UCU Scholar

Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Scholar
It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers,theses, and more.

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Socio-Economic Effects of Oil Exploration in Uganda: A Case Study of Buliisa District Western Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-04-19) Enosi Nyakairu
This study investigates the socio-economic effects of oil exploration in Buliisa District, Western Uganda. Employing a cross-sectional survey design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research explores the impact of oil exploration on infrastructure development and employment opportunities within the district. The study population comprised municipality administrators, oil companiesโ€™ officials, area residents, local councils, and politicians. Using a sample size of 234 respondents, including area residents, local councils, oil company officials, municipality administrators, and politicians, data was collected and analyzed to draw meaningful insights. Results indicate a strong positive relationship between environmental effects and oil exploitation staff, suggesting an increase in staff involvement with rising environmental effects. However, a very weak positive correlation is observed between infrastructural development and oil exploitation, indicating limited impact of infrastructure on the success of oil projects. The findings also reveal a significant positive correlation between employment opportunities and oil exploitation, implying that increased opportunities in the industry enhance employment likelihood. Based on the conclusions drawn, practical recommendations are proposed. These include prioritizing environmental management practices to mitigate negative impacts, diversifying economic investments to reduce dependency on the oil sector, and implementing inclusive employment policies to ensure equitable access to job opportunities. These findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to enhance the socio-economic impact of oil exploration on Buliisa District and underscore the need for holistic strategies to maximize benefits while mitigating potential risks.
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Assessing Post COVID-19 Competition and Profitability in the Ugandan Downstream Oil Sector a Case Study of Stabex Petrol Stations in Kampala District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-04-19) Feta Benon Obaya
The purpose of this study was to assess the post Covid19 pandemic competition and profitability of Ugandaโ€™s downstream oil sector with a case study of Stabex International Ltd in Kampala district. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to analyze the current competitive landscape of the downstream oil sector in Uganda, to evaluate the impact of competition on profitability margins for companies within this sector and to identify the key drivers of competition and their effects on operational efficiency and market share distribution among downstream oil companies in Uganda. The study assessed a population of 35 from which a sample of 32 respondents were gotten. The cross-sectional design was used because cross-sectional studies are generally quick, easy, and cheap to conduct because limited time is spent in the field. With the cross-sectional design, the researcher was able to collect appropriate data quickly and cheaply. Closed ended questionnaires were utilized to collect data and analyzed using SPSS in form of percentages. The findings showed that a large majority agreed that there was a rise in the competition levels after restrictions due to the pandemic were scrapped allowing free operation of businesses. The findings showed that there increasing entry of new firms in the sector which opened roon for huge competition with reduced profits. The findings also showed that the market share was in equivalently divided the major dominants like TOTALEnergies and VIVO Energy taking the biggest market share leaving multiple players to compete in the smaller niches in the market. . The study recommends Stabex International Ltd and other petrol retailers should consistently provide high service levels to keep loyal customers and also ensure that monthly customer satisfaction surveys are conducted and the government should consider reducing on the petrol retailing taxes to keep them operative and reduce on their closure due to the high operational costs. Like any other research, this research is not exhaustive and therefore, further research is needed to research whether the results hold for other fuel stations in other Cities and districts. Other fuel stations might have similarities and therefore this research could also be applied in those fuel stations.
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An Assessment on the Impact of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Albertine Graben
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-04-19) Immaculate Atugonza
This research is about โ€œAn assessment on the impact of Oil and Gas exploration activities in the Albertine Grabenโ€. Chapter 1 includes the background of the study, problem statement, objectives of the study; to examine the oil and gas exploration activities in Buliisa district, to identify the negative effects of oil and gas exploration activities on the standard of living in Buliisa district and to evaluate the negative effects of surveying on the surrounding communities of Buliisa district, research questions, purpose of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study and the conceptual framework. Chapter 2 is about the contextual background and reviewing of all the specific objectives. Chapter 3 is about the methodology employed that is the research design, area of study, the study population, sample size, the sample technique, methods and instruments of data collection, primary data, questionnaires and analyzing of data. A descriptive research design was adopted to realize the study objectives, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches and a questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. The research findings revealed that Oil and Gas exploration activities have greatly had a negative impact on the standard of living of the people in Buliisa district and the surrounding communities. Some people in Buliisa district have regretted the existence of oil and gas in their area because they perceive it as a curse. Recommendations in the report include; the government must educate people on how to appreciate the natural resource as a blessing through sensitization, monitoring and engagement of the local people. The government should exercise transparency in property or land valuation when compensating the affected persons, enhance and implement mitigation measures to save the main forms of livelihoods and ensure simplicity in relevant legislations are simple and available in local languages. In addition the research would help the concerned bodies like Uganda Land Alliance, Petroleum Authority of Uganda and National Environmental Management Authority in addressing Oil and Gas exploration issues earlier before their occurrence.
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Assessing the Use of Alkali-Activated Steel Slag in the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions From Wastewater
(2024-04-17) Phinehas Okiror
The release of wastewater containing heavy metals into the environment poses a huge threat to human health and the aquatic environment at large. In order to remove heavy metals from wastewater, adsorption methods are commonly utilized. This study investigated the effectiveness of alkali-activated steel slag in the removal of removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The research involved the characterization of wastewater samples to identify target heavy metals and their initial concentrations, steel slag characterization, alkali activation of the steel slag and the determination of the maximum adsorption capacity through batch adsorption experiments. The mean heavy metal concentrations determined were 0.43 ๐‘š๐‘”/๐‘™ for Lead (Pb) and 0.01 ๐‘š๐‘”/๐‘™ for Copper (Cu). XRF analysis of the steel slag showed it was made up of several oxides with Silicon Dioxide having the largest percentage. The maximum adsorption capacity determined was 78.99๐‘š๐‘”/๐‘”. Based on the determined adsorption capacity, breakthrough curve data, and desired flow rate, a fixed-bed adsorption tank was designed to optimize the removal of heavy metals from wastewater streams on a larger scale. This research demonstrated the potential of activated steel slag as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for heavy metal removal from wastewater.
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Assessing the Use of Activated Carbon to Increase Biogas Production
(2024-04-15) Faith Wanadi Angeango
The enhancement of biogas production, specifically methane enrichment is critical for improving the efficiency and viability of biogas as a renewable energy source. This report examines the role of activated carbon in increasing methane yield and the quantity of biogas produced in a digester at NALIRRI by the Direct interspecies electron transfer Process (DIET). Activated carbon known for its high surface area, electrical conductivity and porosity provides a conducive environment for the adsorption of inhibitory compounds and the DIET process. Furthermore, it facilitates a more stable and enhanced microbial activity leading to increased biodegradation and methane production. Experimental setups incorporating various concentrations of activated carbon were monitored and analyzed. Parameters like pH, temperature and organic loading rate were monitored alongside the addition of activated carbon to maximize methane output. The results indicate a significant increase in methane production with the addition of activated carbon and it can contribute to the development of a cost-effective and sustainable method to increase the quantity of biogas produced in a bio-digester hence a promising approach to enhance biogas production with implications for renewable energy and waste management practices. This report concludes with recommendations for further research and application of biogas on systems.