing Quick Wins from Avocado Fruit in Uganda
(Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2020) Baidhe, Emmanuel; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Banadda, Noble
Bioprocessing can help redeem the economic value for avocado (Persea americana) in Uganda. This study reviews the virgin potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. Avocado consists of flesh, seed, and peel. The review indicates that the waste seed and peel are vital for development of high-value products. Both the edible part and waste (peel and seed) can be used for biogas production through a solid-state fermentation process. Biodiesel can be developed using avocado seed oil through a process called transesterification. Avocado oil is a better alternative for biodiesel production compared to waste cooking oil as it requires no further conversions processes for transforming fatty acids to esters. The starch-rich avocado seed is a suitable substrate for bioethanol, pigment and starch production. The high starch content places the avocado fruit as a potential: 1) raw material for the production of bioplastics; 2) substrate for bacterial culture media production as opposed to potatoes, cereals, and cassava that double as a staple food. Avocado seeds can also be used for the production of antioxidants relevant for preventing enzymatic browning, thereby increasing product shelf life. Despite the quick wins, there is a need for increased research, financing, personnel training and development of appropriate policies to spur the benefits and untapped potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. The circular economy of avocado waste alone into high-value products could increase gains in the environment and stimulate industrial development, especially the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries in Uganda.
Bioremediation Technology Potential for Management of Soil and Water Pollution from Anticipated Rapid Industrialization and Planned Oil and Gas Sector in Uganda: A Review
(Journal of Environmental Protection, 2017) Kabenge, Isa; Katimbo, Abia; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Banadda, Noble
Oil exploitation in many African countries is associated with litigation and conflicts to water and soil pollution. It is because of inadequate planning for management of oil spills and industrial effluents in environmentally sustainable manner. Uganda’s natural resources such as soils and water bodies are threatened by contamination due to rapid industrialization and rural-urban migration in established Industrial Business Parks and planned oil and gas production at Albertine Graben Region. The low level of compliance to industrial effluents discharge standards relevant to specific environmental receptors and activities within oil and gas sector development pose a big question of how to sustain the biodiversity and natural resource management. Experiences from elsewhere have shown bioremediation as a viable and proven option to provide potentially manageable solutions to resulting pollution as a substitute to modern well-known remediation methods, for it is relatively cheaper, more efficient and minimal toxic byproducts after treatment. The most used bioremediation agents in different studies reviewed are bacterial species especially Pseudomonas and Bacillus , followed by Aspergillus a fungi species, microalgae and aquatic plants such as duckweed , macrophytes and pteridophytes . Regardless of the waste produced in either oil and gas sector or industries, these agents have shown greater biodegradation rates. Pseudomonas sp. has a degradation efficiency of oil compounds ranging from 90% - 100%, and Aspergillus sp. 75% - 95%. Some aquatic plants can thrive in created wetlands with relatively still water such as Phragmites australis which can degrade hydrocarbons especially Aromatic compounds with benzene ring up to 95%. It can thrive in salty water with high pH range of 4.8 - 8.2. With industrial wastewater, algae is the most dominant with the degradation rates varying from 65% -100% and bacteria at 70% - 90%. Most of the reported results are in the developed country context. In developing countries, duckweed is reported as the commonest aquatic plant in wastewater treatment for removal of heavy metals because it is more tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions and produce biomass faster. It has a removal rate of heavy metals between 90% and 100%. Basing on literature data analysis, bacteria are more suitable for treating water from oil pollution using Pseudomonas sp. Phragmites australis is suited for cleaning up oil in both water and soil. Duckweed is the best in treating water polluted with industrial effluents. This paper presents the different bioremediation methods that Uganda can potentially apply to mitigate the increased risk of environmental pollutions from planned industrialization and oil and gas development in the Albertine Graben Region.
