Research Articles

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The effect of direct infrastructure utilization on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Zombo District, Uganda
(Uganda Management Institute, 2024-06-19) Thombu, Johnson Obedling; Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Aliga, Alex
The study examined the effect of direct infrastructure utilization on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Zombo district of Uganda. The study aimed to examine the effect of direct infrastructure utilization on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Zombo district of Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted with a sample of 150 out of 224 target population. A simple random sampling technique was used to select amongst the students, while purposive sampling was used to determine the headteachers and director of studies. Quantitative data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation) and regression, while qualitative research used a thematic approach. Findings revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = .503) between direct infrastructure utilization and students’ academic performance. Results of regression analysis of direct infrastructure utilization revealed that a unit increase in direct infrastructure utilization leads to an improvement in students’ academic performance by 30.3% and was statistically significant at 1%. Thus, it was concluded that direct infrastructure utilization significantly affected academic performance in selected public secondary schools in the Zombo district of Uganda. It is recommended that secondary schools in Zombo district of Uganda should focus on direct infrastructure to improve students’ academic performance.
Knowledge sharing and organizational performance in Uganda: The Case of National Teachers Colleges (NTCs)
(The Ugandan Journal of Management and Public Policy Studies, 2023-12-25) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker
The role of knowledge as the essential source of competitive advantage in organizations has become critical. This is because of the emerging competitive environment in today’s global marketplace, where organizations have realized the need to remain competitive through knowledge sharing. Many companies know that to operate effectively in today’s economy, it is necessary to become a knowledge-based organization. However, only a few truly understand what that means or how to implement the changes required to bring it about. This research aimed to assess the impact of knowledge sharing on the organizational performance of NTCs in Uganda. Data was collected using questionnaires in July 2022 from the teaching staff of the five National Teachers’ Colleges that train teachers in Uganda, targeting a sample of 141 respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which included frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics, which included Spearman correlation, coefficient of determination, and regression analyses in determining the impact of knowledge sharing as an independent variable on the performance of the NTCs as the dependent variable. It was, therefore, concluded from the findings that knowledge sharing positively impacted the organizational performance of NTCs in Uganda. This study will guide the NTCs to integrate their knowledge assets, including databases, people, experience, and expertise of these people, systems, policies, and procedures during knowledge management for their better performance. Moreover, the results of this research will be used to improve the sharing of knowledge at the NTCs in Uganda, which may lead to improvement in the way NTCs make themselves relevant to the society in which they operate.
Knowledge storage and organizational performance: an empirical study of National Teachers Colleges (NTCS) in Uganda
(Polish Journal of Management Studies, 2023-06-22) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Paliszkiewicz, Joanna; Skarzyńska, Edyta
The importance of knowledge as a critical factor in providing organizations with a competitive advantage has become increasingly crucial. Organizations need to adopt a knowledge-based approach to operate effectively in today's economy. This is due to the competitive environment in the global marketplace, where organizations have recognized the need to remain competitive through adequate knowledge storage. This study aims to evaluate the impact of knowledge storage on the performance of organizations, specifically the National Teachers' Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda. Data obtained using a questionnaire were collected from 141 respondents from a target population of 221 from five national teacher training colleges in Uganda. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to determine the impact of knowledge storage as an independent variable on NTCs' performance. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact ( = .510) of knowledge storage on the performance of the NTCs in Uganda. The coefficient of determination indicated that knowledge storage accounted for 51.0% of the change in NTCs' performance. Further testing showed that the significance value (p = .000) was less than the recommended .05, supporting the study's findings. The study guides for NTC to integrate its knowledge and assets, such as databases, people, experience, expertise, systems, policies, and procedures, into knowledge management to improve performance. The results of this study will be used to improve knowledge storage at the NTCs in Uganda, resulting in improved relevance to Ugandan society and beyond.
