Department of Biological sciences

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Genetic diversity in Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei isolates from mainland and Lake Victoria island populations in south-eastern Uganda: epidemiological and control implications
(Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology ., 1997-11-15) Enyaru, J. C. K.; Matovu, E.; Odiit, M.; Okedi, L. A.; Rwendeire, A. J. J.; Stevens, J. R.
The Buvuma Islands, a collection of approximately 48 islands and islets, are situated off the northern shores of Lake Victoria, in Mukono District, Uganda. A mass evacuation of the islands' inhabitants was undertaken by the authorities in the 1940s because of an epidemic of sleeping sickness, the causative parasites being transmitted by Glossina palidipes (Mackichan, 1944).
The potential role of Ugandan indigenous chicken in poverty alleviation
(The Uganda Journal., 2004-12) Kyarisiima, C.C; Kugonza, D.R.; Twesigye, C.K.
This paper describes the existing production characteristics of the Ugandan indigenous chickens, highlights their potential, and suggests strategies for improvement and use in poverty alleviation programmes, emphasizing the involvement of the beneficiaries in ant-poverty initiatives. The predominance of the indigenous chickens long after the introduction of the exotic strains is presented as evidence that these chickens have the potential to form the basis for improved rural poultry production and can be transformed from subsistence to semi-commercial production systems in the poor rural households. As a way forward, a practical model is presented to demonstrate sustainability and economic viability of poultry farming based on Ugandan indigenous chicken.
Analysis of the 24-h microfilarial periodicity of Mansonella perstans
(Springerlink: Parasitology Research, 2008-12-24) Asio, Santa Maria; Simonsen, Paul E.; Onapa, Ambrose W.
The Mansonella perstans microfilarial (mf) periodicity in peripheral blood was analysed in a group of 32 healthy individuals from an endemic community in Uganda. The majority of individuals had maximum mf intensity during the first and minimum during the last 12 h of the day. Mean mf ratios (i.e. time-specific counts in relation to mean count for the individual) indicated a weak but significant diurnal periodicity with peak intensity around 0800 h. Trigonometric analysis of the ratios, assuming a harmonic wave pattern of periodicity, gave a periodicity index of 11.1 and a peak time of 0645 h. The higher mf intensities in the early morning appeared to coincide with the preferred biting hour of the vectors. The observed weak pattern of mf periodicity indicates that the sampling time of blood specimens for diagnosis will have only minor effect on diagnostic sensitivity.
A randomised, double-blind field trial of ivermectin alone and in combination with albendazole for the treatment of Mansonella perstans infections in Uganda
(Oxford Academic: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2009-03-01) Asio, Santa Maria; Simonsen, Paul E.; Onapa, Ambrose W.
The effect of a single dose of ivermectin alone (150–200 μg/kg body weight) or in combination with albendazole (total of 400 mg) in Mansonella perstans infection was assessed in a randomised, double-blind field trial in two endemic communities in Mukono and Luwero districts of Uganda. No side effects were observed or reported during the first 7 days after treatment. The effect on microfilaraemia was analysed among individuals with ≥20 microfilariae (mf) per 100 μl of blood at baseline, who took the treatment and who attended follow-up examinations at 6 months and 12 months after treatment (48 and 46 in Mukono and 48 and 40 in Luwero for the ivermectin and combination treatment, respectively). In both communities, the combination treatment appeared slightly more effective than ivermectin alone, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both drug regimens were more effective in Luwero than in Mukono, probably owing to different diets in the two areas. However, in general both treatment regimens in both communities had limited effect on microfilarial intensities, and only one individual (given combination treatment in Luwero) was mf-negative at 6 months and 12 months after treatment. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
Mansonella perstans filariasis in Uganda: patterns of microfilaraemia and clinical manifestations in two endemic communities
(Oxford Academic: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2009-03-01) Asio, Santa Maria; Simonsen, Paul E.; Onapa, Ambrose W.