Characterization of Banana Peels Wastes as Potential Slow Pyrolysis Feedstock
(Journal of Sustainable Development, 2018) Kabenge, Isa; Omulo, Godfrey; Banadda, Noble; Seay, Jeffrey; Zziwa, Ahamada; Kiggundu, Nicholas
Uganda is the world’s second largest producer and consumer of banana after India. This has resulted into vast quantities of banana wastes, including the leaves, pseudostem, stalks, rejected and rotten fruits and the fruit peels. This study focuses on the characterization of banana peels to yield banana peels vinegar (BPV), tar and biochar as value added products that can be useful to farmers. Dried banana peels were characterized via proximate, ultimate, lignocellulosic, thermogravimetric (TG), and calorific value analyses. The obtained results showed that the volatile matter and fixed carbon contents were 88.02% and 2.70% while carbon, nitrogen and sulphur were 35.65%, 1.94% and 20.75 ppm respectively. The hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were 41.38%, 9.90% and 8.90% while the higher and lower heating values were 16.15 MJ/kg and 14.80 MJ/kg. The maximum devolatilization rate in the banana peel biomass occurred in the temperatures range of 450–550oC which was taken as the slow pyrolysis regime temperature. The high levels of fixed carbon, volatile matter and ash contents were strong indicators that banana wastes are adequate feedstock for pyrolysis work to yield bio-infrastructure products. Similarly, the lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose fractions had significant correlation between the biomass heating values and the eventual chemical compounds present BPV and biochar. The characterization properties of the banana peels are akin to the leaves and pseudostem and thus are suitable for pyrolysis process.
Characterization of Slow Pyrolysis Wood Vinegar and Tar from Banana Wastes Biomass as Potential Organic Pesticides
(Journal of Sustainable development, 2017) Omulo, Godfrey; Willett, Sarah; Seay, Jeffrey; Banadda, Noble; Kabenge, Isa; Zziwa, Ahamada; Kiggundu, Nicholas
Slow pyrolysis process has been used in the recent past to yield wood vinegar from various biomass wastes with a quest to investigate their chemical composition and possible uses. This study utilizes the abundant banana wastes in Uganda including leaves, pseudostem and peels (mpologoma, kisansa and kibuzi species) in the slow pyrolysis process to yield vinegar, tar and biochar. Characterization of these banana wastes’ vinegar and tar fractions were investigated via chromatographic and physicochemical analysis. The principle compounds present in the banana wastes vinegar and tar as per percentage peak areas were acids (68.6%), alcohols (62.5%), ketones (27.6%), phenols (25.7%) and furans (21.8%). The products characterization indicate that vinegar and tar contain compounds that can be used as pesticides, termiticide, fungicides, insect repellants, anti-leaching and soil degradation agents. Thus wood vinegar and tar can have sustainable impacts on agricultural sectors and chemical industries especially for developing countries.
A critical analysis of physiochemical properties influencing pit latrine emptying and feacal sludge disposal in Kampala Slums, Uganda
(African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2016) Zziwa, Ahamada; Nabulime, Maureen N.; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Kambugu, Robert; Katimbo, Abia; Komakech, Allan J.
Inadequate information on physiochemical properties of faecal sludge leads to inappropriate design of pit emptying devices and poor faecal sludge disposal contributing to environmental pollution. This study undertook a critical analysis of physiochemical properties of feacal sludge that influence design and performance of pit emptying devices and faecal sludge disposal for improved faecal sludge management in urban slums. The physiochemical properties determined were; Moisture content (MC), ash content (AC), total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and pH. Samples were collected from 55 unlined pits at depths of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m from pit surface. The unlined pits in this study were purposively selected from slums in Kampala. A sample of 300 g was sucked from each depth using a manual sampling tool and emptied into a plastic container. The container was then wrapped in a black plastic bag and transported in cooler boxes to the lab for analysis. The properties were subjected to Principal Component Analysis to isolate the critical parameters that affect pit emptying and faecal sludge disposal. The mean results were: MC of 86 ± 8.37%; TS of 0.14 ± 0.08 g/g wet sample; VS of 0.73 ± 0.32 g/g dry sample; pH of 8.0 ± 1.5; AC of 0.35± 0.18 g/g dry sample; TN of 3.5 ± 0.08%; K of 2.2± 0.13% and P of 1.4± 0.05%. It was concluded that physiochemical properties in Ugandan pits are comparable to those of global pits except for the acidic conditions at top surface in some pits, and higher moisture content in pits due to the high water table. PCA results showed that moisture content and total solids affected pit emptying techniques while fractional content of N, P and pH affect most choice of faecal sludge disposal technique.
