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Item The Relationship between Entry Grades of Students Admitted to Public Universities in Uganda under Direct Entry Schemes and Their Academic Performance: Implications for Admission Policies(East African Journal of Education Studies, 2023-04-21) Aciro,Rosalba; Oriangi,George; Onen,David; Malinga, Geoffrey; Ezati,Betty.A; Openjuru,George.LAlthough studies on relationships between entry qualification and academic performance show that students who excelled academically in entry qualification often perform better than those with low entry qualification in subsequent examinations, this argument has been questioned. This study explored the relationship between entry grades of undergraduate students and academic performance in public universities in Uganda in the first and final years of their studies. A retrospective cohort analysis of data for undergraduate students of Gulu and Makerere Universities using a sample of 2825 academic records from 2013- 2016 was conducted. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis wereused for analysis. Results revealed a significant relationship between entry scores and students’ academic performance for those admitted on national merit, district quota, affirmative action schemes and private sponsorship schemes in four university programs. However, there was no significant correlation between entry scores and students’ academic performance in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programs. Although male students joined with lower grades than females, their performance in the final year was better than their female counterparts. Therefore, this study confirms that the entry qualification score predicts academic outcomes in the early and exit stages of the university. These findings support the current Government entry criteria for public universities, provide important information for the admission committee decisions, and may have implications for admission policies. However, the lack of a significant correlation between entry qualification scores and students’ academic performance in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery could indicate the need to revisit admissions criteria for this program. Future studies should go beyond the commonly used GPA to measure academic performance by including noncognitive factors such as practical skills, clinical skills, and professionalism. Furthermore, the role of background and sociodemographic factors in influencingItem Factors Influencing Public University’s Role in Community Transformation(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-07-17) Adebua Asaf,; Oriangi George,; Edekebon Elaijah,; Ezati Akullu Betty,; Amone Charles,Paucity of knowledge exists on the factors that influence the capacity of universities to transform communities, particularly in the Ugandan context. This study examined the internal factors that influence the capacity of Gulu University to contribute to community transformation in Gulu City in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used while employing self-administered questionnaire to sample 390 households. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the influence of internal factors on Gulu University’s role in transforming the surrounding communities. Findings revealed that scholarships by the university (p=.000), enterprises developed within the community through Gulu University’s engagement (p=.007), religious meetings for spiritual transformation (p=.036), and the teaching done at the university (p=.045) had a statistically significant influence on the university’s role in transforming the surrounding community in Gulu city. The study concludes that universities, the central government, and other stakeholders need to focus more on scholarships for further education, enterprise development, supporting the church, and teaching in the university to realise multiplied transformation of the surrounding communities.Item Farmers Coping and Adaptation Mechanisms to PerceivedChangesandVariability in Climate(East African Journal of Environment andNatural Resources, 2024-08-28) Oriangi,George; Edekebon,Elaijah; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng; Bamutaze,YazidhiThere is a growing global concern about the detrimental effects of climatechange and variations on rain-fed agriculture. This study determinedhouseholds’ perceptions of changes and variations in climate and institutional roles in farmers' coping and adaptation mechanisms to changes and variationsin climate in Paicho Sub County (S/C), Gulu district in Northern Uganda. Datawas collected through structured household interviews and analyzedusingregression analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings showed that respondentsperceived rainfall and temperature to be the climatic parameters that hadchanged most with rainfall onset largely unpredictable. The major copingmechanisms to changes and variations in climate included: buying foodfromthe market, exchange of labor for food, and getting food help fromrelatives, community, and food agencies while, the major adaptation mechanismsincluded: getting jobs outside agriculture, adjustment of plantingdates, diversification of production, carrying out mixed cropping, and growingimproved crop and animal varieties. Additionally, the gender (P<0.05), thesizeof the land (P<0.05), and the age of the household head (P<0.05) were foundtobe the mostsignificant factorsinfluencing adaptation mechanisms. Furthermore, the role of existing institutions in community adaptation to changes andvariations in climate included: making decisions on planting time, providingaccess to information relevant to coping and adaptation, providing access tocredit, governing entitlements, and capacity building. In conclusion, thereisaneed for better and new crop varieties that can survive under changed andvariedclimatic conditions, and a need for more enhanced adaptation mechanisms.Item Community Perceptions on the Contributions of Public Universities to Community Transformation(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-08-06) Adebua,Asaf,; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng,; Edekebon,Elaijah,; Oriangi,George,; Ezati, Akullu