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Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) - SCINDA data.
(2011) Scintillation Decision Aid (SCINDA) project
This dataset contains processed amplitude Scintillation intensity index (S4).
Cyanogenic potential of selected cassava varieties in Zombo District, Uganda
(International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 2017) Oloya, Benson; Adaku, Christopher; Ntambi, Emmanuel; Andama, Morgan
Both improved and local cassava varieties are widely grown and also, consumed in Zombo district as well as West Nile Sub region and Uganda as a whole. However, all cassava varieties contain cyanogenic glycosides which are toxic, although the amounts in each cultivar may vary considerably. Consumption of such toxins in sufficient quantities poses a health risk since they can cause acute cyanide poisoning and death in humans and animals. As such, information concerning the cyanogenic glycosides content in cassava cultivars is indispensable in averting health risks linked with cassava consumption. In this study, the cyanogenic content of the most common local cassava varieties (Bisimwenge, Nyar-anderiano, Nya-matia, Nya-pamitu, Nya-papoga and Nyar-udota) grown in Zombo district and six improved cassava varieties (NASE 3, NASE 9, NASE 14, NASE 19, TME 14 and TME 204) were investigated. Generally, the improved cassava varieties revealed lower levels (mean value was 108.75 mg/kg) of cyanogens than the local varieties (mean value was 201.65 mg/kg). The concentrations of the cyanogen in all the cultivars investigated were far above the FAO/WHO recommended value (<10mg/kg). Hence, adequate detoxification and reduced frequency of consumption of these cassava cultivars are necessary in order to limit the ingestion of toxic levels of cyanide.
Detoxification of Nyar-Udota cassava variety in Zombo district by fermentation
(2017) Oloya, Benson; Adaku, Christopher; Ntambi, Emmanuel; Andama, Morgan
Fermentation is capable of detoxifying cassava cultivars. Cassava is one of the most important food crops in the world and in Uganda it is the second most consumed food crop after bananas. However, cassava has some toxic compounds, the cyanogenic glycosides such as linamarin and lotaustralin. Ingestion of the toxins in abundant quantities can be harmful to the health of both humans and animals. Cassava may hence, present a potential health risk to the consumers. Information regarding better detoxifying methods and processing conditions of cyanogenic glycosides content in cassava is vital for avoidance of health risks associated with cassava consumption. Accordingly, one local cultivar, Nyar-udota, was subjected to fermentation for detoxification of their cyanogenic content. Fermentation achieved significant detoxification of the cyanogenic glycosides in the cassava cultivar up to 64.7% and the decrease varied with period of fermentation.
Potential of soaking and sun-drying in detoxifying toxic cassava root tubers
(International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 2017) Andama, Morgan; Lejju, Bunny Julius; Oloya, Benson
Root tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) have cyanogenic glucosides which liberate hydrogen cyanide (HCN) on hydrolysis in quantities that can be toxic to humans. As a result, several techniques have been used to detoxify the tubers including among others, soaking, sun-drying and fermentation which has been found to be the most effective. However, fermentation is associated with the growth of potentially mycotoxigenic moulds (fungi) which compromise the quality of the processed product hence suggesting the use of alternative mould free processing techniques like soaking and sun-drying. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of soaking and sun-drying in detoxifying root tubers of a toxic cassava variety, “Rutuga”, (interpreted as “strangler”) of cyanogens (total HCN, free HCN and bound HCN) in South Western Uganda. The cyanogens were determined by a standard titration method. The results indicated that soaking peeled cassava root tubers in cold distilled water for 4 days removed about 78% of bound HCN while sun-drying of peeled cassava chips for 5 days removed about 74% of free HCN. However, both methods are less effective in removing total HCN (soaking, 47%; sun-drying, 43%) due to the ineffectiveness of soaking and sun-drying in removing free HCN (21%) and bound HCN (3%) respectively. Hence a mixed approach employing both methods would be more appropriate in detoxifying cassava of total HCN.
Effectiveness of traditional processing techniques in reducing cyanide levels in selected cassava varieties in Zombo District, Uganda.
(International Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology, 2017) Andama, Morgan; Oloya, Benson
The root tubers of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) contain varying amounts of cyanogenic glucosides which liberate toxic hydrogen cyanide with the resultant effect of poisoning especially the highly cyanogenic cultivars. These include some of the local and improved cassava varieties grown in Zombo district, Uganda among others. Therefore, this study explored the effectiveness of some traditional processing techniques used singly and in combination to reduce cyanide levels in highly toxic root tubers of selected local (Nyar-anderiano, Nyar-papoga, Nyar-udota, Nyar-pamitu, Bisimwenge, Nyar-matia) and improved (NASE 3, NASE 9, NASE 14, NASE 19, TME 14 and TME 204) cassava varieties grown in Zombo District, Uganda. The processed and the fresh cassava tubers were analysed for Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) by the standard titration method. The results indicated that heap fermentation followed by sun-drying reduced the cyanide levels in all the selected improved varieties to WHO safe levels for consumption (below 10mg/kg) in the dried chips. Mixed processing methods combining soaking, fermentation and sun-drying reduced the cyanide concentrations in the local varieties (Nyar-udota, Nyaranderiano) and improved variety (NASE 19) to World Health Organisation (WHO) safe levels. None of the processing techniques used singly reduced the HCN levels in the root tubers of the selected cassava varieties to safe levels. Hence mixed strategies combining several traditional cassava processing techniques should be adopted to detoxify the selected cassava varieties of cyanogens. The local cassava varieties (Bisimwenge, Nya-matia, Nya-pamitu, Nya-papoga) would require modifications of the combined traditional processing techniques or other more complex processes to detoxify them of HCN before human consumption.
