MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FUEL VALUE OF PEAT DEPOSITS IN KATUNA,

KABALE FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF A PEAT FIRED POWER PLANT IN
UGANDA

BY

AHAISIBE, WILFRED
B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, (Mak)

A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH AND

GRADUATE TRAINING IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

JULY 2024
DECLARATION
I Ahaisibe Wilfred declare that this research proposal is my own work and has not been
submitted to any University for any Academic Award.

Signature:

APPROVAL
This is to certify that Ahaisibe Wilfred has submitted this proposal for examination with my
approval as a supervisor.

University Supervisors
Associate Professor Peter Olupot Dr. Edmund Tumusiime
Signature:…………………… Signature………………..
Date: ………………………... Date…………………….

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION..........................................................................................................................................i
APPROVAL.................................................................................................................................................i
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................1
1.1 Background to Study.......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement...........................................................................................................................2
1.3 Research Objectives.........................................................................................................................3
1.3.1 General Objective..........................................................................................................................3
1.3.2 Specific Objectives........................................................................................................................3
1.4 Research Questions..........................................................................................................................3
1.5 Conceptual Framework....................................................................................................................3
1.6 Scope of the Study...........................................................................................................................4
1.7 Significance of the Research............................................................................................................5
1.8 Justification.....................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................................6
2.1 Peat Use as a form of Energy...........................................................................................................6
2.2 Physical, Chemical and Fuel Parameters of Peat.............................................................................6
2.3 Methods of Characterization of Peat................................................................................................7
2.4 Pathways for Energy Generation from Peat.....................................................................................7
2.4.1 Peat conversion to electricity through Combustion.......................................................................7
2.4.2 Gasification....................................................................................................................................8
2.5 Interpretation of Literature and the proposed research agenda.........................................................8
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................9
3.1 Research Paradigm........................................................................................................................9
3.2 Research Design............................................................................................................................9
3.2.1 Study setting........................................................................................................................9
3.2.2 Sampling and Sampling Strategy.........................................................................................9
3.2.3 Sample Collection and Analysis tools................................................................................10
3.3 Experimental Procedures.............................................................................................................10
3.3.1 Sampling Collection Procedure..........................................................................................10
3.3.2 Analysis Methods..............................................................................................................10
3.3.3 Data Interpretation and Analysis........................................................................................13

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 3.3.4 Validity and Reliability of Data.........................................................................................13
3.3.5 Ethical Considerations.......................................................................................................13
APPENDIX A: RESEARCH PROPOSAL WORKPLAN.......................................................................16
APPENDIX B: RESEARCH PROPOSAL BUDGET..............................................................................17

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to Study

Uganda, like many developing nations faces significant challenges in meeting its growing
domestic and industrial energy demands as the current energy demand exceeds supply
(Mainimo et al., 2022)
. Currently, the primary domestic energy used in Uganda is mainly biomass
. This has led to massive deforestation in Uganda. Recent studies conducted by
Africa Natural Resources Institute indicate that loss of forest cover has now increased to an
estimated 200,000 hectares annually (Josephat, 2018). Uganda is therefore at risk of losing all its
forests in 40 years if deforestation for energy needs continues at its present rate (Josephat, 2018).
As the country strives for cheaper, sustainable and reliable energy sources, alternative fuels such
as peat can be evaluated for their potential as an alternative energy source. Peat therefore
represents a potential indigenous energy resource for Uganda. Kabale, a town in Western
Uganda, has been identified as having substantial peat deposits, making it a promising area for
exploration and utilization (Farmer et al., 2017).

Peat is a spongy material derived from partial decomposition of organic matter, primarily plant
material which has accumulated under conditions of waterlogging, oxygen deficiency, high
acidity, and nutrient deficiency (Andriesse, 1988) . Peat is considered as renewable energy and
has the potential as a fuel to replace wood charcoal and other fuels (Nelson & Starcher, 2015) .
According to Simanjuntak et al., (2019), peat possesses some of the most competitive solid fuel
based carbonaceous content and an attractive source for power generation. It is the lowest class
of coal consisting of averagely 54.5% Carbon, 5.1% Hydrogen, 1.65% Nitrogen, 0.45% Sulphur,
33.09% Oxygen and 5.2% Ash with the High Heating Value of 21230 kJ/kg
(Simanjuntak et al., 2019)
. Peat use as a fuel is also dependent on its other desirable fuel parameters such as the
calorific value, volatile matter, moisture content, fixed carbon, and bulk density
(Ahmed et al., 2019)
. A study on peat deposits in a neighboring region in Rwanda where two peat power plants
are currently being constructed revealed the following characteristics; moisture content
(70.88%), total sulfur (0.49%), gross calorific values ranged from 2560 to 5350 Kcal/kg, with an
average value of 3976 Kcal/kg (Vitikka & Lahtinen., 2013). A study on fuel characteristics of
peat from Khulna in India indicated that peat with calorific values in the range of 4137.90 to
7094.59 Kcal/kg, Higher Heating Value of 28644.10-20107.58 kJ/kg, Lower Heating Value of

