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    Economic performance and scalability of small-scale aquaculture systems: a comparative analysis of pond, cage, and aquaponics systems in the Lake Victoria basin, Uganda
    (Springer International Publishing, 2025-11-10) Syliver, Byabasaija;; Limuwa, Moses;; Semyalo, Ronald
    This study evaluates the economic performance, scalability, and resource efficiency of three small-scale aquaculture systems ponds, cages, and aquaponics in the Lake Victoria basin, Uganda. Data were collected from 169 respondents across Buikwe, Mpigi, and Wakiso districts through structured interviews, production records, and field observations. Financial performance was assessed over 5 years using net present value (NPV) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) as key indicators. Results show that cage culture is the most economically viable and scalable system, with a BCR of 1.10 and a cumulative NPV of USD 1327.10, driven by efficient water use and high turnover. Pond systems were economically feasible, with a BCR of 1.03 and an NPV of USD 266.74, but they had limited scalability due to land requirements and lower long-term returns. Aquaponics systems were economically unsustainable, showing a BCR of 0.66 and a negative NPV of USD 3150.05, mainly because of high input costs and technical complexity. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions such as affordable input access, infrastructure development, and financial support to improve less profitable systems. Policy support, technological innovation, and capacity-building initiatives are recommended to boost productivity, increase adoption, and promote sustainable aquaculture development. Publicly Available Content Database
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    The Paradoxical Roles of Trees in Windstorm Mitigation: Insights From Gulu City, Uganda
    (John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2025-10-10) Canwat, Vincent
    Although trees are viewed as providers of several beneficial services, their roles in windstorm mitigation are not always positive. This study assessed the paradoxical roles of trees in windstorm mitigation by analyzing how the characteristics and management practices of trees affect their damage to physical infrastructure. Using primary data collected from Gulu City in Uganda, descriptive statistics and an ordered probit model were generated. The analysis revealed three key findings. First, decreasing the distance between trees and buildings, parked vehicles, roads, and power lines by 1 m significantly increases the likelihood of damage by trees. Second, buildings with greater tree cover are less likely to experience damage from windstorms compared to those with minimal or no tree cover. Third, buildings, parked vehicles, roads, and power lines with low sensitivity are less likely to be damaged by windstorms and windstorm‐induced tree falls than those with high sensitivity. The exposure and sensitivity of physical infrastructure to windstorms and windstorm‐induced tree fall reveal inadequate tree management and ineffective regulation enforcement, which are driven by low adaptive capacity, notably limited knowledge of tree farmers on proper tree management, weak capacity of extension staff, and financial constraints. Poor tree management results from a lack of awareness of improved tree management practices, which stems from limited access to forestry extension support. Additionally, the limited capacity of extension personnel hampers the delivery of forestry extension services. Financial challenges also hinder both the provision of forestry extension services and the enforcement of stricter building regulations and their ongoing maintenance. The findings have implications for improving urban tree monitoring and management, financing and provision of forestry extension services, and enforcement of building and land use regulations.
