School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS)

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  • Item
    An assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of sand mining activities in Lwera, Nkozi sub-county, Mpigi district, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2017) Bogere, Meek
    Sand mining has been one of the serious environmental problems around the globe in recent years, as the plains, swamps, rivers are widely exploited, materials like sand have been exploited due to man's attempt to satisfy his insatiable needs. The situation stated above is not an exception of Lwera the case study area. Exploitation of sand often results into land degradation, loss of aesthetic beauty of the land, loss of agricultural lands, river bed degradation and lost riparian habitat. In order to address these problems, practical and explicit laws and regulations have to be developed by municipalities in a participatory manner so as to facilitate enforcement and compliance at all levels within the social settings. This research was therefore carried out to assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts resulting from sand mining activities in Lwera catchment. The main objective of the study was to assess the environmental and sociological impacts of sand mining in the study area. Specific objectives were: to identifying and assess some major environmental impacts associated with sand mining activities in Lwera. The study revealed that irrespective of the large quantity of sand being mined from the catchment with its economic importance, it is concluded that socially and environmentally, sand mining activity is causing more harm than good.
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    The challenges and opportunities of tree projects to increase on farm tree cover: the case study [of] Kyeizooba Sub County in Bushenyi District
    (Makerere University, 2017-09-25) Asiimwe, Elisa
    In order to address the problem of high rural poverty and food insecurity, government and international donors have funded on-farm plantation forestry projects as one of the tools for improving the welfare of rural communities. In the wake of climate change, on-farm plantation forestry has evolved to include carbon forestry, with the dual purpose of sequestering carbon and improving rural livelihoods. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence regarding whether and under what conditions on-farm plantation forestry can deliver favorable livelihood outcomes. Therefore, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and endogenous switching regression models were used to estimate the average treatment effects of adopting eucalyptus and carbon forestry woodlots (under the plan vivo system) on consumption expenditure per adult equivalent and daily calorie acquisition per adult equivalent. PSM and switching regression results consistently indicated that adoption of eucalyptus woodlots increased consumption expenditure by 32 and 28.3% respectively. PSM and switching regression results also indicated that adoption of eucalyptus woodlots increased calorie acquisition per adult equivalent by 36 and 13.1% respectively. Results also indicated that adoption of carbon forestry increased calorie acquisition per adult equivalent by between 22 and 26.9% but the impact on consumption expenditure per adult equivalent was mixed. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence that adoption of on-farm eucalyptus woodlots is an important pathway for smallholder farmers to escape poverty and improve food security. Similarly, adoption of carbon forestry woodlots under the plan vivo system can improve food security. However, previous on-farm plantation forestry projects were not well targeted to the poor households.
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    Contribution and potential for scaling up of private sector involvement in solid waste management in Uganda: a case study of Oribags Innovations Company, Mpigi District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Tushemereirwe, Jovia
    This study was carried out in Buyala to contribute knowledge to the understanding of the contribution and potential for scaling up of private sector involvement in solid waste management and a case study of Oribags Innovations „U‟ limited. Different methods were used which include; Questionnaires, interviews and observation in order to collect the information about research objectives which were: Contribute to understanding influencing factors for the efficiency and contribution to national environmental management effort of private sector innovations, Assess the community acceptance and contribution of the innovation, Examine institutional and operational strengths and determining the potential for scaling up the innovation. The study showed that two machine are used to recycle wastes and get paper out of it while manual labour is used for the rest of the process of making paper products. Agricultural waste (maize straws, sorghum straws, millet straws banana fibre and pineapple crowns), followed by paper wastes and cotton (70%, 25% and 5% respectively) are the wastes recycled and are collected from Kabale, Rukungiri and Mbarara. Cotton plus paper wastes are also collected from supermarkets and tailors around the city and a few from Buyala Mpigi district. Oribags manufactures books, paper bags, gift boxes and envelopes
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    Assessing the potential of developing Mukura memorial site as a tourism product: a local community perspective
    (Makerere University, 2018) Eturu, Daniel
    This study explored the Potential of developing Mukura memorial site as a tourism destination focusing on perspectives and attitudes of the local community of Mukura Parish Ngora District. The objectives of the study were, To examine the perception of the local communities towards Mukura memorial site and to determine the attitude of the local community towards developing the site as a tourism product. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the 60 respondents and this data was reinforced by onsite observations. Data collected from the respondents was coded and analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Results revealed that the local people had contradicting information about the development of Mukura memorial site as tourism destination but are skeptical about the negative impacts of tourism. It is recommended that the local government authorities should play vital role in convincing residential perspectives and attitudes towards dark tourism development, the local government authorities should seek to develop sensitive solutions to the demands of dark tourists that are neither offensive to local residents nor indeed, the families of the victims (some of which are still alive today). It is also perhaps important that the local government should promote educational forms of dark tourism and move away from the gimmickry of dark tourism paraphernalia such as slogan-emblazoned T-shirts and comedy-themed postcards.
