UCU Scholar
Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Scholar
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- These are Undergraduate Student Reports for UCU Science Students
Recent Submissions
The Effectiveness of Copyright Law in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-05-28) Batte Frank
This study critically examines the effectiveness of copyright law in Uganda, with a particular focus on its infringement. It explores the legal framework governing copyright protection at both national and international level. The study investigates the extent to which copyright law deters infringement and supports creative industry in Uganda. Through a combination of doctrinal, qualitative, and physical library data collection analysis the research identifies key challenges undermining the law’s effectiveness and also the enforcement mechanisms in the Act.
The study therefore, recommended amendment of copyright and Neighbouring Act, establishment of Intellectual Property Tribunals, public awareness as a best way to ensure to ensure adequate protection and enforcement of the rights of the holders.
An Analysis of the Impact of New Autonomous Weapons on the Israel - Palestine Conflict
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-16) Fiona Namutosi
This dissertation critically examines the impact of autonomous weapons system within the context of the Israel-Palestine war, exploring both the strategic implications and the profound ethical, legal, and humanitarian concerns they raise. As the nature of modern warfare evolves with rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics, autonomous weapons have emerged as powerful tools capable of reshaping conflict dynamics, reducing the need for direct human involvement while simultaneously complicating questions of accountability and proportionality. Through an interdisciplinary research approach, this study analyzes how AWS have been deployed, tested, and potentially deployed in Israe;-Palestine context, assessing their influence on military strategy, civilian safety, and International Humanitarian Law. Drawing on case studies, expert interviews, and legal frameworks, the research explores the blurred lines between defense and aggression, and the moral consequences of delegating lethal decisions to machine. Ultimately, this work contends that while AWS offer certain technical advantages, their integration into asymmetric conflicts such as Israel-Palestine risks exacerbating civilian harm, deepening power imbalances, and undermining mechanisms of accountability. The study calls for urgent international discourse and regulation to address the ethical vacuum surrounding autonomous warfare, especially in protracted conflicts marked by historical grievances and contested narratives.
Formulation of a Tea Blend Using Tamarind, Mango Leaves and Ginger
(Uganda Christian university, 2025-06-01) Grace Yeka Ayikoru
This study formulated and evolved a functional tea blend based on black tea, tamarind, mango leaves, and ginger to enhance the concentration of polyphenols and sensory acceptability. A D-optimal mixture design formulated 16 recipes tested among 480 panellists under a 9-point hedonic scale. Results reflected ginger (15.8%) and tamarind (10.5%) greatly influenced flavor and acceptability, while black tea (85%) formed a good base. The optimized blend exhibited excellent desirability (1.000) and antioxidant activity confirmed by Folin-Ciocalteu assay whereby the total polyphenol content was seven times higher than the normal black tea which was used as a control (1,492.2 ± 16.10 mg GAE/100 mL) over traditional black tea (200 mg GAE/100 mL) with extremely high levels of statistical significance (p < 0.00001. Mango leaves contributed mangiferin (anti-diabetic activity), and ginger contributed gastrointestinal benefits. Problems were drying variability, and panelist biases. Recommendations are provided for packaging improvement, phytochemical profiling, and commercial scaling up. This research addresses a market niche by utilizing underutilized, local materials to create a health-related tea blend in harmony with trends for functional drinks and sustainability.
Formulation Of a Functional Tea Using Pineapple Peel, Lemon Peel, Mint, And Green Tea
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-06-11) Sheilla Asimire
This study addresses the challenges of food waste and nutritional deficiency by creating a functional tea from pineapple peels, lemon peels, mint, and tea. Fruit processing in Uganda generates a substantial amount of organic waste, with pineapple and lemon peels accounting for around 20–35% of the fruit weight which have bioactive compounds.
Using response surface methodology with a D-optimal mixture design, 12 experimental formulations were tested, varying proportions of pineapple peel powder, lemon peel powder, and mint, with green tea constant at 30%. Sensory evaluations by 30 panelists assessed appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability.
Results showed that higher pineapple peel powder ratios negatively affected the sensory attributes, while lemon peel powder addition was beneficial for taste and mint addition improved appearance and overall acceptance. The optimized tea blend containing 80% pineapple peel powder, 15% lemon peel powder, and 5% mint showed significantly higher polyphenol content and vitamin C content when compared with the control tea.
AI-Powered Robotics for Post-Disaster Survivor Detection and Rescue Path Mapping
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-06) Diana Nansubuga
Natural and man-made disasters often highlight the weaknesses in traditional emergency response efforts, especially in countries with limited resources like Uganda. Challenges such as slow response times, difficulty reaching affected areas, and a lack of real-time information frequently result in lost lives and misused resources. This study introduces a robotic dog system enhanced by artificial intelligence, designed to improve the effectiveness of search and rescue missions following disasters. The system incorporates real-time human detection using AI, SLAM for creating environmental maps, and the A* algorithm to plan efficient rescue routes.