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    Climate shocks and human capital:evidence from Uganda
    (Cambridge University Press, 2025-03-24) Olurotimi, Osaretin
    This research examines whether high temperatures and exposure to childhood rainfall and heat shocks are a cognitive drag on children in Uganda. First, it asks whether students perform worse on a test on hotter days. Second, it examines whether previous longer-term exposure to high temperatures and unusual rainfall influences current test scores and educational outcomes. The analysis shows that high temperatures on test dates harm test performance, especially for girls and children younger than ten, implying additional temperature control considerations for particular demographics. The analysis of childhood climate shocks, which employs within-parish distributions of rainfall and heat, shows that children who experience rain or heat above the $80^{th}$ percentile of the parish distribution from birth until age 4 have worse learning outcomes in math, English, or local language literacy. CrossRef
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    Measuring biogas venting from over-pressurisation of household scale dome biogas digesters: A case study in Kenya and Uganda
    (Elsevier Inc, 2025-12) Chaney, Joel;; Robinson, Benjamin L.;; Clifford, Mike
    Methane emissions from household-scale biogas digesters represent a potentially significant climate concern that has been largely overlooked in rural energy access programmes. This study presents the first assessment of biogas venting patterns, resulting from over-pressure, across 53 household-scale biogas digesters in Kenya and Uganda. We develop and apply a methodology for estimating venting using digital monitoring technology known as ‘Smart Biogas’, which continuously measures pressure and flow data to quantify both the volume and timing of biogas loss. Our findings reveal a complex picture of household biogas use. By measuring the Biogas Utilisation Factor (BUF) - the ratio of consumed to generated biogas, where a lower BUF indicates higher venting rates - we found that households can achieve excellent performance during optimal periods, with venting rates below 3 % across all digester sizes, which demonstrates the potential for optimised biogas use. However, although most households maintain good biogas utilisation most of the time, periodic episodes of underuse significantly impact overall performance. The mean pressure-driven venting rates ranged from 10.8 % ± 12.7 % for 10 m3 digesters to 20.9 % ± 20.9 % for 6 m3 digesters (overall mean: 15.9 % ± 20.2 %). Temporal patterns also emerge, with increased venting likely during afternoon and nighttime hours, and during agricultural planting seasons when cooking patterns change. Drawing from these insights, we propose strategies to help households maintain the consistent high biogas utilisation they achieve during optimal periods. The methodology developed in this paper can be applied across other biogas programmes to build a broader understanding of patterns of biogas use and the likelihood of venting. These findings have implications for biogas programme design, carbon credit methodologies, and efforts to maximise both the climate benefits and household value of small-scale biogas systems. •First larger-scale assessment of methane venting patterns across 53 household biogas digesters in East Africa•Mean venting rates (15.9 % ± 20.2 %) exceeding the Clean Development Mechanism's 10 % default factor•Households can achieve excellent utilisation (< 3 % venting) but episodes of poor usage disproportionately impact overall emissions•Temporal patterns show increased venting during afternoon/night hours and agricultural planting seasons•Preventing high venting episodes could bring overall emissions below CDM thresholds, as demonstrated by households during typical operation.
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    The quality of water from protected springs in Katwe and Kisenyi parishes, Kampala city, Uganda
    (African health sciences, 2005-04-29) Haruna, Rukia; Ejobi, Francis; Kabagambe, Edmond K.
    In the sub-urban areas of Kampala city, springs are a major source of water for domestic use. Though spring water is considered to be aesthetically acceptable for domestic use, presence of poorly designed pit latrines, poor solid waste management as well as poor and inadequate spring protection, may lead to contamination of spring water with pathogenic bacteria. The objectives of the study were to examine the bacteriological quality of water from ten springs in Katwe and Kisenyi parishes of Kampala, and to identify and quantify risks for spring water contamination with faecal bacteria. A cross-sectional sanitary risk assessment using a standardised format was carried out in ten randomly selected springs in the parishes of Katwe and Kisenyi parishes in Kampala. A total of 80 samples of water from these springs were collected from December 2001 to March 2002. The samples were analysed for indicators of faecal contamination: total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci. Physico-chemical parameters were measured. Aggregate qualitative sanitary risk scores ranged from medium to high. The total coliform counts in 90% of the samples exceeded the WHO guideline for drinking water. All the samples had faecal coliform counts above the WHO guideline. A strong correlation (r2= 887) was observed between the median faecal coliform counts and the sanitary risk score. Sixty percent of the samples had nitrate levels above the WHO recommended limit. There was no correlation between the levels of chlorides and nitrates and levels of indicators of faecal bacterial contamination. Conclusions: The sanitary risk assessment score is a reliable tool for predicting the likely levels of bacterial contamination of spring water. Water from the ten protected springs studied is unsuitable for drinking without treatment.