Surveys for Mansonella perstans infection and potentially related clinical manifestations were undertaken in two endemic communities in Mukono and Luwero districts of Uganda where no other human filarial infections are transmitted. A sensitive and accurate counting chamber method was used for quantifying microfilaraemia in 100 μl of finger-prick blood. Among 575 and 991 examined individuals aged ≥1 year in the two communities, the overall microfilariae (mf) prevalence was significantly higher in Mukono (76.5%) than in Luwero (57.7%). As early as age 1–4 years, 40.6% and 20.5% of the children were mf-positive. Prevalences increased rapidly with increasing age to reach 89.2% and 81.4% in the 15–19 years age group and then remained high in subsequent age groups. The geometric mean mf intensity among mf-positive individuals was slightly higher in the Mukono community (32.4 mf/100 μl) than in the Luwero community (29.9 mf/100 μl), and this parameter increased with age in both communities. No obvious associations were observed between various clinical parameters and M. perstans microfilaraemia in any of the study communities. The observed patterns of microfilaraemia and the lack of obvious visible clinical manifestations suggest that the host's regulatory responses are downregulated in M. perstans infections. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
Mansonella perstans filariasis in Africa
(Elsevier: Acta Tropica, 2011-09) Simonsen, Paul E.; Onapa, Ambrose W.; Asio, Santa Maria
Mansonella perstans is a vector-borne human filarial nematode, transmitted by tiny blood-sucking flies (biting midges). It is widespread in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and also occurs in parts of Central and South America. Despite the commonness of this parasite very few studies have been carried out on its epidemiology and on the morbidity resulting from it, and only few thorough drug trials have been conducted to look for effective and suitable drugs and drug regimens for treatment and control. Here, we review currently available knowledge on M. perstans infections in Africa, including documented aspects of biology, vectors, transmission, diagnosis, epidemiology, morbidity and treatment. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for more research on this widespread but greatly neglected infection in order to properly assess its public health significance and as a background for identifying and recommending optimal means and strategies for treatment and control.
Effectiveness of university teacher education curriculum on the secondary school teacher performance in Uganda: the case of Kyambogo University
(Journal of International Cooperation in Education., 2013) Otaala, Justine; Maani, John S.; Bakaira, Godfrey G.
The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Kyambogo University teacher-education curriculum on secondary school teacher performance in Uganda. The study was conducted between 2008-2011. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, lesson observations and interviews were administered to Kyambogo University lecturers, university students, secondary school teachers and students. Results indicate that most lecturers and secondary school teachers use teacher-centred methods. Theoretical teaching was widely practiced in schools and university. Teachers attributed their use of teacher-centered methods to their training and pressure of national examinations. Suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the university secondary teacher education program are made and include: university curriculum review, reform of examination system, conducting pedagogical courses for university lecturers, teachers, and involving experienced teachers in supervising students on school practice.
Response of endemic Clarias species’ life-history biometrics to land use around the papyrus-dominated Mpologoma riverine wetland, Uganda
(Taylor&Francis Online: African Journal of Aquatic Science, 2014-10-02) Ssanyu, GA; Kipkemboi, J; Mathooko, JM; Balirwa, J
The Mpologoma River wetland is highly negatively impacted by rice growing and yet it provides habitat to endemic Clarias species that are important to the wetland fishery. Variations in life-history biometrics of small Clarias species at various wetland sites in relation to land-use changes within the wetland were studied in 2012. Four sites exposed to different land uses were sampled for vegetation, water quality and small Clarias species’ life-history biometrics. Water conductivity was significantly higher at the highly disturbed site, ranging from 140 to 480 µS cm−1. Limiting nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, were higher at the least disturbed sites. Two small Clarias species were identified. Mean total length and weight of Clarias liocephalus, the most abundant species (66%), were 16.81 cm (SD 4.03) and 33.77 g (SD 19.63), respectively, whilst those for Clarias alluaudi (34%) were 17.83 cm (SD 4.49) and 39.94 g (SD 22.99), respectively. Mean total length, weight and fecundity of both species were significantly higher at the highly disturbed sites than at the least disturbed sites. Habitat disturbance intensities due to land use conferred population-level benefits such as higher values of life-history biometrics of Clarias species at the highly disturbed sites in the wetland.