Knowledge acquisition and organisational performance:
(Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 2023-03-30) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Paliszkiewicz, Joanna
The role of knowledge as an essential source of competitive advantage in organisations has become critical. To operate effectively in today’s economy, it is necessary to become a knowledge-based organisation. The purpose of this research, therefore, is to assess the impact of knowledge acquisition on the organisational performance of National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda. Using a questionnaire, from a target population of 221, data were collected from a sample size of 141 respondents from the five National Teachers’ Colleges in Uganda. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, which included frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistical techniques, which included Spearman’s correlation, the coefficient of determination, and regression analyses to determine the impact of knowledge management as an independent variable on the performance of the NTCs. The findings show a moderate positive relationship (rho = 0.670) between knowledge acquisition and the performance of NTCs in Uganda. The coefficient of determination (rho2 = 0.449) shows that knowledge acquisition accounted for 44.9% of the change in the performance of the NTCs in Uganda. The significance value (p = 0.000) was less than .05. Hence, the hypothesis that knowledge acquisition has a significant positive impact on the performance of NTCs in Uganda was accepted. This study will guide the NTCs to integrate their knowledge and assets such as databases, people and their experience and expertise, systems, policies, and procedures into knowledge management in order to improve performance. The results of this research will be used to improve the management of knowledge at the NTCs in Uganda, which may lead to an improvement in the way NTCs make themselves relevant to the society in which they operate.
Social radar as a necessity in the school workplace: review of Goleman’s reinforcements on emotional intelligence
(Science and Education Publishing Co. Ltd, 2022-04-05) Kintu, Godfrey; Musiime, Joseline; Muweesi, Charles; Mugabo, Augustine; Mugyenyi, Disan Kuteesa; Achan, Nancy;
The purpose of this review was to establish the relevancy of social radar in the day to day work as underpinned from Goleman book working with emotional Intelligence Chapter three (3), which prorogates that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a more important factor than Intelligent Quotient (IQ) to enjoying a successful life and maintaining fruitful and secure relationships with others. After a review, it was found out that lack of a social radar leads to social awkwardness, that a person can have the best training in the world, possess an incisive and analytical mind or even the supply of endless ideas, but still would not make a good leader without empathy (social radar). Arising out of the review, it concluded that empathic leaders more so in schools with good people skills (social radar) know intuitively how to build bridges to others so that relationship bonds are robust. It recommends that for leaders to have the best social radar, should strive to listen well, gain perspective of others and give help to others.
Spatial distribution of unique biological communities and their control over surface reflectivity of the stanley glacier, Uganda
(Frontiers, 2022-02-17) Uetake, Jun; Samyn, Denis; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Takeuchi, Nozomu
Diverse microbes have been revealed to live in glaciers worldwide, but only a few biological studies were dedicated to glaciers in tropical Africa. These glaciers are shrinking rapidly and are expected to disappear shortly. In this study, we carried out biological and glaciological field observations on Stanley Glacier, the largest remaining glacier in the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda, Africa. Microbial aggregates ranging from micrometer to centimeter in size were found on the glacier surface and contained moss and various types of Chlorophyta, among which a new endemic species of green alga. Concentrations of total impurities on the glacier surface, including microbial aggregates, varied spatially and decreased as altitude increased. The large microbial aggregates (larger than 4 cm in diameter) were found only at the glacier surface near the terminus and side margins, where the surface was less frequently covered with snow. It is also shown that the total organic matter on the glacier surface is determined by the timing of snow cover, which affects the quantity of solar radiation reaching the glacier ice surface. Furthermore, the total impurity content was negatively correlated with surface reflectivity, revealing their potential role in albedo reduction at the glacier surface through positive feedback between enhanced meltwater and increased biological growth.