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    Patterns in rotating Rayleigh–B´enard convection at high rotation rates
    (Journal of fluid mechanics, 2010-06-30) SCHEEL, J. D.; MUTYABA, P. L.; KIMMEL, T.
    We present the results from numerical and theoretical investigations of rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection for relatively large dimensionless rotation rates, 170 < Ω < 274, and a Prandtl number of 6.4. Unexpected square patterns were found experimentally by Bajaj et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 81, 1998, p. 806) in this parameter regime and near threshold for instability in the bulk. These square patterns have not yet been understood theoretically. Sánchez-Álvarez et al. (Phys. Rev. E, vol. 72, 2005, p. 036307) have found square patterns in numerical simulations for similar parameters when only the Coriolis force is included. We performed detailed numerical studies of rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection for the same parameters as the experiments and simulations. To better understand these patterns, we compared the effects of the Coriolis force as well as the centrifugal force. We also computed the coefficients of the amplitude equation describing one-, two- and three-mode bulk solutions to rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection. We find that squares are unstable, but we do find stable limit cycles consisting of three coupled oscillating amplitudes, which can superficially resemble squares, since one of the three amplitudes is rather small.
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    Unbundling barriers to electricity security in Uganda: A review
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2022-11) Wabukala, Benard M.;; Bergland, Olvar;; Rudaheranwa, Nichodemus ;; Watundu, Susan;; Adaramola, Muyiwa S.;; Ngoma, Muhammed;; Rwaheru, Ambrose A.
    Electricity propels economic development through improvement in the quality of life. Even though government's strategy to increase power generation and supply exists, Uganda experiences regular power outages and has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world. This study employs a systematic review approach and extends securitisation theory to the electricity sector to characterise electricity security and assess its barriers in Uganda. In this context, five dimensions of electricity security are identified and compared. Based on this set of dimensions, results show that Uganda is electricity “insecure.” Further, six (6) barriers to electricity security in Uganda are identified, and each of them is assessed as either existential, potential, or both. Thus, interventions that alleviate or mitigate these barriers can improve Uganda's electricity security. A quantitative empirical analysis using longitudinal data could offer superior evidence and conclusion on electricity security in Uganda.
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    Assessment of the Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI) approach: Case studies from Malawi and Uganda
    (Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008-04-04) Kaaria, Susan; Njuki, Jemimah; Abenakyo, Annet; Delve, Robert; Sanginga, Pascal
    This paper presents lessons from applying an innovative action research approach for linking smallholder farmers to markets, in eastern and southern Africa. The Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI) approach aims to strengthen social organization and entrepreneurial capacity in rural communities. It focuses on fostering community-based capacity for the inclusion of rural women and the poor in analyzing and accessing market opportunities. Using case studies from Malawi and Uganda the paper assesses the outcomes of ERI on rural communities with a focus on human capital, gender issues and investment in natural resource management. Results show that households are benefiting significantly from linkages to markets in terms of increasing household incomes, and accumulating assets. Skills in analyzing markets and in negotiating with traders have increased among smallholder farmers. The integration of gender in the approach has led to changes in gender decision making patterns at household and community level towards a more shared decision-making process. The results however show a difference in skills between men and women, with women showing lower levels of skills acquisition. Farmer participatory research has increased investments in improved technologies such as fertilizer applications for soil fertility management.