The robot is powered by a Raspberry Pi and managed through a Flask-based web platform. It includes multiple sensors, such as GPS, ultrasonic detectors, a night vision camera, and directional microphones, allowing it to navigate independently, avoid obstacles, and communicate wirelessly with remote rescue teams. Testing the system in a controlled, disaster-like setting confirmed its ability to locate victims, generate accurate maps, and determine safe paths with high reliability. The results suggest that. This low-cost, locally adaptable solution could play a vital role in speeding up rescue efforts and minimising risks to human responders. By addressing key limitations in current practices, the project adds valuable insights to the field of disaster robotics, particularly In settings where advanced tools are not readily available.
Plea Bargain or Free Bargain, the Importance of Involving Victims and Community Leaders as Part of the Plea Bargain Process
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-15) Esther Awor
This dissertation presents the results of a research study on the effectiveness of the Ugandan plea bargain progress, which was initiated by a student from Pepperdine University in 2016. The study aims to analyze the criminal justice system in Uganda as regards involving victims and community leaders in the plea bargain process. To achieve this, the study used a methodology that incorporated a historical overview of the establishment of the plea bargain in Uganda, an interaction with the Pepperdine team in Uganda and personal observation. The data collected provides insights into how victims and community leaders are usually outliers during the plea bargain process. Most accused persons view plea bargain as free bargain which then becomes a challenge when it comes to fulfilling justice. The study found that most victims and community are neglected when it comes to negotiating the terms of the plea agreement of the accused, which then increases crime rates and mob justice in communities as crowds will not see justice being served. The courts in Uganda have tried to implement plea bargain however, it does not go without stating that more work needs to be put in place for not only justice to be done but seen to be done as well. The study concludes that there is a need to match the rhetoric of a right to a fair and speedy hearing and justice to the victims and the community as a whole.
Regulating Digital Markets in Uganda: A Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Merger Control Regimes in Preventing “Killer” Acquisitions
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-28) Remmy Wahanze
This thesis explores the regulatory interventions aimed at preventing “killer” acquisitions in the technology sector by making a side-by-side analysis of the merger control frameworks in the European Union and the United States with the aim of influencing the regulatory framework in Uganda. Unlike traditional merger control regimes, the emergence of killer acquisitions where dominant firms acquire nascent startups with the aim of eliminating future competition, poses a significant threat to the fairness in competition in digital markets under European Union Merger Regulation referrals and the United States’ scrutiny through the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission provide a blueprint for how these acquisitions can be controlled. As such, these insights are then evaluated against the newly passed Competition Act, 2024 in Uganda. This thesis concludes that at present, there are numerous gaps in Uganda’s merger control system including a non-existent notification threshold, inadequate ex-post scrutiny and structural challenges with the designated enforcement agency. It then proposes specific reforms with the objective of safeguarding digital innovation from large undertakings with monopolistic behaviours in Uganda
An Analysis of the Impact of Alternative Dispute Resolution on Construction Disputes in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-20) Tracy Treasure Nakhayenze
The study focuses on the impact of the ADR mechanisms on construction disputes in Uganda, considering the causes and implications of the construction disputes, the relevance of settling disputes through Alternative dispute resolution and examining each ADR mechanism stipulating their advantages and the most suitable mechanism for
resolving construction disputes.
Chapter one of my research shall entail the proposal clearly enunciating the background of ADR, the significance and justification of the study and shall deliberate on a few write-ups regarding ADR and construction.
Chapter two of this study shall delve into the various types of ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, negotiation, adjudication, mediation and conciliation and the use of FIDIC contracts in the construction industry and their advantages. Chapter three shall talk about the legal regime of ADR and construction and finally, chapter four shall include a summary of my findings, recommendations and conclusion.
Vibes Allied Events Management System
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-11) Elvis Walera; Kahwa Ayebale; Agness Agaya
Problem: Missed event opportunities for social interactions and engagements. The Vibes Allied events management system establishes new ways for users to find and attend community-based events. The system emerged to satisfy the rising requirement of an inclusive platform which provides users with ongoing event updates alongside support for introverts and individuals with social anxiety alongside people with cultural or language limitations and event-unaware members of the community. The system contains two key user interfaces. One interface supports individuals to explore events through search features and receive customized updates while the other interface enables event producers to optimize their event management. Vibes Allied achieves accessibility and usability through a platform designed for delivering real-time event information between event organizers and potential audiences.
