School of Built Environment (SBE)

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    Assessment of the impact of Change in the Use of Buildings in Kampala.
    ( 2014-05-02) ASIIMWE, Mwesigye
    The research was aimed at assessing the impact of change in the use of buildings in Kampala. The objectives of the research are described in chapter one which included identifying the most common changes made on buildings, the reasons for change in use, the modifications done on the buildings and the problems caused by the change in use of buildings. Chapter two of the research looked at the literature review of the study which is an evaluative report of information found in the literature related to the area of study. Chapter three looked at the methodology used to collect data for the study. The methods used included photography, use of questionnaires and interviews. Chapter four of the report presents the findings of the research and analysis. The research findings were presented using graphs, pie charts and in text Civil works involving demolition and construction of walls, placement of furniture and fittings, works on finishes and changes to the landscape were done. Most of the businesses setup their premises in various locations within the city. This has led to the over population of the city leading to increased traffic ,congestion, increased sound pollution due to vehicular and pedestrian activities, increased cost of renting space in office buildings and limited parking space. Due to the above reasons, a number of businesses choose to relocate to the outskirts of the city which were majorly comprised of residential communities. As a result of this shift, some residential communities were completely over taken by commercial activities which prompted the city authorities to rezone these regions as commercial areas. In carrying out the study, the organization of the building before and after the change in use were both considered. The various ways to resolve the problems identified in the research are described in chapter five consists of the conclusions and recommendations.
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    Assessing Agricultural drought vulnerability based on a Compsite index. A case study of Uganda .
    ( 2015-07-03) Ssekabere, Godfrey
    In the recent years, Uganda has been experiencing drought incidences which are increasing in the intensity and frequency due to natural resource degradation, population pressure, development and climate change. Thousands of people have been affected, with massive displacement occurring (GOU, 2007). There is growing demand for spatially explicit information among stakeholders across public and private institutions regarding vulnerability to Agricultural Drought at the local scale for implementation of long term drought management measures. This study was conducted over all districts in Uganda, to determine the Agricultural drought indicative parameters and to determine the spatial variability of the Agricultural Drought in the entire country and, thereby identify vulnerable hotspots. A biophysical and socio-economic indicator based integrated vulnerability assessment technique was used to map Agricultural Drought vulnerability. Indicators were generated and analyzed under three components of vulnerability, namely exposure, susceptibility and adaptive capacity; and finally aggregated into a single vulnerability index. The values of all indicators were normalized by considering their functional relationship with vulnerability, and factor analysis was then used to assign weights to all indicators. The Agricultural Drought vulnerability index (ADVI) was finally determined from the weighted sum of all indicators and mapped over the entire country. The districts in the northern region and some parts of north-eastern region had high to extreme vulnerability to Agricultural drought; while districts in the south- western part of the country were the least vulnerable. The rest of the districts had mild and moderate vulnerability to Agricultural Drought. This study shows that vulnerability mapping is crucial in determining the varying degrees of vulnerability of different localities, and generating information that can help researchers, policy makers, private and public institutions in formulating site-specific adaptation strategies and prioritizing adaptation investments to the most
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    Comparison of the accurancy of autobase and no autobase RTK observations.
    (Makerere University, 2015-07-13) Matovu, Anthony
    There are different GPS positioning techniques that are currently being used by Sur. eyor one of which is the Auto base and No Auto Base Technique that are embedded in the GPS machines. The CHC GPS machine has a capability of site calibration not common to all other GPS machines like Leica, so instead of setting up a GPS on a control, it can be set up anyw here without even centering itand a reading made on the control and site calibration is carried out. The general objective of the study was to compare the accuracy of Auto Base and no Auto Base RTK positioning techniques. The specific objectives included; fixing points using Auto base and No Auto base RTK techniques, to evaluate the accuracy of the Auto base RTK technique. The researcher collected data from 20 carefully selected points within in Mukono District. Data was collected using GPS CHC equipment. The researcher therefore concluded that there are 20 points that were successfully fixed by both techniques. The mean and standard deviations of the change in Eastings, Northings, Heights and the Linear shift were also determined making the accuracy evaluation of the autobase RTK technique a success. These were illustrated in the table showing a summary of the analysis.
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    Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks: An evaluation of the use of the building material in low-cost housing in Uganda. A study of the Dry Stacked Method.