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    On farm conservation strategies and use values of indigenous fruit trees in Atanga sub-county, Pader district
    (Makerere University, 2018) Omara, Phillip
    Conservation of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) species is crucial for provision of livelihood support functions among rural communities and restoration of ecosystems worldwide. This study was conducted in Atanga Sub County, Pader district. The general aim was to elicit knowledge on on-farm conservation strategies and use values of IFTs species in Atanga Sub County. The specific objectives were to document highly prioritized IFTs, assess establishment methods and management practices for IFTs, analyze the use values of IFTs and challenges of on farm conservation strategies then examine socio-economic factors influencing the conservation and uses of IFTs in Atanga Sub County. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to capture primary data from a total of 90 households in addition to 6 focus groups discussions (FDGs) and key informant interviews too. Collected data were coded and entered in SPSS statistical package (Version 16). The Use Value Indices (UVI) technique was used to determine major prioritized IFTs species which included Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn, Tamarindus indica L, Saba comorensis (Bojer ex A.D.C), Anona senegalensis Pers and 4 naturalized fruit trees species which including Mangifera indica L, Carica papaya L, Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck, and Psidium guajava L. Most of these were naturally growing and protected IFTs. The dominant IFTs establishment methods were use of wildings, seeds, and seedlings then reported management practices were weeding, pruning, fencing, and coppicing. Overall IFTs Use Value Index generally corresponded to the number of uses of a particular tree species and varied between 2.3 and 1.6. This implies that communities generally value a particular IFT species for at least more than one use. Challenges usually faced by the respondents included wild fires, pests and diseases and major opportunities for remedying them include spraying with pesticides, ash-water mixture and weeding. On the other hand, chi-square analysis test indicated that sex and education levels had significant influence (X²=12.048, p= 0.034) and (X²=06.019, p=0.046) respectively, on people’s choice of use and conservation of IFTs in Atanga Sub County. Therefore, there is need to initiate education campaigns among farmers on the food, income as well as other potential uses of IFTs species, germplasm conservation and propagation techniques, the dangers of deforestation and the importance of sustainable use of IFTs resources, by encouraging on-farm tree-planting culture and agro forestry initiatives in Atanga Sub County, Pader district.
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    Significance of Namugabwe cave in the development of tourism around Sironko district
    (Makerere University, 2018) Wobadiya, Kullo
    This study was carried out to assess significance of Namugabwe cave in the development of tourism in Uganda. The objectives that guided the study were: (i) to assess the potential of Namugabwe cave as a tourism site, (ii) to identity the tourism facilities around the site and (iii) to assess the level of participation of local communities in tourism activities. A sample size of 60 respondents was obtained and included 60 local community members who were selected by use of both simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and data was analyzed quantitatively using SPSS and qualitatively using thematic analysis. Data analyzed revealed that there are different tourism attractions and activities at Namugabwe Cave which includes hills and mountains, caves and stones, local culture, cultural rituals, local crafts, rivers and waterfalls wild animals among others. Caves especially Kintu, Mudde and hills are more important. The findings revealed that such tourism activities and resources at Namugabwe Cave can be developed through renovation of the monument, road construction, proper communication through sign posts, marketing of the area, sensitization of people, fencing of the site, improvement of security and issuing of management plan by district. Field findings further revealed that Namugabwe Cave activities have contributed both socially and economically to the local people through creation of employment opportunities, conservation and the site provides a place for worship and social services. The direct beneficiaries from tourism development were craft producers, guides and committee members who earn a living. The results revealed that there are a challenges facing the promotion of development of tourism at Namugabwe Cave and they included poor roads, lack of tourism training, poor infrastructure, language barrier and poor accommodation. The study recommends that an aggressive marketing campaign should be done by both government and private tourism operators to promote Namugabwe Cave as tourism destination and need to sensitize local people in the area so as to enlighten them about the values/ benefits of tourism and how they can easily tap these benefits for enhancement of their social wellbeing.
