UCU Scholar
Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Scholar
It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of undergraduate students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes dissertations, Extended Essays, Past Exam Papers, Research Reports, and more.
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Recent Submissions
Inventory management practices and the financial performance of SMEs in Bunga-Kawuku Makindye Division Kampala City
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-05) Patience Asiimwe
The study focused on the effect of inventory management practices on the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bunga–Kawuku, Makindye Division, Kampala City. The study was driven by the ongoing problems of SMEs such as low stock, overstocking, lack of records, cash flow, and loss of profitability that negatively impact business sustainability and growth. The study specifically aimed to evaluate the inventory management practices adopted by SMEs, problems encountered in implementing effective inventory control practices and strategies used to overcome the problems. Both quantitative and qualitative research design was used in a cross-sectional survey research. The target population included SME owners, managers, local business consultants and employees of financial institutions in Bunga–Kawuku. The sample size was calculated by Taro Yamane formula as 108 respondents and data were collected by questionnaire and interview. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used for quantitative data analysis, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. The study concluded that SMEs use different inventory management techniques such as Just in Time (JIT), Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), ABC Analysis, periodic review systems and manual stock control techniques. The implementation of good inventory management practices, however, is hindered by lack of financial resources, technical know-how, demand forecasting, record keeping, storage facilities and cash flow problems. The results also showed that SMEs are responding to these challenges by training their employees, implementing cost-effective digital inventory management, strengthening supplier relationships, improving record keeping, adopting better demand forecasting methods, and having access to financial assistance. The study found that good inventory management practices have a significant impact on the financial performance of the organization, as it helps to increase the profitability, liquidity, and efficiency of operations. The study suggests that SME owners should invest in modern inventory management systems, build the capacity of their employees, and create better inventory planning and control systems to ensure business sustainability and profitability.
The influence of team intellectual humility on the performance of organizations: a case of New Vision Group
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-04) Barbra Kankunda
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of team intellectual humility on employee performance at New Vision Group. In modern organisations, especially where collaboration, learning and adaptation is required, teams are an integral part of the organisation's activity. The study had three main objectives which included examining the impact of openness to others' ideas in a team, measuring employee performance, and understanding the relationship between
team intellectual humility and employee performance at New Vision Group. Improved communication, learning and decision-making were used to define the performance of employees. The research design of the study was quantitative with correlational design. The population consisted of employees of New Vision Group, in the main departments. Using simple random sampling, 70 respondents were selected but 63 responses were considered valid and analysed.
The questionnaire adopted was closed-ended items with the liking scale ranging from 1 to 5. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient in the questionnaire was very high (0.952). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson correlation analysis were performed, run in SPSS. Overall, the study revealed that the performance of the employees of New Vision Group is high particularly in areas of task performance, work quality and initiative. Research also found that if employees are receptive to other people's ideas and open to learning, they will be able to benefit from others in terms of communication, teamwork and flexibility, which will positively affect their performance. In addition, the results showed that there was a significant and positive correlation between team intellectual humility and employee performance, where the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.923, and the significance was 0.000. It recommends that managers prioritize strengthening practices that encourage open communication, learning and respect for differing views, including through training, inclusive leadership and policies. It also encourages further research into team intellectual
An exploration of effects of artificial intelligence on students: a case study of Uganda Christian University
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Roy Kevin Matovu
This dissertation analyzes the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how AI technologies are affecting university students and how it affects their learning processes. The rapid computerization of higher education (both through automated research assistance and learning management systems) and the increasing number of generative applications, students are beginning to engage with devices that might influence the ways students access knowledge, perform schoolwork and acquire the required skills. The research is aimed at comprehending the level of awareness of students, their adoption rates, perceptions of the benefits and the issues that students have in regard to the utilization of AI in academics. Qualitative research design was used to examine the experiences of university students in Kampala, Uganda and the research was a case study. Students who are highly aware of AI and who use digital learning tools actively were selected on the basis of purposive sampling. Data collection has been done using interviews and analyzed thematically in order to obtain key trends. The results indicate that AI has enhanced the effectiveness of learning, increased the reach to educational materials and personalized learning. Yet, such aspects as academic honesty, excessive reliance on technology, information privacy and access disparity are also troubling. In conclusion, even though AI offers significant prospects with regard to augmenting the university learning process, there is still need to introduce platformed guidance, policy frameworks, and digital literacy training to promote responsible and fair application. Such insights have been presented to the current debate of the future of education and serve as one of the foundations of institutions that aim to incorporate AI successfully into the academic environment.