How water exchange and seasonality affect the eutrophication of Murchison bay, lake Victoria
(Elsevier: Limnologica, 2015-07) Luyiga, Suzan; Haande, Sigrid; Semyalo, Ronald P.; Kizito, Yusuf S.; Miyingo-Kezimbira, Anne; Brettum, Pål; Solheim, Anne Lyche; Odong, Robinson; Asio, Santa Maria; Jensen, Knut Helge; Larsson, Petter
Murchison Bay in the Northern part of Lake Victoria has for decades received a daily wastewater load of 0.2% of its volume from Kampala City, through the Nakivubo channel. In spite of this, the Water Treatment Works abstracts raw water from this bay and has been able to produce drinking water of sufficient quality for the capital. This study monitored various physical−chemical components within the bay during 2000−2003 to understand the processes responsible for the acceptable quality of raw water. Four sampling stations were located along a transect from the channel mouth towards the open lake. Results showed that the wastewater did not accumulate in the bay, instead was already strongly diluted 2.5 km from the channel mouth. This caused an abrupt reduction in conductivity and the concentrations of the nutrients total phosphorus (Tot-P), orthophosphate (PO4-P) and total nitrogen (Tot-N). Inshore−offshore exchange of water was mediated by flows from daily and sub-daily water level fluctuations and wind-driven currents. As a daily average, 2% of the Murchison Bay flowed in and out and the incoming wastewater was diluted 9.7 times. During the dry season from June to August (D2), when the weather was influenced by the south-east monsoon, the thermal stratification in the main lake disappeared and cooler and deoxygenated water from deeper depths entered the bay influencing its water quality. The daily flushing of water in and out of the bay due to water level variation was identified as the main factor diluting the bay water.
Indigenous knowledge and antibacterial activity of selected herbs used locally to treat common cold in Central Uganda
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2016-08) Walugembe, Joel; Iramiot, Jacob S.; Katuura, Esther
The study documented the medicinal plants used in the treatment of influenza and common cough and established efficacy of some plants locally used against bacteria causing upper respiratory tract infections in Uganda. It involved an ethnobotanical survey and laboratory experimental investigation to determine the bioactivity against selected bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract infections. Data on medicinal indigenous knowledge was collected with the aid of questionnaires, direct observations, key informant interviews and field excursions and voucher specimen collection. The plants were identified by a botanist at Makerere University Herbarium (MHU), Department of Biological Sciences and voucher specimen were deposited in the herbarium. Methanol and diethyl ether extracts of the commonly used plants were screened for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumonia and Klebsiella pneumonia using agar well diffusion and agar well dilution methods. Ethno botanical survey showed that 43 plants were commonly used and the most commonly used plant was Momordica feotida. Three out of four extracts assayed had activity against S. pneumonia and K. pneumonia, while one showed activity against K. pneumoniae. Hence, plants extracts showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. There is need for further development and standardization of products to treat respiratory diseases at household level in the study area.
Primary school teacher trainees’ perceptions of the quality of support provided during mentoring
(Journal of Education and Entrepreneurship., 2018-09-01) Otaala, Justine
This study examined the Ugandan primary teacher trainees’ perceptions of the quality of support provided to them during their school practice/mentoring. Questionnaires were administered to 155 participants who had just completed their first school practice and randomly drawn from two Primary Teachers’ Colleges in the Central Region of Uganda. Questionnaires and interview transcripts were coded until a saturation point of 55 was reached, when no new themes and trends emerged. The 55 questionnaires were then considered for content analysis. Teacher trainees’ lesson plans and schemes of work were analyzed to assess the quality of support provided. Teaching timetables, class registers, records of work covered, learners’ progress records and mentors’ reports about the student teachers were also analyzed. Results showed that teacher trainees rated highly the quality of the support received from their mentors. They valued the support they received as relevant, important and helpful. It enables them acquire knowledge, attitudes, pedagogical skills and self-confidence. Nevertheless, some of them reported dissatisfaction with the quality of support provided, particularly mentors’ reluctance to entrust them with some critical aspects of teaching, mainly assessment. They also cited mentors’ unavailability to support them.