    (Makerere University, 2015-11-17) Atuhwera, Morris
    Luweero district has had a history of war that left part of the region devastated. The housing deficit that arose as a result has led to challenge of informal growth marked by structures that are constructed with semi-permanent or temporary materials as the majority of residents cannot afford using modern building materials. This has resulted to the depletion of the natural vegetation in the quest of acquiring/making building materials that are socially accepted. The project proposal introduces interlocking stabilised soil blocks (ISSBs) as a means of providing low cost housing that is eco-friendly. The study sought to evaluate the extent to which low cost housing can be achieved by using of interlocking stabilised soil blocks as the building material. Studies were done on structures constructed using ISSBs on projects within the central region in Nansana, Wakiso district and Luweero district. The variables under investigation included affordability, eco-friendliness, aesthetic and durability qualities, psychological aspects of the building material, social influences and cultural beliefs. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and represented using illustrations/sketches, graphs and charts.
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    Prison Architecture and its Relevance in Rehabilitation.
    ( 2015-12) Rukundo, Josephat
    No human soul is a culprit by birth. Unfavourable circumstances, acute poverty, illiteracy and abuse forces them to take terribly actions. The aim of the prison is not to only punish the convicted felons but also rehabilitation them and to Prepare them to live a better honest and decent life. These prisoners have great potential if they are rehabilitated in an effective manner, it helps in rebuilding the human character by insulin ethics , morality and self esteem. This dissertation studies the purpose of prisons and how they can be designed to help in reforming the lives of inmates. The society stigma that gets attached to a person who has been to prison, bounds him/her outcast from Family and society, consequently he/she is left to survive on his/her own. Furthermore this research studies the challenges faced in establishing rehabilitative parameters in prison design. My case studies are Luzira and Katojo prisons in central and western Uganda respectively and North Branch Correction Institute Arizona located in Maryland, America
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    Land Tenure and its impact on economic development in Karamoja; case study of Kaabong district.
    ( 2017-08-07) Korobe, Albert Masai
    Land tenure plays a big role in the economic development of any nation or particular area and proper utilization of the various forms can greatly enhance both the economic and social wellbeing of the people. Any activity that is geared towards creating some developmental change majorly derives its strength from land and it is for this reason that the research is attempting to address the challenges that are hindering this natural course in Kaabong district and Karamoja as a whole. The main objective of this research was to assess land tenure and its impact on economic development in Karamoja and Kaabong District was cited as the area of case study. To arrive at the conclusion of this assessment, the researcher had to identify the forms of tenure existing in Kaabong district taking into consideration the people’s knowledge about economic development and the challenges that they face in exercising their rights to their respective interests in land. The study was also intended to find out ways in which people can overcome the prevailing challenges as regards the customary form of tenure since it was found out to be the dominant form. However, much of the information was got from the available literature concerning the topic and the rest of it was got from the field. The data was therefore analyzed using Microsoft Excel and conclusions with recommendations made as shown in the successive sections.
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    An investigation into the rate of occupancy in condominium developments case study of Nakawa Division.
    ( 2017-10) Nakakawa, Dorothy
    This dissertation mainly focused on finding out the rate of occupancy in condominium developments in Nakawa division. Majority of the condominiums are not fully occupied due to a number of reasons that are discussed within the different chapters of the document. While in the field, various methods of data collection were used to obtain data and these included; observation, sampling, interview method, administering of questionnaires, photography and surveys. The major field findings in the research were concerned with the rate of occupancy within these developments due to the overwhelming increase in population and yet some of the developments were not fully occupied. Chapter one gives and insight of the background of the topic as the introduction statement of the problem, its justification, the objectives, the signifance and the research questions relevant to the study. Chapter two looks at the literature review which was built on knowledge from various articles and theses all contribute to the validity of the topic hence simplicity in the data collection throughout the research period. Chapter three includes the methodology used in data collection, the scope of the study which includes its location and al the methods used to simplify data analysis since it builds on the broader picture about what exists on ground. Chapter four and five contain the field findings, key discussions. Chapter six looks at the recommendations and conclusion
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    Phenomenology in Church Architecture. A case study of Kampala's traditional and modern places of worship.
    ( 2017-11) Ssempijja, Francis
    Spirituality is a very complex topic to discuss; this is due to the fact that it is not tangible and is subject to people’s views and opinions. Despite this, architecture when handled properly has an ability of freezing and resonating the sacred, Godliness and spirituality in a space. The goal of this study is to acquire recommendations for design strategies approaches for the design of places of worship that are rich in experiences for the people who use them and then finally be able to give guidelines on how to develop a place of worship that reflects the whole essence of spirituality in its sense of user experience. The study will enable designers, planners, clergy and pastors to understand what is required to create places of worship that enhance spiritual encounters in relation to their context.