Betty,; Amone, Charles,Much as the role of higher education has been recognised for promoting development globally, communities surrounding universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are still grappling with poor quality health, low income, poor housing, unreliable electricity and other social amenities. This study determined community perceptions of the contributions of Gulu University to communitytransformation in post-conflict northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data while using researcher-administered questionnaires and geospatial techniques. Questionnaire data was analysed using principal component analysis, and descriptive statistics while geospatial data was analysed using buffers, spatial join tool, and overlay analysis in GISenvironment. Findings revealed that the economic, political, spiritual and physical dimensions were important in explaining the transformation of communities surrounding Gulu University. The community surrounding Gulu University is perceived to have progressed well in terms of savings, business, commercial farming, and civil service; consumption of more than 3 meals per day, access to credit and remittances; easy access to health care, and quality education. The majority of the population can make free and independent decisions, are good at self-expression, exercise love for one another, enjoy living with community members, are at peace with one another, exercise kindness, waste is properly managed, and there is good access to water. However, there is slow progress in having alternative sources of income, onlya few community members perceived: their level of education to have improved, participate in leadership and are taking part in politics. There is also a scarcity of respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness. The study concludes that (i) households need to think of alternative ways of generating income, given its relevance in enabling households to meet their daily income, (ii) education policies and other stakeholders need to provide more support for community members to pursue higher levels of education, (iii) more civic education to create awareness on the importance of participating in leadership and politics, and (iv) a need by religious sects to continue with more teachings on respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness in the community surrounding Gulu University.Item The Dynamics of Post-Conflict Reintegration: Experience from Gulu, Jigjiga, and Jos Cities(Springer Nature, 2025-11-21) Tufa, Amenu Asebe,; Oriangi, George,; Acaci,DavidsonVarious forms of conflict and displacement are increasingly shaping urban Africa. Although many studies have focused on the causes and consequences of conflicts, little is known about the urban conflict resilience and re-integration of conflict induced displacements. Situated within the expanding literature on urban peace building, this article explores how people reintegrate and manage the uncertainties caused by conflicts in the urban Africa. Using a qualitative method, it comparatively studied three cities: Jigjiga in Ethiopia, Gulu in Uganda, and Jos in Nigeria. The results show that amidst the emerging urbanization of violence, various forms of social capital play a critical role in mitigating the uncertainty caused by violence and displacement. Religious capital, residence-based, clan and ethnic networks facilitated the integration of migrants, IDPs and refugees and supported them to reintegrate and reclaim lost properties and places faster. Women and youth led vigilantism efforts that served as informal governance mechanisms and community watchdogs have been part of the key tool for the governance of urban conflict. The study shows the growing urbanisation of humanitarian and community-based association following the urbanising conflicts. Although formal government institutions contribute, affected populations tend to place greater trust in their social networks during times of crisis to survive or reintegrate. But some of the existing social capital operated within homogenous groups, fostering bonding rather than bridging across religious and ethnic divides. This led to increased segregation and heightened mistrust among urban residents.Item ASSESSMENT OF POPULATION DYNAMICS AND FOREST COVER CHANGE IN YUMBE DISTRICT, UGANDA(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and development, 2023-05) Alule,RJ; Nuwategeka, E; Oriangi,GSub-Saharan Africa is well endowed with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources critical in supporting several forms of development on the continent. Key among these is natural forest resources. However, the population explosion in sub-Saharan Africa in general and Uganda, in particular, is threatening the survival of these forests due to the associated increasing demand or food, fodder, energy, and land for settlement. The study was conducted in Yumbe district where the forests considered included woodland and bushland since tropical high forests have been depleted or degraded by human activities. We used a predictive model to map future forest cover loss amidst the rapidly increasing population in Yumbe district in Uganda. Specifically, the study analyzed the relationship between population dynamics and forest cover change to predict future forest cover changes. To analyze changes in forest cover, the study utilized Landsat satellite imagery for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021; while the population data for the respective years was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). To explain the role of anthropogenic forces on forest cover change, the study considered different land use types as explanatory variables: planted forests, subsistence farmland, built-up areas, and other land use types. It then explored the interactions between these variables and forest cover change in the study area. Population-forest cover change model was developed to evaluate three decades of population and trends of forest cover to predict forest cover for 2032. The results indicate that in the three decades, the population increased by more than sixfold, and land area under subsistence agriculture, a proxy of