Corm damage caused by banana weevils Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) collected from different banana growing regions in Uganda
(Springer Nature: Agriculture & Food Security., 2018-10-19) Twesigye, Charles K.; Ssekatawa, Kenneth; Kiggundu, Andrew; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce; Matovu, Enock; Karamura, Eldad
In this study, both healthy tissue culture plantlets and maiden suckers of the Nakitembe cultivar were used to assess the damage level variation caused by banana weevils collected from different banana growing regions. Seventy-nine (79) tissue culture plantlets and fifty (50) suckers were established in buckets in a randomized complete block design for 5 months. Ten adult weevils (5 females and 5 males) were introduced at the base of each plant, and the buckets were covered with a weevil proof mesh. Weevil damage was estimated as a percentage at 60 days after the weevil introduction by estimating the peripheral damage (PD), total cross section corm damage (XT) and above the collar damage (ACD). Results: The results showed high differences in the PD, XI, XO and XT caused by weevils from the different zones. PD and XT ranged from 4.8–50.4 to 4.2–43.8%, respectively, caused by weevils collected from Kabale and Rakai, Kabale and Wakiso, respectively, while XI and XO varied from 0.0–42.9 to 8.3–40.4%, respectively, caused by banana weevils collected from Kabale and Rakai, Kabale and Rakai, respectively. Banana weevils from Rakai caused the highest ACD of 40.4% and no such damage was caused by banana weevils collected from western Uganda. Average ACD in suckers was 19.6% and significantly higher than that in tissue culture plants (8.5%). Conclusions and recommendations: Corm damage assessment suggests the existence of banana weevil biotypes but it is recommended that follow-up studies be carried out to confirm this phenomenon.
Variation among banana weevil cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) populations in Uganda as revealed by AFLP markers and corm damage differences
(Agriculture & Food Security., 2018-10-23) Twesigye, Charles K.; Ssekatawa, Kenneth; Kiggundu, Andrew; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce; Matovu, Enock
The banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) is a major production constraint of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) in the world. Differences in damage levels and pesticide response across regions led to the postulation that there might be considerable variation between banana weevil populations (biotypes) with varying levels of virulence. One of the most sustainable options for banana weevil control is the use of host plant resistance. While new resistant varieties are being developed through both conventional crossbreeding and biotechnology, there is a need to assess the genetic variation of banana weevil populations from eastern, central, southern, southwestern and midwest regions of Uganda to determine whether there are biotypes with different virulence levels. This would help guide new control strategies to target all the possible biotypes. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used to analyze population genetic diversity using four primer combinations (EcoRI/MSeI). Results: Analysis of molecular variance results presented no evidence to support significant genetic variability among the banana weevil populations from eastern, central, southern, southwestern and midwest regions. Practically, all the genetic variation was found to reside within populations (97% for sites and 98% for regions), with only approximately 3% and 2% residing among populations of sites and regions, respectively. Conclusions and recommendations: AFLP markers clustered the banana weevils into two distinct populations consequently supporting the hypothesis of possible presence of banana weevil biotypes in Uganda. However, attempts should be made to make follow-up studies on the seemingly unique population of eastern Uganda using more robust molecular techniques to establish whether the eastern Uganda population constitutes a different biotype.
Genetically engineered East African highland bananas –proximate analysis and effect of cooking on the enhanced provitamin A levels
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2020-12) Walugembe, J.; Buah, S.; Runo, S.; Ateka, E.; Kubiriba, J.; Tushemereirwe, W.
