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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- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
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Recent Submissions
Assessing the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations
(Research & Innovation Initiative, 2026-02-07) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Olupot, Simon Peter; Ogwel, Patrick Bernard; Aitaa, Sam Kilimvi
Purpose: The study aims to assess the deterrents to quality financial reporting in corporate organizations and provide an acceptable solution to address the identified challenges.
Methodology: The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires; the unit of analysis was corporate organizations based in Lira, Uganda, and the unit of inquiry was employees. The study assessed discriminant validity among the latent variables using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio, and correlations among the latent variables were computed. To enhance validity and reliability, the study addressed common method bias. A structural equation model was also developed to assess its predictive value and the strength of relationships among the latent variables.
Results: The study found that high-quality reporting is associated with good accounting standards. A positive change in financial reporting strategies improves the quality of financial reporting. It is also noted that the use of qualified staff and ICT would enhance the quality of financial reporting.
Implications: Corporate organizations that apply sound accounting standards, integrate ICT, and empower boards to perform oversight roles in accordance with established policies will always grow faster.
Originality: This study examined the often overlooked, yet significant aspects of quality financial reporting in most corporate organizations, whereas the existing literature focuses primarily on regulatory issues and compliance. The study focused on specificities and hindrances to accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.
Association between high serum alanine aminotransferase to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based ART in South-Western Uganda
(Sage Journals, 2026-02-03) Bagenda, Charles Nkubi; Nantongo, Carol; Mugisa, Michael Junior; Ainebyoona, Blendar; Oyuru, Amos; Nzaramba, Daniel; Tumusiime, Jazira; Lubwama, Conrad; Musinguzi, Benson; Osuwat, Lawrence Obado; Ssenkumba, Brian; Omolo, Ronald Ouma
Background
Serum Alanine aminotransferase to High density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (ALT-to-HDL-C ratio) has been identified as a significant predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the association between serum aminotransferases to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLWH) on Dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Western Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis study from June 15, 2025 to August 20, 2025 using a dataset generated from hospital-based cross-sectional study that investigated an association between aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio and MetS among 377 PLWH who were on DTG-based ART at Ruhoko Health Centre IV, South Western Uganda.
Results
The prevalence of MetS was 44.6%(168/377); 95% CI: 39.6 - 49.6 and significantly increased from the lowest to the highest ALT-to-HDL-C ratio tertiles (30.2% vs 47.7% vs 56.1%, p < 0.001). In the adjusted model, higher ALT-to-HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with MetS. Individuals in the second tertile had 2.35-fold higher odds (aOR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.26–4.41, p = 0.008), and those in the third tertile had over fourfold higher odds (aOR 4.65, 95% CI: 2.25–9.61, p < 0.001) of MetS compared to the lowest tertile. ALT-to-HDL-C ratio at an optimal cutoff of 0.33 had a significant ability (AUC=0.820, 95%CI: 0.782 - 0.861) to differentiate between participants with MetS from those without MetS at a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 54%.
Conclusion
Higher ALT-to-HDL-C ratio is potentially associated with MetS. Since both ALT and HDL-C are routine measurements in HIV Care, this warrants further studies on the potential of ALT-to-HDL-C ratio as a biomarker for MetS.
Prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated factors among diabetic patients attending a general hospital in Central Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-02-02) Kemigisha, L; Bagenda, CN; Gumoshabe, C; Walusimbi, P; Deborah, A; Nantongo, C; Mudondo, H; Ssemwanga, E; John, EA; Mugisa, MJ; Mwesigye, V; Wafwoyo, JA; Osuwat, LO; Musinguzi, Benson; Akiteng, Winny; Rugera, SP; Tusubira, D; Wagubi, R
Introduction: Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of kidney damage and a strong predictor of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic patients. Its prevalence and associated factors vary across populations, necessitating region-specific studies. This study evaluated the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its associated factors among diabetic patients attending a general hospital in Central Uganda.
Methods: From September 2024 to December 2024, a structured questionnaire was used to carry out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study among patients with diabetes at Nakaseke General Hospital in Central Uganda. Blood and urine samples from each participant were also analysed for determination of HbA1c, serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and microalbumin respectively. Microalbuminuria was defined as urine microalbumin levels of 20–200 mg/L. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associated factors.
