Foreign direct investment and development objectives in the Republic of Uganda

This study develops an analytical framework for investigating Government of Ugandaâ s support for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) development paradigm. It compares macroeconomic and institutional incentives in attracting FDI and institutional weaknesses. This study also discusses the nature of FDI, benefits of FDI in terms of its spillovers, and strategic issues and policies for managing stakeholders in the economy. While Ugandan government maintains the view that improving on policy environment will attract FDI to address the countryâ s development challenges, this study found out that, progress in policy environment (fiscal incentives, political stability, and good regulation) does not automatically lead to changes in the hostâ s degree of attracting FDI unless it is aided by economic fundamentals like the availability of natural resources, market size and growth. Uganda has stagnated for the last 9 years with no improvement in terms of attracting more FDI. As shown in the finding, fiscal incentives influence FDI locational decisions in Uganda, but are not the most important factors however remain necessary evils to remedy poor microeconomic variables. In spite of governmentâ s success on achieving macro reforms to attract FDI, institutional weaknesses undermine its efforts. Foreign investors pay bribes to access public sector provided utilities. FDI relatively concentrates in one region which is inconsistent with a balanced development thesis. A move towards defining property rights causes unpopularity of FDI. Government always relies on a crisis strategy rather than a deliberate strategy to manage the different groups of stakeholders and other constraints in the economy. This studyâ s conclusion is that FDI alone is not a necessary condition for economic development unless it is complemented by host policies to increase the absorptive capacity of its spillovers

The Primordial Radionuclides Activity Concentrations and Associated Minerals in Rocks from Selected Quarries in Northern Uganda

The primordial radionuclides (PR) activity concentrations and associated minerals in 20 rock samples from Gulu and Amuru district quarries were determined using Na (Tl) gamma ray spectrometer and Transmitted Light Microscope (TLM). These were carried out at Physics and Geology Departments of Makerere University, Kampala in Uganda. The PR activity concentrations, the gamma dose rates, and the radiological hazard indices were all determined to assess the radiological hazards and risks of the exposure on the quarry workers and on the inhabitants. The minerals were obtained to determine whether minerals containing PR were highly radioactive. The computed PR activity concentrations from the five quarries ranged from 4.1 ± 1.7 to 207.6 ± 6.5 for 238U, 7.0 ± 2.0 to 452.0 ± 2.3 for 232Th, and 8.6 ± 2.0 to 2055.4 ± 73.1 Bq kg-1 for 40K, respectively with averages of 57.1 ± 4.7, 122.3 ± 11.1, and 914.2 ± 30.3 Bq kg-1. These values were found to be above the world limit of 33.0, 45.0 and 420.0 Bq kg-1 by 1.7, 2.7, and 2.2 factors. The computed average values of absorbed gamma dose rates (D), annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (Eo), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin) and gamma index (I) for the five quarries were 134.58 ± 10.13 nGy h-1, 0.34 ± 0.03 mSv yr-1, 1.07 ± 0.09 x 10-3, 294.08 ± 17.88 Bq kg-1, 0.80 ± 0.06, 0.93 ± 0.05 and 1.35 ± 0.09, respectively. The computed average values of D, Eo and ELCR for the five quarries were above the world limit by factors of 2.2, 4.9, and 3.7, respectively. Therefore, quarry workers and the inhabitants were exposed to PR hence significant health risks associated with induced cancer and gene mutation. However, average values of Raeq, Hex, and Hin were found to be below the world limit except for one of the quarry sites. Although the studied rocks could be used as building materials without causing external diseases and respiratory infections, the average value of, I, showed that studied rocks should be used in moderation to limit the radiological hazards except for Palukere rocks. Mineralogical analyses has also shown the presence of quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, and opaque minerals. Quartz was the major mineral while the rest were accessories. The results of this study could be used by different institutions such as Uganda Atomic Energy Council (AEC) that protects the environment from dangers resulting from ionizing radiation. This body could assist to advise quarry workers on good practices. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) that controls environmental systems should ensure that Gulu and Amuru districts work in line with set principles on environment, and where necessary to enforce the quarry by-laws and ordinances. To urge the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) to also conduct geological studies for valuable radioactive minerals in the study areas of Gulu and Amuru districts. The Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) experts could also carry out additional studies to establish the correlation of cancer infections and quarry works. This would inform the government on corrective measures that protects the population of the region.

Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiogenic Heat Production in River Sediments from Gulu and Amuru Districts, Northern Uganda

The activity concentrations (AC) of 238U, 232Th and 40K in sediments from Gulu and Amuru districts, Uganda were determined using NaI(Tl) detector at Physics Department, Makerere University, Kampala to obtain; radioelement concentrations (RC), radiogenic heat production (RHP) and associated heat flow (Hf). The AC varied from (36.1 ± 2.3 - 261.2 ± 15.3) for 238U, (97.4 ± 13.5 - 334.2 ± 36.6) for 232Th, and (47.5 ± 3.9 - 1442.3 ± 58.9) Bq kg-1 for 40K, with averages of 89.6 ± 6.3, 168.6 ± 17.9, and 275.4 ± 14.0 Bq kg-1, respectively, above the world limits of 35, 30, and 400 Bq kg-1, for 238U, 232Th and 40K. The RC varied from (2.9 ± 0.2 - 20.8 ± 1.2) ppm for 238U, (23.9 ± 3.3 - 82.0 ± 9.2) ppm for 232Th, and (0.2 ± 0.01 - 3.2 ± 0.1) % for 40K, with averages of 7.1 ± 0.5 ppm, 41.3 ± 4.3 ppm, and 1.1 ± 0.05%, respectively. The 238U and 232Th averages were above the Earth’s crust values of 3 ppm and 12 ppm, respectively. The 40K average is below the Earth’s crust value of 2.33%.  The RHP varied from (2.5 ± 0.6 - 10.2 ± 2.6) µW m-3 with an average of 4.5 ± 1.1 µW m-3, above the world average of 4µW m-3. High and moderate RHP, each account for 50% of the samples. The overall RHP mainly depended on 232Th amounts, with 60% contribution. However, an increase in the AC of 238U, 232Th and 40K reflected the integrated effect of RHP. The Hf varied from (19.6 ± 1.0 - 80.0 ± 4.0) mW m-2 with an average of 35.3 ± 1.8 mW m-2. The high RHP and Hf values indicates feasibility for geothermal exploration. This calls for further studies to validate these findings

Waste Corn as a Source of Inoculum of Aspergillus Flavus, the Cause of Aflatoxin

Aspergillus Flavus occurs worldwide in diverse habitats on a variety of plant and animal substrates. In the United States, contamination of susceptible crops particularly maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts has become a major health concern because of the development of the carcinogen, aflatoxin. Extensive research into all aspects of the biology of A. flavus over the past twenty years still has left many unanswered but very basic questions about the ecology of this important organism

Efficacy of fungicide mixtures for the management of Phytophthora infestans (US-1) on potato

Fungicide application strategies (timing, frequency, rates and mixtures) are important for the control and resistance management of potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. The efficacy of fungicide mixtures consisting of fenamidone + mancozeb and propamocarb HCL + mancozeb at various rates and in spray regimes containing metalaxyl and mancozeb was evaluated for late blight control (US-1) at four locations in Kenya. Propamocarb HCL + mancozeb significantly (P < 0.05) reduced foliar blight compared with mancozeb and the untreated control under moderate to severe disease pressure. Disease severity was significantly lower following application of propamocarb HCL + mancozeb at a rate of 4L ha-1 than at rates of 2L and 3L ha-1 in 1999 and 2000, but it was not significantly lower following applications at a rate of 3L ha-1 in 2000 and 2001. There were no significant differences in mean final late blight score among the three rates of 0.9, 1.0 and 1.1 kg ha-1 of fenamidone + mancozeb. All fungicide mixtures and application sequences significantly reduced the area under the disease progress curve and final late blight scores as compared with the unprotected control. Total and marketable tuber yield significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all fungicide-treated plots.Les stratégies d’application de fongicides (calendrier, fréquence, taux et mélanges) sont importantes pour la gestion et la lutte au mildiou de la pomme de terre, une maladie causée par le Phytophthora infestans. L’efficacité de mélanges fongicides composés de fénamidone + mancozèbe et de propamocarbe HCL + mancozèbe à différents taux et différents régimes d’arrosage comprenant du métalaxyl et du mancozèbe a été évaluée en ce qui a trait à la lutte au mildiou (US-1) dans quatre sites au Keyna. Le mélange composé de propamocarbe HCL + mancozèbe a réduit le mildiou de façon significative (P < 0.05) comparativement au mancozèbe utilisé seul et au témoin lorsque la maladie était de modérée à sévère. La maladie était significativement moins sévère après l’application de 4L ha-1 du mélange composé de propamocarbe HCL + mancozèbe qu’après une application à des taux de 2L et 3L ha-1 en 1999 et 2000, mais elle n’était pas significativement moins sévère après des applications de 3L ha-1 en 2000 et 2001. Il n’y avait pas de différence significative dans le taux final moyen du mildiou entre les trois applications de 0,9, 1,0 et 1,1 kg ha-1 de fénamidone + mancozèbe. Tous les mélanges fongicides et les séquences d’application ont réduit de façon significative la surface sous la courbe de la progression de la maladie et les taux finaux de mildiou comparativement au témoin non protégé. Le rendement total et le rendement de valeur marchande des tubercules ont augmenté de façon significative (P < 0.05) dans toutes les parcelles traitées avec des fongicides

