Kabale University Digital Repository (KAB-DR)
KAB-DR preserves research output from the Kabale University community
Communities in KAB-DR
Select a community to browse its collections.
- The collections in this Community are comprised of Indigenous Knowledge emanating from communities in the neighborhoods of Kabale University. These are communities in the great Kigezi Region.
- This community holds students (Graduates) dissertation and Thesis, Staff field reports, Students (undergraduate) study reports
- The community includes research article publications in journals both local and international, conference papers in proceedings and reports, abstracts and reviews by Kabale University Staff and Students
- This community archives publications by individual University Staff and Students, Faculty and Departmental Publications (i.e. University Journal, Newsletters, University official publications etc.), groups and Association operating in the University (i.e. Convocation and Staff and Students Association}
Recent Submissions
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Transforming Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):
(Applied Data Science and Analysis, 2025) Mugisha, Justin; Francis Adyanga, Akena; Ocan, Johnson
AI is of great interest to researchers and practitioners as a means of achieving the necessary progress in the business industry. However, the role of AI in transforming SMEs is not well documented. The study assessed the role of AI in transforming SMEs globally. The study investigated the current state of AI in SMEs, challenges, and opportunities. This study reviewed a total of 1,021 published articles, mainly from 1992-2024. The review was performed using scientifically cited and indexed databases, namely Dimensions, Web Science, Elsevier Scopus, and Google Scholar. The study demonstrates how AI enables SMEs to improve competitiveness, streamline operations, and conform to sustainability objectives by tackling particular issues such as scarce resources, operational inefficiencies, and cyber threats. The study closes knowledge gaps in how SMEs, particularly those with limited resources, might benefit from affordable AI tools and platforms. Also, it was found that building workforce capacity through collaborations and customized training programs can help close the skills gap, while improving cybersecurity and implementing efficient data management frameworks can help with privacy issues. However, despite the growing frame of literature on AI packages, studies specializing in AI embracing on the organizational level stay restrained. The study findings emphasized regional integration within the EAC through technology transfer and the development of SME capability. The current study aligns with Uganda’s NDPIII (2020/21–2024/25), under the innovation and technology application pillar, accelerating industrial growth.
Antistripping potential of cement kiln dust on recycled asphalt pavement. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
(Springer Nature., 2025) Usman, Kabiru Rogo; Ali, Atheer Muhammed; Wakawa, Yakubu Mamman; Usman, Abbas
Cement kiln dust (CKD) is the by-product of cement manufacturing. It is collected using air pollution control devices (APCDs) also known as electrostatic precipitators in the form of fue dust to minimize environmental hazards. This study investigates the potential use of CKD as a fller material and its novel antistripping properties on recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). CKD's chemical properties, make it desirable for improving stripping resistance of asphalt in areas prone to high rainfall or moisture exposure, but its application in RAP remains a grey area to explore. Its dual role in improving both adhesion and mechanical properties of asphalt makes it particularly advantageous, in terms of sustainability, cost and resource efciency. The rising production cost, environmental safety concerns, and the push towards sustainable consumption/ production seek alternatives for traditional antistripping agents for asphalt production, thus, CKD. This study prepared densegraded asphalt concrete with nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 14 mm with 1%, 3%, and 5% of CKD by weight of RAP according to Malaysian standard. A total of fve (5) asphalt concrete (AC14) mixtures were produced with an optimal 3% CKD used in the modifed mixtures at the optimum binder content (OBC). The antistripping properties of CKD in hot mix asphalt (HMA) were assessed through indirect tensile strength test (ITS), indirect tensile stifness modulus (ITSM) and boiling tests on the asphalt mixtures. In addition to the physical, mechanical, chemical, and structural/morphological tests, the safe inclusion of CKD in terms of heavy metals was evaluated by applying toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test. The fndings confrm that CKD meets ASTM C150 standards for type II and type IIA hydraulic cement for use as a fller in asphalt. The fatigue cracking resistance, antistripping resistance in terms of the tensile strength ratio (TSR) & indirect tensile stifness modulus (ITSM) tests indicated that CKD modifed RAP mixes performed better than the control (CNTRL), RAP only and CKD modifed RAP mixes. It also compares favourably with CNTRL+CKD mixture. Ultimately, the boiling test results indicated that CKD blended RAP mix surpassed the minimum 80% TSR for moisture damage resistance.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum across areas of varied malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.