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    Geothermal reservoir prediction using electrical resistivity maps: A case study of Lili Sepporaki Indonesia
    (Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, 2019-10-31) Mutebi, Denis; Andi, Agus Nur; Agus, Didit Haryanto; Kazinda, Michael
    The objective of this study is to predict the location of the geothermal reservoir through interpretation of Magnetotelluric depth-resistivity maps, with reference to Lili-Sepporaki geothermal area. Lili-Sepporaki is a nonmagmatic prospect located in Polewali Mandar, Western Sulawesi-Indonesia. The study area is dominated by andesitic to trachytic to trachytic tertiary volcanic products. The only thermal manifestations in the area are the hot springs and rock alterations. Previous geochemical studies found out the hot spring water has temperature of 98oC and the reservoir temperature of 190oC. A big portion of the surface rocks are weathered and hydrothermally altered owing to 􀅭indings from magnetic and Bouguer gravity surveys. This research utilized two-dimensional magnetotellurics data to locate resistivity anomalies in the subsurface. MT data was processed using SSMT2000 and MTEditor software programs while WinGLink software was used in the interpretation of the data. Four resistivity maps were obtained, each corresponding to one of the depths: 500 m; 1000 m; 1500 m; and 2000 m. There is a general sharp reduction in resistivity as opposed to the conventional resistivity of fresh igneous rocks. Analysis shows that the reservoir appears between depths of 1000 m and 2000 in different parts of the survey area, with prospect boundaries located in the South, South West and South East. A three-dimensional MT data analysis and exploration drilling are recommendable in order to get a detailed geothermal model.
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    Future climate and demographic changes will almost double the risk of schistosomiasis transmission in the Lake Victoria Basin
    (Elsevier B.V, 2025-07-17) Tabo, Zadoki;; Wangalwa, Rapheal;; Rwibutso, Marcellin ;; Breuer, Lutz;; Albrecht, Christian
    The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), supporting millions of people across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, is a critical freshwater ecosystem. However, it faces significant One Health challenges, notably urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, diseases transmitted by Bulinus and Biomphalaria snails, respectively. Climate, topography, environmental and demographic drivers influence snail habitat suitability and distribution, potentially increasing schistosomiasis risks for communities dependent on agriculture, fishing, and water-related livelihoods.BackgroundThe Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), supporting millions of people across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, is a critical freshwater ecosystem. However, it faces significant One Health challenges, notably urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, diseases transmitted by Bulinus and Biomphalaria snails, respectively. Climate, topography, environmental and demographic drivers influence snail habitat suitability and distribution, potentially increasing schistosomiasis risks for communities dependent on agriculture, fishing, and water-related livelihoods.This study applied ecological ensemble modeling (Random Forest, XGBoost, and MaxEnt) to identify key drivers of habitat suitability, assessing current and future climate scenarios under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, and overlaying habitat suitability and population density to quantify human exposure risks associated with Biomphalaria and Bulinus snails. Snail occurrence data were sourced from biodiversity databases, field surveys, and literature. Predictor variables included climatic (temperature, precipitation), topographic (elevation, slope, proximity to water bodies), and environmental (vegetation index, soil composition) features.MethodsThis study applied ecological ensemble modeling (Random Forest, XGBoost, and MaxEnt) to identify key drivers of habitat suitability, assessing current and future climate scenarios under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, and overlaying habitat suitability and population density to quantify human exposure risks associated with Biomphalaria and Bulinus snails. Snail occurrence data were sourced from biodiversity databases, field surveys, and literature. Predictor variables included climatic (temperature, precipitation), topographic (elevation, slope, proximity to water bodies), and environmental (vegetation index, soil composition) features.For Bulinus, habitat suitability increased with higher precipitation and elevation but decreased with rising vegetation index NDVI, silt content, and temperature seasonality as key drivers. Similarly, Biomphalaria suitability improved with higher precipitation and elevation but declined with increasing NDVI, slope, and temperature seasonality. Currently, Biomphalaria and Bulinus are primarily concentrated around Lake Victoria, with 17 % and 14 % of the area suitable for their habitat, a figure projected to increase to 21 % and 18 % by 2050. By 2050, medium -risk zones for intestinal schistosomiasis are expected to almost double from 13 % to 22 %, while those for