Designing a solar and wind hybrid system for small-scale irrigation: a case study for Kalangala district in Uganda
(Energy, Sustainability and Society, 2020) Ssenyimba, Shaffic; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Banadda, Noble
Dynamics in rainfall patterns are posing a threat to crop production in Uganda. Irrigation can be used to ensure constant production; however, the motorized powered irrigation methods are quite costly to run in addition to being environmentally unsustainable. There is thus need for alternative irrigation methods. Renewable energy sources which are readily available can be used to power irrigation systems. This study hence sought to design an appropriate wind-solar hybrid system for irrigating 1 acre of banana plantation in Kalangala district, Uganda. Methods: Using metrological data, mean wind speed and monthly solar irradiance of global radiation horizontal for the district were analysed. A wind-solar hybrid system was optimally designed for a standalone drip irrigation system of 450 banana plants on 1-acre land with water requirement of 33.73m3 d−1. The wind turbine was simulated to analyse for static pressure, cut plane flow behaviour, turbulence intensity and stress distribution exposed at 20ms−1 wind speed. A cost analysis was done to estimate the total project investment, maintenance and operational cost, annual project gross income, net income stream and the annual net real rate of returns. Results and conclusions: The simulation results showed that the system could effectively operate at speeds of 20m s−1 without deformation. The net present value of income stream for the first 5 years at r = 5% was 12,935,468 UGX with a net real rate of return of 3.5% per year. The study will, therefore, be a useful guideline in making investment decisions in hybrids irrigation systems.
Effects of Incorporating Biochar into the Soil using Power Tiller and Ox Plough
(Sustainable Agriculture Research, 2017) Ndhlovu, Masauso; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Wanyama, Joshua; Banadda, Noble
Existing knowledge about biochar is derived from trials where biochar incorporation into the soil is done by hands, a practice too tedious to scale-up to commercial levels. To enhance scalability, biochar incorporation needs to be integrated into conventional mechanised tillage systems. This study aimed at assessing the effects of incorporating biochar by power tiller and ox-plough on soil water retention, maize growth and yield. A 2 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with biochar incorporating method as a main plot factor and biochar level as subplot factor, on ferralsols of central Uganda. Incorporation methods were by power tiller and ox-plough with hand mixing in planting basins as a control, while levels of biochar were 0 and 10 t ha-1 application rates. Data was analysed using two-way ANOVAs in Minitab for significant differences among incorporation methods. Results showed that incorporating biochar by power tiller significantly increased water retention effect of biochar by 27.5% (p < 0.05), while no significant effect was observed (p ≥ 0.05) when incorporated by ox-plough, compared to hand mixing. No significant difference on growth and yield was observed (p ≥ 0.05) as a result of incorporating biochar by power tiller and ox-plough instead of hands in planting basins. These findings suggest that biochar incorporation can be scaled-up, to commercial levels, through the use of power tiller and ox-plough, without negative effects on biochar performance. It is recommended that promotion of biochar technology encompasses the use of power tillers and ox-ploughs to enhance scalability.