(Malaria Journal, 2025) Mwesigwa, Alex; Tukwasibwe, Stephen; Cummings, Bryan; Kawalya, Hakiimu; Kiyaga, Shahiid; Okoboi, Stephen; Castelnuovo, Barbara; Bikaitwoha, Everd Maniple; Kalyango, Joan N.; Nsobya, Samuel L.; Karamagi, Charles; Byakika‑Kibwika, Pauline; Nankabirwa, Joaniter I.
Background: Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bearing the highest burden of the disease. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species in the region, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite intensified control efforts over the last two decades, P. falciparum genetic diversity
and multiplicity of infections (MOI) continue to pose significant challenges to malaria elimination in the region. This study assessed P. falciparum genetic diversity and population structure in areas with low, medium, and high malaria
transmission intensities in Uganda.
Methods: A total of 288 P. falciparum-positive samples from children (6 months to 10 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) living in Jinja (low transmission), Kanungu (medium transmission), and Tororo (high transmission) were genotyped
using seven neutral microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity was assessed based on the number of alleles (Na), allelic richness (Ar), and expected heterozygosity (He). Population structure was assessed using the fixation index, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and clustering analysis.
Results: High P. falciparum genetic diversity was observed across all study sites, with Kanungu exhibiting the highest
mean He (0.81 ± 0.14), while Jinja and Tororo had lower mean He (0.78 ± 0.16). P. falciparum MOI varied significantly,with Tororo showing the highest mean MOI (2.5 ± 0.5) and 70% of samples exhibiting polyclonal infections, compared to Jinja’s mean MOI of 1.9 ± 0.3 and 58% polyclonal infections. Significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD) was noted (p < 0.01), ranging from 0.07 in Tororo to 0.14 in Jinja. Parasite population structure showed minimal
genetic differentiation (FST ranged from 0.011 to 0.021) and a low AMOVA value (0.03), indicating high gene flow.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates high P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI but low population structure, suggesting significant parasite gene flow between study sites. This highlights the need for integrated malaria control strategies across areas with varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.
Holistic policy making and good governance practices as a development model for poverty eradication success in Uganda 1986–2020. International Journal of Advanced Research
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2024) Mucunguzi, Abel
The degree of poverty eradication outcomes of any poverty eradication policy intervention depends on the nature of the poverty eradication policy formulated and on the governance environment within which the policy is formulated and implemented. The more holistic a poverty eradication policy is, the more likely it is to produce positive and sustainable poverty reduction outcomes and vice versa but also conditional to the extent of good governance so accorded in the policy making environment. The study was conducted in Uganda covering the governance period 1986– 2020 and it employed a multiple case study design as well as a combination of quantitative and qualitative research designs.
Exploring the effect of digital finance on financial inclusion in Uganda, a reflection from Lira City
(Journal of Electronic Business & Digital Economics, 2025) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Amandu, Ishaq Yassin; Ocan, Johnson; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick
Purpose – The study aims to discuss financial inclusion (FI) as a facilitator of digital financing with intension of solving challenges relating to financial exclusion.
Design/methodology/approach – Both descriptive and correlation research designs were used to understand the nexus between digital finance (DF) and FI. The study collected data from 300 respondents, which included vendors and dealers in agricultural produce, who were selected purposively and randomly.
Findings – The study found a significant contribution of DF to FI and the variations in FI due to mobile money (MM) and Internet banking are significant. MM and smartphones are very often used in performing commercial transactions due to easy accessibility compared to ATMs, the Internet and agent banking, which is always restricted.
Research limitations/implications – The study only focused on how DF platform affects financial inclusiveness in Lira City and did not explore other financial services.
Social implications – The quickest and widest adoption of MM by rural communities is mostly a factor of user-friendliness, which seem to be lacking in other bank applications or products.
Originality/value – The study offers a significant insight on challenges related to the financial inclusiveness, which is a global concern by many economies.