Micronutrient deficiency is a major challenge in the developing world. This is mainly attributed to over-reliance on starchy staples foods such as cassava, rice and banana among others, which are deficient in micronutrients such as vitamin A and iron. Strategies put in place to provide a solution to micronutrient deficiencies such as dietary supplementation of vitamin A and food fortification have not been successful in the developing world due to high costs and unreliable supply chains (food and medical). Biofortification of the easily accessible staple foods could help reduce this problem associated with micronutrient deficiency. On this account, the Biofortification project in Uganda under the National Banana Program developed transgenic East African Highland Bananas (EAHBs) (M9 and Nakitembe) with enhanced levels of provitamin A (PVA) using the Fe’i banana-derived phytoene synthase 2a (MtPsy2a) gene. To determine the nutritional quality of the transgenic bananas, an analysis of the proximate composition of the biofortified East African Highland Bananas was carried out. The effect of cooking on retention of provitamin A carotenoids (pVAC), was assessed using two cooking methods; boiling and steaming (most common methods of preparing cooking banana meals in Uganda). It was observed that there were no significant (P≤0.05) differences in moisture content (P=0.4287), carbohydrate (P=0.3966), crude fat (P=0.4051), crude fiber (P=0.3214), protein (P=0.0858) and ash content (P=0.1336) between transgenic and non-transformed bananas. It was found that steaming, as a cooking method allowed for retention of more provitamin A carotenoids compared to boiling. Comparison of the cultivars on their retention of provitamin A carotenoids, results indicated that Nakitembe was superior to M9. Genetic engineering of bananas by biofortification has no effect on major food components in EAHBs (M9 and Nakitembe) and, therefore, genetically modified M9 and Nakitembe are substantially equivalent to the non-transgenic controls and the biofortified bananas can provide the necessary nutrients even after cooking. This data will inform subsequent steps for the commercialization of biofortified EAHBs.
School practice supervision and performance of student teachers in higher institutions of learning in Uganda : empirical evidence from Kyambogo University and Ndejje University
(Journal of Education and Entrepreneurship., 2020-12-05) Apolot, Harriet Margret; Komakech, Robert Agwot; Kamanyire, Venance; Otaala, Justine
This study examined the impact of school practice supervision on performance of student teachers in higher institutions of learning in Uganda. Purposive and random samplings were used to select respondents from the two universities. Data was collected using interviews, closed and open-ended questionnaires from a sample of 103 respondents, and 76 respondents returned their well filled questionnaires giving a response rate of 73.8%. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Ver. 20 while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The result showed a significant positive relationship between school practice supervision and student teacher performance (r=0.518, p<0.000) in higher institution of learning in Uganda. It also showed that school practice supervision improves student teachers’ subject competence; enhance their confidence in teaching and learning of new teaching techniques. It therefore concludes that although school practice is an integral part of the teacher education programs in both Kyambogo and Ndejje Universities, the practice is bedevilled with many challenges ranging from poor facilitation of both students and supervisors, lack of respect for both student teachers by lecturers and vice versa.
Xanthomonas bacteriophages: a review of their biology and biocontrol applications in agriculture
(BMC Microbiology, 2021-10-25) Nakayinga, Ritah; Makumi, Angela; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Tinzaara, William
Phytopathogenic bacteria are economically important because they affect crop yields and threaten the livelihoods of farmers worldwide. The genus Xanthomonas is particularly significant because it is associated with some plant diseases that cause tremendous loss in yields of globally essential crops. Current management practices are ineffective, unsustainable and harmful to natural ecosystems. Bacteriophage (phage) biocontrol for plant disease management has been of particular interest from the early nineteenth century to date. Xanthomonas phage research for plant disease management continues to demonstrate promising results under laboratory and field conditions. AgriPhage has developed phage products for the control of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. These are causative agents for tomato, pepper spot and speck disease as well as citrus canker disease. Phage-mediated biocontrol is becoming a viable option because phages occur naturally and are safe for disease control and management. Thorough knowledge of biological characteristics of Xanthomonas phages is vital for developing effective biocontrol products. This review covers Xanthomonas phage research highlighting aspects of their ecology, biology and biocontrol applications.
