Department of Environment and Natural Resources

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Browsing Department of Environment and Natural Resources by Author "Labeja, Richard Louis"

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    Fast-growing exotic tree species as fuelwood alternative for refugees and host communities in Northern Uganda
    (Research Square, 2022-06-15) Anywar, Decimon; Shaban, Kato Stonewall; Labeja, Richard Louis; Loki, Robert Okongo; Okello, Collins
    The high demand for firewood and charcoal has exerted high pressure on the indigenous trees in Uganda. Communities believe that the indigenous trees are better fuel sources despite limited evidence to support this claim. This study was carried out in 2021 to evaluate the fuelwood properties of selected indigenous tree species in comparison to three exotic tree species that have been promoted for use by refugees and host communities in Lamwo District of Northern Uganda. Wood samples were collected from three different locations from the study area in Lamwo District and transported to Gulu University for laboratory analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of confidence and the means were separated using Tukey HSD test. Results showed that moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and Fuel Value Index (FVI) did not significantly vary among the indigenous and exotic tree species. Fuel value index was observed to be negatively correlated with moisture content of the wood, implying both species’ categories retard in fuel quality when their moisture contents increases. Overall, the results show that there were no significant differences in the FVI of all the indegeneous and exotic tree species investigated in this study. It is recommended that fast-growing exotic species such as Eucalyptus grandis, Caliandra calothyrsus, and Senna siamea that are 22 grown in the region be promoted to ensure regeneration and reduction of pressure on the use of natural forest.
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    The Impact of Urban Green Spaces and Built Environments on Air Quality in Kampala City: A Comparative Analysis
    (Journal of Environment, 2025-04-06) Ddumba, Jorum; Shaban, Kato Stonewall; Labeja, Richard Louis; Katyal, Sonal
    Purpose: The study analyzed the multifaceted dynamics between green vegetated areas and built environments on air quality within Kampala City. Six (6) streets were sampled: - Nasser Lane, 6th Street, Namirembe Road, Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa, Makindu Close, and Nakasero Lane. Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane are known for green vegetation, 6th Street is known for buildings and industrial zones, while Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa are known for car parks. Methodology: The survey used cross-sectional studies and quantitative approaches during data collection and analysis. The air quality parameters sampled included Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Carbon monoxide (CO) from various points within the city center. Findings: Results showed that the 6th Street industrial area was the most polluted area of the city, with PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 2021 Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) levels by 100%, 86.96% and 100%, respectively. Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa were also polluted with Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide. However, Owino Kafumbe-Mukasa’s Carbon monoxide levels exceeded WHO’s recommended Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) levels by 95.65%. Nkrumah-Nasser Lane and Nakasero Lane had mostly non-significant or less significant effects on pollutant levels. Makindu Close was less polluted; results indicated better air quality, especially with NO2. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Increasing green vegetation within the city is thus recommended to improve air purity, as evidenced in the Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane analysis. This research demonstrates a clear inverse relationship between green cover and pollutant levels, offering empirical evidence to support the promotion of urban greening initiatives as a practical solution to air quality challenges in rapidly developing cities like Kampala.