urogenital schistosomiasis are projected to more than double from 8 % to 18 % of the total area. This study predicts a rising schistosomiasis risk across the LVB, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. A proactive One Health approach, integrating environmental management, strategic disease control, and policy adaptation, is vital to reducing future risks and protecting vulnerable communities.FindingsFor Bulinus, habitat suitability increased with higher precipitation and elevation but decreased with rising vegetation index NDVI, silt content, and temperature seasonality as key drivers. Similarly, Biomphalaria suitability improved with higher precipitation and elevation but declined with increasing NDVI, slope, and temperature seasonality. Currently, Biomphalaria and Bulinus are primarily concentrated around Lake Victoria, with 17 % and 14 % of the area suitable for their habitat, a figure projected to increase to 21 % and 18 % by 2050. By 2050, medium -risk zones for intestinal schistosomiasis are expected to almost double from 13 % to 22 %, while those for urogenital schistosomiasis are projected to more than double from 8 % to 18 % of the total area. This study predicts a rising schistosomiasis risk across the LVB, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. A proactive One Health approach, integrating environmental management, strategic disease control, and policy adaptation, is vital to reducing future risks and protecting vulnerable communities. MEDLINE - Academic
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    Remote Ischaemic Conditioning in STEMI Patients in Sub-Saharan AFRICA: Rationale and Study Design for the RIC-AFRICA Trial
    (Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 2021-11-05) Lukhna, Kishal; Mutyaba, Arthur; Kiggundu, Brian; Variava, Ebrahim; Ntsekhe, Mpiko
    Despite evidence of myocardial infarct size reduction in animal studies, remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) failed to improve clinical outcomes in the large CONDI-2/ERIC-PPCI trial. Potential reasons include that the predominantly low-risk study participants all received timely optimal reperfusion therapy by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Whether RIC can improve clinical outcomes in higher-risk STEMI patients in environments with poor access to early reperfusion or PPCI will be investigated in the RIC-AFRICA trial. The RIC-AFRICA study is a sub-Saharan African multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial designed to test the impact of RIC on the composite endpoint of 30-day mortality and heart failure in 1200 adult STEMI patients without access to PPCI. Randomized participants will be stratified by whether or not they receive thrombolytic therapy within 12 h or arrive outside the thrombolytic window (12–24 h). Participants will receive either RIC (four 5-min cycles of inflation [20 mmHg above systolic blood pressure] and deflation of an automated blood pressure cuff placed on the upper arm) or sham control (similar protocol but with low-pressure inflation of 20 mmHg and deflation) within 1 h of thrombolysis and applied daily for the next 2 days. STEMI patients arriving greater than 24 h after chest pain but within 72 h will be recruited to participate in a concurrently running independent observational arm. The RIC-AFRICA trial will determine whether RIC can reduce rates of death and heart failure in higher-risk sub-optimally reperfused STEMI patients, thereby providing a low-cost, non-invasive therapy for improving health outcomes.
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    Geothermal reservoir prediction using electrical resistivity maps: A case study of Lili Sepporaki Indonesia
    (Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, 2019-10-31) Mutebi, Denis; Haryanto, Agus Didit; Kazinda, Michael
    The objective of this study is to predict the location of the geothermal reservoir through interpretation of Magnetotelluric depth-resistivity maps, with reference to Lili-Sepporaki geothermal area. Lili-Sepporaki is a nonmagmatic prospect located in Polewali Mandar, Western Sulawesi-Indonesia. The study area is dominated by andesitic to trachytic to trachytic tertiary volcanic products. The only thermal manifestations in the area are the hot springs and rock alterations. Previous geochemical studies found out the hot spring water has temperature of 98oC and the reservoir temperature of 190oC. A big portion of the surface rocks are weathered and hydrothermally altered owing to 􀅭indings from magnetic and Bouguer gravity surveys. This research utilized two-dimensional magnetotellurics data to locate resistivity anomalies in the subsurface. MT data was processed using SSMT2000 and MTEditor software programs while WinGLink software was used in the interpretation of the data. Four resistivity maps were obtained, each corresponding to one of the depths: 500 m; 1000 m; 1500 m; and 2000 m. There is a general sharp reduction in resistivity as opposed to the conventional resistivity of fresh igneous rocks. Analysis shows that the reservoir appears between depths of 1000 m and 2000 in different parts of the survey area, with prospect boundaries located in the South, South West and South East. A three-dimensional MT data analysis and exploration drilling are recommendable in order to get a detailed geothermal model.
