Muni Repository (MR)

This repository contains open access publications of Muni University Library.


Objectives:

  • To digitally collect, preserve and provide electronic access to scholarly works and research output of Muni University.
  • Increase the visibility and impact of our research, making it easy for researchers, students, policymakers and journalists to reference, replicate, and re-use the work.
  • Issue permanent, unique and trustworthy identifiers when creating URLs to access the resource without concern that the location of the resource may change.

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Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- producing bacteria isolated from pregnant women’s urine at Itojo Hospital, South Western Uganda
(Microbiology Society, 2026-03-11) Twinomujuni, Muzafaru; Musinguzi, Benson; Asiimwe, Moses; Mpiima, Stephen Samuel; Zamarano, Henry; Orikushaba, Isaac; Muhanguzi, Deus; Twinamatsiko, Crinad; Mallya, Sarapia Paul; Samiri, Jamiru; Kamugisha, Joseph; Nalumaga, Pauline Petra; Kabanda, Taseera; Kassaza, Kennedy; Bagenda, Charles Nkubi; Tuhamize, Barbra; Bazira, Joel; Ricciardelli, Rosemary; Mpeirwe, Moses
Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria pose a global challenge because of resistance developing against a wide range of antimicrobial agents, complicating available treatment options. Thus, identifying the prevalent bacterial species producing ESBL enzymes and understanding how they are susceptible to antibiotics is necessary to inform effective treatment guidelines. Objective: We sought to characterize ESBL-producing bacteria isolated from pregnant women’s urine at Itojo Hospital, Ntungamo district, Southwestern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study where we collected and analysed 340 urine samples from 340 pregnant women. We did antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Isolates were screened for ESBL production and confirmed using the combination disc test. Genotypic characterization was confirmed using multiplex PCR to detect blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes. Results: The prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 29.7% (101/340). Escherichia coli 36/101 (35.6%) and Klebsiella species 33/101 (32.7%) were predominant ESBL producers. Genotypic analysis revealed blaTEM 50/101 (49.5%) and blaCTX-M 31/101 (30.7%) as the most prevalent genes, while blaSHV was less common, 8/101 (7.9%) Conclusion. The high prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria and their resistance to commonly used antibiotics highlighted the need for targeted antibiotic therapy, antimicrobial stewardship and regular molecular surveillance.
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Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional study in Southwestern Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2026-02-20) Bagenda, Charles Nkubi; Nantongo, Carol; Ssemwanga, Elastus; Mugisa, Michael Junior; Akoth, Jesca Wafwoyo; Nzaramba, Daniel; Kalyetsi, Rogers; John, Elizabeth A.; Tumusiime, Jazira; Ainebyoona, Blendar; Omara, Shadrach; Mwesigye, Vicent; Lumumba, Sylvia Achieng; Lubwama, Conrad; Musinguzi, Benson; Ampaire, Lucas; Nassali, Rose; Itabangi, Herbert; Osuwat, Lawrence Obado; Ssenkumba, Brian; Omolo, Ronald Ouma
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, an aggregate marker of atherogenic lipoproteins, has been implicated in metabolic dysfunction and may predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk. Our study investigated the association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in southwestern Uganda. We conducted a secondary analysis of data obtained from a cross-sectional study of 377 adults who had been on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy for ≥ 12 months at Ruhoko Health Centre IV, southwestern Uganda. Of the 377 participants, 42(11.1%; 95CI: 8.3–14.8) had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We observed a significant association between high non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; second tertile (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.06–8.99, p = 0.039) and third tertile (aOR = 4.46, 95% CI: 1.25–15.88, p = 0.021). At an optimal cut-off of ≥ 113.4 with a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 48%, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol had a significant discriminative ability; AUC = 0.654(95%CI:0.561–0.747) to distinguish participants with from those without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, High non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a potential predictor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Financial inclusion and governance challenges in higher education compared, perspectives from State Universities
(Goodwood Publishing, 2026-02-25) Eton, Marus; Ocan, Johnson; Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Okello-Obura, Constant; Mwosi, Fabian; Ogwel, Bernard Patrick
