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ItemA review of success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; a case study of Kampala.(Makerere University, 2026-01-05)The study review success factors for design-build contracts in Uganda; A case study of Kampala. This study was guided by the following objectives; to review factors that affect the performance of DB contract, analyze how these factors apply in the Ugandan construction industry, reveal the challenges faced by DB contracts in Uganda and to examine the different changes needed to DB contracts in Uganda. Survey Method, the questionnaire was used to collect data from; Civil engineers, Architects and Quantity surveyors. The questions that these respondents answered on a Likert scale were drawn from these study objectives. The study employed the interview method. Interviews in this study helped the researcher obtain more information on the topic under investigation. The researcher interviewed contractors and architects in line with the study objectives and the interview guide. The researcher reviewed documents in order to obtain recorded information that is related to success factors for design-build contracts in the developing economies, the study also used Archival records, to get information related to the study, when the research observed key documents and information about design and build were also further included in the study, a sample size of 40 respondents was taken from a total population of 45 respondents, who included civil engineers, Architects, quantity surveyors, and construction contractors. The research confirmed that D&B offers significant advantages over traditional methods, including greater flexibility for early design adjustments, faster decision-making, and improved communication through single-point responsibility, enhanced time efficiency via integrated scheduling (e.g., Gantt charts, simplified client supervision, better cost control through negotiated savings, and stronger quality assurance and accountability. The Mbuya project demonstrated that early presentation of architectural designs, provision of financial guarantees by reputable institutions, and proactive risk identification (especially funder liquidity) substantially increased client confidence and project momentum. However, benefits were partly offset by delays in approvals, under-quoting, and coordination challenges within joint ventures. To maximise D&B potential for affordable housing, the study recommends that contractors should be empowered for early-stage design changes, adopt robust scheduling tools, maintain direct and regular client communication, enforce rigorous quality supervision, secure financial guarantees, ensure realistic and detailed early cost planning, and present designs for client approval before contract award.
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ItemEnhancement of the aerodynamic performance of a pickup truck using computational fluid dynamics.(Makerere University, 2025)The aerodynamic performance of pickup trucks significantly influences their fuel efficiency and overall vehicle dynamics. Many aftermarket modifications, such as bull bar guards, side mirrors, and load bed designs, inadvertently increase aerodynamic drag, leading to higher fuel consumption. This study aimed to analyse and optimise the aerodynamic characteristics of a conventional pickup truck using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A 2020 Toyota Hilux Revo double-cabin model was selected as the base vehicle, and its aerodynamic properties were evaluated through CFD simulations. The study identified key inefficiencies in the base model, including high drag zones around the front bumper, flow separations near the side mirrors, and recirculation regions at the load bed. Various optimization strategies were explored, including redesigning the bumper with a porous structure, modifying the bull bar guard with an aerodynamically efficient shape, and introducing a curved tonneau cover. CFD analyses of these modifications demonstrated a reduction in the drag coefficient (CD) from 0.884 to 0.612, significantly improving airflow attachment and reducing turbulence. Furthermore, the impact of these modifications on fuel consumption was assessed. The findings indicated that the optimised designs resulted in an estimated fuel savings of up to 10.11 liters per 335 km trip, translating to a cost reduction of approximately 48,800 UGX per journey. These results highlight the importance of aerodynamically efficient aftermarket modifications in reducing fuel consumption and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. This research provides valuable insights for automotive engineers and truck owners, emphasizing the role of CFD in optimising vehicle aerodynamics. The proposed modifications not only enhance aerodynamic efficiency but also offer practical, cost-effective solutions for improving fuel economy in conventional pickup trucks.