1
25404.10-16867.58 kJ/kg can be suitable for power plants of about 22-25 MW capacities
.

The peat resource in Uganda is approximately 250 million tonnes with 25 million tonnes feasibly
available for power generation according to the Wetland policy of Uganda
(Bongomin & Nziu, 2022)
. Uganda’s peatland is projected to be about 4000 km2 while the average thickness is
estimated to be about 1.5m, the average dry bulk density is estimated to be around 100 kg/m 3 and
the total peat volume about 6000 million m 3 (Bongomin & Nziu, 2022). Considering the quality
of Uganda’s peat and the Wetland Policy of Uganda, approximately 10% of this peat can be
harnessed for power generation using conventional peat production methods (Mafabi., 2016). As
indicated above, Uganda’s peat resources can be an attractive source for power generation.
However, before establishing a peat power plant in Uganda, it is crucial to thoroughly
characterize the fuel value of these peat deposits that influence the feasibility and efficiency of
using peat as a fuel source. The main goal of this research is to characterize this peat, determine
its geological, physical and chemical composition, evaluate its energy properties, and determine
the most suitable thermochemical conversion pathways with the highest efficiency and
maximum output, for converting this peat into power.

1.2 Problem Statement

Peat possesses some of the most competitive solid fuel based carbonaceous content which makes
it an attractive source for power generation. Katuna, a village in Kabale district has been
identified as having substantial peat deposits. Furthermore, the peat resource in Uganda is
approximately 250 million tons with 25 million tonnes feasibly available for power generation.
However, the utilization of this peat as a potential energy resource requires a comprehensive
understanding of fuel quality characteristics of these deposits, and the most efficient
thermochemical conversion pathways to generate the desired power. Characterization of this peat
has never been done and the corresponding energy properties necessary for development of a
peat power plant unknown. In addition, the absence of data on suitable thermochemical
conversion pathways poses a risk to the success of a potential peat power plant, as it may lead to
suboptimal design choices and inefficient energy conversion processes. There is therefore need
to characterize this peat in Katuna, determine its energy potential and design the most efficient
process that can convert this peat into power.

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1.3 Research Objectives
1.3.1 General Objective
To assess the fuel characteristics of peat deposits in Katuna, Kabale for their suitability for
development of a peat power plant.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
i. To characterize the peat deposits in Katuna
ii. To determine the energy potential of the peat deposits in Katuna
iii. To evaluate the most suitable pathways for the peat conversion into power

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the physical and chemical composition of the different peat bogs in Katuna?
ii. What are the energy values of different peat samples?
iii. What are the most suitable pathways for conversion of peat energy into usable power?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This research will focus on peat rich bogs within Katuna village, Mayengo Parish, Kamuganguzi
subcounty, Kabale district. This research will focus on physical and chemical assessment of peat
samples through laboratory analyses and analysis of energy properties. Proximate characteristics
to be analyzed include; moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content. This will
be followed by analysis of the elemental composition in peat such as nitrogen and sulphur, as
well as determination of its calorific values of using bomb calorimetry. Lastly, evaluation of the
most suitable pathways for converting the peat into usable power will be done using Aspen Plus
V11 to design models of the two proposed pathways (combustion and gasification). This is to
determine the most effective pathway with the highest efficiency and maximum energy output,
for converting this peat into power.

1.6 Significance of the Research

The data acquired during this research will be significant in determining the fuel value/potential
of the peat bogs in Katuna village and the potential for development and sustainability of a peat
fired power plant in Kabale. With Uganda’s growing energy needs due to increasing
urbanization, industrialization and services sector, this technical data will be crucial in increasing
the confidence level of Government or any development stakeholder to invest into this

3
alternative energy source and reduce the vulnerabilities associated with overdependence on
hydro power and unsustainable biomass energy sources.