Purpose: This study critically examines the widely held belief that financial inclusion and governance are essential to understanding the evolution of highly complex structures and systems within higher education. Research Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative, multifaceted approach centered on case studies and a learning analytics strategy to evaluate institutions' effectiveness in achieving intended outcomes. Results: The study revealed that inadequate government funding, weak policies, and limited stakeholder engagement have significantly affected the governance of state-owned universities. Over-reliance on dwindling donor funding has also impacted research and innovation within these institutions. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for improved financial management systems, better access to financial services, and policy reforms in state-owned universities to enhance governance and sustainability. Limitations: This study is limited in its exclusive focus on public universities, which may not fully capture the broader spectrum of experiences across different educational settings, such as private institutions or vocational schools. Contributions: This study contributes to the link between financial inclusion and governance in higher education institutions by offering insights that can guide policy and institutional reforms in educational settings within the country.
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Evaluation of cosmic-ray damage and doses on hybrid and inorganic halide lead perovskites in space environment
(Elsevier, 2026-02-20) Omojola, Joseph; Engelbrecht, N.E.; Oryema, Bosco; Strauss, R.D.
This study evaluates the radiation damage and doses of hybrid (CH3NH3PbI3) and inorganic (CsPbI3) halide lead perovskites (HLPs) in a simulated space environment utilising the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) in its cosmic-ray source mode. Contributions from galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), solar energetic particles (SEPs), and radiation within Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were considered. A crucial comparative simulation with pure Silicon (Si) under identical conditions revealed Si’s superior resistance to radiation damage, while both HLPs exhibited reduced displacement per atom (DPA) at thicknesses 500 nm. The inorganic perovskite, CsPbI3, demonstrated a higher DPA and lower absorbed dose compared to CH3NH3PbI3, attributed to its greater mass density, greater energy per unit volume and higher linear energy transfer (LET). SEPs were identified as the primary cause of material damage due to their higher LET. While the higher mass density of CsPbI3 may lead to greater structural degradation over long-term energy applications, its high energy absorption per unit volume and lower ionisation energy suggest its suitability as a short-term space radiation sensor. Conversely, CH3NH3PbI3, when manufactured with a thickness 500 nm and properly encapsulated, may offer enhanced durability comparable to silicon-based solar cells for a cost-effective and dependable energy source for energy production in space.
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Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSY) gene family in Cicer arietinum L.
(Springer Nature, 2026-02-21) Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Kumar, Vinay; Manohar, Swati; Sohail, Aqib; Rani, Manjusha; Chung, Sang-Min; Kumar, Deepak; Lenka, Sangram K.; Masika, Fred Bwayo
Background Plant growth and developmental processes are tightly regulated by small secreted peptides, however, the functions and mechanisms of Tyrosine Sulfation-containing Peptides (PSY) remain unclear. In chickpea, knowledge of PSY genes family is limited. Results This study employed comprehensive bioinformatics approaches to identify and characterize seven CaPSY genes in the chickpea genome. The analyses encompass chromosomal localization, evolutionary relationships, gene structure, conserved motif identification, promoter architecture, prediction of PSY-targeting miRNAs, and expression profiling. Chromosomal mapping revealed that CaPSY genes are confined to four specific chromosomes rather than being evenly distributed across the genome. Phylogenetic analysis resolved nine distinct groups, each further subdivided into subgroups. Additionally, CaPSY genes were found to contain one to two introns. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated that each CaPSY gene consistently harbors a PSY domain in its C-terminal end. Promoter analysis of CaPSY genes revealed the presence of multiple hormone-responsive elements, including ABRE, SARE, AuxRE, and MeJARE, as well as stress-related elements such as the drought-responsive MBS, suggesting potential regulatory roles in development and stress adaptation. Further, the expression patterns of CaPSY were evaluated in multiple tissues as well as in response to abiotic stresses. The results indicated differential expression of CaPSY genes among tissues and under multiple abiotic stress conditions. We further detected several miRNAs likely to target CaPSY genes and assessed how they are expressed in different tissues. Conclusion Thus, these findings serve as a crucial resource for basic and applied research, enabling advancements in chickpea productivity and stress tolerance via precise genome editing and innovative breeding methods.