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    Chinese-Funded Electricity Generation in Sub-Saharan Africa and Implications for Public Debt and Transition to Renewable Energy
    (Institute of Development Studies, 2021-09-06) Ayele, Seife; Mutyaba, Vianney
    While China has been increasingly contributing to the recent growth in electricity generation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the effects of China-funded investment on host countries’ debt burden and transition to renewable energy sources have not been sufficiently explored. Drawing on secondary data, combined with deep dive studies of Ethiopia and Uganda, this paper shows that despite significant liberalisation of the power sector in SSA, Chinese investments in the electricity industry continue to follow state-led project contract-based models. We show that this approach has failed to encourage Chinese firms to build compelling investment portfolios for competitive procurements within the region and, instead and inadvertently, it has exacerbated the debt burden of host country governments. Second, in spite of the global drive towards climate resilient energy generation, Chinese funding of electricity generation in SSA is not sufficiently channelled towards modern renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power that could reduce vulnerability to climate change. While recognising that the private sector-led competitive model of power generation is not without limitations, we argue that SSA’s electricity generation strategy that leads to less public debt and more climate resilience involves increased involvement of Chinese investment in the competitive model, with more diversification of such investment portfolios towards modern renewables such as wind and solar energy resources.
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    Mainstreaming systematic climate action in energy infrastructure to support the sustainable development goals
    (npj Climate Action, 2024-04-19) Wernersson, Louise; Mutyaba, Robert; Stratton-Short, Samantha; Adshead, Daniel
    The energy sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37% of the world’s combined emissions, and plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is no systematic means for planners and practitioners to integrate climate considerations throughout the lifecycle of energy infrastructure projects. Using a thematic document analysis, we provide a comprehensive list of activities related to climate mitigation and adaptation which can be systematically mainstreamed into the energy sector project lifecycle to support a range of sustainable development outcomes. Two renewable energy projects were used to integrate the results into a practical context and demonstrate the range of potential SDG target synergies. The case studies demonstrate the varied means by which climate action can be integrated through mainstreaming in project lifecycle stages, holistically achieving wider SDG impacts. This work provides a practical means to maximise progress within the framework of climate-compatible development.
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    Scenarios for adaptation and mitigation in urban Africa under 1.5 C global warming
    (Current opinion in environmental sustainability, 2018-02-12) Lwasa, Shuaib; Buyana, Kareem; Kasaija, Peter; Mutyaba, Job
    Cities are considered to be at the frontline of the global climate change response, both from mitigation and adaptation perspectives. But many cities are engulfed in infrastructure deficits, carbon intensive development while urban poverty adds to this complexity in Africa. Africa's rapid urbanisation is coming with opportunities and challenges but the contribution of this urbanization to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees requires new knowledge on the interactions between adaptation and mitigation. Climate impacts on African cities are growing, with spatially differentiated warming of between 0.3 and 0.7 degrees. Rainfall redistribution and excessive rainstorms have impacted African cities in various ways. Many of the African cities are, however responding to the challenges through the formulation of adaptation plans, mitigation strategies with a strong focus on resilience and sustainable development—as outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063. Given that most cities in Africa are low emitting cities, this paper discusses how adaptation and mitigation can be coupled using three scenarios in the context of 1.5-degree warming. It is also recognized that the different ecologies of Africa offer multiple possible pathways of adaptation and mitigation for increased African urban resilience.
