This study investigated the effects of overfishing on communities living around Lake Victoria in Kalangala District, Uganda. Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake, is a vital source of livelihood for millions of people in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. However, rampant overfishing has triggered a complex cascade of ecological, economic, and social consequences that threaten the long-term sustainability of fishing communities. The study employed a descriptive research design with mixed methods data collection involving 150 respondents drawn from fishing communities, fish traders, government officials, and NGO representatives. Structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation were employed. Findings indicate that overfishing has dramatically reduced fish stocks, particularly Nile Perch and Tilapia, with mean annual catch declining by approximately 65% over the past two decades. This decline has translated into reduced household incomes, increased food insecurity, social conflicts over fishing resources, and heightened vulnerability to poverty. The study recommends urgent fisheries regulatory reform, enforcement of closed fishing seasons, and community-based fisheries management approaches.

This study examined the effects of different soil moisture levels on the growth and yield of tomatoes in Nakoma Sub County, Bugiri District, Uganda. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with four soil moisture treatment levels: T1 (25% field capacity), T2 (50% field capacity), T3 (75% field capacity), and T4 (100% field capacity), each replicated three times. Two improved tomato varieties, namely Tengeru 97 and Heinz 1370, were subjected to the different moisture treatments under controlled field conditions over a single growing season of 120 days. Growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, days to first flowering, and days to first fruiting were measured at two-week intervals. Yield parameters including number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and total yield per hectare were recorded at harvest. Results indicated that T3 (75% field capacity) produced the most favorable growth and yield outcomes for both tomato varieties, with significantly higher plant heights, greater leaf counts, earlier flowering, and superior yields compared to treatments T1, T2, and T4. Total yield at T3 was 38.6 tonnes per hectare for Tengeru 97 and 34.2 tonnes per hectare for Heinz 1370, compared to the control (T4 at full field capacity) which yielded 29.4 and 26.8 tonnes per hectare respectively. Water deficit conditions (T1 and T2) significantly suppressed growth and yield, while waterlogged conditions (simulated at T4 when irrigation was combined with seasonal rainfall) also reduced yields compared to T3. The study concluded that maintaining soil moisture at approximately 75% of field capacity optimized tomato growth and yield under the climatic and soil conditions of Nakoma Sub County. Irrigation scheduling targeting 75% field capacity was recommended for tomato
farmers in Bugiri District.

The study examined the effects of Chinese Development aid and Concessional loans on Uganda’s economic development. The study employed a descriptive survey research design based on quantitative and qualitative approach. A total population of 1,217 individuals working in institutions directly involved in China–Uganda economic cooperation, including officials from key government ministries, agencies such as the Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority, and stakeholders in sectors affected by Chinese investment from which a sample was selected; a sample size of 315 respondents was selected to participate in the study. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling out of which 301 respondents participated in the quantitative component of the study through structured questionnaires, while 14 key informants were selected for qualitative data collection using semistructured interviews. The study established a positive correlation (Pearson coefficient = 0.632) between Chinese development aid and concessional loans on Uganda’s economic development, confirming a significant contribution to national economic progress.
The study therefore, concluded that, development aid and concessional loans collectively exert a positive and significant influence on Uganda’s economic development. Similarly, the study recommended strengthening debt management frameworks to ensure that concessional loans from China remain sustainable and do not exacerbate Uganda’s debt vulnerability.

This study investigated the impact of English language proficiency on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Uganda, with specific reference to Kasubi Parents Secondary School in Kasubi Parish, Rubaga Division, Kampala District. English serves as both the medium of instruction and the language of examination in Uganda's secondary education system, making English proficiency a critical determinant of academic outcomes across all subjects. The study was guided by objectives to assess students' English language proficiency levels, examine the relationship between English proficiency and academic performance in various subjects, and identify factors that influence English language acquisition among secondary school students. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 180 respondents comprising students, English language teachers, and school administrators. Structured questionnaires, classroom observations, and standardized English proficiency assessments were used as instruments. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (r=0.74, p<0.001) between English language proficiency and academic performance across subjects. Key determinants of English proficiency include home language environment, teacher quality, reading habits, and access to English language media. The study recommends intensification of English language instruction, establishment of reading programs, and strengthening of teacher professional development.