Planetary core formation via multispecies pebble accretion
(Oxford University Press, 2021-12-02) Andama, Geoffrey; Ndugu, Nelson; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Jurua, Edward
In the general classical picture of pebble-based core growth, planetary cores grow by accretion of single pebble species. The growing planet may reach the so-called pebble isolation mass, at which it induces a pressure bump that blocks inward drifting pebbles exterior to its orbit, thereby stalling core growth by pebble accretion. In recent hydrodynamic simulations, pebble filtration by the pressure bump depends on several parameters including core mass, disc structure, turbulent viscosity and pebble size. We have investigated how accretion of multiple, instead of single, pebble species affects core growth rates, and how the dependence of pebble isolation mass on turbulent viscosity and pebble size sets the final core masses. We performed numerical simulations in a viscous one-dimensional disc, where maximal grain sizes were regulated by grain growth, fragmentation and drift limits. We confirm that core growth rates and final core masses are sensitive to three key parameters: the threshold velocity at which pebbles fragment on collision, the turbulent viscosity and the distribution of pebble species, which yield a diversity of planetary cores. With accretion of multiple pebble species, planetary cores can grow very fast, reaching over 30–40 ME in mass. Potential cores of cold gas giants were able to form from embryos initially implanted as far as 50 au. Our results suggest that accretion of multispecies pebbles could explain: the estimated 25–45 ME heavy element abundance inside Jupiter’s core; the massive cores of extrasolar planets; the disc rings and gaps at wider orbits; and the early and rapid formation of planetary bodies.
Efficacy of institutional framework in managing wild life trade in Uganda : preliminary evidence
(Makerere Business Journal, 2018) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Musinguzi, James; Basheka, Benon C.
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to report preliminary evidence on evaluating the efficacy of the institutional framework in the management of trade in wildlife products in Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional survey design. Analysis was done thematically and content for qualitative (interview) data and archival data respectfully; and also SPSS for quantitative data analysis from a sample 169 subjects. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression. Findings: The institutional framework for managing wildlife trade in Uganda is weak. The study also found that efficacious institutional framework and management tools of planning and control have a predictive force. Originality/Value: This paper answers the pertinent question of whether the management of wildlife in Uganda in the propensity to use and patronize wildlife trade is efficacious. The paper provides the initial evidence of the application of institutional and broken windows theories as relevant frameworks for understanding management of wildlife trade.
Employees involvement as agent of change management and performance of local governments in eastern Uganda: an empirical study.
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2020-12) Picho, Odubukare Epiphany; Aupal, Wilfred Kokas; Ngaka, Willy; Oleja, Charles
Performance of Local Governments is key in delivering essential services to the citizens of the Country. Citizen get health, education for children thus developing the human resource, roads to enable movement of people and goods to markets, and technical assistance for farmers. However, the citizens are not getting the appropriate levels of services: evidenced by poor health facilities, low grades in schools, impassable or no roads despite Government and donor funding. The question, therefore, is; how can Local Governments improve performance in service delivery? The study investigated the relationship between employee involvement and performance of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches with a sample of 48. Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics of Spearman Product Moment Correlation and regression. The findings indicated a strong positive relationship (r=0.724**) between employees involvement and performance of Local Governments. Employees involvement accounted for 55% (Adjusted R2 = 0.550) of variance in performance of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda. The study concludes that there is a strong positive relationship between employees involvement and performance of Local Governments. It is recommended that the managers and practitioners of Local Governments in Eastern Uganda should involve employees as change agents so as to improve performance.
On the structure of quasi-Keplerian accretion discs surrounding millisecond X-ray pulsars
(Springer, 2020-10-12) Habumugisha, Isaac; Tessema, Solomon B.; Jurua, Edward; Anguma, Simon Katrini
In this study, we investigated the time-independent dynamics (disc structure, forces and torques) of a quasi-Keplerian disc around a millisecond pulsar (MSP) with an internal dynamo. We considered the disc around a MSP to be divided into the inner, middle and outer regions. By assuming that the disc matter flows in a quasi-Keplerian motion, we derived analytical equations for a complete structure (temperature, pressure, surface density, optical depth and magnetic field) of a quasi-Keplerian thin accretion disc, and the pressure gradient force (PGF). In our model, the MSP-disc interaction results into magnetic and material torques, such that for a given dynamo (ϵ) and quasi-Keplerian (ξ) parameter, we obtained enhanced spin-up and spin-down torques for a chosen star spin period. Results obtained reveal that PGF results into episodic torque reversals that contribute to spinning-up or spinning-down of a neutron star, mainly from the inner region. The possibility of a quasi-Keplerian disc is seen and these results can explain the observed spin variations in MSPs like SAX J1808.4-3658 and XTE J1814-338.