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    Effects of sport hunting on the livelihoods of gateway communities: Case study Katonga Wild Life Reserve
    (Makerere University, 2018-06) Ndyamuhaki, Robert
    This study examined effects of sport hunting on the livelihoods of gateway communities: the study was about operational arrangements at the intersection of conservation, people’s livelihood and tourism (sport hunting). More specifically, it discusses the positive and negative effects of sport hunting on the livelihood of local communities around the game reserve. It was carried out in case study Katonga wild life reserve in the villages of Magando and Kabagole in Biguli Sub County, Kamwengye district, South Western Uganda. The overall objective of the study was to investigate the benefits and challenges of sport hunting to the livelihood of the local communities living adjacent to Katonga Game reserve. The objectives of the study were to assess the benefits of sport hunting accruing to the communities and the challenges faced, to examine sport hunting activities practiced in the game reserve and identification of the strategies used to implement sport hunting in and around the game reserve. Data were collected using the interview method. The method was employed in this study and involved direct verbal discussions and interactions with selected respondents from Magondo and Kabagole villages in order to obtain relevant data. They were mainly be used to bring preliminary issues to the surface so as to determine the variables needed for further investigation especially data obtained using other tools such as questionnaires. Data were analysed using SSPS and word excel to generate descriptive statistics such as percentages, and frequencies. According to the study, sports hunting has increased incomes among the people in the area, it was further found out that sport hunting in Katonga region has generated huge amounts of tax revenue and could support Community Conservation, but at the same time it has imposed restrictions on the livelihoods of local people and has forced migration. Moreover, the study recognized that Uganda wildlife authority has got a policy whereby only registered members are the ones that participate in sport hunting and any other party that participates in sport hunting while not registered is breaking the law and is doing it illegally. It is concluded that the stakeholders I n the sport hunting business have participated in the setting of revenue sharing percentages through which the local communities receive the revenues accruing from sport hunting. The local communities in the two villages have also been able to earn jobs through this project in schools and tourist facilities. Others are employed as rangers, security guards and guides while a large number are involved in various projects started by the park and its partners to help improve household income. To a large extent, this revenue has improved community livelihoods as they get to spread risks from wildlife damages to other Projects that are not easily destroyed by wild animals. However the sport hunting project is not marred with several challenges including corruption, the local communities also complained about crop raiding as well as the lack of a clear blueprint for the project. It is therefore recommended that a national sport hunting policy Influencing local people to become good partners and not enemies of conservation whereby the state, policy and legislation makers should consider a fair and proper allocation of resources supplemented with short and long-term interventions, Enhancing communication between local people, WMA management and tourism hunting companies. The management of Uganda wild life Authority should enhance its communication especially on the collection, use and sharing of revenues. This can be done by channeling the information through the village natural resource conservation committees, call for village meetings and disseminate the information, making available the revenue collection and use reports. It is in these ways that local people will develop faith and participate in conservation activities, as they will feel involved and responsible
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    Socio-economic effects of cultural tourism on host communities in Entanda traditional hunting and cultural experience
    (Makerere University, 2018-07) Namulondo, Alice
    This study aimed at examining the effects of cultural tourism on the socio-economic development of host communities. The objectives of the study were to (i) assess the cultural tourism activities at Entanda (ii) assess the economic effects of cultural tourism at Entanda and (iii) assess the social effects of cultural tourism. Data were collected using open and close-ended questionnaires, oral interview method was used in this study in a bid to collect vital data and this involved face-to-face interactions with the respondents. The questionnaire responses were edited, coded, double entry of results for accurate results before being transferred to SPSS to generate statistical summaries such as percentages. Results show that there are different tourism activities at Entanda like traditional food preparations, traditional hunting expeditions, traditional talks, traditional drumming and dance and fruit gathering. Host community people are affected by cultural tourism both economically and socially, positively and negatively which have brought about employment opportunities, increased standards of living and development of the area and also increase in some prices of products economically. Furthermore, the host community is socially affected by cultural tourism through preservation of culture, interactions with tourists resulting to study of new things, loss of culture and norms, change in social behaviors. There is need to help improve the lives of the people at Entanda and also boost the cultural tourism. Furthermore, the infrastructure such as roads should be improved and marketing of the destination increased to attract more tourists.