The study examined the impacts of aid reduction on refugee welfare in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District, Uganda. The background of the study was anchored on the persistent global decline in humanitarian funding
and the widening gap between refugee needs and available donor support, which has significantly constrained service
delivery in protracted refugee settings. The study was guided by the Human Needs Theory propounded by Abraham Maslow, which emphasizes physiological needs (such as food, water, and shelter) and safety needs (including security and health). The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total sample of 40 respondents was targeted, comprising 25 refugee household heads, 5 community leaders, 5 humanitarian staff, and 5 local service providers, achieving a 100% response rate. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and structured tools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results revealed that 100.0% of respondents confirmed the reduction in humanitarian aid, with food aid being the most affected sector reported by 96.0%, followed by healthcare (76.0%), education (72.0%), and livelihood support (64.0%). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between the number of aid types reduced and welfare deterioration (r = 0.741, p &lt; 0.01). The regression model explained 54.9% of the variance in welfare outcomes (R² = 0.549, F (5.19) = 6.097, p = 0.002), with food aid reduction emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.482, p = 0.003), followed by healthcare (β = 0.362, p = 0.014) and education (β = 0.298, p = 0.044). The study concluded that humanitarian aid reduction has led to severe multidimensional welfare deterioration, particularly in food security, healthcare access, education, and livelihoods. The study therefore, recommended that humanitarian agencies and governments should prioritize restoration of food and healthcare assistance, strengthen livelihood diversification programs, invest in refugee education and skills development, and promote sustainable funding mechanisms to bridge the humanitarian financing gap. Furthermore, targeted interventions should be implemented to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, from harmful coping strategies.

The study examined the impacts of aid reduction on refugee welfare in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District, Uganda. The background of the study was anchored on the persistent global decline in humanitarian funding
and the widening gap between refugee needs and available donor support, which has significantly constrained service
delivery in protracted refugee settings. The study was guided by the Human Needs Theory propounded by Abraham Maslow, which emphasizes physiological needs (such as food, water, and shelter) and safety needs (including security and health). The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total sample of 40 respondents was targeted, comprising 25 refugee household heads, 5 community leaders, 5 humanitarian staff, and 5 local service providers, achieving a 100% response rate. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and structured tools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results revealed that 100.0% of respondents confirmed the reduction in humanitarian aid, with food aid being the most affected sector reported by 96.0%, followed by healthcare (76.0%), education (72.0%), and livelihood support (64.0%). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between the number of aid types reduced and welfare deterioration (r = 0.741, p &lt; 0.01). The regression model explained 54.9% of the variance in welfare outcomes (R² = 0.549, F (5.19) = 6.097, p = 0.002), with food aid reduction emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.482, p = 0.003), followed by healthcare (β = 0.362, p = 0.014) and education (β = 0.298, p = 0.044). The study concluded that humanitarian aid reduction has led to severe multidimensional welfare deterioration, particularly in food security, healthcare access, education, and livelihoods. The study therefore, recommended that humanitarian agencies and governments should prioritize restoration of food and healthcare assistance, strengthen livelihood diversification programs, invest in refugee education and skills development, and promote sustainable funding mechanisms to bridge the humanitarian financing gap. Furthermore, targeted interventions should be implemented to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, from harmful coping strategies.

The doctoral viva voce examination occupied a central position in the imaginary of academic quality assurance across African universities, yet remarkably little empirical research had examined the actual conditions under which these examinations took place, the audiences that attended them, the power dynamics they reproduced, and the degree to which they functioned as genuine instruments of quality assurance or as performative rituals that obscured rather than addressed the structural inadequacies of doctoral education across the continent. This article reported findings from a mixed-methods study conducted across twelve African universities in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania, involving observations of 47 doctoral examinations, interviews with 134 doctoral candidates and their supervisors, and analysis of examination records and university policy documents. The findings revealed that the public viva, far from functioning as the transparent, rigorous, and democratically accountable examination process celebrated in institutional narratives, operated as a complex social drama in which institutional reputation management, supervisor-student loyalty networks, audience composition politics, and the structural vulnerabilities of African doctoral candidates all shaped outcomes in ways that bore little relationship to the formal criteria of examination quality. The article called for fundamental reconsideration of doctoral examination practice in African universities, arguing for reforms that addressed the substantive conditions of doctoral training rather than the theatrical dimensions of its conclusion.

