The main objective was to develop a parametric model to automatically predict buckling in unbraced reinforced concrete columns. This objective was achieved through fulfilling the specific objectives which included: To identify the various types of reinforced concrete columns used on selected construction sites around Kampala; To develop a relationship between buckling in short and intermediate columns for the selected columns types under study; To develop a relationship between the column critical load and the applied load for the selected columns types. Observation method of data collection was used and preliminary analysis was done on the column types where statistical and graphical analysis were used, and it was from these analyses that conclusion was arrived at, for which column types to include in the model. The model was developed in Visio studio 2015 using C# programming language and the model was a windows form application. The model was tested with data from a selected case study and the model was able to identify column types by slenderness ratio and also the model was able to predict buckling stresses. From all the practical tests made on the model, it was found out that actually all the cases studied involved short or intermediate columns. Since no long columns were encountered practically, various column parameters were varied to obtain the scenario of long columns, this involved extrapolating column length keeping other parameters constant, i.e., these parameters for concrete design are provided for in Eurocode 2. The model developed can only handle columns of maximum height of 60 metres therefore there is need to increase the maximum value or make it custom such that a user can analyze the column basing on their prescribed maximum height. Also, there are various column shapes in use except rectangular and circular, there is a need to provide a provision for such columns. Such columns may be triangular trapezoidal or any other polygonal shape. The tool can provide FOS values but these values only apply if the columns were slender, this implies that there is need to include a provision for factor of safety for short and intermediate columns.

This study focused on impacts of B. papyrifera on regeneration, diversity and richness in the moderately and heavily invaded compartments that is to say Sango and Bugule respectively in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Tree species samples that were identified during this study were collected and taken to the Makerere University Herbarium for further identification and validation of the tree species that were identified by a local expert. The Relative Density, Shannon- Weiner’s and Margalef species diversity indices for the tree species were derived. Antarias toxicaria and Celtis mildraedii were the most highly regenerating species in the highly and moderately invaded compartments respectively. Most of the species surviving under invasion of B. papyrifera belonged to family Moraceae with the highly invaded compartment having the highest number of tree species regeneration. Species diversity did not vary between the highly invaded and moderately invaded compartments. Edges of the respective compartment for which the study was carried out had the lowest species richness, there is need to control the species to save the uninvaded portions of the Mabira Central Forest Reserve from imminent danger of B. papyrifera invasion, also restoration efforts in invaded portions of the reserve should consider the use of native species such as Antarias toxicaria, Markhamia lutea, Bilghia unijugata, Celtis Mildbraedii, and Trichilia prieureana as they appear to be resilient to the B. papyrifera invasion.

A study aimed at assessing hygienic practices of street sugarcane vendors and microbial quality of sugarcane cuts sold in Kampala district. Thirty vendors were interviewed and samples were purchased for microbial analysis. Total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms and E. Coli were determined using a standard microbiological method. The results from the survey indicated that the business is dominated by men (90%), 65% of which were single. Most of the sales were made in the afternoon and evening hours. 45% of the vendors did not wash the knives and 85% of the surrounding environment was dirty. There was high microbial load ranging from 4.8log Cru/ml to 3.8log Cru/ml for TPC, 2.8log Cru/ml to 1.2 Cru/ml for Staphylococcus aureus, 4.2log Cru/ml to 3.1log Cru/ml for total coliforms and E. Coli was not detected in both samples. The results indicate low quality and safety of the sugarcane cuts and therefore, appropriate actions must be taken by respective authorities to improve quality and safety of these sugarcane sold.

This research study examines individual’s experiences of living with both HIV and mental illness from a psychological perspective. It presents the different psychological, social and financial impact of living with mental illness and HIV. It presents the different effects on one’s life. It also goes ahead to give insight on taking of both psychiatric medicines and ARVs. Finally it will investigate how a person deals with living with HIV and mental illness. A qualitative approach was selected as the research method for this study, through the use of semi-structured interviews. The research findings indicate that living with HI and mental illness can affect a person’s well-being. Living with both HIV and mental illness can leave some individuals feeling worthless, helpless, hopeless, frustrated and increased stress levels. However these individuals do not share similar experiences as noted in the findings.