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    Assessing the feasibility of developing Mwanga historical site as a tourism destination
    (Makerere University, 2018-07) Kayola, Alex
    There is a growing interest in cultural tourism, historical site have been one of reasons why most visitors tour tourism destination that have assets related to culture therefore, This study aimed at assessing the feasibility of developing Mwanga historical site as a tourism destination in Agubi village, Agwenya parish, kangai Sub County, in order to achieve the aim and goal of this study ,the survey focused on documenting the history of Mwanga historical site ,assessing the levels of willingness of different stakeholders to the development of Mwanga historical site , finally to identify the opportunities, challenges and solution to the development of Mwanga historical site as a tourism destination. The survey instruments used for data collection from the 50 respondents considered in this study included the sets of questionnaire guides, onsite observations. Data collected from the respondents was entered, coded and managed in Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) the results established that Mwanga historical site can be developed as destination due to action being taken by stakeholders such renovation of the monument, availing of the plan by the district to develop Mwanga historical site, marketing of the site in addition the kind of support, that different stakeholders have towards the development of Mwanga historical site, to document the history of the site , a desk study was carried to obtain other useful information that the respondents had about the history of the site. Furthermore the study revealed that there exist the levels of willingness of different stakeholders towards the development of Mwanga ,with this it would have a positive impact towards cultural tourism development in kangai Sub County ,the study also identified some of the problem to the development of Mwanga historical such as lack of funds, limited awareness about tourism ,different views of stakeholders among other, in addition solution to the problems hindering the development of Mwanga historical was suggested by the stakeholders such as mobilization of the fund ,raising awareness about cultural tourism to mention but a few, from the results the study recommended that to enable this site develop for tourism all stakeholders should be involved, aggressive marketing , while documenting the history of the site a vision for Mwanga historical site should be created entiths with the purpose of visiting this site and the culture of the stakeholders around Mwanga historical site.
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    Community based tourism a tool for socio-economic development in Budadiri County: A case study of Busulani Sub-county
    (Makerere University, 2018-08) Owori, Arthur
    Community-Based Tourism is taking place in the world as an approach to traditional tourism especially in developing countries. This form of tourism allows for greater contact with the local community and for the tourist to experience new sensations while enabling the economic and social development of the geographic area. The study was conducted to establish the nature of community based tourism in Busulani Sub County, assess the extent of local community involvement in CBT development and to examine the impact of tourism to the socio-economic development of the local economy. The study was conducted using a case study design and data was collected using a questionnaire and interview method. A total of eighty one respondents were interviewed. Data was analyzed using SPSS. It was found that the nature of CBT in Busulani sub county include accommodation, food, transport and guiding. The local community members are involved in CBT by providing local food to tourists, guiding on community walks and heritage trail, cultural performance and festivals. The results also show that CBT has influenced the development of infrastructure, promoted agricultural production, and also the craft and manufacturing industries. In addition some of the challenges hindering CBT development in Busulani Sub County include absence of reliable road network, limited access to clean water and electricity supply, conflicts among community members, mismanagement of community based tourism projects, lack of financial support. The study has established that there are issues which need to be addressed to increase involvement of local people in CBT like involving the community in local policy formulation, awarding the community an opportunity to formulate their own ideas, and empowering communities with responsibilities and rights for management and receive benefits from them.