1.7 Justification
Uganda is experiencing an increasing energy demand due to a number of factors; an increase in
industrialization across all regions in Uganda, mushrooming cities and towns, and an increase in
the population. The most extensively used energy source from trees and plants (BMAU., 2015) is
not sustainable as tree/forest cover is fast getting depleted for energy provision and construction
(Josephat., 2018). These growing energy demands call for evaluation of alternative potential
energy sources such as peat to meet this energy demand. Katuna, a village in Kabale district has
been identified as having substantial peat deposits. Furthermore, the peat resource in Uganda is
approximately 250 million tonnes with 25 million tonnes feasibly available for power generation.
However, the utilization of this peat as a potential energy resource requires a comprehensive
understanding of fuel quality characteristics of this peat in Katuna, determine its energy potential
and design the most efficient process that can convert this peat into power.

4
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Peat Use as a form of Energy

Globally, peat has been extensively used for energy production. Peat belongs to the slowly
renewable biomass resources, therefore its use as an energy source helps to reduce the negative
impact on the environment (Tabakaev et al., 2020). About 60 per cent of the world's wetlands are
peat and around 7 per cent of those peatlands have been cleared and used for fuel, agriculture and
forestry (Ahmed et al., 2019) . In the energy sector, peat is a significant contributor to countries
like Canada, China, Indonesia, Russia, Scandinavia, and United States where large deposits of it
are found (Ahmed et al., 2019) . In Africa, Rwanda recently diversified their energy sources and
established two peat power plants, a 15 MW (USD 39.9 million) and 80 MW (USD 350 million
under construction) peat plants in Gishoma and Gisagara respectively (Mugerwa et al., 2020), the
biggest in Africa.
2.2 Physical, Chemical and Fuel Parameters of Peat
Peat consists of organic material derived from the partial decomposition of vegetation, such as
mosses, grasses, sedges, and woody plants (Rezanezhad et al., 2016). The peat soil often exhibits
a dark brown to black color and spongy consistency with a distinctive odor depending upon its
degree of decomposition. The physical and chemical content of peat may differ from location to
location due to factors such as origin of fiber, temperature, climate, and degree of humification
(Kazemian et al., 2011) . Peat generally has a bulk density of 200-400 kg/m 3, Total porosity of
71-95.1%, Shrinkage of 18-34 mm, Pore diameter of 0.1-4.6 mm and pH ranging between 3.5 to
5.5 (Rezanezhad et al., 2016) . Peat generally possesses a Carbon content of 48-60 percent,
Hydrogen of 5.0-6.5 percent, Nitrogen of 0.5-3 percent, and Oxygen of 30-42 percent
(Thom et al., 2019)
. Peat also has bulk density ranging from 200-400 kg/m 3 (Miroshnichenko et al., 2020)
and ash content (by weight on dry basis) of 2-15 percent (Jayanti et al., 2007). Peat possesses
volatile matter (by weight) of 40-70 percent (Lindström., 1980), moisture content of 40-90
percent (Taufik et al., 2023) and an effective calorific value range (on dry basis) of 20-25 MJ/kg
(Lindström., 1980). Peats with calorific value less than 19 MJ/kg are not suitable energy
production (Mugerwa et al., 2019)

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2.3 Methods of Characterization of Peat
Several analyses are carried out during characterization of the fuel value of peat. Some of these
analyses include the following: Proximate analysis, calorific value and ultimate analysis.

Proximate analysis involves the measurement of moisture, ash, volatile matter, Sulphur content
and fixed carbon using ASTM standard D 2974-20e1 (2020). Each parameter plays a significant
value in the fuel properties of peat (Suárez-Ruiz & Ward, 2008) . Ultimate analysis provides a
convenient method for determining the major organic elemental composition of peat. This
analysis involves determination of the weight percent of carbon as well as hydrogen, sulfur,
nitrogen, and oxygen (Balaeva et al., 2018). The total carbon(C), hydrogen(H), and nitrogen(H)
are determined at the same time from the same sample in the analyzer. Standard practices for
ultimate analysis are shown in ASTM D3176-09 (Suárez-Ruiz & Ward, 2008).
Calorific value is defined as the number of calories generated when a unit amount of substance is
completely oxidized and is determined using the bomb calorimeter. The calorific value is
measured either as gross calorific value or net calorific value. Net calorific value (NCV) assumes
the water leaves with the combustion products without fully being condensed. Fuels should be
compared based on the net calorific value (Balaeva et al., 2018) . Here, a sample of peat is
completely combusted in a bomb calorimeter, which is a device for measuring heat (ASTM
method D5865-12).