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    An analysis of the design of traditional Imbalu grounds: a case study of Bamasaba Mutoto cultural site in Mbale.
    ( 2017-11-25) Musamali, Dennis
    Among the Bamasaba males, circumcision is a human right and main source of pride. The Bamasaba refer to their traditional circumcision rituals as Imbalu. Imbalu does not only denote the cutting of the foreskin of the penis; pen-surgery (Makwa D. D., 2010), but also other rituals like; reminding rituals, Isonja dance, bathing the candidate, visiting sacred swamps, smearing mud (litosi), cleaning the sacred graves, rebuilding of shrines and later confirmation, known as Inemba music and dance. The Bamasaba perform these rituals in a well-structured process with each ritual in a specially designed space which is perceived either by the material they use, with the perceived flow of space with relation to the particular ritual or with implied boundaries (in most cases created by people standing). Over time the Bamasaba have used their traditional design principles, qualities and strategies to achieve spatial qualities that evoke emotions like bravery, authority, ownership and security in candidates. Mutoto cultural site in Bungokho, Mbale, which is regarded as the main Imbalu ground for the Bamasaba and exhibits typical design that informs all other Imbalu grounds that are at clan level. Over time there has been a decline in tradition of the Bamasaba attributed to the changing architectural trends due to euro-centricity and globalization. And unless something is done, there is an anticipated loss of the Bamasaba tradition as a result of extinction of their traditional design principles and strategies. Despite its architectural and cultural importance to the tradition of the Bamasaba, there is limited research on the design of Imbalu spaces like Mutoto with few researchers like (Khamalwa, 2004) and (Makwa D. D., 2010) focusing their research on gender, music and dance rituals. This study sought to analyze the design of Mutoto, Imbalu grounds for the Bamasaba. The research went ahead to identify the traditional design principles, elements or qualities and strategies used in the design of Imbalu spaces in Mutoto, to identify how these traditional design principles, elements or qualities and strategies have been used in Imbalu spaces, and to study the evolution of Imbalu spaces and how they have adapted to the design demands over time.
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    Challenges and mitigation of the encroachment on public open spaces in Central Uganda : a case study of selected sites in Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2018) Byarugaba, Ernest
    This study is to investigate the challenges and mitigation of the encroachment on public open spaces in Kampala city. The Specific Objectives of this study were to investigate the threat on public open spaces in Kampala. the nature and appreciation of public open spaces in Kampala, and find possible solutions to mitigate encroachment of open spaces. The Significance of study is to not only to improve Kampala’s management and distribution of the public open spaces, create awareness on the importance of public open spaces to the city’s inhabitants but also shade light on the fact that in Kampala, public open spaces are being encroached upon and a rededication of these public open spaces is practically irreversible. The study reveals that Kampala open public spaces are sociable, comfortable and can easily be accessible for people to engage in activities. The study also reveals that people aren’t comprehensively aware of public spaces or their advantages which possess a need to comprehensively sensitize the public on open green spaces as well as the elimination of corruption among land officials in a bid to mitigate encroachment on open public spaces.
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    Investigating the effect of sewage sludge in making bricks in the construction industry of Uganda.
    ( 2018) Ssebabenga, Godfrey
    The Building Industry in Uganda today has got many construction materials being put to use. Many of these materials are very reliable due to their different potentials in terms of durability, strength say for concrete blocks, pavers, and the like; water tightness for clay products, fire resistance say for timber among others. Most of these materials are not readily available in their natural form. However, the same industry seems to have dropped readily available materials like sewage sludge deposits for the purpose of making bricks due to its inability to meet the required standards instead of finding remedies of how such materials can be improved to suit their purpose. The Principal objective of this research therefore, was to investigate the effect of sewage sludge as a component for brick making in the Construction Industry of Uganda. Chapter one of this thesis introduces a review of the literature on the main theoretical concepts of the existence of sewage sludge and its usage in making Composite Sewage Sludge bricks highlighting mainly on its compressive strength and water absorption. This chapter also identifies the existence of environmental gas pollutants attributed to animal dung especially in the pastoral areas of Uganda and the World at large emphasizing that most of it is not put to good use. Chapter two is a literature review showing ideas and views of other researchers about the issue as well as explaining some of the main terms that were considered in the research; followed by the methodical approaches (in Chapter three) that were used among which was determination of compressive strength and water absorption for seven batches of bricks prepared with the mixes: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight of sewage sludge. Chapter four presents the results of methods used. Laboratory experiments conducted reveal that the sewage sample used consisted of Inorganic Clays of high plasticity; This thesis therefore concludes that it is possible to make good use of the sewage sludge wastes other than using it for manure mainly here in Uganda, and the study also poses queries for further research.