Energy potential of Municipal Solid Waste in Kampala, a Case Study of Kiteezi Landfill Site
(African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management, 2017) Mboowa, Drake; Kabenge, Isa; Banadda, Nobel; Kiggundu, Nicholas
Less than 10% of the population have access to electrical and thermal energy in Uganda and there is a heavy dependence on wood fuel as a source of energy. In this study, the energy potential of Municipal Solid Waste at Kiteezi landfill, Kampala was qualitatively determined by carrying out Municipal solid waste (MSW) characterization, proximate analysis, and calorific value measurements. The samples were picked on different days and for each day, waste was randomly selected from five garbage trucks coming from residential areas (private trucks) and commercial areas (Kampala City Council Authority trucks). It was then sorted, weighed and packed in polythene bags and take to the laboratoty for analysis. Waste from the commercial areas consisted of 87.3 % food and yard waste, 2.0% papers, 0.4% plastics, 3.6% polyethylene, 2.2% water bottles, 0.9% textiles, 1.9% Glass, 0.2% metals, and 1.6% others. Whereas the waste from residential areas comprised of 94.4% food and yard waste, 1.2% papers, 0.3% plastics, 2.3% polyethylene, 0.6% water bottles, 0.4% textiles, 0.3% Glass, 0.1% metals, and 0.4% others. The organic waste on average had moisture content (8.69 wt. %), volatile matter (73.3 wt. %), fixed carbon (3.22 wt. %), and ash content (13.65 wt. %) on a dry basis. The organic waste also had a gross energy content of 19.26 MJ/Kg of dry matter. It was concluded that the organic waste generated in Kampala city can contribute positively to the energy sector.
Estimation of Methane Generation Based on Anaerobic Digestion and Mass Balance at Kiteezi Landfill, Kampala, Uganda
(African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2015) Mboowa, Drake; Banadda, Noble; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Kabenge, Isa; Komakech, Allan John
Kiteezi landfill site is the main solid waste dumping site in Kampala City (Uganda). In this study, the generation of methane from waste at Kiteezi landfill was measured using laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion experiment and estimated using the Mass balance model. The samples were collected in the wet and dry seasons, with five replicates for each season which were processed for further experiments focused on moisture content analysis and anaerobic digestion. The moisture content analysis results showed a significant change (P < 0.05) between wet season and dry season. Also, the anaerobic digestion revealed that moisture content was a determining factor in gas generation. The average monthly methane production estimate from the mass balance model was 1.63 Gg methane/month and was comparable (within 14%) to the amount estimated by laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion experiment (1.43 Gg methane/month). It is a worthwhile undertaking to further investigate the potential of commercially producing methane from Kiteezi landfill as an alternative source of green and clean energy for urban masses.
Estimation of Spatial and Temporal Water Requirements of Grain Amaranth Using Satellite, Local and Virtual Weather Stations Datasets in Uganda
(International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2016) Kyagulanyi, Joseph; Kabenge, Isa; Banadda, Noble; Muyonga, John; Mulamba, Peter; Kiggundu, Nicholas
In this study, an integrated approach incorporating Remote Sensing (RS), Geographical Information System (GIS), local meteorological weather stations’ data and NASA’s virtual meteorological stations’ data were used to quantify Grain Amaranth (GA) water requirements in Uganda. Penman-Monieth method within CropWAT8 model and Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) Model was used to quantify the evapotranspiration. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), daily spatial distribution of Evapotranspiration (ET), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and surface albedo were extracted from satellite imagery. The ratio of effective rainfall (Pe) to Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) – (Pe/PET) and time series for NDVI were computed to determine the growth stage of GA in different areas. The GA water demand was the highest in Karamoja sub-region (467.5 mm/season) and the lowest in Tororo (174.1 mm/season). The growing season for GA in most areas of Uganda was from March to December. Estimation of evapotranspiration in Karamoja sub-region with SEBAL model corresponded to the NDVI extracted, especially for highly vegetated areas. CROPWAT indicated that if GA was planted during the late September and early October in Karamoja sub-region, despite the decreasing moisture levels, the crop could have sufficient water supply during emergence to maturity. The ability to utilize low available moisture levels makes GA a potential crop to bridge the gap (due to the elongated drought) for the food production cycle in Karamoja sub-region.