The evolution of music journalism in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-02) Jemimah Treasure Ssekisak
This study explores how music journalism has evolved over the years in Uganda’s Kampala, from the oral traditions, to the radio era and currently the digital and social media eras. In this study music journalism is defined as the systematic reviewing, analyzing, and critiquing of music and the music industry, rather than mere entertainment reporting or publicity. The study mainly focuses on Kampala as the main center of music and its production. The study is guided by theories like agenda setting, cultural studies and hegemony, political economy of the media, and public sphere theories. These theories explain how technology, language, media ownership, regulation and advertising pressure influence the practice and independence of music journalism in Uganda. In the study, music journalists are also viewed as people that shape public taste, the reputations of artists and debates around culture, morality and politics. A qualitative research approach is used based on historical analysis and views from selected newspapers, radio stations, television programs, and digital platforms based in Kampala. Although music journalism in Uganda has expanded across different platforms, a lot of its coverage prioritizes promotion, gossip and commercial interests rather than objective, fair and independent criticism. The digital media has also created many opportunities for various criticisms and voices from different people. The study does not only provide academic knowledge but also gives more insights which are useful to researchers, journalism educators, media practitioners and policymakers seeking to strengthen the professional standards.
The effect of automated teller machines on customer satisfaction in banking: a case study of Centenary Rural Development Bank, Nakivubo Branch
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-02) Daniel Kamuli Atwine
This study was to examine the relationship between the use of ATMs and customer satisfaction at Centenary Bank, Nakivubo branch. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the customer services offered by ATM points to account holders, to establish the level of customer satisfaction and to establish relationships between ATM services and customer satisfaction. The study applied a descriptive research design. This helped the researcher in understanding the dynamics related to the use of an ATM and customer satisfaction at centenary bank. The findings revealed that the services provided by ATM cards are, customers use ATM cards to make cash withdrawal from the bank, ATM cards help customers to make inquiry of their balances on their accounts, customers of centenary bank use ATM cards when making transactions like depositing and balance inquiry, Centenary ATM cards have helped its customers to pay their bills like TV, school fees and water bills. It was also concluded that there is no need to stand on long lines when withdrawing cash from centenary bank, customers do not take a lot of time to make transactions, the tendency of moving long distances is minimal at centenary bank, customers are loyal to the bank as they have high level of satisfaction and customers are retained because of high satisfaction levels and this is because of the fact that centenary bank customers are satisfied with its services, they are able to remain with the bank.The recommendation was drawn that Centenary bank must sensitize its customers about the availability of the ATM cards and the different services it offers. ATM cards should be located in so many places especially busy places for proximity purposes and for reducing the amount of time spent in the queue before accessing the ATM services. Centenary bank should make sure that the cost of using the ATM card is kept as minimum as possible and this will encourage more people to use these services and this helps to reduce congestion in the banks
Effects of mobile journalism (MOJO) on news production in media houses
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-10) Immaculate Eeleen Akello
This study explores how mobile journalism (Mojo) is affecting news production in media houses in Uganda. Mobile journalism refers to the use of smartphones and other small digital devices to gather, record, edit, and share news. Many journalists today rely on their phones when covering breaking stories because the devices are easy to carry, quick to use, and allow for quick information sharing. The objective of this research was to examine how Mojo has impacted the way news is gathered, the rate at which news is produced, the quality of news, and the challenges journalists face in the process. In conducting the research, the quantitative method was used. Data was collected from various journalists and editors using questionnaires. Research has established that mobile journalism has positively impacted news production in many ways. For instance, it has helped in the quick production of news. Journalists can easily record videos, take photos, and post updates from the field without waiting to acquire expensive equipment. However, the research also identified various challenges associated with the use of mobile journalism. For example, it was discovered that
some mobile phones used by the journalists were ineffective at storing videos. They were also found to have poor video or audio quality. Additionally, the research found that not all journalists were well-trained in mobile journalism. This affected the quality of news being produced.