Molecular analysis of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage‑gated sodium channel gene of Aedes aegypti populations from Saudi Arabia
(BMC Parasites & Vectors, 2022) Abadi, M. Mashlawi; Ashwaq, M. Al‑Nazawi; Elsiddig, M. Noureldin; Hussain, Alqahtani; Jazem, A. Mahyoub; Jassada, Saingamsook; Mustapha, Debboun; Martha, Kaddumukasa; Hesham, M. Al‑Mekhlafi; Catherine, Walton
Background: The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika viruses worldwide. The first record of Ae. aegypti in southwestern Saudi Arabia was in 1956. However, the first outbreak and cases of dengue fever were reported in 1994, and cases have increased in recent years. Vector control for Ae. aegypti mainly uses pyrethroid insecticides in outdoor and indoor space spraying. The constant use of pyrethroids has exerted intense selection pressure for developing target-site mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene in Ae. Aegypti against pyrethroids—mutations that have led to knockdown resistance (kdr). Methods: Aedes aegypti field populations from five regions (Jazan, Sahil, Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah) of southwestern Saudi Arabia were genotyped for known kdr mutations in domains IIS6 and IIIS6 of the vgsc gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. We estimated the frequency of kdr mutations and genotypes from Saudi Arabia as well as from other countries, Thailand, Myanmar (Southeast Asia) and Uganda (East Africa). We constructed haplotype networks to infer the evolutionary relationships of these gene regions. Results: The three known kdr mutations, S989P, V1016G (IIS6) and F1534C (IIIS6), were detected in all five regions of Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, the triple homozygous wild genotype was reported for the first time in two individuals from the highlands of the Jazan region and one from the Al-Quoz, Sahil region. Overall, nine genotypes comprising four haplotypes were observed in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The median-joining haplotype networks of eight populations from Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia and East Africa for both the IIS6 and IIIS6 domains revealed that haplotype diversity was highest in Uganda and in the Jazan and Sahil regions of Saudi Arabia, whereas haplotype diversity was low in the Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah regions. Median-joining haplotype networks of both domains indicated selection acting on the kdr-mutation containing haplotypes in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions: The presence of wild type haplotypes without any of the three kdr mutations, i.e. that are fully susceptible, in Saudi Arabia indicates that further consideration should be given to insecticide resistance management strategies that could restore pyrethroid sensitivity to the populations of Ae. aegypti in Saudi Arabia as part of an integrative vector control strategy.
Mosquito-borne diseases and their control strategies: an overview focused on green synthesized plant-based metallic nanoparticles
(Insects, 2023-02-23) Hudson, Onen; Miryam, M. Luzala; Stephen, Kigozi; Rebecca, M. Sikumbili; Claude-Josué, K. Muanga; Eunice, N. Zola; Sébastien, N. Wendji; Aristote, B. Buya; Aiste, Balciunaitiene; Jonas, Viškelis; Martha, A. Kaddumukasa; Patrick, B. Memvanga
Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens that cause most life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, Lymphatic filariasis, etc. To reduce the transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases in humans, several chemical, biological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods of control are used. However, these different strategies are facing important and timely challenges that include the rapid spread of highly invasive mosquitoes worldwide, the development of resistance in several mosquito species, and the recent outbreaks of novel arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Dengue, Rift Valley fever, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, etc.). Therefore, the development of novel and effective methods of control is urgently needed to manage mosquito vectors. Adapting the principles of nanobiotechnology to mosquito vector control is one of the current approaches. As a single-step, eco-friendly, and biodegradable method that does not require the use of toxic chemicals, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using active toxic agents from plant extracts available since ancient times exhibits antagonistic responses and broad-spectrum target-specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the different mosquito control strategies in general, and on repellent and mosquitocidal plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles in particular, has been reviewed. By doing so, this review may open new doors for research on mosquito-borne diseases.