Evaluation of FAO AquaCrop Model for Simulating Rainfed Maize Growth and Yields in Uganda
(Agronomy, 2018) Mibulo, Tadeo; Kiggundu, Nicholas
Uganda’s agriculture is mainly rainfed. While farmers make efforts to increase food output to respond to the demands of a fast growing population, they are vulnerable to losses attributed to fluctuating weather patterns due to the global climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to explore ways of improving production in rainfed agricultural systems to save farmers labour and input costs in situations where the grain harvest would be zero due to crop failure. In this study, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) AquaCrop model was evaluated for its predictability potential of maize growth and yields. The study was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) in Uganda for three seasons. Maize growth and yield data was collected during the following seasons: Season 1, September to December 2014; Season 2, March to July 2015; and Season 3, September to December 2015. The model was calibrated using season 1 canopy cover data. The relative errors of simulated canopy cover ranged from 0.3% to 13.58% for different stages of the crop growth. The deviation of the simulated final biomass from measured data for the three seasons ranged from 􀀀15.4% to 11.6%, while the deviation of the final yield ranged from 􀀀2.8 to 2.0. These results suggest that FAO AquaCrop can be used in the prediction of rainfed agricultural outputs, and hence, has greater potential to guide management practices towards increasing food production.
Evaluation of the Performance of Different Organic Fertilizers on Maize Yield: A Case Study of Kampala, Uganda
(Uganda. Journal of Agricultural Science, 2015) Komakech, Allan J.; Zurbrügg, Christian; Semakula, Denis; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Vinnerås, Björn
In Kampala city about 60% of animal manure generated is discarded leading to health and environmental challenges. However about 30% of this manure is used as fertilizer mainly in the form of stored animal manure. The manure could also be vermicomposted or anaerobically digestated and used in crop production. However, it has not yet been clearly established which of these options would be most beneficial in producing better crop yields when applied to soils in Kampala. This study evaluated the performance of different organic fertilizers namely vermicompost, digestate and stored cattle manure and unfertilized control on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays spp). The experiment was carried out at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo for two seasons (October 2013 to February 2014 and March to June 2014). No significant difference (P > 0.05) in the different organic fertilizers was noted in both the growth and yield of maize in each season. However a significant difference (P < 0.05) in both crop growth and yield was noted when the organic fertilizers were compared with the control. In addition when the different seasons were compared, the growth and yield of maize in season two was generally found to be better (P > 0.05) than that of season one. The interviews conducted with farmer groups showed they generally preferred using stored manure and vermicompost. It can thus be concluded that these fertilizers are best for Kampala thus should be promoted by the municipal authorities to address the rampant poor disposal of manure in Kampala.
Extraction, Quantification and Characterization of Oil From Pumpkin Seeds
(International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2015) Kukeera, Tonny; Banadda, Noble; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Asuman, Ratibu
A quantification and characterization study of oil from pumpkin seeds was carried out on three pumpkin varieties, namely, Japanese type of the Curcubita maxima species, Green Kabocha and butternut squash of the Cucurbita moschanta species. Oil extraction was done using the Soxhlet method with petroleum ether as the solvent. The physicochemical properties of acid value, iodine value, specific gravity and refractive index were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA at a 5% level of significance. The mean values of oil content, acid value, iodine value, specific gravity and refractive index for Japanese type pumpkin were found to be 35.67%, 2.24 mg KOH/g, 26.45 mg I2/100 g, 0.9126 and 1.47, respectively. For Green Kabocha, the mean values of the above five properties were 30.12%, 3.35 mg KOH/g, 25.3 mg I2/100 g, 0.9126 and 1.469, respectively. For the Butternut squash type the mean values of the above five properties were 34.76%, 3.74 mg KOH/g, 26.61 mg I2, 0.9131 and 1.471, respectively. It can be noted that from the low acid values of the pumpkin oil, pumpkin oil can be identified as edible. Also the low iodine value indicated that the pumpkin oil was non-drying. In addition, the low iodine value also suggested that the oil contains few unsaturated bonds and therefore has low susceptibility to oxidative rancidity. With a comparison of extraction rates from other oil sources in Uganda such as cotton (15%-20%), soybeans (19%-21%), the obtained results in this study suggested that pumpkin seeds are a viable source of vegetable oils that can be utilized for commercial vegetable oil extraction in Uganda.