Keywords: Mobile Journalism (Mojo), News Production, Media Houses, Smartphones, Reporting Speed, News Quality, Journalism Challenges
Investigate the extent to which organizational justice influences employee engagement: a Case Study at Stanbic Bank Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-02) Lonah Gabriel Wosuk
The current study sought to determine the impact of organizational justice on employee engagement at Stanbic Bank Uganda. The research was prompted by the desire to establish how an organization’s fairness in allocating rewards, decision making, and interpersonal relations affects the level of engagement of its employees. A cross sectional research design was used and data was collected through questionnaires that were administered to the employees. Organizational justice was categorized into three main dimensions: distributive, procedural and interactional organizational justice. From the analysis, it was evident that workers have an overall impression of organizational fairness especially regarding interpersonal relations and communication by the managers. It was also clear that worker engagement is relatively high because employees have an element of pride in their job performance. There is a significant positive correlation between organizational justice and worker engagement. Interactional justice had the highest impact, suggesting that interpersonal relations and communication greatly influence workers' perceptions about their work.
The findings show that there is an essential link between fairness and engagement in organizational activities. The researchers suggest that employees’ participation in the decision-making process and transparency in communication should be increased.
The effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda: a case study of Centenary bank, Kapchorwa district
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Proscovia Yaptulel
The study investigated the effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda, a case study of Centenary bank, Kapchorwa. The general objective of the study was to examine the effect of credit risk management on financial performance of commercial banks in Uganda, it was further guided by three other objectives that is to say ; To evaluate how the credit policies adopted by commercial banks in Uganda influence their overall financial performance, to analyze the effect of credit risk management practices on the financial health of commercial banks, to assess the relationship between credit analysis and financial performance. A population of 23 respondents from Centenary bank, Kapchorwa was used. A simple random sampling technique was used and all the members of the finite population were given an equal chance to be included in the sample since the target respondents were either engaged or had an idea about the effect of credit risk management on financial performance of commercial banks, these were in a better position to respond to the research questions appropriately. This removed the possible bias that may have arisen as the result of research favoring some respondents. Data was collected using Questionnaires as a data collection instrument.
Assessing the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in resolving family disputes: a case study of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-25) Andrew Nankunda
This study examines the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in resolving
family disputes in Uganda, emphasizing the effectiveness of Arbitration, Mediation,
Conciliation and Negotiation in facilitating timely access to justice and alleviating case
backlog. The research analyzes the legal and institutional framework governing ADR
and family bond protection in Uganda, exploring the interplay of international
conventions, regional instruments, and domestic legislation. The findings underscore
the benefits of ADR in family disputes, including expedited resolution, reduced costs,
and confidentiality, while also proposing practical approaches for dispute resolution
through arbitration and other mechanisms. The study concludes that ADR serves as an
effective means of resolving family disputes in Uganda, presenting a viable alternative
to traditional litigation. It recommends increasing awareness and education about ADR,
strengthening institutions, and training more people with expertise in family issues. By
embracing ADR mechanisms, stakeholders can effectively navigate the complexities of
family disputes, thereby fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration within
Uganda's family industry.
Diplomatic feud in the use of advanced technologies in Taiwan dispute resolution truce
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-19) Doris Priscilla Nabweteme
The study aimed at exploring the diplomatic feud in the use of advanced technologies in Taiwan dispute resolution truce. The study further focused on; examining how diplomatic rhetoric posturing interacts with technological deterrence strategies, establishing why open warfare hasn’t erupted amidst persistent escalation of strategic threats, and examining the role of advanced technologies in managing the Taiwan Strait Truce. The study was conducted using qualitative descriptive approach depending on methodical document analysis of secondary sources, including academic publications, government reports, and policy papers. Using both inductive and deductive techniques, data was analyzed using content analysis classifying themes including technological deterrent, diplomatic posturing, strategic ambiguity, and conflict prevention. The study findings established that in the Taiwan Strait, technological deterrence and diplomatic discourse are closely related; sophisticated technologies such AI, drones, missiles, and radar support political signaling, keep high deterrent costs, and allow real-time monitoring. Therefore, it can be concluded that together with strategic uncertainty, economic interdependence, and international surveillance cooperation, Taiwan's uneven defense approach keeps open war at bay by raising situational awareness, quick response, and coordinated management without escalating tensions; advanced technologies sustain the truce by enhancing situational awareness, rapid response, and coordinated management without escalating tensions. Finally, the study recommends the need for Taiwan and China to improve technological deterrence by sophisticated military systems, increase real-time monitoring and early-warning capacity, keep calibrated strategic communication, and promote international cooperation. It also recommends using economic interdependence, investing in cyber-security, doing scenario-based exercises, encouraging openness, incorporating technology into long-term conflict prevention, and routinely revising deterrent tactics to guarantee credibility, stability, and conflict avoidance in the Taiwan Strait.