Epauletted fruit bats display exceptionally high infections with a Hepatocystis species complex in South Sudan
(Springer Nature, 2017-01-31) Schaer, Juliane; Perkins, Susan L.; Ejotre, Imran; Vodzak, Megan E.; Matuschewski, Kai; DeeAnn, M.
Hepatocystis parasites are closely related to mammalian Plasmodium species, the causative agents of malaria. Despite the close phylogenetic relationship, Hepatocystis parasites lack the intermittent erythrocytic replication cycles, the signature and exclusive cause of malaria-related morbidity and mortality. Hepatocystis population expansion in the mammalian host is thought to be restricted to the pre-erythrocytic liver phase. Complete differentiation of first generation blood stages into sexual stages for subsequent vector transmission indicates alternative parasite/host co-evolution. In this study, we identified a region of exceptionally high prevalence of Hepatocystis infections in Old World fruit bats in South Sudan. Investigations over the course of five consecutive surveys revealed an average of 93 percent prevalence in four genera of African epauletted fruit bats. We observed a clear seasonal pattern and tolerance of high parasite loads in these bats. Phylogenetic analyses revealed several cryptic Hepatocystis parasite species and, in contrast to mammalian Plasmodium parasites, neither host specificity nor strong geographical patterns were evident. Together, our study provides evidence for Pan-African distribution and local high endemicity of a Hepatocystis species complex in Pteropodidae.
Variation of cyanogenic potential of selected cassava varieties with age in Zombo district, Uganda
(Scholars World-International Refereed Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce,, 2018) Oloya, Benson; Adaku, Christopher; Andama, Morgan
Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for around 500 million people. In Uganda, it is currently one of the most important food crops and ranks second to bananas in terms of area occupied, total production and per capita consumption. However, cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides such as linamarin and Lotaustralin, which are toxic. Consumption of such toxins in sufficient quantities can cause acute cyanide poisoning and death in humans and animals. Thus, cassava is a possible health risk to the consumers. Awareness about the trend of cyanogenic glycosides content in cassava as it matures is paramount in minimizing the health risks associated with cassava consumption. As such, the most common local cultivars; Bisimwenge, Nyar-anderiano, Nyar-udota, in Zombo district and two improved cultivars: NASE 9 and TME 14, were investigated for variation in their cyanogenic content with age. The concentrations of cyanogens were determined using standard titration method. The results showed that cyanogeniccontent was highest at the ages of 8-10 months and generally decreased after the tenth month. It is therefore safer to harvest cassava after at least ten months when the levels of the hydrogen cyanide have reduced and stabilized.
Prevalence of jigger flea (Tunga Penetrans) infestation amongst age groups, male and female persons in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda
(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2018) Amatre, Gerald; Lejju, Julius Bunny; Andama, Morgan
Jigger flea infestations are endemic in several rural communities in Uganda. The Eastern part of the country reports outbreaks of jigger infestations. This case study was carried out to identify the most vulnerable sex and age groups to jigger infestation so that appropriate control measures can be recommended. Members of the affected communities in Jinja district were requested to report households that had current cases of jigger infestation. The name, sex and age of the household heads and infected persons were recorded. Details of the persons were then removed from the lists for ethical reasons. A total of 429 persons were reported to be infested with jiggers in nine parishes of five sub-counties in the district. There was a significant difference in jigger infestation in different age groups (p=8E-152, χ2 = 712.79) and between males and females (p=2.88E-8, χ2=30.78). The most infested age group (n, %) was below 15years (269, 62.7%), followed by the elderly people, above 55 years (48, 11.2%) and the least infested age group was 16-25 years (8, 1.9%). Males in each age category were at least twice more infested with jiggers than females. The study recommends that more attention be focused on children, elderly persons and males in jigger control than on females and persons in other age groups.