2.4 Pathways for Energy Generation from Peat

The use of solid fuel such as peat in electric power generation can be accomplished by different
thermochemical conversion methods. Direct combustion and gasification are the most common
of these methods. This study will focus on these two most adopted peat conversion mechanisms.

2.4.1 Peat conversion to electricity through Combustion

During combustion, harvested peat from bogs is dried to remove excess moisture. The dried peat
is then pulverized using grinders into fine particles to increase the surface area for a more
efficient combustion process. The pulverized peat is fed into a combustion chamber where it is
mixed with air to create a combustible mixture. The combustible mixture is ignited to initiate the
combustion process. The combustion generates heat energy which is used to produce steam. This
steam is then directed to a turbine where it expands causing the turbine to rotate. The rotating
turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. (Beér, 2004).

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 2.4.2 Gasification
Gasification is a process in which feedstock such as peat is partially oxidized in a steam and
oxygen lean environment to produce raw synthesis gas (syngas). Like combustion, peat is
harvested and prepared for conversion. This involves drying to reduce moisture content. The
prepared peat is fed into a gasification reactor where it is subjected to high temperatures and
pressure in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen. Several chemical reactions take place,
such as partial oxidation, and reduction. These reactions convert the carbon in peat into a syngas
composed of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H 2), methane (CH4), and other gases. The raw
syngas typically contains impurities such as tars, particulate matter, and trace contaminants. Gas
cleanup processes, such as filtration and scrubbing, are employed to remove these impurities and
improve the quality of the syngas. The cleaned syngas is then used to fuel a combustion process
or is further processed in a combined cycle power plant, this is what is referred to as Integrated
Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC). In a combustion process, the syngas is burned to produce
heat, which is then used to generate steam. The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator,
producing electricity. In a combined cycle plant, the syngas is also used in a gas turbine to
generate electricity (Collot, 2006).

2.5 Interpretation of Literature and the proposed research agenda

In conclusion, Uganda is experiencing an increasing energy demand due to a number of factors;
such as industrialization, urbanization, and population increase. The most extensively used
energy source from trees and plants (BMAU, 2015) is not sustainable as tree/forest cover is fast
getting depleted for energy provision and construction (Josephat, 2018) . These growing energy
demands call for evaluation of alternative potential energy sources such as peat to meet this
energy demand. Katuna, a village in Kabale district has been identified as having substantial peat
deposits. Furthermore, the peat resource in Uganda is approximately 250 million tonnes with 25
million tonnes feasibly available for power generation. However, the utilization of this peat as a
potential energy resource requires a comprehensive understanding of fuel quality characteristics
of this peat in Katuna, determine its energy potential and design the most efficient process that
can convert this peat into power. The main goal of this research is to study and characterize this
peat, determine the geological, physical and chemical composition of different peat bogs,

7
determine the energy properties of this peat, and through design simulations, determine the most
suitable pathways with the highest efficiency and maximum output, for converting this peat into
power.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Paradigm

This research follows positivism as a primary paradigm. To guide this research, characterization
of peat will be done. This will involve analysis of the ultimate and proximate characteristics of
peat. This will be followed by determination of energy properties of the peat samples collected.
Lastly, process models of different thermochemical conversion pathways of peat to power will
be designed and simulated, after which, the most efficient pathway will be determined.

3.2 Research Design

This describes the procedures that will be followed while conducting the study. It presents the
research design, study area, sample size and sampling technique, data collection methods,
research procedure, data analysis and ethical consideration as well as the techniques that will be
used to analyze data.

3.2.1 Study setting

Peat sampling will be done on peat rich bogs in Katuna village, Mayengo Parish, Kamuganguzi
subcounty, Kabale district. All the sampling points will lie along the latitude of 1°25'9.84" and
longitude: 29°53'38.4".

3.2.2 Sampling and Sampling Strategy

Stratified random sampling will be applied on peat bogs for based on their unique geological
features and physical characteristics. Here, strata will be identified based on their unique
geographical features, soil types, and vegetation cover. Peat bogs will then be randonly selected
from each stratum. This will ensure representation from various strata. In consideration of factors
such as variability of peat characteristics in different peat bogs and the desired level of
confidence in the data collected, the sample size will be determined using equation 1.
2
Z . p .(1− p)
Sample ¿ ¿ 2
………………..1
e
where: Z is the Z-score corresponding to the desired confidence level, p is the estimated

8
proportion of the characteristic in the population and e is the desired margin of error.