Validation of the atmospheric boundary layer height estimated from the MODIS atmospheric profile data at an equatorial site
(MDPI, 2020-08-26) Onyango, Silver; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Andima, Geodfrey; Parks, Beth
The atmospheric boundary layer height is important for constraining air pollution and meteorological models. This study attempted to validate the MODIS-estimated atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH), and variation in the ABLH in Uganda was evaluated. The ABLH was estimated from MODIS data using the mixing ratio profile gradient method and compared to the ABLH estimated from radiosonde data using three different methods. Unlike in studies in other regions of the world, correlations between ABLH estimated using MODIS and radiosonde data were weak, implying limited usefulness of MODIS data for determining ABLH. However, the diurnal variation in MODIS-derived ABLH and particulate matter (PM10) was consistent with the expected inverse relationship between PM10 mass concentration and ABLH, and the mean MODIS-derived ABLH values were significantly lower during wet seasons than dry seasons, as expected.
Spatio-Temporal Variation in the Concentration of Inhalable Particulate Matter (PM10) in Uganda.
(MDPI AG, 2019-05-17) Onyango, Silver; Parks, Beth; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Meng, Qingyu
Long-term particulate matter (PM10) measurements were conducted during the period January 2016 to September 2017 at three sites in Uganda (Mbarara, Kyebando, and Rubindi) representing a wide range of urbanization. Spatial, temporal and diurnal variations are assessed in this paper. Particulate matter (PM10) samples were collected for 24-h periods on PTFE filters using a calibrated pump and analyzed gravimetrically to determine the average density. Particulate levels were monitored simultaneously using a light scattering instrument to acquire real time data from which diurnal variations were assessed. The PM10 levels averaged over the sampling period at Mbarara, Kyebando, and Rubindi were 5.8, 8.4, and 6.5 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline of 20 µg·m−3, and values exceeded the 24-h mean PM10 guideline of 50 µg·m−3 on 83, 100, and 86% of the sampling days. Higher concentrations were observed during dry seasons at all sites. Seasonal differences were statistically significant at Rubindi and Kyebando. Bimodal peaks were observed in the diurnal analysis with higher morning peaks at Mbarara and Kyebando, which points to the impact of traffic sources, while the higher evening peak at Rubindi points to the influence of dust suspension, roadside cooking and open-air waste burning. Long-term measurement showed unhealthy ambient air in all three locations tested in Uganda, with significant spatial and seasonal differences.
New red giant star in the Kepler open cluster NGC 6819
(Elsevier, 2018) Komucyeya, Esther; Abedigambab, O.P.; Jurua, Edward; Anguma, Simon Katrini
A recent study indicated that 39 red giant stars showing solar-like oscillations were discovered in the ﬁeld of Kepleropen cluster NGC 6819. The study was based on photometric distance estimates of 27 stars out of the 39. Using photometric method alone may not be adequate to conﬁrm the membership of these stars. The stars were not previously known in literature to belong to the open cluster NGC 6819. In this study, Kepler data was used to study the membership of the 27 stars. A plot of apparent magnitude as a function of the large frequency se- paration, supplemented with the proper motion and radial velocity values from literature revealed KIC 5112840 to lie on the same plane with the well-known members of the cluster. Echelle diagram was constructed, and the median gravity-mode period spacings (ΔP) calculated for KIC 5112840. A value of ΔP = 66.3 s was obtained, thus placing the red giant star KIC 5112840 on the Red Giant Branch stage of evolution. Our evolutionary status result using the approach in this paper is in agreement with what is in the available literature.