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    Climate hazard adaptation in Uganda’s tropical highlands: an actor-network theory perspective on gendered smallholder strategies and the role of non-state actors
    (Taylor & Francis group, 2025-06-18) Yeeko Kisira;; Martin Nabaasa;; Flavia Nnyanzi ;; Irene Josephine Nayiga
    Climate hazards continue to worsen smallholders’ livelihoods, demanding synergy and multi-level climate adaptation strategies. While non-state actors (NSAs) increasingly support local adaptation, limited understanding exists of how gender shapes farmers’ perceptions and engagement with these actors, especially in Uganda’s highland farming communities. By applying the actor-network theory, we explored the gendered adaptation among smallholder farmers. We used a cross-sectional survey of 147 household interviews, two focus group discussions, and seven key informant interviews to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and one-sample t-tests; qualitative data via content analysis. Men and women engage differently in adaptation: men focus more on tree planting and livestock, while women lead in crop production and marketing. Women also prefer resilient, indigenous crop varieties that are easier to manage and pest-resistant. Compared to men, women rely more on savings groups and informal networks to build social and financial capital. NSAs strengthen local adaptation through advisory services, soft loans, grants, agricultural diversification, and conservation practices. Actor-Network Theory offers a valuable lens for understanding gendered climate adaptation by highlighting the synergies between actors within structured networks. Aligning interventions with gender-specific strengths is essential for fostering inclusive, climate-resilient livelihoods and advancing global climate goals.
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    Towards Improved Geometry Instruction: Learners’ Experiences with Technology-Enhanced and Conventional Van Hiele Phased Instruction
    (International Consortium for Research in Science & Mathematics Education (ICRSME), 2025-07-02) Issa Ndungo; Sudi Balimuttajjo; Edwin Akugizibwe
    This study investigated learners' experiences and understanding of transformation geometry using two instructional strategies: Conventional Van Hiele Phased Instruction (CVHPI) and Technology-Enhanced Van Hiele Phased Instruction (TVHPI), incorporating GeoGebra as a digital tool. Through semi-structured interviews, qualitative data were collected from 48 Senior Three secondary school learners who participated. Thematic analysis revealed that TVHPI, supported by GeoGebra, enhanced visual learning and dynamic interaction with geometric concepts, though learners faced technical challenges and limited practice time. CVHPI, while providing structured and step-by-step instruction, particularly benefited lower achievers but was less effective in addressing complex misunderstandings. As a result of this study, a Geometry Pedagogical Improvement Cycle (GeoPIC) framework was developed to improve the teaching and learning of geometry through a continuous and systematic process. The GeoPIC framework emphasizes adopting instructional strategies, tailoring them to individual needs, aligning with learner expectations, and incorporating feedback through a cyclical reflection and adjustment process. This study highlights the potential of combining technology-enhanced tools with conventional instruction and presents GeoPIC as a model for refining pedagogical approaches in geometry education.