population increased by 195.2%, but the forest cover declined by 80.3%. It is predicted that the forest cover will be lost completely by 2032 when the population reaches an estimated 838,078 from the current 657,430 people. This study, therefore, recommends that off-land employment opportunities such as tourism, apiary, transport, and manufacturing industries should be expanded in order to save forest resources from spatially extensive agricultural land uses.Item Modelling Transformation of Communities by Public Universities in Post Conflict Northern Uganda Using Economic and Demographic factors(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-07-02) Adebua,Asaf; Oriangi,George; Abola,Benard; Amone,Charles; Ezati,Betty AkulluScarcity of knowledge exists on how economic and demographic factors of surrounding communities influence the capacity of universities to transformthem. This study examines the dimensions that contribute to community transformation in the context of the community surrounding Gulu University in post-conflict northern Uganda and the economic and demographic factors of the surrounding community that influence their transformation by Gulu University. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with a sampleof 390 households. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect dataon household economic and demographic factors and data on dimensions ofcommunity transformation. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used todetermine the contributions of the dimensions of community transformation, while logistic regression model was employed to determine economic and demographic factors that influence community transformation by Gulu University. The independent variables tested in the economic and demographic categories included age, gender, household size, occupation, alternative income, savings, credit, remittances, and education, while transformation formed the dependent variable. Findings revealed that the economic, physical, political and spiritual dimensions contribute more to the transformation of the community surrounding Gulu University, while the economic and demographic factors that had a significant influence on community transformation included occupation in civil service, business, and commercial farming (P=.004); and thelevel of education (P=0.044). The study concludes that the economic, physical, political and spiritual dimensions with their associated variables contributed more to community transformation. These can be used by other related studies to measure community transformation by universities in the context of developing countries. Furthermore, policies need to focus more on supporting the improvement of the business environment to promote commercial farming and university education since they have a higher multiplier effect on community transformation. Consequently, community members need to focus on business, harness commercial farming and achieve university level of education.Item Smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the perceived effectiveness of adaptation practices in Kitgum District, northern Uganda(African Geographical Review, 2025-12-17) Adoch, Betty; Oriangi, George; Mfitumukiza, David; Twinomuhangi, RvocatusClimate change continues to disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, given their dependence on rain-fed agriculture and con strained adaptive capacity. This paper examines the smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the perceived effective ness of adaptation practices. Data were collected from a sample of 349 respondents using a structured survey questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for key infor mant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and Friedman test, while thematic-content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. All households were aware of climate change, mainly perceived as a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature over the past 30 years. Households with livestock production perceived a decrease in rainfall (p <0.000), and the age group ranging from 35 to 44 years perceived increase in temperatures (p < 0.036). Majority (95%) of the respondents reported planting drought-resistant varieties and using improved seeds (87%). Four paired adaptation practices were statistically significant (p <0.000) and perceived to be effective by households. The study recommends climate awareness programs through tar geted climate education and awareness campaigns for younger farmers and women to bridge perception gaps and enhance effec tive adaptation practices.Item Medium Term Climate Change Effects on Millet Yields in Gulu District, Northern Uganda(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2024-05-12) Oriangi George; Bamutaze Yazidhi; Mukwaya Paul Isolo; Edekebon ElaijahClimate change is expected to adversely affect crop yields and livelihoods of agro-dependent societies, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there remain gaps on the effects of expected regional climatic changes onkey food security crops. This study assessed the projected climatic conditions and expected changes in millet yields for Paicho Sub County(S/C) in Gulu District up to the year 2033 using a cross sectional study design. To determine future climatic conditions, PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) model was used based on projected conditions at a 50 km spatial resolution while millet yields were modelled using Penman Grindley soil moisture balance model. PRECIS projected changes for 2033 reveal a strong and significant decrease in rainfall (p<0.05). This is likely to decrease millet yields by 2.6%belowthe average current yields of 1.8 tons per hectare per year under business-as-usual scenario. The finding indicates a need for improved millet varieties that can survive under changed climatic conditions.Item Modelling Academic Performance in Science-Based Subjects in Primary Schools Using Elements of Teacher Preparation in Uganda(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2023-05-16) Wafula,Alfred; Oriangi,George; Odama,; Ofoyuru,Denis Thadeus; Ogwang,Henry; Ologe,Daniel OchiengLow academic performance in science subjects has continued to