3.2.3 Sample Collection and Analysis tools

Samples of predetermined size will be collected from Katuna peat bog using the criteria
described in preceding section, using the following tools and equipment.
A stainless-steel peat borer, a GPS device. Grinding mill, Sieve. Analytical balance. CHNS
elemental analyzer for ultimate analysis. Bomb calorimeter for calorific value analysis. Personal
Protective Equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, overcoat, lab coats, gum boots, nose masks
and a first aid kit. Other tools will include a computer with internet access, field notebooks and
pens and ziploc bags for sample collection.

3.3 Experimental Procedures

3.3.1 Sampling Collection Procedure

The sampling procure will involve the following:

Drilling holes of depth up to 10m per hole will be drilled. At each location, the borer will be
pressed into layers by hand to collect the sample. The sampling interval will be 100m from one
drill hole to another. The sampling point coordinates will be recorded. 10 samples will be
collected for screening, and final analysis. Samples will be well labelled before transportation to
the laboratory.

3.3.2 Analysis Methods

Analysis will be done at the Materials and Thermodynamics Laboratory, Mechanical

Engineering Department, Masters Laboratory (Chemistry Department) and Central Laboratory,
College of Agriculture, all at Makerere University. These analytical procedures include the
following.

a) Ultimate Analysis

Ultimate analysis is used to determine components like carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and
sulphur will be carried out by an elemental analyzer according to ASTM E775-8 (1998). Here,
dry samples will be ground into a fine powder and weighed into tin foils and placed into
elemental furnace. The samples will then be subjected to complete combustion. The sample will

9
be burned in a combustion chamber in oxygen atmosphere with helium as a carrier gas. The
combustion gases that will be released are Carbon dioxide (CO 2), Water (H2O), Nitrogen
monoxide (NO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Nitrogen (N2). NO and NO2 will be reduced at
copper contact to N2. H2O and CO2 will be captured in different adsorption columns. Mass
percentage will be determined integrally. From the known sample weight, the Carbon, Hydrogen
and Nitrogen content can be determined.

b) Proximate Analysis

Proximate parameters such as moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and ash content
will be measured using 10 sample feedstocks.
Moisture content will be measured using ASTM Standard D 2974-20e1(2020). Here, ceramic
pre-dried dishes will be weighed for its initial weight. The peat sample will be placed on the dish
and placed in a convection oven at 105±3 ºC for four hours. The sample will be removed from
the oven to cool to room temperature in desiccators. The crucible containing the oven dried
sample will be weighed and the weight recorded. The sample will be placed back into the
convection oven at 105±3 ºC and dried to constant weight. Percentage weight loss is taken as
moisture content of the sample. The moisture content will be calculated using the equation 2:
A−B
% Moisture Content= x 100 ……………………2
A
Where: A= Initial weight of peat sample, B= Weight of peat sample after 105±3 °C heat temperature
as per equation 3.
( weight dry crucible +dry sample−Weight dry crucible )...................3

Ash Content will be determined in accordance with ASTM Standard D2974-20e1(2020). The
dried crucible at 105ºC in the oven will be placed in desiccators and weighed. The sample will
be placed into the crucibles and placed in the furnace set to 725±25ºC for four hours, after which
the crucible will be cooled in the desiccator. The weight of the crucible and the sample will then
be recorded. The ash content is calculated using equation 4:

D
AshContent , %= x 100 ………………………….4
A
Where: D= weight of peat sample after 725±25°C heat temperature, A= Initial weight of peat
sample

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The volatile matter will be done in accordance with ASTM (1999). Dried samples will be
weighed into crucibles and placed into a muffle furnace maintained at 950°C±20°C for 7
minutes, removed, cooled in the desiccator, and weighed. Volatile matter will be calculated using
equation 5:
A−B
Volatile Matter %= X 100 …………………….5
A
Where A is the initial weight of the sample and B the final weight of the sample.
Fixed carbon will be done in accordance with ASTM D1857-04, 2013). Fixed carbon is the
calculated percentage of material that was lost during the testing for moisture, volatile matter,
and ash as per equation 6.
( ¿ carbon FC =100−(moisture + volatile matter +ash) ) ................6

c) Calorific value analyses for determination of energy properties of peat samples

