While Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) has consistently been the suggested sample for diagnosing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the collection process often leads to discomfort and irritation in patients, potentially lowering the likelihood of accurate detection. Hence, there is a need for an alternative diagnostic specimen. To assess the suitability of nosaphangeal, saliva, oropharyngeal swabs and time taken for the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Cov-2 RDT Ag) to turn positive in relation to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Ct value. A cross-sectional study among 301 study participants in four selected health facilities in Mbarara City. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic characteristics of participants and nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal swabs and saliva were collected. Cov-2 RDT Ag (Standard Q- South Korea) and PCR Genexert system (USA) were used in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The time taken for RDT to turn positive and cycle threshold (Ct) values for the positive outcomes were recorded. The overall positivity rate was 06 (2.0%) by nasopharyngeal using PCR which is the gold standard. Out of the 06, saliva and oropharyngeal swabs gave 5 (83.3%) & 6 (100%) respectively using PCR. Using CoV-2 RDT Ag, the saliva, OS and NPS were 0%, 2 (33.3%), and 4 (66.7%)
respectively. Samples with low Ct values took less time (mean

This study examined the effect of drainage system management practices on plastic pollution levels in Lake Victoria, with a case study of Nakivubo Channel in Kampala District. The research aimed to assess the types of drainage management practices implemented, identify the types of plastic pollution transported through the channel, and determine the challenges affecting effective drainage management. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and involved a sample of 120 respondents, including residents, business operators, and municipal officials, selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that routine cleaning, structural interventions such as channel lining, and debris removal improved water flow but were insufficient to fully control plastic pollution due to improper waste disposal, encroachment, limited institutional capacity, low public awareness, and seasonal rainfall. Microplastics, including plastic bags, bottles, and packaging materials, were dominant, while microplastics were prevalent in sediments and water, and rainfall events significantly increased the transport of plastics into Lake Victoria. The study concluded that effective drainage management required the integration of structural maintenance, proper waste collection, community engagement, and regulatory enforcement. Recommendations included strengthening routine cleaning, enhancing public awareness, addressing encroachment, improving institutional capacity, and implementing monitoring programs to reduce plastic pollution in Nakivubo Channel and Lake Victoria.

Northern Uganda's post-conflict agricultural landscape presents both acute challenges and significant opportunities for sustainable rural development. This study examines the effect of agro-ecological practices on the income and sustainability outcomes of smallholder farmers in Nwoya District, a key agricultural zone in Northern Uganda. A quasi-experimental design was employed, comparing outcomes between 160 smallholder farmers who adopted agroecological practices through a structured intervention program and 160 control farmers using conventional agricultural methods. Data were collected at baseline (2021) and endline (2023), measuring household income, crop yield, soil health, input costs, and ecological resilience indicators. Results indicate that farmers adopting agro-ecological practices experienced a 38.4% increase in net household income, a 27.1% improvement in crop yield diversity, and significant improvements in soil organic matter content compared to control farmers. Adoption was associated with a 41.2% reduction in external input costs, primarily through reduced fertilizer and pesticide expenditure. Structural barriers to adoption, including limited access to technical knowledge, short-term income trade-offs during transition periods, and inadequate market access for organically certified produce, were identified. The study provides robust evidence for scaling agro-ecological approaches in Northern Uganda's post-conflict agricultural development agenda.

Urbanisation was a rapidly growing phenomenon in many developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where expanding urban populations exert increasing pressure on natural resources and the environment. This study examines the relationship between urbanisation and environmental degradation, using Kasenyi Landing Site in Entebbe Municipality as a case study. Kasenyi Landing Site, located along the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, has experienced significant population growth due to fishing activities, trade, tourism, and related economic opportunities. Using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and review of secondary documents from Entebbe Municipality and environmental agencies. The findings reveal that rapid urban growth without corresponding infrastructure development has significantly contributed to environmental degradation, threatening public health, biodiversity, and the sustainability of fishing activities in the area. The study concludes that while urbanisation has improved livelihoods and increased economic opportunities for residents of Kasenyi Landing Site, it has also resulted in serious environmental consequences. It recommends strengthening urban planning mechanisms, improving waste management systems, enhancing community environmental awareness, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable development practices. The research contributes to a better understanding of the environmental implications of urbanisation in rapidly growing urban fishing communities in Uganda and offers practical recommendations for policy makers and local authorities.