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    Tourism attractions, facilities and activities in the Mount Elgon sub region
    (Makerere University, 2018-11-21) Wabomba, Andrew
    This Study was carried out to assess the tourism attractions, facilities and activities in the Mount Elgon sub region for tourism development. The objectives were 1) to examine the tourism attractions and associated activities in the Mount Elgon sub region; 2) to document and describe the tourism facilities the mount Elgon sub region; and 3) to examine the challenges faced in promoting the tourism attractions and facilities in the Mount Elgon sub region. Questionnaires "ere used to collect data from 52 respondents including 30 community members while interview guides were used to interview key informants who totaled to 22 members that "ere knowledgeable about the tourism attractions and facilities in the Mount Elgon sub region. The results show that the Mount Elgon sub region has • number of attractions including the landscape. the Imbalu circumcision, wildlife resources, agricultural plantations. Eaves and rocks. water sources, traditional dish (Kamalewa), the national park . forest investments as well as academic institutions which are being utilized for activities like viewing of anima) species. viewing of [he Sipi falls, practicing of the Imbalu circumcision, hiking. bird watching. site viewing, rock climbing, cave exploration as well as plantation agriculture. lot tourism facilities ill the area included transport means. accommodation facilities. education facilities. health facilities. food and beverage shops. telecommunication facilities. trading centers, Sacco projects and Forex bureaus as well as safety and security offices. The challenges that were revealed included lack of awareness, in adequate advertising, land conflicts, language barrier, poor infrastructure, limited marketing, electricity extensions, water supplies, restrictions, low level of investments, landslides and limited government support. It is recommended that UWA should expose the locals about tourism, setting up better facilities. Involving the host communities in tourism planning, and also ensure that roods are set up.
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    Contribution of Mt. Elgon ecosystem to transboundary tourism between Uganda and Kenya
    (Makerere University, 2019) Nambuya, Merinah
    The study was about the “Contribution of Mt. elgon ecosystem to transboundary tourism between Uganda and Kenya”. It was guided by three research objectives which included; To examine the tourism attractions at the Uganda –Kenya border that are part of the Mt Elgon ecosystem, to assess the activities participated in by tourists and to document the challenges faced by managers of Mt Elgon National Park which may hinder cross border tourism. This research adopted a research design that was descriptive in nature. This design was suitable for this study because it elucidates facts regarding the nature and position of a circumstance, as it occurs at present time of study. It also sheds light on the prevailing relationships and practices, values and processes that are occurring, effects that are being felt or trends that are developing. The actual sample size selected for the study was 50 respondents. The researcher used both purposive and simple random sampling techniques to get a sample size for the UWA, tour guides, park managers, local people, tourists and the department of Antiquities Official. The study employed questionnaire and interview method during data collection because of its flexibility. The analyzed data was presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages. The data collected was coded and analyzed inform of frequencies and percentages which were presented in tabular form. The findings revealed that protecting National parks results in tangible and significant economic benefits for local communities and regions, as well as Ugandans in general. Job creation increased spending in local economies, firewood, controlled soil erosion, increased rain fall, and increased government revenues can all occur as a result of protected areas. These benefits are in addition to the underlying economic value of a broad range of ecological services from protected areas, such as clean water and air, health benefits from outdoor recreation, or the harvest of wild plants and animals. However, owing to the study findings, the researcher recommends that there is need to build and diversify the Uganda’s economy by completing and investing in a network of protected areas. Further, the researcher also recommended that there is need to provide support and incentives to communities to identify and designate protected area candidates and assist in developing ways to generate local economic benefits from these protected areas.