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    An overview of gold systems in Uganda
    (Informa UK Limited, 2014-01-02) C. Nyakecho; S. G. Hagemann
    Detailed analyses of historic and recent information on active and abandoned gold mines and alluvial workings in combination with new regional geochronology, documentation and interpretation of the lithostratigraphy, structural setting, hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation, and geochemistry of mineralised rocks have formed the basis for the definition of four major gold districts in Uganda: (1) the Busia gold district hosted in the Neoarchean Busia-Kakamega granite–greenstone belt in the SE of Uganda, which contains the structurally controlled mesozonal Tira gold mine; (2) the Mubende gold district in the Paleoproterozoic Rwenzori fold belt in central Uganda, which hosts the structurally controlled metasediment-hosted mesozonal Kamalenge and Kisita gold mines; (3) the Buhweju-Mashonga gold district in SW Uganda, which contains the vein hosted Pb–Zn–Au Kitaka mine, the structurally controlled intrusion-hosted mesozonal Mashonga gold mine and the structurally controlled sandstone-hosted mesozonal Muti and Kanywambogo mines; and (4) the Karamoja gold district, which is hosted in reworked Archean basement rocks and/or in the upper amphibolite–lower granulite facies rocks of the Neoproterozoic Mozambique fold belt in NE and W Uganda and in the northern part of the Karamoja gold district containing numerous hypozonal shear zone-controlled gold workings. Other areas in Uganda where alluvial gold mineralisation and/or shallow gold workings are reported comprise the Kitgum area within the Aswa shear zone in northern Uganda, the Western Nile area, which represents the western extremity of the Bomu-Kibalian shield of NE Congo, and the Kabale-Kisoro area hosted in the Mesoproterozoic North Kibaran fold belt in SW Uganda. The results of this work are an early attempt to portray the gold metallogeny of Uganda. Future studies, including geological mapping at all scales, geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry and chemical and mineralogical studies of mineralised samples, will help clarify the distribution and origin of diverse gold systems in this poorly understood part of Africa.
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    Experiences of drought, heavy rains, and flooding and linkages with refugee youth sexual and reproductive health in a humanitarian setting in Uganda: qualitative insights
    (Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-05-05) Logie, C. H.;; Loutet, M.;; MacKenzie, F. ;; Okumu, M.;; Leggett, R.;; Akinwande, F. S.;; Odong Lukone, S.;; Kisubi, N.;; Kyambadde, P.;; Otika, L.;; Lukwago, M.;; Narasimhan, M.
    Climate-related extreme weather events (EWE) exacerbate resource insecurities that, in turn, shape sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Refugee settlements face increased EWE exposure yet are understudied in EWE research. We explored experiences of climate change and SRH among refugee youth aged 16-24 in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda. This qualitative study involved walk-along individual youth interviews and key informant (KI) service provider interviews. We conducted thematic analysis informed by the resource scarcity framework, which explores socioeconomic and ecological risks for resource insecurity. Participants (  = 44) included youth (  = 32; mean age: 20.0, standard deviation [SD]: 2.4; 50% men, 50% women) and KI (  = 12; mean age: 37.0, SD: 5.8; 75% men, 25% women). Findings illustrate how EWE shape SRH outcomes for refugee young women: (1) climate change contributes to water scarcity, extreme heat, and changing rain patterns; (2) drought contributes to resource scarcities (e.g. food, water) that increase sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) risks, transactional sex, and menstruation insecurity and (3) heavy rains/flooding contribute to resource scarcities that increase SGBV risks, and sanitation insecurity exacerbates menstruation insecurity. Findings highlight how EWE-related resource insecurities are associated with poor SRH (STI/HIV acquisition risks, unplanned pregnancy, SGBV) and should be addressed in multi-level climate-informed humanitarian programmes.
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    Resilience and recovery from an environmental disaster: the journey of child survivors of the Kiteezi landfill in Uganda
    (Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-02-10) Mahadih Kyambade;; Luke Sewante;; Afulah Namatovu.
    This study explored the resilience and recovery of child survivors following the 2024 Kiteezi landfill disaster in Uganda, where recurrent landslides displaced families and left lasting emotional, psychological, and social impacts on young survivors. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with child survivors and their guardians, focusing on their experiences of displacement, trauma, and adaptation in the wake of the disaster. Twenty participants were identified through convenience and snowball sampling, facilitated by local leaders who played a key role in engaging the community and establishing a supportive framework for this research. The findings revealed the depth of trauma experienced by child survivors, marked by vivid memories, sadness, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. However, a recurring theme of resilience has emerged, with many children finding solace through family support, faith, and community connections. This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive community-based support systems and trauma-informed care in fostering resilience and aid recovery in young disaster survivors. These insights contribute to broader discussions on children’s mental health, resilience, and the effectiveness of family and community structures in post-disaster recovery, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health resources to support child survivors in the long term.