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    An investigation into fire safety measures in Kampala slums . A case of katanga-wandegeya.
    ( 2018-01) Mbiggo, Ivan
    The problem of fire hazards in slums is so rampant and existing authorities have not done much to ensure safety of people from accidents caused by fire. Statistics from Uganda Bureau of Standards indicate that Uganda has a population of 38 million with Over 60% of Kampala‟s population living in slums. This research seeks to investigate the existing fire safety measures used in slums with objectives to find ways in which fire safety can be enhanced in slum dwellings; to find out what fire safety strategies exist within slums; to understand how spatial use of spaces in slums contributes to deficiency in fire safety and propose ways in which slums can be made safe from fire hazards. Mixed methodologies i.e. quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted in this research and they were achieved using tools such as questionnaires, tape measure, sketching and observations. Questionnaire survey was both open and closed ended; carried out to investigate the occupant‟s characteristics, behaviors and their perceptions concerning fire safety in this area. Photography was carried out to have a proper record of events during this study; tape measures were used to determine specific dimensions of spaces, openings, distances of travel for occupants from the interior space of their dwellings in the event of a fire. Observations were carried out to identify any problems encountered and other non-verbal cues which the respondents could not disclose. The major findings showed that the one roomed house type dominated other house types in this area rented out by tenants who shared the space amongst 3-5 people represented by 82% of the study sample of 50 respondents. In addition to that, a study on the fuels used for cooking and lighting showed that 94% of the respondents used charcoal for cooking and 66% of respondents used electricity for lighting respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that most causes of fires in this area were due to electric faults and this was characterized by illegal connections, with exposed wiring which rendered people‟s property and lives to fire hazards represented by 43% of the study sample of 50 respondents. Electric wiring at 42% and congestion were the means by which fire was transmitted to the neighborhood of the affected areas in the event of a fire outbreak. Among the recommendations made was treatment of the cooking spaces by responding to the type of materials used, having localized water points for various rows of tenements, spacing of structures while considering design with fire resistance walls.
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    An investigation into the potential of rammed earth as a construction technique in Uganda.
    ( 2018-01) Ndemere, Billy Ibale
    In Uganda, traditionally housing was not a major problem because among other reasons people manipulated materials in their immediate environment to construct their homes thus the grass thatched mud and wattle houses. According to Sanya (2007), earthen houses have become socially unacceptable yet they still make up approximately 50% of the housing stock. This situation represents a deficiency in Ugandan architecture. Despite many efforts by the government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, National Housing and National Housing Construction Company to overturn the housing deficit, no major efforts have been geared towards adoption the rammed earth yet it has proven to be successful in countries like Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Australia. This research is designed to investigate the potential for the use of the rammed earth technique of construction in the present scenario to mitigate some of Uganda’s housing problems. The research therefore provides insights into rammed earth projects that have been carried out in Uganda in order to offer architects interested in using the material a rational basis of deciding on whether or not to use the material.
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    An assessment of patients’ spaces in healing environments for cancer (A case of selected hospitals in Kampala)
    (Makerere University, 2018-01-01) Kagodo, Deogratius Makumbi
    Poorly designed environments can exacerbate anxiety while those that respond to best practice can contribute to a positive patient experience. Cancer patients' spaces have not been adequately ruminated on, basing on this research focused on increasing awareness of architecture and its responsiveness to cancer patients in their healing environments as a remedy to the cancer epidemic, architecture being used not for housing of therapy but rather a tool of therapy.