Results: Of 298 participants, 220 (73.8%, 95% CI: 68.52–78.52) had microalbuminuria. The majority were females: 193 (64.8%). GGT levels were significantly higher in participants with microalbuminuria: 45.5IU/L (IQR: 33.5–57) than in those with normoalbuminuria: 39.5IU/L (IQR: 29–50), p = 0.011. HbA1c levels, indicative of glycaemic control, were noticeably greater in the microalbuminuria group: 8.2% (IQR: 7.2–9.65) as compared with those with normoalbuminuria: 7.6% (IQR: 6.9–9.1), p = 0.012. After adjustment for confounders, factors significantly associated with microalbuminuria were HIV-positive status (aOR = 3.20, p = 0.030), hypertension (aOR = 4.43, p = 0.011), and unemployment status (aOR = 2.32, p = 0.023).
Conclusion: Microalbuminuria is prevalent among patients with diabetes. Microalbuminuria is associated with elevated GGT, and HbA1c levels, HIV positivity, hypertension, and unemployment. Screening, more stringent glycaemic and blood pressure control, and targeted interventions are warranted in high-risk groups to prevent the onset of diabetic nephropathy.
The influence of university council policy functions on public university financing in Uganda
(Academic Journals, 2026-07-31) Katabaazi-Bwengye, Anny; Musoke, Henry Buwuule; Eton, Marus
This study focused on analyzing the policy functions of university councils in public university financing in Uganda. The rationale for conducting the study stemmed from the financial challenges faced by public universities, which make it difficult for them to fully execute their mandates of research, teaching, and community engagement. The study was conducted purposively among four selected public universities across the four regions of Uganda, which constituted the units of analysis. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The study population comprised 193 respondents, from whom a sample of 168 was drawn. Data were analyzed using JASP version 0.19.3.0 software. Results were presented using means and correlation analysis, and the findings revealed that university councils’ functions positively and significantly predict public university financing (r = 0.525, p < 0.001). The study also found that university councils’ policy functions directly shape how financial resources are allocated, utilized, and accounted for in public higher education institutions. The study therefore recommends strengthening the technical expertise and governance skills of university council members through capacity building to enhance effective financial oversight. In addition, higher education institutions should align their priorities with government funding frameworks while enhancing public trust and transparency, all of which are critical for securing sustained public support and funding.
Development of a green sorbent-based microextraction technique for the determination of trace level aflatoxins in traditionally processed cassava products
(Muni University, 2025-10-14) Yanduru, Mercy
Aflatoxins are a class of naturally occurring mycotoxins that pose a serious threat to food safety and public health due to their potent carcinogenic, mutagenic, and hepatotoxic effects. The detection of aflatoxins in complex food matrices remains challenging due to matrix interferences and the labor-intensive nature of conventional sample preparation techniques. This study aimed at development of a green, sensitive, and efficient analytical method for the quantification of aflatoxins in food samples, employing porous membrane-protected micro-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A series of eco-friendly sorbent materials were synthesized from water hyacinth biomass through chemical activation using eggshell-derived calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid. The resulting materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and subsequently applied in the micro-solid phase extraction of aflatoxins for trace-level determination. The Taguchi orthogonal array design was employed to optimize key extraction parameters including pH, extraction time, sorbent dosage, ionic strength, and desorption time that influence the extraction efficiency of aflatoxins. Under optimized conditions, the developed method exhibited a linear response in the concentration range of 1–50 ng/mL, with a determination coefficient (R²) between 0.9994 and 0.9999. The method also demonstrated good recovery efficiencies ranging from 80.00% to 92.18%. The method achieved limits of detection (LODs) of 0.08, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.07 µg/kg, and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.25, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.22 µg/kg for aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂, respectively. Good precision was demonstrated, with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) values ranging from 4.10% to 5.45%. The developed method was successfully applied to the trace-level determination of aflatoxins in 30 cassava flour samples collected from Arua City, Uganda. The analysis revealed that 3.30 % of the preconcentrated samples contained aflatoxin concentrations exceeding the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) permissible limit of 10 µg/kg. Aflatoxin B₁ concentrations in the samples were found to be below the maximum allowable limits established by both the European Union (2 µg/kg) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (5 µg/kg).This study has established a sensitive and efficient micro-solid phase extraction method for trace level aflatoxins detection in cassava products, indicating contamination levels above safety limits and highlighting the necessity for continuous food safety monitoring.