The calorific value will be determined in accordance with ASTM D 2015-96 (1998). Feed stock
samples will be dried to constant weight at 105 ºC in an oven and placed in the desiccators to
cool. Samples will be ground, made into briquettes of approximately one gram and taken in a
crucible. A bomb calorimeter will be used. A long cotton thread will be placed over the sample
in the crucible to facilitate the ignition. Both the electrodes of the calorimeter will be connected
by a nichrome fuse wire. The sample will be fired with the help of an electric source to produce a
spark inside the bomb to combust the fuel. A thermometer attached to the water jacket will
record any change in temperature due to the burning of the feedstock. Here, Gross calorific value
will be measured depending on the ASTM D 240 standard in the model of the Bomb
Calorimeter.

d) Determination of Suitable Pathways for Peat Conversion into Power through

Process Design, Modelling and Simulation

Here, two process models for combustion and gasification will be designed with process flow
sheets clearly shown. The process models will be designed and simulated using ASPEN Plus
V11 to determine the energy output and efficiency of each of the two processes. The procedure
will involve initiation of a new simulation project in the Aspen Plus V11 software, definition of
components such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, ash as well as assignment of physical
and thermodynamic properties to these components. Selection of a system package that

11
represents the behaviour of the system accurately will be done, followed by design of unit
operations for combustion and gasification processes such as reactors, heaters, coolers, and
separators. Input of specific kinetic data for the combustion and gasification reactions of peat
will be done. The next step will be specification of feed conditions such as feed composition,
temperature, and pressure for the peat entering the system. Lastly, connection of the unit
operations in the order of the process flow will be done followed by running the simulations to
obtain results. The process will check for convergence and adjustments made where necessary.
The simulation results will be reviewed to determine the performance and efficiency of the two
process models, combustion and gasification, by reviewing and analyzing parameters such as
temperature and pressure profiles, composition of output energy/product streams, and overall
system efficiency. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted by varying key parameters to
understand the sensitivity of key outputs to changes in input parameters. A process report will
then be generated to document simulation results and findings.

3.3.3 Data Interpretation and Analysis

Regression analysis, Descriptive statistics, Inferential statistics and Visualization will be used to
understand, interpret data and identify relationships between variables, such as the effect of
moisture content on calorific value, make predictions about a population based on a sample or
create graphical representations of the data, such as line graphs and bar charts.

3.3.4Validity and Reliability of Data

The research will adopt standardized and widely accepted protocols for sample collection,
laboratory analysis, and data interpretation for reliability and comparability of results obtained.
Calibration and quality control mechanisms will be employed to ensure accuracy of equipment
and instruments. The research will ensure that the methodology applied is clear and reproducible.

3.3.5 Ethical Considerations

Permission and consent from relevant parties such as local authorities will be sought before any
activity is undertaken. Data collection and analysis, as well as securing obtained data will be
conducted with integrity and transparency.

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4.0 REFERENCES
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1205012633
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APPENDIX A: RESEARCH PROPOSAL WORKPLAN

May 06, 2024

May 13, 2024
May 20, 2024
May 27, 2024
June 03, 2024
June 10, 2024
June 17, 2024
June 24, 2024
Mar 26, 2024
Mar 31, 2024

July 01, 2024

April 8, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
Apr 22, 2024
Apr 29, 2024
Research Activity Weeks
Research proposal submission 1
Field visit and sample collection 2
Laboratory preparation peat of samples 1
Peat Sample Analysis 2
Design and Simulation of process models 2
Compilation of research report 2
Review of draft report with supervisor 3
Final editing of report and submission 2

15
APPENDIX B: RESEARCH PROPOSAL BUDGET
RESEARCHER: AHAISIBE WILFRED

SN BUDGET ITEM QUANTITY AMOUNT (UGX) TOTAL (UGX

1 Personnel
Field assistants 2 250,000 500,000
Laboratory assistant 1 300,000 300,000

2 Administrative expenses
Printing and photocopying 150,000 150,000
Phone calls 100,000 100,000
Other scholastic items (pens). 200,000 200,000

3 Meals, travel, and

accommodation
Meals (2 per day for 2 people) 60 days 20,000 1,200,000
Travel to and from (Kabale- 3 times 100,000 300,000
Kampala)

4 Sampling tools and materials

Peat borer kit 1 7,400,000 7,400,000
Sample storage bags 50 5000 250,000
Samples transportation 1 100,000 100,000

5 Samples’ analysis costs

Laboratory analysis costs multiple tests 4,000,000 4,000,000

6 Consultancy costs
Advisory 2 300,000 600,000

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7 Contingency
Miscellaneous 500,000 500,000

TOTAL 15,600,000/-

17