Enablers and barriers to female participation in governance structure: a case of Uganda Christian University (UCU) guild government
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-20) Shevan Naturinda
The study aimed at exploring the diplomatic feud in the use of advanced technologies in Taiwan dispute resolution truce. The study further focused on; examining how diplomatic rhetoric posturing interacts with technological deterrence strategies, establishing why open warfare hasn’t erupted amidst persistent escalation of strategic threats, and examining the role of advanced
technologies in managing the Taiwan Strait Truce. The study was conducted using qualitative descriptive approach depending on methodical document analysis of secondary sources, including academic publications, government reports, and policy papers. Using both inductive and deductive techniques, data was analyzed using content analysis classifying themes including technological deterrent, diplomatic posturing, strategic ambiguity, and conflict prevention. The study findings established that in the Taiwan Strait, technological deterrence and diplomatic discourse are closely related; sophisticated technologies such AI, drones, missiles, and radar support political signaling, keep high deterrent costs, and allow real-time monitoring. Therefore, it can be concluded that together with strategic uncertainty, economic interdependence, and international surveillance cooperation, Taiwan's uneven defense approach keeps open war at bay by raising situational awareness, quick response, and coordinated management without escalating tensions; advanced technologies sustain the truce by enhancing situational awareness, rapid response, and coordinated management without escalating tensions. Finally, the study recommends the need for Taiwan and China to improve technological deterrence by sophisticated military systems, increase real-time monitoring and early-warning capacity, keep calibrated strategic communication, and promote international cooperation. It also recommends using economic interdependence, investing in cyber-security, doing scenario-based exercises, encouraging openness, incorporating technology into long-term conflict prevention, and routinely revising deterrent tactics to guarantee credibility, stability, and conflict avoidance in the Taiwan
Strait.
Credit risk management and loan performance of commercial banks in Uganda: A case of DFCU bank Jinja road branch
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-20) Derick Basaza Nduwayo
The study focused on how credit risk management affected the lending performance of Ugandan commercial banks and in particular DFCU bank jinja Rd, Uganda. To be more precise, it looked at how credit risk identification and loan performance are related, how credit risk assessment and loan performance are related, and how credit monitoring and loan performance relate to DFCU Bank in Uganda.In addition to using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study was conducted using a cross sectional study design. Both basic random and selective sampling techniques were applied during the data gathering process, which involved the use of questionnaires and interviews. The study also employed a sample size of 44 respondents who work for DFCU Bank Jinja Rd and the bank's upper management.From the results of the research, it can be deduced that the methods used for credit risk management, specifically, credit risk identification, credit risk assessment, and credit risk monitoring at DFCU Bank (Jinja Rd Branch) have an immense positive impact on loan performance. As per the Pearson correlation coefficients obtained during the test of relationship between variables, credit risk identification had a correlation coefficient value of 0.672, credit risk assessment had 0.596, and credit risk monitoring had 0.654. Finally, the study recommended that DFCU Bank, Jinja rd branch, strengthen credit risk identification with advanced tools, maintain updated credit assessment guidelines, enhance continuous credit monitoring, provide regular staff training on modern risk management techniques and adopt risk-based client categorization to improve repayment rates, reduce defaults and sustain financial stability.