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    An investigation on the design of traditional dance spaces in Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2018-01-16) Nabbanja, Racheal mary
    Traditional dances are one way information about religion and rituals of different traditional changed over time due to different factors from open spaces as earlier done to closed spaces but all generations in Uganda. The spaces in which the dances are practiced and performed has these spaces have not been designed to accommodate the traditional dances which results to societies are handed down from generation to generation thus keeping culture alive and true in many injuries to the people involved in the traditional dances. There isa need therefore to understand the requirements of space specifications for traditional dances in Uganda. Across-sectional descriptive studywascarried out in three places found within Kampala district: National theatre, Ndere cultural center, and Makerere dance studio. Data was collected from dancers, choreographers, studio owners and persons interested in Kiganda danceusing a self administered questionnaire.In the information received was analyzed for experience in the it was deducedthat open spaces are the most preferred and most practiced in dance spaces. The majority of the participants agreed on the fact that there are no spaces specific for traditional all generations in Uganda. The spaces in which the dances are practiced and performed has these spaces have not been designed to accommodate the traditional dances which results to societies are handed down from generation to generation thus keeping culture alive and true in Traditional dances are one way information about religion and rituals of different traditional many injuries to the people involved in the traditional dances. There isa need therefore to changed over time due to different factors from open spaces as earlier done to closed spaces but dances in Uganda. The need to design better facilities for traditional dances was also Across-sectional descriptive studywascarried out in three places found within Kampala district: National theatre, Ndere cultural center, and Makerere dance studio. Data was collected from available dance spaces, the challenges and the preference of thedance spaces and from the study acknowledged with design merits and demerits from experience.
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    Location of the Taxi terminals and their influence on traffic flow management in Kampala central business district.
    ( 2018-02-20) Kyeyune, Usama
    The study is about location of taxi terminals and their influence on traffic flow management in the central business district. Taxi terminals are places where they load and upload passengers to move from one place to another. it consists of an efficient and cost effective public transport system essentially connects people to daily life (Wright 2011). The vast majority of developing city residents however, public transport is the only practical means to essential services, especially when such services are beyond viable walking and cycling distances (Wright 2011). The terminals are geographically located on aflat topography boarded by mengo hill and Nakasero hill on either sides in the center of the central business district. They are surrounded with a number of roads for accessibility and commercial buildings for example Magoba, Mukwano plaza, mega standards and Yamaha building, nabukere plaza which are meant for commercial purposes. The location of these terminals in the center of the CBD have resulted into an outbreak of challenges in the city that is to say congestion brought about by the mixed modes of transport in the city. On the historical perspective, the taxi terminals that is to say the old taxi park, was established in the late 1950s as an area reserved for black African traders, who had been marginalized in the organized trade systems of Kampala that was the Asian dominated. If planned, the old taxi park could turn out to be the first and only modern storied taxi terminal in Uganda. The government of Uganda together with KCCA have came up with measures to overcame the challenges brought by the location of taxi terminals in the central business district. They have come up with ideas of investing in the BRT to act as the major mode of transport in the city. The reason behind this is to overcome the challenges caused by taxis in the central business district. This has failed due to little effort put in the idea by the government. Therefore this calls for research to be conducted in the city about the location of taxi terminals and their influence in traffic flow management in Kampala central business district.
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    An investigation on the mitigation of Pedestrian risks on urban roads (case study of Wandgeya).
    ( 2018-03) Ndagire, Gloria Mwette
    This dissertation mainly focuses on how pedestrian risks can be reduced or mitigated in Wandegeya especially along Makercre hill road, Bombo road and Kajji Musa Kasulc road. Several pedestrians find it difficult to use the roads in Wandegeya because of the fear that they might steal from them beat them up or even the risk of accidents. The people who use the roads face a number of risks mostly because of the longer crossing hours and also the lack of streetlights along some of these roads. With the help of the questionnaires, literature review; it was to help in the data collection so as to find out what mainly causes the risks the pedestrians face, what the black spot areas are, the means of communication that can be used to inform the pedestrians of the risks along the roads and what should be done to mitigate the risks the pedestrians face. Chapter one gives an insight on the background of the topic as the introduction statement of the problem, its justification, the objectives, the significance and research questions relevant to my study. Chapter two looks at the literature review, which was built on knowledge from various articles from Unep among other various online articles from various authors. All these contribute to the validity of the topic thus simplifying on data collection throughout the research period. Chapter three includes the methodology used in the data collection, the scope of study, which includes it location. All the methods used simplify data analysis since it builds on the broader picture about what exists on the ground. Chapter four and five contain the field findings and the discussions. Chapter six looks at the recommendations and the conclusion.
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    An evaluation of quality of pedestrian facilities and its relationship with walkability: a case study of Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road and Kimera Road in Kikoni Zone.