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    Effect of payment for ecosystem services projects to the livelihoods: a case study of TGB farmers in Hoima district
    (Makerere University, 2019) Ssekyanzi, Julius
    The study to examine the effect of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes to the livelihoods in Hoima district was carried out in two parishes; Bwikya and Kapapi. It specifically focused on; documenting the motivation factors of farmers to join the TGB project, assessing the socio-economic benefits to the participants and assessing the technical capacity of the TGB beneficiaries. Sixty respondents were interviewed of which there were TGB farmers and the others were non-TGB farmers. The study revealed that the project had a positive impact on respondents' livelihoods since they were receiving payments from carbon trading and self-motivated to join the TGB project, the economic incentives gained hence income stability, environmental services obtained, and the social capital gained. The study also indicated that the technical capacity of the respondents was enhanced through training in new skills like bee keeping new skills which increased their competency in tree planting. It was noted that the TGB project was dominated by the males since the females did not have documented land ownerships rights. But also the non-TGB farmers are left out especially on the second trainings. The study recommended that; strategies to ensure development in people's livelihoods the government of Uganda (GOU), ECOTRUST and other stakeholders should lobby to reform the land policy, seedlings should be supplied in the right season,newly recruited farmers that had planted trees already should be allowed to joining the project basing on trees planted already, and lastly the labor efficiency of the project should be increased in the area.
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    Examining wind energy potentials over East Africa using ERA-interim re-analysis data
    (Makerere University, 2019) Kirunda, Daniel
    The main objective of this study was to examine the wind energy potential of hot spot areas over East Africa. In this study, monthly average wind speed Era-interim Re-analysis data for a period of 1980 – 2005 was used. This data was subjected to different statistical analysis methods and a statistical distribution method the Weibull parameter Probability Density Function was used. Based on these data, the highest wind speed observed over East Africa was 8.03 m/s and the lowest wind speed observed was 1.37 m/s in the Turkana-Marsabit region and Miombo woodland respectively for the 26-year period (1980-2005). Great annual wind energy output is observed over East Africa and the various sites, in the Turkana-Marsabit region we observe an annual average wind energy output of 374.51 W/m2, 169.54 W/m2 in the Miombo woodland, 89.38 W/m2 in Northern Uganda and 114.72 W/m2 over East Africa. The study concluded that these sites studied are suitable for small scale non-grid electrical and mechanical applications such as battery charging, water pumping, domestic lighting, agricultural applications and other simple uses. With such information acquired, it is hoped that it’s of great benefit to a broad section of users for example the Government, investors and private or individual wind energy developers in cases of decision making.
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    Woody species diversity and composition on grazing fields among pastoral communities in South-western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019) Ainebyoona, Anest
    Little is known about the contribution of grazing landscapes to biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted in grazing fields within the villages of sub-counties that are predominantly occupied by cattle keepers in Isingiro and Kiruhura Districts in South-Western Uganda. The study assessed woody species diversity and composition within grazing fields among pastoral communities, and determined the benefits households derive from woody species on grazing fields. Data on woody species diversity and composition were collected from 62 plots each measuring 50 × 50 m. All Woody species encountered with diameter at breast height of ≥5cm were enumerated, identified and recorded in a data collection form. Data on benefits derived from woody species was collected by requesting each of the selected respondents to state the benefits they derive from woody plant species on their grazing fields. The data on woody species diversity and composition were analyzed using R package BiodiversityR while data on benefits was analyzed using SPSS. Results from the study revealed that Isingiro District had significantly higher richness and diversity of woody plant species than Kiruhura District. The dominant woody species recorded across the two Districts were Acacia gerrardii, A. sieberiana, A. abyssinica, A. hockii, Grewia mollis, Rhus natalensis and Albizia coriaria. The NMDS ordination showed that the species composition of Isingiro District was different from that of Kiruhura District. SIMPER analysis showed that the woody plant species which contributed to differences in species composition between Isingiro and Kiruhura Districts were mainly A. gerrardii, A. hockii, A. sieberiana, Albizia coriaria, Grewia mollis, Dononaea angustifolia and Albizia adianthifolia. The benefits derived from woody species across the two Districts ranked in order were provision of animal shade (98%), wood fuel (95%), construction materials (94%), fodder (77%), human and animal medicine (42%), staking materials (19%), crafts (13%) and food (7%). The study concluded that grazing lands have a high potential for conserving biodiversity through harboring a diversity of woody plant species that supply a wide range of ecosystem services. If effective management is not implemented, the woody plant species in grazing areas are likely to continue being threatened by increasing demands for mainly wood fuel.
