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
Voices of the kky: Birds in Lango myths and traditions
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2026-04-16) Agea, Jacob Godfrey
his study explored the rich and nuanced folklore surrounding birds in the Lango society of northern Uganda, highlighting their profound symbolic roles within myths, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. Grounded in Symbolic Interactionism and Ethno-ornithology, the study investigated how meanings are socially constructed around birds through everyday interactions, oral traditions, and close environmental observation. In Lango cosmology, birds are not merely ecological beings; they are also deeply embedded as messengers, omens, moral instructors, and intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through key informant interviews with 93 elders, purposively selected from various Lango sub-regions for their role as custodians of cultural knowledge. Thematic analysis revealed a wide range of symbolic interpretations associated with different bird species. For instance, an Owl (Tula) signifies both death and wisdom, while Turaco (Ongolomuge) represents forest vitality and continuity. Long-Tailed Widowbird (Ojwijwiny) is linked to courtship and attraction, whereas Crested Crane (Iwalu) symbolises harmony, love, and fidelity. Woodpeckers (Teltel/Ototok) are associated with rain prediction and perseverance, and Kingfishers (Pinycwir) signify prosperity and good fortune. Conversely, Vultures (Acut) and Ground Hornbills (Arum) are often interpreted as omens of misfortune. Doves (Awele) serve as spiritual connectors between the living and ancestors, while Weaver Birds (Ocok) embody diligence and communal responsibility. These symbolic associations reflect a deeply interconnected human–nature relationship, embedding ecological knowledge, ethical values, and social identity within cultural narratives. In the face of rapid socio-cultural and environmental change, the study underscores the importance of preserving such folklore as a vital repository of indigenous wisdom and environmental stewardship. There is thus, a need of further interdisciplinary research combining ethnography, ecology, ornithology, and anthropology to deepen the understanding of the ecological, cultural, mythical, and spiritual significance of birds in Lango culture
Quirky, humorous, and funniest market names in Lango Sub-region, Northern Uganda: Linguistic creativity, socio-cultural, economic, and historical overview
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2026-04-14) Agea, Jacob Godfrey
This paper explores the distinctive and humorous naming culture of markets in the Lango sub-region, Northern Uganda, drawing on a comprehensive compilation of over 100 market names. The paper draws findings from interviews and social media insights to present a holistic account of how humour and language innovate public spaces and contribute to community resilience through commerce. Lango people, known for their linguistic creativity and cultural wit, adopt market names that go beyond simple geographic or functional descriptors, embedding humour, wordplay, local anecdotes, and social commentary. This naming tradition serves multifaceted purposes: it attracts attention to these markets, fosters social interaction and community cohesion, and contributes to the cultural identity and pride of the Lango people. These markets are vital centres of trade, especially for agricultural produce and livestock, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of households. The names themselves, prefixed frequently by "Cuk," the Lango word for market, reflect the regional dialect and customs. They showcase nuanced uses of language as both mnemonic devices and informal branding mechanisms that enhance the market’s memorability and appeal. This linguistic humour also acts as a social glue, creating shared cultural references and strengthening collective memory. By analysing these quirky and often cryptic market names, this compilation reveals a rich tapestry of linguistic playfulness and social commentary embedded in place names, reflecting how language functions as a tool for identity, marketing, and cultural expression in rural contexts. It is hoped that this documentation will serve as a foundation to preserve an intangible cultural heritage at risk from modernisation pressures and to underscore the importance of linguistic creativity in sustaining local identities and economies. The findings have broader implications for understanding the role of humour in place-naming and economic development across similar African settings.
Unlocking Ugandan pumpkin landrace diversity: integrated morphological and nutritional profiling for food security and breeding innovation
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-04-13) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Anywar, Godwin; Kesawate, Mahipal Singh; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Kawuma, Caro; Andama, Morgan; Ajoma, Charity; Ramathan, Iddi; Amugoli, Otuba Moses; Caku, Jimmy; Alicai, Titus; Nuwamanya, Ephraim; Tugume, Arthur K.
Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) are vital for food and nutritional security in Uganda, yet their full potential remains underexploited due to the limited characterization of traits. To address this, 91 landraces, 21 Cucurbita pepo and 70 Cucurbita moschata were collected from 19 districts across major agroecological zones, evaluated for morpholological and nutritional diversity. Results revealed wide phenotypic variation with fruit weights ranging from 0.5 to 10.0 kg and shapes varying from discoid (L/D 0.44) to highly elongated (L/D 4.00). Fruit size and shape were independent axes of variation. Regionally, Buganda and Bunyoro landraces produced larger fruits, averaging 3.84 kg and 4.07 kg, while West Nile landraces formed a distinct nutrient-rich cluster, with high dry matter (22.8%), lipids (3.75% fresh weight (FW), fiber (3.34% FW), and carbohydrates (4.07% FW). District-specific differences were also observed, with Mpigi landraces rich in phenolics content (0.062 ± 0.0023 g GAE/100 g), and Mukono landraces rich in proteins (0.000887 g/100 g). Importantly, external morphology poorly predicted internal nutritional quality, highlighting the need for direct biochemical profiling in breeding programs. This study provides Uganda’s first nationally structured dataset on pumpkin diversity, offering a scientific foundation for targeted germplasm conservation, nutrient-enriched cultivar development and policy interventions to strengthen food systems across diverse agroecological zones in Uganda.
Rapid review of community pharmacies and potential for expanded access for the treatment of HIV infection and/or tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2026-04-09) Izudi, Jonathan; Ng’oda, Maurine; Sekaggya-Wiltshire, Christine; Sammann, Amanda; Kiwanuka, Noah; King, Rachel; Cattamanchi, Adithya
Community pharmacies (private retail drug shops or pharmacies) have emerged as promising platforms for antiretroviral therapy delivery. This rapid review synthesizes findings on using pharmacies to treat HIV infection and/or tuberculosis (TB), and it identifies lessons for expanding TB service delivery. We reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 with adherence, retention in care, virologic suppression, prescription refill rates, and TB treatment access as outcomes. Of 314 articles screened, only 3 met the eligibility criteria (studies reporting pharmacies treating HIV infection
and/or TB). Findings revealed improved CD4 cell counts; improved mean body weight; and higher rates of prescription refill (95–100%), retention (98%), and viral suppression (99%). Pharmacies have proven effective in delivering treatment for people with HIV and/or TB, highlighting their potential role in expanding TB treatment and related services in sub-Saharan Africa. However, pilot studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and implementation outcomes before broader implementation.
An improved Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method for genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in elite indica rice (Oryza sativa L.)
(Springer Nature, 2026-04-07) Behera, Laxmipreeya; Samal, Kailash Ch.; Parameswaran C,; Agrawal, Pawan Kumar; Achary, V. Mohan Murali; Dash, Manasi; Mishra, Ashok; Rani, Manjusha; Masika, Fred Bwayo; Goud, Gurunatham Sai Deekshith; Kesawat, Mahipal Singh; Samantaray, Sanghamitra
Rice feeds nearly half of the world’s population and underpins global food security. Climate change now poses a major threat to rice productivity worldwide. Genome editing has reshaped crop improvement strategies. Among these tools, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system stands out for its precision, efficiency, and scalability. However, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation efficiency is often low, particularly in indica rice varieties. Here, we optimized an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for indica rice cultivars. The method was established in Lalat and MTU-1010. Seed-derived embryogenic calli were used to introduce the thermosensitive genic male sterile (OsTMS5) gene. A CRISPR/Cas9 vector carrying a gRNA and the selectable marker hptII was used for transformation. Callus induction reached 96.87% in MTU-1010 and 93.30% in Lalat MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L BAP. In contrast, regeneration efficiency was higher in Lalat (90.28%) than in MTU-1010 (87.51%) on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L NAA, 0.5 mg/L kinetin, and 2 mg/L BAP. In addition, PCR analysis further verifies the integration of the transgene. Subsequently, the transformation efficiency was 37.20% in Lalat and 29.62% in MTU-1010. Therefore, this protocol provides a robust platform for gene function analysis and trait editing in rice. Its application may accelerate yield improvement and enhance stress tolerance under changing climatic conditions.