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ItemAssessing the potential of condominium housing as an approach to addressing urban housing deficits; a case study of Kampala, Uganda.(Makerere University, 2025)With rapid urbanisation and growing urban populations, demand for housing continues to exceed supply, resulting in urban housing deficits which pose a severe challenge in fast-growing cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kampala, Uganda. Governments and urban authorities around the world are exploring innovative housing solutions such as condominium housing, to meet the rising urban housing deficits. This study evaluated the potential of condominium housing as a strategic approach to addressing this housing challenge in Kampala City. It examined factors that influence demand and supply of condominiums in Kampala, assessed the adequacy of the regulatory framework governing condominiums in Uganda, and examined the challenges and best practices for condominium housing uptake. A mixed-methods approach was used. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a total of 177 respondents (115 condominium owners, 28 developers, 27 officials at Kampala City Council Authority, KCCA and seven (7) key informants from various organisations like National Housing Construction Company, NHCC, Association of Real Estate Agents of Uganda, AREA-U, and Kalikumutima & Co. Advocates). The study established that condominiums hold a great potential to addressing Kampala’s housing deficits if adequately supported with regulatory, financial, and institutional frameworks. Specifically, the study revealed that proximity to urban facilities, sense of security, and availability of amenities are the key factors influencing demand for condominiums in Kampala while availability of infrastructure and services, cost of construction materials, market demand for condominium units, and supportive government policies, emerged as key factors influencing supply of condominiums in Kampala. Conversely, the study revealed that although a a strong legal framework exists comprising the Condominium Property Act, 2001, together with its subsequent regulations of 2002 (as amended), its implementation and enforcement remain constrained by persistent challenges, including lengthy registration and approval processes, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited popularity of the law among key stakeholders in the condominium housing market. Strengthening public-private partnerships, adoption of innovative financial instruments like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), as well as promoting focused awareness and sensitization campaigns emerged as the best practices for enhancing the uptake of condominium housing in Uganda.
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ItemAssessing the effects of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity: a case study of Kaharo Sub-County(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigates the effects of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity in Kaharo Sub-County. The objectives were to: (i) quantify the degree of land fragmentation using a Land Fragmentation Index (LFI), (ii) assess crop yield levels among smallholder farmers, and (iii) analyze the impact of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The findings revealed that 44 households managed a total of 149 land parcels, averaging three parcels per household, with each parcel measuring approximately 0.257 acres. The LFI was calculated at 0.097, indicating a significant level of land fragmentation in the area. Key drivers of fragmentation included inheritance practices, population pressure, and the absence of targeted land-use policies. The study also found that 97.5% of the land was user-owned, while only 2.5% was leased, and 87% of respondents were identified as peasant farmers. Comparative analysis of agricultural yield trends showed a notable decline in productivity, with higher yields recorded during the 2005–2010 period—when land was less fragmented—compared to the 2021–2024 period. Farmers attributed reduced yields to challenges associated with managing multiple small, scattered plots, including difficulties in supervision, barriers to mechanization, and increased operational costs. These findings highlight the adverse impact of land fragmentation on agricultural efficiency and underscore the need for strategic policy interventions aimed at improving land consolidation and optimizing land use in Kaharo Sub-County.
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ItemAssessing Spatial-temporal Variations in Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts in Agroecological Zones of Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Uganda is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, ranking 15th in vulnerability and 147th in readiness globally. A majority of its population resides in climate-sensitive regions prone to droughts and floods, particularly in the Northern and Eastern agroecological zones (AEZs). This study assessed the spatiotemporal vulnerability of Ugandan agroecological zones to climate variability and change by analyzing historical and projected climate patterns alongside socio-ecological vulnerability patterns. Historical rainfall data from CHIRPS (1981–2024) and temperature data from MERRA-2 (1981–2024) were used to evaluate long-term climate variability, while future climate patterns were derived from the multi-model ensemble (MME) of six CMIP6 models under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. To assess vulnerability, a multi-criteria approach guided by the IPCC Framework of vulnerability was employed, integrating biophysical and socio-economic indicators through a weighted linear combination to derive exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and composite vulnerability indices. Results indicated an overall increasing trend in rainfall across Uganda’s AEZs, though trends were not statistically significant. Spatially, AEZs in Karamoja consistently received the lowest rainfall, while Southwestern Highland, Lake Victoria Crescent, and Mount Elgon areas remained relatively wetter. Temperature trends, in contrast, showed a statistically significant rise across the country, with the hottest areas located in West Nile and Karamoja AEZs, and cooler regions in the Southwest and Mount Elgon AEZs. Projected rainfall trends suggest further intensification, especially under the SSP5-8.5 scenario with seasonal shifts of increasing SON and uncertain MAM. The vulnerability assessment revealed pronounced regional disparities, with Northern region, especially Karamoja and West Nile AEZs emerging as vulnerability hotspots due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and very low adaptive capacity linked to harsh climatic conditions, socio-economic marginalization, ecological degradation, and limited infrastructure. This study highlights that climate vulnerability in Uganda is shaped by an intersection of climatic stressors and structural inequalities, transcending agroecological and administrative boundaries. Findings call for a shift in adaptation planning from a generalized national approach to regionally and agroecologically targeted interventions that strengthen local absorptive, adaptive, and transformative capacities. Policymakers and stakeholders must develop and implement climate vulnerability reduction strategies at the local level, guided by spatially explicit data, to enhance community resilience and safeguard development gains.