characterise primary education in sub–Saharan Africa, despite several interventions by stakeholders. This study investigated the influence of teachers’ preparation for teaching and learning on pupils’ academic performance in mathematics and integrated science in Kigumba town council in Uganda. It used a cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of 180 teachers and pupils from both government-aided and privately funded schools. Interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics was used to determine teachers’ level of preparation for teaching and learners’ level of academic performance, while a regression model was used to establish the influence of teacher’s preparation on pupils’ academic performance. Findings indicate that teachers’ level of preparation was generally good and significantly (P<0.05) influenced by their teaching experience and access to insurance. Furthermore, academic performance in mathematics and integrated science was significantly influenced by teacher preparation (P<0.05) arising from lesson planning, updating learners’ discipline records, and creativity. In conclusion, teachers need to continue being creative, planning lessons on a daily basis, and updating learners’ discipline records in order to improve pupil performance. In turn, the government needs to provide teachers with insurance coverage, e.g., health insurance, in order to free more of their time for lesson preparation. The study informs education and economic planning policies.Item Modelling Academic Performance in Science-Based Subjects in Primary Schools in Uganda(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2023) Wafula, Alfred; Oriangi,George; Odama,Stephene; Ologe,Daniel OchiengPoor academic performance in science subjects continues to be a major setback in schools of developing countries, despite several interventions to curb the vice. This study investigated the trend in academic performance in mathematics and integrated science in Kigumba town council in Kiryandongo district in Uganda. It used a retrospective cohort analysis design of 8 government-aided and privately funded primary schools while employing documentary analysis to obtain primary leaving examinations (PLE) results. PLE data obtained using documentary analysis was subjected to trend analysis to determine trends in pupils’ performance in the last decade. The findings indicate that performance in mathematics and integrated science in private schools was better than that in government schools over the last decade. In conclusion, teachers in Ugandan government primary schools need to be more committed to teaching mathematics and integrated science so as to improve the academic performance of pupils. In turn, the government and other stakeholders need to provide the necessary prerequisites to enable the teachers to do their work effectively.Item Variabilities and Trends of Rainfall, Temperature, and River Flow in Sipi Sub-Catchment on the Slopes of Mt. Elgon, Uganda(water, 2021-06-30) Luwa,Justine Kilama; Majaliwa,Jackson Gilbert Mwajalolo; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Kabenge,Isa Pilesjo; Oriangi, George; Mukengere,Espoir BagulaThe variabilities in rainfall and temperature in a catchment affect water availability and sustainability. This study assessed the variabilities in rainfall and temperature (1981–2015) and river flow (1998–2015) in the Sipi sub-catchment on annual and seasonal scales. Observed daily rainfall and temperature data for Buginyanya and Kapchorwa weather stations were obtained from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), while the daily river-flow data for Sipi were obtained from the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). The study used descriptive statistics, the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Mann Kendall trend analysis, and Sen’s slope estimator. Results indicate a high coefficient of variation (CV) (CV > 30) for August, September, October, and November (ASON) seasonal rainfall, while annual rainfall had a moderate coefficient of variation (20 ˂ CV ˂ 30). The trend analysis shows that ASON minimum and mean temperatures increased at α = 0.001 and α = 0.05 levels of significance, respectively in both stations and over the entire catchment. Furthermore, the annual and March, April, and May (MAM) river increased at an α = 0.05 level of significance. A total of 14 extremely wet and dry events occurred in the sub-catchment during the post-2000 period, as compared to five in the pre-2000. The significantly increased trend of river flow could be attributed to the impacts of climate and land-use changes. Therefore, future studies may need to quantify the impacts of future climate and land-use changes on water resources in the sub-catchment. may need to quantify the impacts of future climate and land use changes on water resources in the sub-catchmentItem Exploring variation in adaptation levels to climate extremes among farmers of the Kyoga Agro ecological zone in Uganda using a cross sectional design(BMC Environmental Science, 2024-01-14) Oketch,chombo; Mukwaya,Paul Isolo; Orianga,George; Kisira,YeekoBackground Adaptation to climate change among smallholder farmers is a paramount step in achieving sustainable livelihoods in line with SDG 1, 2 and 13 since these communities face significant challenges due climate extremes which impacts on impacts on their only means of livelihood. Determining the levels in adaptation is crucial in under standing the socio-economics of the impact of climate change in the rural communities. The study investigated adap tation levels and determinants among smallholder farmers in the Kyoga Agro-ecology of Uganda. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey involving 384 face-to-face household interviews using structured questionnaires was conducted. Farmers, selected based on climate change awareness, were targeted to respond to their reported adaptation levels. Descriptive statistics analyzed adaptation levels among smallholder farmers of various socioeconomic characteristics across different subzones. A Multinomial Logistic (MNL) model examined the determinants of variation in adaptation levels. Results Majority of the respondents, 85.9% in the BCMS and 93.8% in the TS sub zone observed that indeed climate change is occurring. Female farmers in the TS subzone were significantly less likely to adopt 3–4 (p < 0.01) or 5–7 (p < 0.01) adaptation strategies compared to the base category (1–2 strategies), while the relationship in the BCMS subzone was negative but not significant. Male farmers consistently demonstrated greater capacity to adopt higher levels of adaptation strategies. Annual income was positively and significantly related to adoption of 3—4 (P < z = 0.70) and 5—7 (P < z = 0.013). Also Education was positively and significantly associated with adopting 5–7 adaptation strategies in both the TS and BCMS subzones compared to the base category (1–2 strategies). Primary education showed significance at P < z = 0.05 in TS (P < z = 0.018) and BCMS (P < z = 0.03), while secondary education was also significant in TS (P < z = 0.052) and BCMS (P < z = 0.014). Essential support, particularly for female farmers, is crucial to bridge the gender gap. Conclusion The findings are pivotal for informing the formulation of inclusive adaptation strategies among farmers in various subzones. We recommend that the ongoing reforms in the National Adaptation Plans of Uganda and inter national development frameworks in line with climate adaptation consider socio-economic disparities among famersItem A critical analysis of western environmental knowledge as a neocolonial strategy: The case of Uganda(Agricultural and Environmental Education, 2025-06-28) Tina Aciro; Agatha Alidri; Expedito Nuwategeka; Wilfred Lajul,To curb environmental challenges effectively, Western environmental knowledge has been adopted besides indigenous environmental knowledge system in Africa. However, the dualistic nature of knowledge integration, this paper notes, is tinted by unfair powerrelations where indigenous knowledge is masked by neo-colonialtenets of the West. Neo-colonialism, as argued in this paper, is the attempt of the Western societies to impose their knowledge system to micro-manage the environmental and other affairs in Africa, taking a case study of Uganda. Our central inquiry is why Africa is gradually deviating from indigenous knowledge systems in preference of Western environmental knowledge. Using a critical analytical survey method, this paper argues that there is environmental knowledge neo-colonialism in Africa today characterized by Western identity construction, language dominance, cross-cultural cloning, undermining of indigenous education patterns, academic division of labor, education as an investment, top-down distribution of knowledge, and improper contextualization of knowledge construction and application. This appeals for Africanized production of knowledge to suit the continent’s environmental needs and achieve African epistemic autonomy.Item Craving for Knowledge: The Urge to Access Online Reading Materials by Students during Scientific Research Writing, a Case of Urban Universities of Uganda(The Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, 2024-05-01) Nassanga, Loy; Kisira Yeeko; Beinomugisha,Peninnah; Muganga, Lawrence; Kakeeto,David; Kabeera,PontianAddressing concerns related to online reading materials is paramount as the internet establishes itself as the defining medium for literacy in higher education institutions among the current generation. Globally current debates consistently underscore the relevance of online reading materials to scientific research writing among university students. The current study explored the students’ urge to access online reading materials based on four selected universities in an urban geographical context of Uganda. Using a cross-sectional exploratory research design comprised of mixed approaches, we used descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the disparity in accessed online reading materials across the universities. An ordinal logistic model established the factors that influence access to online reading materials. The study revealed that university students exhibited moderate utilisation of online resources, primarily accessing materials through platforms like MyLOFT, Google Scholar, University online catalogs, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). Additionally, the findings underscored notable variations in the mode of access across the studied universities, with access influenced by factors such as sex, type of degree pursued, availability of university ICT equipment, and the research level of students. These insights shed light on the need for tailored strategies to enhance online reading materials accessibility and to support diverse student populations in their academic pursuits, such as subscribing to the publishers of scientific journals. This may improve students’ scientific research writing skills and completion rate, which have remained a formidable challenge in higher education institutions in Uganda.Item Assessment of hydropedological characteristics at medium-sized landslide sites in Manafwa catchment, Mount Elgon, Uganda(Taylor and Francis, 2024-05-17) Kutosi,Moses; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Nakileza,Bob.R; Kisira, Yeeko; Gabiri,GeofreyThough strongly linked to landslides, hydropedological characteristics are inadequately investigated in Manafwa catchment. This study investigated hydropedological characteristics at medium landslide sites in Manafwa catchment. The design included 12 infiltration experiments that were conducted at each site. To determine the selected soil physical properties, composite soil samples were extracted from the infiltration sites for soil laboratory analysis. Soil cores were extracted to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and bulk density. The observed high infiltration rates and rapid Ksat underscore the susceptibility of the studied sites to landslide hazards. Additionally, soil organic matter, clay content, and bulk density further contribute to the understanding of the hydropedological factors influencing land slide occurrences. These findings reveal the need for comprehensive investigations into hydropedologi cal characteristics of other landslide categories to assist in landslide risk assessment and management strategies