Exploring Transition in Higher Education: Engagement and Challenges in Moving from Teacher-Centered to Student-Centered Learning

The overall purpose of this study is to prefigure the feasibility of Problem Based Learning (PBL) for building research and employability capacity of MA-students in the context of Gulu University. Following a description of the basic tenets of PBL, we explain how PBL was used in experimental community outreach workshops for MA-students between 2016 and 2019. More specifically we identify traces of traditional learning practices and discuss to what extent the new learning approach might change the student-teacher power relationship. Methodologically and analytically, our study draws on a practice theory model developed by Kemmis and Mutton (2012). Although our findings indicate subtle traces of a traditional student-teacher relationship, the analyses indicate that the PBL learning mode is a promising candidate for strengthening research capacity in view of preparing students for post-graduate employability and community transformation. The workshops were organized collaboratively as part of the Danida-funded programme Building Stronger Universities

Reducing Transfer of Salmonella and Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria on Melon Rinds Surfaces to Fresh Juice by Washing With Chlorine: Effect of Waiting Period Before Refrigeration of Prepared Juice

Cantaloupes, honeydew melons and watermelons inoculated with Salmonella cocktail at 4.5, 3.8, and 3.2 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively, were sanitized with 200 ppm chlorine before rinds removal, cutting, and juice preparation. Efficacy of 200 ppm chlorine in reducing transfer of Salmonella, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold, and Pseudomonas from the melon surfaces to freshly prepared fruit juice was investigated including the effect of waiting period before refrigeration of the juices. The melon juice filtrates were refrigerated immediately or stored at room temperature (~22°C) for 3 and 5 h before refrigeration. Average Salmonella bacteria recovered in fresh melon juice prepared from unwashed whole cantaloupes, watermelon and honeydew melons was 1.4, 0.5, and 0.4 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. Juices from unwashed inoculated melons had the highest bacterial populations and storage at an abusive temperature of 10°C led to proliferation. Holding these juices at room temperature for 5 h before refrigeration allowed Salmonella bacteria to increase by 0.5–0.8 log in cantaloupe juice and 0.3–0.5 log in watermelon and honeydew juices. No Salmonella bacteria was determined in fresh juices prepared from melons washed with chlorinated water. The results of this study showed that washing melons with 200 ppm chlorine before juice preparation and immediately refrigerating the juice will minimize the chances of Salmonella proliferation

Molecular Level Comparison of Water Extractives of Maple and Oak with Negative and Positive Ion ESI FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry

Soluble extractives in wood function to protect living trees from destructive agents and also contribute to wood color and fragrance. Some extractive components have biological activities with medical applications. They also play important roles in wood processing and related applications. To increase the knowledge of wood chemistry, maple and oak were extracted by water. Ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectroscopy indicated the presence of a phenolic compound, resorcinol, in maple extractives having higher molecular mass and more aromatic components than oak extractives. Negative and positive electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR-MS) identified thousands of formulas in the two samples in the m/z range of 200 to 800. They mainly fall into the lignin-like, carbohydrate-like, and tannin-like compound categories. The top 25 peaks (ie, formulas) with the highest relative magnitude in negative ESI represented nearly 50% of the summed total spectral magnitude of all formulas assigned in the maple and oak extractives. Furthermore, the base peak (ie, most abundant peak) accounted for about 14% of the total abundance in each wood sample. Literature comparisons identified 17 of 20 formulas in the top five peaks of the four spectra as specific bioactive compounds in trees and other plants, implying the potential to explore utilization of maple and oak extractives for functional and medicinal applications. The various profiling of the top 25 peaks from the two samples also suggested the possible application of FT-ICR-MS for detecting chemical markers useful in profiling and identification of wood types and sources