A web proximity-based digital task platform for informal workers: A case study of Kampala-Metropolitan area
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-29) Tom Akankwasa; Osborne Nimaro; Luqman Kyembe
The informal sector remains the primary source of employment in Uganda, yet it is characterized by fragmented labour markets, limited worker visibility, weak trust mechanisms, and insecure payment systems. Informal workers and clients largely rely on word-of-mouth referrals, which restricts access to opportunities and exposes both parties to service and payment risks. This study presents the design and feasibility assessment of SkillBee, a proximity-based digital task platform intended to connect informal workers with nearby clients in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach to examine labour-matching challenges, user readiness for digital platforms, and essential system features required to support trust and secure transactions. Findings from preliminary observations and literature review indicate strong potential for integrating location-based matching, worker verification, rating systems, and mobile money escrow payments within Uganda’s informal labour ecosystem. The study concludes that a localized, trust-centered digital platform can significantly improve labour visibility, service reliability, and income stability for informal workers. The results provide a foundation for developing inclusive digital labour solutions aligned with Uganda’s socio-economic context.
An analysis of the impact of rap music on men’s mental health awareness in Uganda: a case study of Mukono, Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-12) Precious Gift Aloyo
This study analyses the effect of rap lyrics on men's mental health awareness in Uganda. It uses Mukono District as a case study and as a point of reference for the author. Despite an increased number of Ugandan men facing mental health difficulties, societal pressures to define masculinity and mental illness as something "masculine", the stigma attached to living with such conditions, lack of service provision, as well as limited access (or lack thereof in some cases), make for a reluctance toward open discussions with men seeking help or help-seeking behavior. Although rap music is widely popular among young men and often deals with these issues through themes of struggle, coping effectively in the face of suffering, mental illness, such as trauma and identity problems, very few studies have been used to explore its impact on mental illness awareness within the Ugandan context. A qualitative case study design was used in this study targeting young men aged 18–40 years living in Mukono District. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and content analysis of selected Ugandan and international rap songs. A total of 50 male participants were purposively and snowball-sampled. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore men's perceptions of mental health, their exposure to rap music, and the influence of rap lyrics on mental health awareness, attitudes, and stigma reduction. The findings suggest that rap music serves as a powerful yet complex communication tool. For many listeners, it creates opportunities to engage with conversations about emotional struggles, encourages openness, and helps normalize vulnerability. However, its influence is not uniform. While some rap songs promote self-reflection, emotional expression, and healthy coping mechanisms, others may reinforce harmful stereotypes or unhealthy ways of dealing with psychological challenges. The study highlights the potential of rap music as a culturally relevant and accessible platform for advancing mental health advocacy among men. By connecting with audiences through relatable experiences and language, rap music can contribute to greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues. These findings contribute to both communication and public health scholarship by demonstrating how popular culture can be leveraged to support men's psychological well-being in Uganda. Furthermore, the study offers practical insights for mental health practitioners, musicians, media organizations, and policymakers seeking to develop more targeted, engaging, and effective mental health awareness initiatives.
ANI-LINK: AI-Powered cattle foot-and-mouth disease detection and veterinary care in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-04) David Buembo; Leon Matabi Kasingye; Teopista Najjuma
Livestock production plays a critical role in rural livelihoods across Uganda, providing income, food security, and economic stability for smallholder farmers. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges due to delayed disease detection, limited access to veterinary services, and fragmented livestock health management systems. These challenges contribute to substantial productivity losses, particularly from diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
This study presents AniLink, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled livestock health platform designed to support early disease detection, improve health record management, and enhance access to veterinary services. The system integrates a multi-task deep learning model based on MobileNetV3 for simultaneous cattle verification and FMD detection, alongside digital health records and a mobile- based service interface. A Design Science Research (DSR) approach was adopted to guide system development and evaluation. The model was trained on a combination of publicly available datasets and locally collected images from Gomba District, Uganda. Evaluation was conducted using classification metrics, system performance measures, and user-centred usability testing. Results demonstrate strong model performance, achieving high recall for both cattle detection and FMD classification, along with efficient real-time processing suitable for mobile deployment. Usability evaluation indicates that the platform is accessible to users with varying levels of digital literacy, with positive feedback on ease of use and clarity of outputs. The findings suggest that integrated AI-driven livestock health systems can significantly improve disease detection, decision-making, and access to veterinary support in resource-constrained environments. The study contributes a practical and scalable framework for applying artificial intelligence in agricultural health management.
Glucosense Ecosystem: An Intelligent Clinical Insulin Decision Support and Nutrition Platform for Diabetes Care.
