School of Built Environment (SBE) Collection
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ItemSupportive pediatric healthcare facilities for children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(Makerere University, 2026)This research investigates how architectural design can create supportive pediatric outpatient healthcare environments that enhance interaction and well-being among children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), their caregivers, and pediatric staff at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Children with ADHD are sensitive to environmental stimuli such as noise, light, congestion, and clutter, which significantly affect their behavior, attention, and emotional regulation. Despite this, many healthcare environments, especially in developing countries, focus on functionality rather than the psychological and sensory needs of pediatric patients. This study adopted the qualitative research approach using an observational checklist and semistructured interviews to assess both environmental and architectural factors within the pediatric outpatient facility. Three major themes emerged during thematic analysis of the collected data: sensory regulation and environmental comfort, spatial quality and organization, and supportive and inclusive design approaches. The results revealed that the current design of the facility exposes children to sensory overload, spatial congestion, and a lack of child-centered and inclusive design features. In contrast, much literature indicates that controlled lighting, acoustic insulation, biophilic elements, spatial zoning, and therapeutic play environments significantly improve children’s behavioral outcomes, emotional outcomes, and overall experience. It concludes that architecture plays a significant role in supporting the emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of children with ADHD and recommends the integration of sensory-sensitive, flexible and inclusive design interventions in pediatric outpatient facilities, specifically in lowresource healthcare settings. Keywords: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Pediatric Healthcare, Architecture, Sensory regulation, Inclusive design, Supportive environment.
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ItemAssessing the viability of the rent-to own housing model as a strategy for affordable housing in Kampala.(Makerere University, 2026-05-28)Uganda faces a severe urban housing deficit of approximately 2.4 million units, with Kampala's low- and middle-income households disproportionately excluded from formal homeownership due to prohibitive mortgage rates of between 16.5% and 19% and a largely informal workforce. This study assessed the viability of the rent-to-own (RTO) housing model as a strategy for affordable housing in Kampala, guided by three objectives: to determine the institutional, legal, and policy factors influencing RTO adoption; to examine its affordability for low- and middle-income households; and to assess the financial and operational feasibility of implementing RTO in Kampala. A mixed-methods case study design was employed, combining qualitative document reviews and semi-structured interviews with quantitative household surveys and financial feasibility analysis. Data was drawn from 97 respondents, comprising 94 tenants, 2 property managers, and 2 housing experts at Swan Residence Kireka in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. The findings revealed three interlocking systemic failures hindering RTO adoption: institutional fragmentation between KCCA, MLHUD, and local governments; a complete legal vacuum, as Uganda's housing laws contain no provisions for RTO contracts, equity protection, or progressive title transfer; and a long-standing failure to take any action, with the Draft Housing Policy having remained pending since 2005. On affordability, RTO payments were found to consume between 67% and 84% of household income across all income groups, far exceeding the internationally accepted 30% benchmark, with only 5.9% of sampled households able to afford current market-based RTO offerings. Financially, the model is viable for equity-financed developers, generating a 14.7% return on investment and a positive net present value at a 10% discount rate, but becomes unviable under commercial debt at Uganda's prevailing interest rates of 17% and above. The study concludes that RTO holds significant promise as an inclusive homeownership pathway, but its scalability requires simultaneous reforms across institutional, legal, and policy dimensions, including enactment of a standalone RTO Housing Act and development of blended finance mechanisms to make homeownership genuinely accessible for low- and middle-income households in Kampala.
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ItemSpaces of formal and informal intellectual discourse in Uganda : a comparative study(Makerere University, 2023)In many traditional societies, intellectual discourse mainly occurred around the home and other non-specialized spaces. Intellectual discourse alludes to the exchange of ideas and information necessary for development of the society. The division of space for intellectual discourse between the formal and informal societies has created inequality and disempowerment among the people of Uganda, thus the potential for collaboration and exchange of knowledge has remained untapped. The problem is that the contemporary spaces for intellectual discourse have not been understood. This study aimed to understand the settings where intellectual discourse takes place in both formal and informal societies. A setting refers not only to the physical dimensions of space, but also to the social, cultural, and symbolic meanings that are attributed to the environment. Based on the review of literature on setting, formality and knowledge, participant observations and interviews were conducted in two different settings for discourse in Kampala Central. To represent the formal setting was Nile Hall in Hotel Africana and Mukati in Owino Market to represent an informal setting to understand the physical attributes, culture, and people of the setting. Analysis of the results demonstrates that; well as both spaces are used for the same purpose, they have physical and cultural differences, interpersonal distance is much larger in the formal setting compared to the more intimate informal setting, hierarchies were reinforced by the spatial arrangement in the formal setting while in the informal setting, there was decentralised arrangement. The behaviour in the formal setting was more regulated with the space being panoptic to regulate the behaviour of users while in the informal setting, the behaviour was more loosely governed and the space instead acted as a shield to provide a degree of privacy while staying welcoming to more visitors. The results indicate that the different spaces for intellectual discourse accommodate one group while casting away the other. On this basis, it is recommended that architects and sociologists devise a middle ground that accommodates both societies to allow for the free flow of knowledge for the benefit of the progress of society.
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ItemAssessing the effectiveness of issuance of certificates of occupancy in promoting land tenure security(Makerere University, 2024)This research investigates the impact of Certificates of Occupancy (CoOs) on land tenure security and socio-economic development in Mailo Land, Uganda. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and document analysis, the study examines the formalization of land ownership, resolution of land disputes, and socio-economic benefits associated with CoOs. The findings reveal that CoOs play a crucial role in formalizing land ownership, providing clearer ownership rights, and streamlining documentation processes. Moreover, CoOs contribute to reducing land disputes and conflicts, albeit with challenges. Socio-economic benefits, such as increased access to credit, economic investments, and improvements in household income, are reported by landowners with CoOs. However, challenges remain, including administrative inefficiencies and limited awareness among stakeholders. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of CoOs, including capacity building, streamlining administrative procedures, strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms, promoting inclusive land governance, and establishing long-term monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of land tenure dynamics and underscores the importance of secure land rights in fostering sustainable development and social equity in Mailo Land and beyond.
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ItemAssessing the effectiveness of fire safety management in halls of residence in Makerere University(Makerere University, 2020)This study assessed the effectiveness of fire safety management in halls of residence at Makerere University, focusing on Mary Stuart Hall, Lumumba Hall, and Mitchell Hall. The study aimed to assess the availability and adequacy of fire safety management aspects, determine the challenges affecting fire safety management, and identify appropriate measures for improving fire safety management in halls of residence. A quantitative research approach employing survey design was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to students residing in the selected halls of residence. Out of 114 questionnaires distributed, 94 were completed and returned, representing a response rate of 82.4%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and arithmetic mean scores. The findings revealed that most fire safety management aspects were inadequate. Fire alarm systems, fire safety inspections, fire safety training programmes, emergency exits and evacuation plans, fire drills, and fire extinguishers were found to be either inadequate or unavailable. Only good housekeeping practices and maintenance of electrical installations were rated as adequate. The study further established that inadequate firefighting equipment, passive attitudes towards fire safety by both management and students, and inadequate building design features such as escape routes and fire detection systems were the major challenges affecting fire safety management. The study identified the provision of adequate firefighting equipment, installation of fire detection and alarm systems, regular inspection and maintenance of fire safety equipment, and improved emergency preparedness measures as the most effective strategies for enhancing fire safety management. The study concludes that fire safety management in the selected halls of residence is generally inadequate and requires significant improvement. It recommends increased investment in firefighting equipment, regular fire safety training and drills, installation of fire detection systems, and the development and enforcement of comprehensive fire safety policies.