In Ugandan communities, the declining social values and moral behaviors among the youth has been attributed to several factors one of them being the unlimited access to the internet and social media. This study focuses on revealing weather the exposure and consumption of social network sites has contributed to the decline in social values and moral behaviors. The study was conducted among a sample of 100 youth in Makerere university using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using frequencies and proportions were generated. Hypothesis testing was done using a Chi-square test except where the cell sizes were too small and Fishers Exact test used. Results showed that 78% of the youth are regularly using the services of social network sites with Whats-app being the most common social network site. The main purpose for using social media is communication. 85% of the youth using social media are aware that their social values and moral behaviors are influenced (both negatively and positively) by social media confirming the main objective of the study. Despite this fact, the study revealed no evidence showing that the youth are willing to quit social media because their social lives and moral behaviors have been affected by it. In fact, the main factor that influenced their willingness to quit social media if it was having a negative implication on their lives was their level of attachment toward social network sites. A focus group discussion revealed that the youth do not even care much about their relations with their own families and as a result, were losing out on their social values. It was recommended that more emphasis be passed on to the youth by the older generation about importance of social values and moral behaviors such that they learn to cherish and protect them as well as educate them on how to fully utilize social network sites for their own benefits without negatively impacting their social values.

The research study was on the factors influencing growth of slums in Luwero district: A case study of Kasana Mabale. In spite of all efforts and introduction of various housing policies in the country, slums continue being a permanent feature in our society. In the view of this, the study sought to investigate the factors influencing the growth of slums. In particular it sought to find out the relationship between infrastructure, migration and population with the growth of slums. The study was conducted through survey method. Data was collected using questionnaires from 80 households heads obtained through cluster sampling in Kasana Mabale. It was then analyzed using SPSS and presented in form of descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. The study revealed that many people had access to good infrastructure and it didn’t contribute to the growth of slums. The study revealed that migration played a role in the type of housing where one lived, most of rural-urban migrants settle in informal solutions leading to mushrooming slums and squatter settlements. Finally, the study revealed that population was high which forced people to live in slums. Further research could be carried out to establish the impact of devolution and the establishment of devolved units on the growth of slums.

All over the world, countries have their precious jewels that they keep as heritage and people visit them for a variety of reasons which are historical, social, anthropological, cultural and political. These hold a country's history of the various generations and transformation thus providing the future generation with a solid background of their origin and evolutions in all the centuries. Heritages portray ancestral knowledge of who they were, what they did, what they knew, what they valued and how they lived thereby creating backward and forward linkages of generations (Freedom Park) there by acting as finger prints. The world heritage sites in Uganda include Kasubi tombs, Bwindi impenetrable National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains, Bigo bya Mugyenyi which is an archeological site, Ntusi man made mounds and basin, Kibiro salt producing village, Nyero rock paintings and other rock sites, Ngahinga Gorilla National park. Heritage in Uganda portraying beautiful collage of cultural diversity can be found across the 65ethnic groups with unique cultures reflected in languages, indigenous knowledge and skills, crafts and creative and performing arts. Ndoro, W., and Pwiti, G. (2009). These urban heritages therefore ought to be conserved for future generation. Urban Conservation of heritage sites is the action taken on to retain these sites or places in the urban setting despite of the rapid urbanization and adoption of modern architectural designs of building typologies.

The study aimed at generating information on using solid waste to produce marketable products so that waste accumulation is mitigated by turning waste into a resource in Masaka central market. The research based on a descriptive research design as the research tools used were interviews and questionnaires distributed to 60 respondents who were selected by convenient sampling. Observation was also used for triangulation. Numerical data was generated which was used to generalize a given parameter for example the different types of solid waste generated in Masaka central market, waste collection measures employed and the different marketable materials derived from solid waste. The findings of the study indicate that a number of marketable materials are derived from solid waste generated in Masaka central market however it’s just a small percentage of the total waste generated. This leaves a lot of litter which could be a source of diseases like cholera. The study concluded that in order to improve on solid waste recycling potential in Masaka central market, there is need to increase community sensitization on how to get products out of waste hence attaching value to the waste produced. The study recommended that authorities like the Masaka municipal council should link factories that use waste as their raw materials to the people of Masaka central market in order to create ready market for the marketable products out of waste hence increasing the demand of waste as a resource.