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-04) Joy Abaho; Godfrey Mucunguzi; Bachawa Wangolo
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most surging health condition with an approximate number of 369,100 adult cases in Uganda by 2024. There is still a lack of adaptive and personalized tools necessary to manage the disease. The GlucoSense ecosystem focuses on an integrated, full-stack with machine learning to predict insulin intakes, a nutritional system that offers meal recommendations, a meal chatbot, and glucose-guided foods for diabetic patients. The project was built on a three-tier architecture with the frontend layer developed in ReactVite for both the Clinical portal and the Meal plan User Interface, the backend layer follows a FastAPI design and the database layer was built in SQLite and SQLAlchemy.
The results show that the Linear Regression model achieved the lowest error values in predicting insulin dosage with a Mean Absolute Error of 2.98, Mean Squared Error of 11.524 and a Root Mean Squared Error of 3.3947. These results proved that linear Regression was the most stable model and produced fewer dangerous miscalculations compared to random forest, gradient boosting and xgboost. However, all the models showed very low negative R2 values which would probably have occurred because of feature limitations since most features might not have been fully captured.
Ai-powered offline maize streak virus (MSV) detection system for smallholder farmers: design, implementation, and evaluation
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-05) Liz Treasure Namatovu; Charles Kidega Omoya; Irwin Mwine
Maize Streak Virus (MSV) remains a highly destructive agricultural pathogen in Sub-Saharan Africa, severely undermining crop yields and threatening smallholder food security. While laboratory diagnostics like PCR and LAMP offer high sensitivity, they remain financially and logistically inaccessible to rural farmers who lack timely extension support. Deep learning and mobile computer vision present a transformative alternative for automated plant disease detection. However, most existing digital solutions assume persistent internet connectivity, cloud infrastructure, or premium hardware, rendering them impractical under the rigid network and power constraints of rural African fields. To bridge this technology adoption gap, this project presents MaizeGuard, an inclusive, dual platform, entirely offline-first AI-powered diagnostic ecosystem engineered for localized MSV classification. The system integrates an optimized MobileNetV2 convolutional neural network architecture trained via transfer learning to classify maize leaves in real time into three categories: Healthy Maize Leaf, MSV Infected Leaf, and Not a Maize Leaf. For smartphone users, the MaizeGuard mobile tier utilizes a React Native and Expo framework integrated with ONNX Runtime for on-device inference and Async Storage for local caching. For users lacking smartphone access, a standalone hardware kit was built using a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, a CSI camera, a 3.5-inch resistive TFT touchscreen, and a custom Python framebuffer application configured via systemd to auto-launch at boot. An optional Node.js/PostgreSQL backend supports asynchronous data synchronization without interfering with core offline diagnoses. The system engineering process was grounded in a systematic review of 24 peer-reviewed studies, which validated lightweight CNN optimization pathways for edge environments and highlighted the scarcity of farmer-ready MSV diagnostic systems. System evaluation encompassed functional validation, multi-platform integration benchmarking, execution latency tracking, thermal profiles, and touchscreen calibration durability under simulated field setups. Experimental results demonstrated that the completed dual-platform ecosystem achieves high classification accuracy, low computational latency, and robust operational resilience under low-resource field conditions. This work contributes a practical, scalable advancement in digital precision agriculture, demonstrating how edge AI design can deliver inclusive diagnostic tools directly to
smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Predictive and prescriptive analytics to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and response
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Joy Florence Awor; Judith Anita Namaganda; Calvin Diego Rwomothio
Uganda continues to experience recurring outbreaks of epidemic-prone infectious diseases, driven by persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, rapid urbanization, population displacement, and a limited capacity for timely detection and coordinated response. Current surveillance systems remain largely reactive and descriptive, focusing on reporting confirmed cases rather than predicting and preventing outbreaks. This study develops a proactive Health Intelligence Platform designed to strengthen Uganda’s epidemic preparedness by integrating predictive and prescriptive analytics with response visualization. Using a curated cholera surveillance dataset as a proof-of-concept, the
platform applies machine learning techniques to forecast potential outbreak hotspots and temporal trends. These predictive outputs are operationalized through an interactive dashboard that provides timely alerts, spatial mapping, risk identification, and decisionsupport indicators for public health officials. The system demonstrates how predictive models combined with environmental factors can enhance situational awareness and support faster, data-driven interventions at both district and national levels. The ensemble models trained on 8,702 cholera surveillance records achieved strong short-term forecasting performance: the Random Forest Regressor attained an R2 of 0.7861 for suspected case prediction and 0.6204 for confirmed case prediction, outperforming XGBoost across all evaluation metrics (MAE and MSE). These accuracy levels represent a meaningful advance over Uganda’s current surveillance infrastructure platforms such as DHIS2, IDSR, and eIDSR which remain descriptive and retrospective, providing no automated outbreak forecasting, no anomaly detection, and no environmental risk integration. The XGBoost-powered 14-day early warning module
further generated forward looking case projections consistent with observed transmission trends, correctly identifying the February 2026 peak of 700 confirmed cases as the most severe anomaly in the 15-year record, with a 200% deviation above the rolling average a signal that the existing national system did not surface proactively. Overall, this project showcases a scalable, Uganda-focused Health Intelligence Platform capable of transitioning the country’s surveillance ecosystem from reactive reporting to anticipatory, data-driven epidemic preparedness.