The research traces development stages of the system starting from background information and
methodology while presenting system architecture and user feedback analysis. The experimental
findings show that Vibes Allied has the capability to improve event search systems through its inclusive and interactive interface that prioritizes user experience.
Assessing the Viability of Algal Biodiesel as a Supplement to Liquid Fossil Fuels
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-25) Marvin Ashaba Aheebwa
The global energy and pollution scenario call for new sources besides fossil fuels as the source of a renewable energy input, particularly for developing economies like Uganda that are faced with energy insecurity, open economies, and environmental degradation due to the utilization of fossil fuels. Sustainability of algal biodiesel production is employed in this study as a potential addition to Uganda's renewable energy input because of Uganda's tropical climatic regime, sunshine, and wastewater. With three species of algae, i.e., Botryococcus braunii, Nannochloropsis sp., and Chlorella vulgaris, the research hypothesis is species compatibility, lipid extraction yield, and biodiesel quality in the Ugandan context. The methods used included growth condition optimization, hexane extraction, ethanol, methanol, chloroform solvent lipid extraction, and physicochemical biodiesel characterization yield. Results indicated Chlorella vulgaris to be the best species for decentralized systems since it recorded the maximum growth rate (13.4 cm biomass Day 12) and mid-level lipid yield (20–30%). Diethyl ether-isopropanol did the best in yield of 83.1% but was not safe, whereas hexane-isopropanol was the best compromise between viability and effectiveness. Biodiesel characteristics were conditionally met to ASTM requirements in that viscosity (2.82 mm²/s) and density (0.8335 g/cm³) were in compliance, but cetane values of 5.2 necessitated petrodiesel blending (B20). Algal biodiesel is techno-feasible in Uganda and enjoys the preference of low-cost open-pond systems, cooperative models at a community level, and integration of wastewater treatment to achieve energy poverty, environmental sustainability, and circular economy concepts.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Botanical Insecticide Mixture of Cymbopogon citratus and Azadirachta indica Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on Maize (Zea mays)
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-06-10) Peace Patricia Abote
In Uganda, maize is a crucial staple and cash crop for smallholder farmers; however, its production is currently under serious threat from fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The heavy reliance on synthetic insecticides has raised concerns regarding environmental pollution, risks to human health, pest resistance, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms. This study examined a plant-based alternative using a botanical insecticide mixture of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and neem (Azadirachta indica). Field trials were conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, utilizing a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and the optimal concentration of the mixture of lemongrass and neem leaf required to achieve significant control against fall armyworm on maize. Treatments included 10%, 30%, and 50% concentrations where 10ml(5ml+5ml),30ml(15ml+15ml), and 50ml(25ml+25ml)) respectively for each. Data was collected on plant height, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, number of damaged leaves per plant, leaf injury index, and whorl damage. Results indicated that lemongrass and neem were significantly effective in controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and 50% was the optimal concentration, with a p-value of <0.001. Treated maize plants recorded a reduction in mean of damaged leaves (1.72,0.74), injury index (1.64,0.79), and whorl damage (2.32,1.36) respectively than the control (4.68), (3.48), (4.98) respectively. Repeated trials with this botanical mixture in at least three growing seasons under field conditions could further validate the current results. Key words; Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Fall armyworm, and Maize.
Vetco: An Application System for Veterinary Service Delivery to Smallholder Farmers
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-22) Joshua Vani Adebua
Vetco is a mobile and web-based platform designed to enhance access to veterinary services for smallholder and rural livestock farmers. The platform addresses the challenges of limited veterinary infrastructure, geographical barriers, and the high cost of animal healthcare by providing an easy-to-use digital solution. Through Vetco, farmers can schedule appointments with certified veterinarians, access educational resources, and receive real-time guidance on animal health and farm management. The system incorporates a user-friendly interface, secure authentication, and integrated notifications to ensure timely and efficient service delivery. By bridging the gap between veterinarians and livestock keepers, Vetco aims to improve animal welfare, boost productivity, and support sustainable livestock farming across underserved communities.