Potential of moisture conservation practices to improve soil properties and nutrient status of Robusta coffee plant
(Agronomy, 2023-04) Judith, Kobusinge; Geofrey, Gabiri; Godfrey H., Kagezi; Godfrey, Sseremba; Alice, Nakitende; Geofrey, Arinaitwe; Charles K., Twesigye
Soil moisture conservation practices (SMCPs) have been adopted in Uganda to adapt to the effects of climate variability. However, limited information exists on how conservation measures influence the physico-chemical properties of soil and coffee leaf nutrient concentrations. Thus, we determined the effects of selected SMCPs on the soil physio-chemical properties and leaf nutrient concentrations in Robusta coffee in a randomized incomplete block design, replicated three times, in Kituza, Uganda. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm and 20 to 40 cm depths, and analyzed in the laboratory following standard procedures for selected physio-chemical properties. Coffee leaf samples were picked from each treatment (open sun coffee (COSS), coffee cover crop, Desmodium intortum (CCS), coffee mulch, Miscanthidium violoceum (CMS), and coffee A. coriaria (ACS)). Bulk density was significantly (p < 0.001) the highest under ACS (1.61 gcm−3) and lowest under CCS (1.29 gcm−3), and it significantly (p < 0.001) increased with depth. The soil organic matter was higher than the optimum range of 1–3% at the 0–20 cm depth across different SMCPs, but within the optimum range at the 20–40 cm depth. Leaf nitrogen was significantly the highest under ACS (3.19%) and lowest under COSS (2.30%). Overall, the findings suggest that SMCPs improve the soil physio-chemical attributes and leaf nutrients for sustainable coffee productivity. However, ACS improved the leaf plant nutrition better compared to other SMCPs.
Effect of land use activities on water quality, soil and vegetation cover for conservation of river wambabya catchment, hoima district
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-06) Nabwire, Mirembe Winnie
Increasing land use activities are greatly decreasing environmental quality of River catchments thus, making them susceptible to pollution and depletion. The land use activities such as human settlements, massive deforestation, oil infrastructural developments, conversion of wetlands into subsistence farmland, and agroforestry were increasing within River Wambabya catchment. However, there was no empirical evidence of the present status of the water quality, soil and vegetation cover in the river catchment hence necessitating a research study. The overall objective of the research study was to evaluate the effect of land use activities on the water quality, soil and vegetation cover for conservation of River Wambabya catchment, Hoima District. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effect of land use activities on the water quality (pH, EC, COD, BOD, Total phosphates, nitrates, Pb, Escherichia coli, and total coliforms) of River Wambabya catchment; to assess the effect of land use activities on the soil (pH, EC, Heavy metals-Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd) of River Wambabya catchment; and to determine the effect of land use activities on the vegetation cover of River Wambabya catchment over a period of 20 years (1998-2018). The study used a simple random sampling technique during collection of water and soil samples. Water quality and soil parameters were analyzed using American Public Health Association (APHA) standard analytical procedures. Heavy metals in water were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) while soil heavy metals were analyzed using Mehlich- 3 extraction method buffered to pH 2.5. Vegetation cover change of 20 years (1998-2018) was analyzed using Landsat 8 images and ArcMap 10.8 version. Results showed that land use activities had significant effect on water quality BOD (p value of 0.021) at p<0.05. Subsistence farmland (7mg/l), and wetland (6mg/l) activities were the major contributors of high BOD levels. Land use activities also had a significant effect on the concentration levels of soil Zn (p value of 0.048), Ni (p value of 0.020), and Pb (p value of 0.037) at p< 0.05. Subsistence farmland, and agroforestry were the major sources of high Zn, Ni and Pb concentrations. lastly, land use activities had a significant effect on the vegetation cover of river Wambabya catchment. There was a drastic increase in built-up areas (5.38%), and subsistence farmland (1.04%) with a reduction in vegetation cover under Bushland (1.97%), forests (2.58%), grasslands (7.56%), open water (1.23%), wetlands (1.42%) and woodland (1.39%) over the 20-year period. Subsequently, natural resources conservation efforts are required in river Wambabya catchment area so as to improve its sustainability and co-existence with human livelihoods. Particularly, more conservation efforts are needed to halt the deteriorating water quality and reducing vegetation coverage of the catchment. Further in-depth studies can be conducted on the temporal variations of vegetation cover and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the soils of the RWC due to the increasing mining and oil and gas development.

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