Greenhouse gas emissions from Uganda's cattle corridor farming systems
(Agricultural systems, 2019) Kiggundu, Nicholas; Ddungu, Stanley Peter; Wanyama, Joshua; Cherotich, Sam; Mpairwe, Denis; Zziwa, Emmanuel; Mutebi, Faizal; Falcucci, Alessandra
The objective of this study was to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from practised cattle farming systems (Stall, Semi-Intensive, Grazing, Tethering and Scavenging) and identify potential areas for GHG mitigation. Using the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM-i), GHG emissions in 2016 were 2009 Gg CO2-eq/yr of which the Grazing system contributed 88.5%. Enteric fermentation produced about 75.8% of the total GHG emissions. At an annual growth rate of 3%, the projected GHG for 2020 and 2025 would increase by 12.6% and 30.7% respectively. The milk and meat emission intensities were far higher than the global averages. A reduction in grazing by 10% and a 10% increase in use of anaerobic digesters to handle manure resulted in a 4.4% reduction in annual GHG emission.
Harnessing of Banana Ripening Process for Banana Juice Extraction in Uganda
(Afr. J. Food Sci. Technol, 2015) Omulo, Godfrey; Banadda, Noble; Kiggundu, Nicholas
Banana is a very important staple food crop in Uganda. It is grown in every part of the country with the largest production recorded in western and central regions. Uganda is ranked the second largest producer of banana after India in the world. Bananas produced in Uganda are largely consumed locally as matookewith small amounts being exported as green banana or ripened to make juice, wine, beer or chips. There are variousmanual techniques of making banana juices in Uganda ranging from hands, foot and small scale mechanical machines which are not economical and hygienic. However, banana ripening poses a very big challenge to farmers and small scale processors. This has resulted in large quantities of banana loss, reduced shelf life and low economic returns to small scale farmers. In this review, different methods of natural, controlled banana ripening and ripening delay techniques are outlined. Controlled ripening of bananas is a key facet to good economic return in banana production as well as a stable and feasible strategy to ensure constant supply of ripe banana for banana juice processing.
Impact of Daily and Seasonal Variation of Raw Water Quality on Treatability: a Case of Gaba Complex
(Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management, 2016) Kiggundu, Nicholas; Cherotich, Sam; Banadda, Noble; Kabenge, Isa; Ogaram, David
Conventional water treatment is constrained by factors such as variation in raw water quality, inefficient coagulation, use of inappropriate sand for filtration, and poor backwashing process among others. The objective of this study was to find out the impact of daily and seasonal variation of raw water quality on conventional water treatment through the jar testing process. Short filter run times as low as 12 h were experienced at Gaba complex requiring emergency backwashing. The short filter run times were envisaged to be resulting from the inability of the coagulation process to cope with the varying water quality. Generally, the pH of the water samples showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in both the dry and wet period. The water turbidity and colour were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the dry period compared to the wet period. The optimum alum dose (60 to 70 mg L-1) for each jar test showed up to 92% turbidity removal and complete colour removal. Variation in the raw water quality both daily and seasonally did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the amount of coagulant required for optimal water treatment. The short filter run times therefore, could be due to other factors to be investigated.

Browsing by Author "Kiggundu, Nicholas"

Results Per Page

Sort Options