Dust ion acoustic double layers in a 4-component dusty plasma
(Springer, 2018-02-22) Habumugisha, Isaac; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Jurua, Edward; Nazziwa, L.
In this paper, we study the Dust ion acoustic (DIA) solitons in an unmagnetised dusty plasma comprising of cold dust particles, electrons that follow Cairns distribution, warm inertial ions, and ion-beams of equal mass, using arbitrary amplitude technique. Our results show that it is possible for both rarefactive (negative) and compressive (positive) DIA solitary waves to coexist. Interestingly, double layers could not limit the existence of solitary waves. These results can therefore help to understand the mechanism for decelerating protons in the accretion flow onto neutron stars in a binary system at radial distances where the effect of magnetic field can be neglected.
The structure of a Quasi-Keplerian accretion disk around magnetized stars
(The American Astronomical Society, 2018-06-04) Habumugisha, Isaac; Jurua, Edward; Tessema, Solomon B; Anguma, Simon Katrini
In this paper, we present the complete structure of a quasi-Keplerian thin accretion disk with an internal dynamo around a magnetized neutron star. We assume a full quasi-Keplerian disk with the azimuthal velocity deviating from the Keplerian fashion by a factor of ξ (0 < ξ < 2). In our approach, we vertically integrate the radial component of the momentum equation to obtain the radial pressure gradient equation for a thin quasi-Keplerian accretion disk. Our results show that, at large radial distance, the accretion disk behaves in a Keplerian fashion. However, close to the neutron star, pressure gradient force (PGF) largely modiﬁes the disk structure, resulting into sudden dynamical changes in the accretion disk. The corotation radius is shifted inward (outward) for ξ > 1 (for ξ < 1), and the position of the inner edge with respect to the new corotation radius is also relocated accordingly, as compared to the Keplerian model. The resulting PGF torque couples with viscous torque (when ξ < 1) to provide a spin-down torque and a spin-up torque (when ξ > 1) while in the advective state. Therefore, neglecting the PGF, as has been the case in previous models, is a glaring omission. Our result has the potential to explain the observable dynamic consequences of accretion disks around magnetized neutron stars.
Non-Linear Ion-Acoustic Solitary Waves in Electron-Positron-Ion Plasma with Non-Thermal Electrons.
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2017-05-26) Anguma, Simon Katrini; Habumugisha, Isaac; Nazziwa, L.; Jurua, Edward; Noreen, N.
Ion-acoustic solitary (IAS) waves in electron-positron-ion (e-p-i) plasma have been of interest to many researchers probably due to their relevance in understanding the Universe. However, the study of non-linear ion-acoustic waves in e-p-i plasma with non-thermal electrons has not been adequately studied. A theoretical investigation on non-linear IAS waves in e-p-i plasma comprising of warm inertial adiabatic fluid ions and electrons that are kappa distributed, and Boltzman distributed positron is presented here using the Sagdeev potential technique. It was found that existence domains of finite amplitude IAS waves were confined within the limits of minimum and maximum Mach numbers with varying κ values. For lower values of κ , the amplitude of the solitary electrostatic potential structures increased as the width decreased, while for high values, the potential amplitude decreased as the width of the solitary structure increased.
Onset of linear instability in a complex plasma with cairns distributed electrons
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016-03-07) Habumugisha, Isaac; Anguma, Simon Katrini; Jurua, Edward; Noreen, N.
A rigorous theoretical investigation of linear dust ion acoustic (DIA) solitary waves in an unmagnetized complex plasma consisting of ion and ion beam fluids, nonthermal electrons that are Cairns distributed and immobile dust particles were undertaken. It was found out that, for large beam speeds, three stable modes propagated as solitary waves in the beam plasma. These were the “Fast”, “Slow” and “Ion-acoustic” modes. For two stream instability to occur between ion and ion beam, it is shown that......