The study aimed at examining the participation of people with disabilities in government programmes: a case study of Mityana municipality, the study was directed by the stated objectives. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to examine the influence of people with disabilities in government programmes, to identify the challenges they face while participating in these programmes, and to establish possible measures to mitigate these challenges. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the relationship between the study variables. The findings revealed that participation of people with disabilities in government programmes is significantly influenced by several factors including their involvement in planning processes, representation in leadership structures, access to programme information, and availability of government support services. The results showed that when persons with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making and planning processes, their level of influence in programme implementation increases significantly. Access to information and support services was also found to enhance their ability to engage effectively in government initiatives.
The study further established that people with disabilities face a number of challenges that hinder their effective participation in government programmes. These challenges include physical accessibility barriers, limited financial support, negative community attitudes, and inadequate awareness about available government programmes. Physical barriers such as inaccessible buildings and transportation systems were identified as major constraints that limit mobility and access to programme activities. In addition, financial constraints and limited economic opportunities reduce the ability of persons with disabilities to participate fully in development programmes. Social barriers, particularly negative attitudes and discrimination from community members, also discourage active involvement. In order to address these challenges, the study identified several important measures that can improve participation of people with disabilities in government programmes. These measures include strengthening disability-inclusive policies, increasing community sensitization and awareness, improving financial empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities, and enhancing accessibility of infrastructure in public institutions. The findings suggest that a combination of policy reforms, social awareness initiatives, economic empowerment programmes, and improved accessibility of public facilities is essential for promoting inclusive participation. The study concluded that while government programmes in Mityana Municipality provide opportunities for development, the participation of people with disabilities remains limited due to structural, economic, and social barriers. Therefore, greater efforts are required to ensure that government policies and programmes fully integrate the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

The study focused on evaluating the role played by the media in influencing public attitudes towards environmental sustainability in Kampala. The study employed both primary and secondary methods guided by research questions. The study found out that there are various roles played by the media in influencing public attitudes towards environmental sustainability in Kampala and these included: The media plays a crucial role in waste management by raising public awareness, educating the public on proper waste disposal and environmental issues, shaping public attitudes, and advocating for sustainable practices. The study discovered several ways of how best can the media role be enhanced for the effective publicity on environmental sustainability in Kampala district and these included: To enhance the media's role in promoting environmental sustainability, it must leverage its vast reach to educate the public about complex issues. Influence public opinion through compelling storytelling and data-driven reports. Mobilize collective action by providing clear calls to action and showcasing successful sustainable practices. Embracing social media for global outreach and dialogue, collaborating with experts and practitioners, and overcoming challenges of biased information. The concluded that the media plays a fundamental role towards changing people’s attitudes in waste management. The study recommended that effective stakeholders’ engagement is essential to boost their activities and strengths in the local communities is especially between the media, NGOs, private waste management firms and the local communities alongside local leaders.

This study examined the role of vegetable growing among small-scale household farmers in Masaba Sub-County, Busia District, Uganda. The study was motivated by the need to understand how vegetable farming contributes to household food security, income generation, nutritional outcomes, and livelihood diversification among rural agricultural communities. Despite the centrality of vegetable growing to many households in the region, there has been limited empirical documentation of its specific contributions and constraints. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the study collected data from 120 randomly selected household farmers. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were employed as data collection instruments. Findings revealed that vegetable growing significantly contributes to household food security, supplement cash income, and improve nutritional status. However, challenges including poor market access, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, pest and disease infestations, and limited extension services constrain productivity. The study recommends strengthening extension services, improving rural road networks, and establishing farmer cooperatives to enhance vegetable marketing and productivity.