On July 24, 2025, Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) proudly celebrated the successful PhD defense of Mr. Derrick Kajjoba. His thesis, titled “Assessment of Thermal Comfort, Air Quality, and Energy Consumption of Naturally Ventilated Residential Buildings in Kampala City, Uganda,” investigated how urban dwellings perform across three vital dimensions: comfort, health, and energy use.
Kajjoba examined how residents experience temperature, humidity, and airflow in naturally ventilated homes structures that rely on windows and vents instead of mechanical cooling. His findings revealed that factors such as building orientation and local urban design significantly influence how comfortable people feel inside their homes.
The study also assessed indoor air quality, pinpointing common sources of pollution like cooking emissions and outdoor dust. While natural ventilation can enhance airflow, it doesn’t always guarantee a healthier environment especially in densely populated areas with high levels of outdoor pollutants.
Though naturally ventilated homes are seen as low-energy alternatives, Kajjoba’s research showed substantial electricity use in residents’ efforts to achieve comfort through fans, heaters, and appliances. This insight challenges assumptions about energy savings in such settings.
Kajjoba’s findings offer a blueprint for sustainable housing in Kampala and similar tropical cities. His work encourages policymakers, architects, and engineers to rethink how homes can balance affordability with environmental performance through passive cooling techniques, climate-smart design, and greener infrastructure.
The defense, held at CEDAT’s conference hall, showcased how academic research can influence real-world solutions, especially in regions grappling with rapid urbanization and climate stress. Mr. Kajjoba’s achievement reflects Makerere University’s commitment to innovative, locally grounded research that uplifts communities and informs policy.