IoT-enabled smart waste monitoring and predictive route optimization system
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-06-01) Itungo Agaba; Alvin Rubagumya; Mark Calvin Obba
Rapid urbanization in Uganda has led to a significant increase in solid waste generation, while existing collection systems remain largely manual, inefficient and reactive. Municipal waste collection typically relies on fixed schedules without real-time visibility into bin fill levels, resulting in overflow, increased operational costs and environmental risks. This project presents an IoT-enabled Smart Waste Monitoring and Predictive Route Optimization System designed to address these challenges. The system integrates smart bin sensors, real-time telemetry, predictive analytics and route optimization algorithms to enable a data- driven waste collection process. The proposed solution utilizes ultrasonic sensors and Arduino UNO R4 microcontrollers to monitor bin fill levels, combined with machine learning models to forecast waste accumulation patterns. A routing optimization engine based on Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) techniques
is implemented to generate efficient collection routes. Results from simulation and system testing demonstrated that the proposed system improved operational efficiency through real-time telemetry monitoring and predictive routing. The forecasting models were able to identify high-priority bins before overflow occurred, while the route optimization engine reduced unnecessary collection trips and overall travel distance. System testing further confirmed reliable telemetry transmission, responsive dashboard visualization and effective integration between IoT devices, backend services and machine learning components. The system in general demonstrates the potential to reduce operational costs, prevent
bin overflow and improve urban sanitation. The project contributes a scalable and cost-effective solution tailored for Ugandan municipalities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and SDG 12) on sustainable cities
and responsible resource management.
Bako Analytics: a localized deep learning framework for personalized basketball biometrics and team tactical analysis
(Uganda Christian University, 2026-05-28) Norbert Okidi; Anna Akumu; Zahara Nankya
The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sports has largely bypassed low-resource environments in Sub-Saharan Africa due to the prohibitive cost of commercial hardware and the lack of representative datasets for African athletes. This project presents BAKO Analytics, Africa’s first localised multi-model deep learning framework designed for personalised basketball biometrics and tactical diagnostics. The system addresses the gap in accessible sports science in Uganda by implementing a decou- pled client-server architecture comprising a FastAPI-powered backend and a React/Vite web interface. The core innovation lies in a six-model AI pipeline using the YOLO (You Only Look Once) architecture for object detection and pose estimation. Specifically, the framework includes dedicated models for player and ball detection, court keypoint mapping (homography), and a custom biometric engine that decomposes basketball shooting form into four critical phases (DIP, SET, RELEASE, and FINISH) using 17-keypoint skeletal data. Validated through a case study with the UCU Cannons basketball team, BAKO Analytics enables elite-level performance analysis using nothing more than standard smartphone footage and modest computing hardware. Technical evaluation demonstrates high precision in action recognition and spatial tracking, even under the variable lighting conditions of outdoor courts
common in the Ugandan context. Beyond its technical contributions, the project provides a scalable and affordable blueprint for indigenous sports analytics, bridging the technological divide and fostering talent development through data-informed coaching.
Keywords: Basketball Analytics, Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Pose Estimation, Biometrics, Low-Resource AI, Sports Science