An Analysis of the Impact of the Internet on the Right to Employment in Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-14) Ruth Ropani
The internet is essentially transforming the global economy, and Uganda is no exception. With the rise of internet development, there are better opportunities being laid down for every sector but the focus in this research paper is the employment sector. This study analyses the legal and regulatory framework that is governing internet on employment concentrating on The Employment Act, Cap 226 among other laws highlighting how these laws govern online employment. It further investigates the gaps in legal protections concerning employment rights in the digital age and the role of judicial decisions in bridging these gaps. In addition to that, this study looks at how the internet has evolved pointing out how its development has affected employment that means from the conventional agricultural sector that Uganda has predominantly participated in to other branches of employment such as technology based employment, platform based employment as well as into the recent developments of automation and artificial intelligence. The advantages and challenges of each phase of development faces are featured to include reduction of backlog, creation of employment opportunities, job displacement among other points. It should be noted that the transformation of the internet has both advantages and disadvantages attached to it. Therefore, this research explores the dual impact of digital transformation on employment in Uganda by pointing out advantages such as increased productivity, remote work flexibility, and expanded job opportunities. This research also addresses the challenges that come along with the development of the internet on employment which include automation- elated job displacement, increase in the digital divide, and unemployment among less skilled workers. Through the examination of various literature, this research critically examines the responsiveness to the evolving digital landscape and how one should equip oneself with the necessary skills to remain relevant in this fast growing economy. By analyzing existing laws, policies, and empirical data, this study offers a complete overview of how internet development is reshaping employment rights in Uganda as well as proposes legal and policy recommendations to foster a more inclusive and equitable digital labor market.
Reconciling Legal Pluralism: The Clash and Coexistence of Customary and Statutory Law in Resolving Ugandan Family Disputes (2000–2025) a Case Study of Mukono District
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-28) Anthra Komugisa
This research examines the relationship between customary and statutory law in resolving family disputes in Uganda from 2000 to 2025, with particular emphasis on how the two systems coexist, where they conflict, and how these interactions affect access to justice, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and legal case analysis, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the practical realities faced by communities. The Findings of study shows that although legal reforms have been introduced to promote the integration of customary and statutory systems, several tensions and contradictions are still existent, particularly in areas like inheritance rights, marital disputes, and child custody. Customary practices, due to their accessibility, affordability, and deep cultural roots, continue to be preferred dispute resolution mechanisms in rural and semi urban settings. On the other hand, statutory law, even though it offers greater legal protection, it is at most times seen as not accessible, expensive, and distant for the majority of the people. This research also shows how economic challenges and ignorance of legal rights heavily influence the choice of whether to use customary or statutory law, most times resulting in the marginalization of women and children. It ends by encouraging and emphasizing the immediate need for legal reforms, the strengthening of legal education and awareness, and establishing of hybrid systems to cater for both systems.
The Effect of Collaborative Buyer-Supplier Relationships on Supply Chain Performance in Organizations. A Case of Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-15) Mable Busingye
The study examined the effect of collaborative buyer-supplier relationships on supply chain
performance in organizations in Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality. It specifically
focused on; examining the relationship between trust and supply chain performance, establishing
the relationship between commitment and supply chain performance, and assessing the
relationship between communication and supply chain performance in Mukono Central Division.
The study was carried out using a cross sectional survey research design where both quantitative
and qualitative research approaches were also used. The data was collected using questionnaires
during the data collection; both purposive and simple random sampling methods were used. A
sample size of 80 respondents who are management and employees of Mukono Central Division
was also used in the study.
The study findings revealed a strong positive relationship between trust, commitment,
communication, and supply chain performance in Mukono Central Division. Trust was shown to
significantly enhance supply chain efficiency, with 82.5% of respondents affirming supplier
honesty, and a correlation of (r = 0.875**, p < 0.05). Commitment also emerged as a key factor,
with 97.5% of respondents acknowledging long-term dedication, supported by a significant
correlation of (r = 0.883**, p < 0.05). Effective communication was found to be crucial for success,
with 92.5% of respondents emphasizing its importance, and a correlation of (r = 0.879**, p <
0.05). These findings suggest that trust, commitment, and communication are critical in enhancing
supply chain performance in the region.
Finally, the study recommended the need for strengthening trust between buyers and suppliers
through transparent communication and ethical practices, enhancing commitment to long-term
relationships by prioritizing joint initiatives and shared goals, improving communication channels
through clear and timely updates, investing in training programs to build skills in trust-building
and collaboration, and establishing formal mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating buyer
supplier relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals and continuous performance
improvement.
Gandabert: Transfer Learning With Mbert for Luganda News Classification
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05) Seth Mbasha
Luganda, spoken by over 21 million Ugandans, is significantly under‐resourced in Natural Language Processing (NLP), lacking effective tools like news classifiers.