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    Assessing the effects of refugee settlement on land use/cover changes in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019) Aciro, Michel Gladys
    This study aimed at examining the impact of settling South Sudanese refugees in Palabek Ogili Sub County in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda. With the arrival of refugees from Sudan especially with the increasing political instability in South Sudan, there has been an increasing influx of refugees from Sudan into Northern Uganda regions. The arrival of large number of refugees in to the area, particularly in Palabek Ogili Sub County brought demographic, political, social, economic and environmental impact in the area affecting land use and land cover. This study aims to understand and explain the effects of settling these refugees on land use/land cover changes in Palabek Ogili Sub County. The study examines the natural state of land cover and land use before and after the arrival of refugees and the opening of the refugee camp. The study examined the drivers that led to the settling of refugees in the area and also explains the dependency of refugees and the host community on woodland resources. In the study process questionnaire, Geographical Information System and remote sensing techniques were used to get a clear understanding of the effects of settling refugees on LULC in the area. Analysis of the years 2000, 2010 and 2018, showed that, areas covered by Bare land in 2000 was representing 18.48%, built-up was 3.22%, Farmland was 8.69%, forests were 23.54% and grassland was 46.06% which was the largest, this gradually reduced to 43.32% in 2010 and to 4.99 in 2018.Forest experienced a slight increase of up to 28.14% in 2010 from 23.54% in 2000. This can be attributed to the LRA war that displaced people into IDP camps in Northern Uganda, deforestation was minimal because people feared for their lives. It eventually decreased to 12.91% in 2018 mainly because by this time people were free to move about and use forest resources as they wish without fear for their lives and due to population increase in the area brought about by the influx of refugees. Crop farming increased over the years from 8.69% in 2000, to 15.43% in 2010 to 35.31% in 2018 which was the largest. This is mainly attributed to increase in population in the sub county. Built-up areas have also increased over the years from 3.22% of the total land coverage in 2000 to 4.99% of the total land coverage in 2010 to 29.69% of the total land coverage in 2018. The table below illustrates the trend in land use /cover change from 2000 to 2018.
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    Factors influencing local community participation and ecotourism sustainability in Mt. Elgon National Park
    (Makerere University, 2019) Khisa, Joel
    This research examined the level at which the communities surrounding Mt. Elgon national park participate in ecotourism and its sustainability and how they can benefit from it. The problem examined was that most people surrounding the park still want to depend on the park for survival in ways such as farming, grazing, and hunting though it has been gazeted for tourism. The overall objective was to establish the factors influencing community participation in ecotourism and sustainability in Mt. Elgon national park. The specific objectives were (i) To examine the factors hindering community participation on eco-tourism and sustainability, (ii)To establish the effects of community participation on eco-tourism and sustainability, (iii) To identify solutions to improve on the community participation on eco-tourism and sustainability Data were collected using questionnaires and interviewing methods. The questionnaires contained both open and close ended questions and were given to the management staff of Mt. Elgon national park while the interview guide consisted the questions which were asked to the local community members. It was found that community members are not sensitized on the operations of the national park and how they benefit when they are to participate in ecotourism and its sustainability and that community members feel left out on ecotourism and its sustainability, they are not satisfied with how the national park operates and they feel left out and feel they don’t benefit from ecotourism and its sustainability forcing them to encroach on the national par resources and also they fail to involve themselves in the participation of ecotourism sustainability. Therefore, from the research findings, the researcher recommends that Community members should be sensitized on the operations, management and sustainability of ecotourism so as they can participate freely and voluntarily and that government of Uganda through ministry of tourism and inequities should formulate bye laws guarding the fauna and flora for its continuous sustainability and also guarding the environment.