    ( 2018-03-09) Mugabirwe, Joseph
    Transport plays a crucial role in urban development by providing access to goods and services. These roles include access to education, markets, employments centers, recreation, health care and the key services especially in cities of developing world. This has enhanced mobility for the poor and vulnerable group. (Chapter 4- sustainable Urban Development: Shanghai Manual- A guide for sustainable urban development). However, it has come up with various negative impacts and greatly contributing to loss of lives of people in the world through accidental fatalities and injuries where the most affected road users are pedestrians. Each year, more than 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives on the world‟s roads. (WHO, 2013). Globally, pedestrians constitute 22% of all road deaths, with the highest in African region at 38% and lowest in South-East Asia region at 12%. Millions of people are injured in traffic related crashes while walking, some of whom become permanently disabled. These occurrences cause much suffering and misery as well as economic adversity for families and loved ones (WHO, 2013). Recent conventional estimates suggest that, in 1999, between 750,000 and 880,000 people died as a direct result of road accidents. About 85 percent of these deaths occurred in developing countries and about one-half were in urban areas (WHO, 1999). Uganda has not been spared from the heavy burden of road traffic Incidences. At present, it experiences deaths at 28.9 per 100,000 population. (WHO, 2015). This is quite concerning as it even exceeds the 24.1 per 100,000 population for the AFRO and 18.0 per 100,000 population global average for deaths respectively. As a result, Uganda is among the top-ranking countries for Road Traffic Incidences s along with South Africa, Nigeria, Iran, Thailand and Dominican Republic at 31.9; 33.7; 34.1; 38.1; and 41.7 per 100,000 populations, respectively. (WHO 2015) The trend of Uganda‟s road traffic incidences is further echoed by the solid evidence signifying traffic injuries within the top-ten causes of mortality in the country. Accordingly, not less than 1,000 and 10,000 victims were killed and injured respectively due to Road Traffic Incidences in Uganda between 2010 and 2013. This has been reported in the annual traffic and crime reports of the Uganda Police Force. (UPF 2012, 2013 and 2014). This has cost Uganda dearly particularly in terms of the loss of a significant proportion of its economically active population, which in turn retards its economic growth and development.
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    Development of a web based application for construction material information access: a case study of different material stores around Central Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018-04-20) Lusiba, George William Cedric
    Many people come to a time when they want to build their own homes, or set up a construction related project/ business but have the least idea of where to even start from. This gives them the lower hand since they would be left with two options; either call up someone who knows, or go to a hardware store and get as much information as you can. With only limited knowledge on the materials, they stand a higher chance of being cheated, or exploited. This report is for the final year project that was undertaken from September, 2017 to April,2018. The report will summarize the observations I made as I was trying to understand the current initiatives used to access information on construction materials, the challenges faced and how the introduction of a web based application to bring the information closer to the people would impact the whole scenario.
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    Assessing the landscape composition of Mabira Forest
    (Makerere University, 2018-05) Byamukama, Crescent
    The composition of a landscape is defined by the spatial elements that are distinguished in the map and believed to be relevant to the landscape function under consideration. Composition represents the non-spatial aspect of a landscape, since only number and abundance of landscape elements is considered, not their spatial configuration. The configuration of a landscape is defined by the spatial character, arrangement and context of the elements. Configuration represents the spatial aspect of a landscape. The study of LULC along with fragmentation at the landscape level helps improve our understanding of the pace at which conversion of landscape elements is happening. LULC only would not show how each land use is reducing in size, proximity and shape among other things that determine ecosystem services this is because it focuses only how one LULC is converting from one type to another. The main objective of the study to examine the landscape composition of Mabira forest using satellite images of over a period of two decades. Classification and change analysis of forest cover type and landscape patterns analysis was carried out. landscape metrics were calculated by using FRAGSTATS software. The results showed four land use/land cover (LULC) types in the study area. Wet lands reduced at rate of 24.2% and tropic high forest reduced at the rate of 3.2% while the impediments increased at a rate of 18.4% and the subsistence farmland increased at a rate of 8.8% respectively. This meant that loss of forest cover was approximately 32868000sqmetres (7.4%). This expressed an annual loss of approximately 1494000sqmetres (0.32%)from 1995 to 2017. This degradation of forest cover increased relatively with the increase of subsistence farmlands which largely expanded from 15.90% in 1995 to 24.48% in 2017. The six landscape indices chosen at class level indicated a considerable fragmentation in the forested area and highest fragmentation in the non-forested area These results should be helpful for the policy-makers and managers of the forest to establish adequate policies to mitigate the forest loss and degradation by implementing quick and effective solutions.