Effect of income dynamics on household food security in rural communities , evidence from Uganda
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2019) Namubiru, Margaret; Ngaka, Willy; Odubuker, Epiphany Picho
The Objective of the study was to investigate the effect of income dynamics on households’ food security in rural economies with evidence from Uganda. The study was completely a desk review following a descriptive research design. First, the study reviewed empirical studies on income dynamics; and the effect of income on households’ food security in rural areas. This was followed by an analysis of similar variables in Uganda using data from the Uganda National Household Surveys (2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2012/2013 and 2016/2017). Analytical findings indicated that while rural income is increasing, change in household income fluctuates significantly. Male headed households earn more income than female headed households. Moreover, income is higher in literate households compared to illiterate households. The study further found that while the subsistence sector is reducing in absolute terms, it remains the main source of income to rural households. Additionally, households’ source of income varies from time to time. Study findings on household food security indicated that change in households’ income significantly affect household food security through households’ food expenditure. Change in household expenditure influence access to food, dietary diversity, and consumption. Further observations suggest that external shocks like inflation highly affect household food security in rural areas. The findings further state that rural agricultural programs have a positive correlation with income and household food security. In conclusion, while household income affects household food security in rural areas, the effect significantly vary with income changes. The study recommends for rural income stabilization strategies including economic diversification and commercialization of agriculture.
Financial accessibility and poverty reduction in Northern Uganda, Lango Sub-Region
(Research Publish, 2019-04-01) Marus, Eton; Odubuker, Picho Epiphany; Ejang, Mary; Ogwel, Benard Patrick; Mwosi, Fabian
Access to a well-functioning financial system can economically and socially empower individuals and in particular poor people, allowing them to better integrate into the economy of their countries and to actively contribute to their development and protect themselves against economic shocks. The paper examined the contributions of financial accessibility in supporting poverty reduction in northern Uganda. A cross sectional study design was adopted. The data was collected by use of structured and closed ended questionnaire. The findings revealed that financial institutions had not done much to reach the poor, which limits their productivity capacity and capacity to acquire productive assets. While there are isolated pockets of poverty reduction as expressed by participants’ ability to own personal assets and easily manage their dependency burdens, a few individuals have access to better health facilities. The strides to promote financial accessibility are highly commendable, though poverty remains problematic even among those who have access to financial resources. The paper therefore recommends that financial institutions should endeavor to offer financial management training to clients before extending credit to them, especially clients with some noticeable levels of illiteracy. There is also need for a comprehensive analysis on the current poverty reduction models and their impact on the very poor, in terms of production capacity, owning productive assets and living meaningful lives.
The Effect of ICT on Households’ Food Security in Uganda. Evidence from Acholi Sub Region in Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Technology and Management, 2018-06-30) Picho, Epiphany Odubuker; Namubiru, Margaret; Ngaka, Willy
According to the Global Food Security Report (2017), about 108 million people are food insecure all over the world, and the situation is likely to worsen. It is estimated that by 2050, 9.1 billion people worldwide will be food insecure (FAO-UN, 2010). ICT is known for promoting food security in rural areas through access to information (Olaniyi, 2016). An investigation of ICT usage on households’ food security is therefore paramount. The study aimed at investigating the effect of ICT utilization on households’ food security in Uganda, with evidence from Acholi Sub region. The study employed a cross- sectional and descriptive research design through quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data was obtained with the help of 380 questionnaires, Focused discussion guide, documentary review and observation checklist. Results shows that on average 18.2% of the households in Acholi sub-region use ICT tools to access food security information while 31.9% do not use ICT tools for food security information. It was also found that the majority of the households’ access information through the available Local FM radios followed by mobile phones. Findings also indicate that utilization of ICT tools in accessing food security information improves households’ food security status by 38%. The study recommends more development of ICT infrastructure in the region to increase access to information for households’ food security.

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