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    Effectiveness of a conventional industrial waste water treatment plant (case study of the Scoul’s treatment plant in Lugazi town, Buikwe district)
    (Makerere University, 2019) Mirembe, Christine Martha
    In Uganda, the use of waste water treatment plants in the industries is a relatively new technology with few studies carried out to investigate their effectiveness for treatment of the industrial waste water before being discharged to the environment. There was little information on performance of the industrial waste water treatment plant of which this research of which this research addressed. The objectives of the study were (i) To compare the PH, TDS, DO and the Turbidity of the waste water at the inlet and outlet of the factory’s waste water treatment plant. (ii) To compare the mean values of the waste water parameters at the factory inlet and outlet of the waste water treatment plant. Samples were collected at the inlet and outlet, measured and recorded on a daily basis for seven days to achieve the given objectives. The observed results indicated that there was a significant decrease in TDS, Turbidity from inlet to outlet of the waste water treatment plant and significant increase in DO and PH from the waste water treatment plant inlet its outlet. The waste water treatment plant effectively treated waste water in terms of TDS, DO, and Turbidity whose values met the National Environment Management Authority standards for effluent discharge to the environment except pH because the values from the outlet were a little higher than the discharge standards.
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    Local community perceptions of environment conservation and tourism development
    (Makerere University, 2019) Nantongo, Rehema
    The study investigated the Local community perceptions of environment conservation and tourism development, a Case study of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The study sought to address the following specific objectives that is, to investigate the level of community involvement in the conservation of environment and tourism development, to assess local community perceptions of environmental conservation and tourism development in Katunguru village, to examine the benefits of environmental conservation and tourism development to the local community. To achieve the above objectives, the researcher collected both primary and secondary data. The study design was cross-sectional based on quantitative approach focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics. A sample of 60 respondents was chosen from the population drawn from the community, who were selected using purposive sampling and simple random technique and data collection instruments were questionnaires and interviews. The study found out that, the perception of local community members and the park management staff towards environment conservation and tourism development depended on the benefit of the park towards the community members. People who benefit from Queen Elizabeth National Park are few thus this creates a negative perception from the local community members towards the Park. Furthermore the study established that there are issues, which need to be addressed to increase involvement of local people in conservation of the environment and improve their perception towards tourism development and conservation. In order to increase community benefits from conservation of the environment and tourism development, Park management should educate the local people on other ways of raising income using the existence of the park such as development of an eco-lodges, cultural centers, museums and other eco-projects that can be run by the community.
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    Factors for successful contracting in plantation forest management: a case study of the new forests company, Mubende/Kassanda, Namwasa plantations, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019) Ntegye, Gard
    Forest investors have increasingly contracted out various forest operations to eligible and skilled contractors to achieve the investment goals. An assessment of the factors that influence the success of contracts undertaken by the contractors of the New Forests Company (NFC) -Namwasa Plantation was carried out, first; To establish different forestry contracts at the plantations, Second; To find out the reasons for the success of the contracts undertaken by contractors and lastly, To find out the challenges faced in carrying out the contracts and how they are resolved by both the client and the contractors. A detailed questionnaire was administered to 40 people, comprising of the contractor directors, their supervisors, clients and contractor workers, Personal interviews with key informants including plantation manager and contractor directors was used. Descriptive statistics using tables was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that; various silvicultural operations and forest protection were the main contracts undertaken by the NFC contractors who were; Nature Foresters Co Ltd, Kam Forestry Co Ltd, Kwabakya forestry enterprise limited and Vatican Foresters Co Ltd. Key factors including staff quality and development, mutual understanding of the work, good and quality management by both parties, financial management, issues of accountability,transparency and integrity highly determined the successful completion of the contracted work. Challenges associated with the nature of forestry work, health and safety issues, weather changes limited and scarce resources (finances, equipment etc,), work fractuations, supervision challenges affected forestry contracting at both industry, firm and individual level. Findings also revealed that; Regular and effective communication between parties, hiring skilled and professional staff to manage and supervise workers as well as ensuring their capacity development through trainings will lead to further improvement in forestry contracting. In addition, proper planning, involving actual and ideal plans for limited resources could help counteract irregularities in productivity and thereby improving contracting in forestry operations. Motivational factors should be clearly understood and applied to increase productivity and performance in forestry contracting.