This gap hinders digital information access and contributes to the digital language divide. This research project addressed this challenge by developing GandaBERT, a model
for Luganda news classification. The methodology involved fine‐tuning the multilingual BERT (mBERT) model on a novel multi‐source dataset comprising 2,609 native,
translated, and synthetic Luganda news articles across five categories (Politics, Business, Sports, Health, Religion). Evaluation on a held‐out test set showed GandaBERT achieved an overall accuracy of 85.7%. While demonstrating strong performance in certain categories like Politics, challenges and variations across topics were observed, partly linked to overfitting during training. This study confirms the viability of applying transfer learning with mBERT for practical Luganda NLP tasks, provides a valuable classification tool, and contributes towards enhancing digital resources for this low‐resource language.
An Embedded and Machine Learning Based Early Flood Monitoring and Warning System, the Case of River Manafwa
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-06) Daniel Lukyamuzi Wavamunno
Flooding remains a serious threat in many parts of Uganda, especially in regions with limited access to early warning systems. This project introduces a practical solution that combines embedded hardware and machine learning to monitor and predict flood events in real time. Using a flow sensor and an ultrasonic sensor connected to an ESP32 device, the system captures data on water movement and levels. These readings are automatically logged to Google Sheets, allowing for easy data management and access. A backend built with FastAPI processes this information, using a trained Random Forest algorithm to forecast potential flood risks. The results, along with past records, are displayed on an interactive dashboard developed in React. By merging simple electronics with predictive analytics, the system provides an affordable and adaptable tool to support timely flood response efforts in vulnerable areas.
AI Image-based System for Lumpy Skin Disease Detection in Cattle
(Uganda Christian University, 2025) Amos Mugabi
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) remains a significant threat to cattle health across Uganda,
with conventional disease detection methods being slow, centralized, and reliant on
clinical expertise that is often unavailable in field settings. This project proposes an
innovative solution through an AI-powered, image-based detection system capable
of identifying LSD from cattle images. The system employs a twostage deep learning
architecture: a YOLOv8 object detection model locates individual cattle within
images, followed by a convolutional neural network (CNN) that classifies each animal
as either healthy or infected based on visible skin lesions. Trained on a diverse
dataset of annotated cattle images, the integrated model achieved a high detection
precision and classification accuracy, demonstrating strong reliability in recognizing
signs of LSD. Furthermore, the system offers real-time feedback via an interactive
web interface, enabling farmers and veterinary personnel to quickly assess cattle
health with images. This approach not only enhances detection and control measures
but also sets the stage for broader adoption of AI in livestock health management
within low-resource environments. The system’s design aligns with global goals of
smart agriculture, offering a scalable tool that supports both food security and
disease resilience.
SMART-AG : A Precision Agriculture AI-Powered Edge Computing System
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-06) Totit Kabuya Bushenyula
Food insecurity is a critical issue in Africa, with over 296 million people affected by
hunger. Despite efforts to increase food production, food loss remains a major
contributor to this crisis, particularly in low-income countries where inefficiencies in
farming and post-harvest handling are common.
While 42% of Africa's workforce is employed in agriculture, there is a low
adoption of modern agricultural technologies, primarily due to lack of internet
access, technical skills, and high costs. This results in many farmers continuing to
rely on traditional methods, which limits their productivity and exacerbates food
insecurity.
Existing solutions to improve farming practices are often too complex or require
constant internet access, leaving many farmers unable to benefit from them.
Therefore, a practical, affordable, and internet-independent solution is needed to
help farmers increase yields and reduce food losses.
This project proposes SMART-AG, an AI-powered edge computing system that
provides actionable farming advice via SMS without requiring internet access.
SMART-AG aims to empower farmers with insights on soil health, crop selection, and
nutrient management, improving productivity and contributing to food security in
Africa.
Potato Disease Diagnosis Using YOLOv5 and Web-Based Deployment
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-06) James Alala Munjwok
Agriculture plays a central role in Uganda’s economy, and potatoes are among the
most important staple crops. However, potato yields are significantly threatened by
diseases such as early blight and late blight. Timely detection of these diseases is
critical to reduce losses, minimize pesticide misuse, and enhance food security.
This project presents a web-based potato leaf disease diagnosis system using YOLOv5,
a state-of-the-art deep learning object detection model. The system classifies potato
leaves as healthy, early blight, or late blight. The backend is implemented using
FastAPI and deployed to Render, while the frontend is built in React and hosted on
Vercel, ensuring accessibility via modern web browsers. The model was trained on
the PlantVillage dataset.
Evaluation results show that the system achieved high accuracy and fast inference
times, making it suitable for use by farmers and agricultural officers. This report
details the system design, methodology, model training, deployment, and perfor-
mance evaluation. Limitations such as environmental noise, internet dependency,
and limited disease coverage are acknowledged, and future work includes expanding
the disease scope, offline deployment, and integrating treatment recommendations.
This work contributes to the growing field of AI-powered agriculture in Uganda and
aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals for food security and smart farming.