The physico-chemical quality of streams and channels draining into river Rwizi, South Western Uganda
(Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2018) Atwebembeire, Jeninah; Bazira, Joel; Kagoro, Grace; Yatuha, Jane; Andama, Morgan; Lejju, Julius Bunny
There is an increased human population along the catchment area of river Rwizi who are engaged in various activities with potential to contaminate river Rwizi especially along the streams. Studies have been done to examine the physico-chemical quality of the mainstream river Rwizi in Mbarara Municipality. However, the comprehensive source of contamination may be beyond the municipality and yet the streams have not been investigated to substantiate their contribution on quality degradation of the river and this formed the basis of the study. This study determined the physico-chemical parameters of streams draining into river Rwizi. Raw water was purposively selected from streams in the upstream, midstream and downstream sections of the river. Water samples were analyzed for 15 physico-chemical parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), colour, turbidity, total suspended solid (TSS), total iron (Fe), phosphates (PO3-4), alkalinity, magnesium (Mg), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), temperature, pH, ammonium (NH+4), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl) and nitrates (NO3). The water samples were analyzed following the standard methods of American Public Health Association and standard operating manual (1985). The obtained values were also compared with the international Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2001) guidelines for water quality and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA, 1999) standards for waste water. The results showed that most of the streams in the downstream generally recorded the highest levels (p < 0.05) of the physico-chemical parameters followed by the midstream and lastly the upstream. Streams in the downstream recorded the highest levels in most of the parameters tested i.e. bus park stream (temperature, 27.6°C; colour, 431.17 TCU; TSS, 99.33 mg/l; alkalinity, 468.33 mg/l; Mg, 121.89 mg/l; CaCO3, 588.67 mg/l; Cl, 333.33 mg/l), Kikutu stream (turbidity, 123.58 NTU; EC, 698 μs/cm; DO, 55.73 mg/l; PO3-4, 12.85 mg/l), Kakyeka upper (pH, 10.52; NH+4, 46.67 mg/l), Rwentondo (Fe, 3.44 mg/l) and Kakyeka GBK (NO3, 10.83 mg/l). Most of the parameters downstream were higher than the EPA guideline (temperature, 25°C; colour, 20 - 150 TCUs; TSS, 50 mg/l; alkalinity, 400 mg/l; Cl, 250 mg/l; DO, 5 mg/l; PO3-4, 0.5 - 0.7 mg/l; pH, 5.5 - 9.0; NH+4, 0.2 - 4 mg/l; Fe, 0.2 - 2.0 mg/l) and NEMA standards (colour, 300 TCUs; Mg, 100mg/l; DO, 5mg/l; PO3-4, 10 mg/l; pH, 6.0 - 8.0). On the other hand, the streams in the upstream registered the lowest values of the parameters i.e. Kibimba (temperature, 17.28°C; EC, 31 μs/cm; PO3-4, 0.24 mg/l), Kasharara (colour, 15.17 TCU; TSS, 2.5 mg/l; pH, 6.23; alkalinity, 19.67 mg/l; DO, 9.99 mg/l; Mg, 4.41 mg/l; CaCO3, 23.17 mg/l) and Karungu (turbidity, 7.02 mg/l; Fe, 0.12 mg/l). Calcium carbonate hardness of the waters ranged from soft to excessively hard across the stream. The variations of the parameters detected in the streams in the downstream could reach adverse conditions if no intensive measures are taken to regulate the different anthropogenic activities within the catchment of river Rwizi.
Evaluation of productivity of Chloris Gayana under soils of varying composition in South Western Uganda.
(International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 2019) Andama, Morgan; Lagu, Charles; Muzira, Robert
This study therefore evaluated the productivity of Chloris gayana under varying soils in South Western Uganda. The productivity of Chloris gayana in selected districts in South Western Uganda (Kiruhura, Ibanda, Mbarara, Isingiro, Sheema) was already established by Lagu et al (2017). The present study profiled the soils in the above districts where the Chloris gayana was grown for total organic matter, available phosphorus, extractable bases (potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium), total nitrogen and textural classes (sand, clay, silt) following standard procedures described by Okalebo et al (2002). The results showed that the highest quantity of seeds and biomass per acre of Chloris gayana grass is attained if only all the essential primary soil nutrients (N, P, K) are above the critical levels. Hence, Kiruhura district having soils with the highest levels of essential soil nutrients, N (4.00±0.77%), P (33.73±12.98ppm) above the critical levels (N, 2%; P, 15ppm) recorded the highest quantity of Chloris gayana seeds harvested per acre (18.03±3.03 kg per acre) and hay bales per acre (311.11 kg/acre) compared to the other districts. Hence, efforts towards soil testing and soil amendments with essential nutrients (NPK) need to be intensified for increased productivity of Chloris gayana in South Western Uganda.
The biological integrity of streams and channels draining into the Rwizi River system in Western Uganda
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2019) Atwebembeire, Jeninah; Andama, Morgan; Bazira, Joel; Bunny, Julius Lejju; Tumusiime, Julius; Wangalwa, Rapheal; Yatuha, Jane
Rwizi River, often called the life-line river, supports over five million people in Western Uganda and is a major contributor of freshwater to Lake Victoria. Surrounded by a large and rapidly growing population, the river has suffered anthropogenic disturbances whose impact on the integrity of the system is a subject of concern. Aquatic macroinvertebrates, used globally to monitor both short- and long-term environmental conditions, were thus used to assess the biological integrity of streams and channels draining into the river system. Macroinvertebrates were sampled for six months in 2017 encompassing the wet and dry seasons using the kick net sampling method. The macroinvertebrates were identified morphologically using peer reviewed identification keys and their pollution sensitivity scored using the Tanzanian River Scoring System (TARISS). The Shannon diversity index was computed per site and related to average score per taxon (ASPT). We collected a total of 5442 macroinvertebrates belonging to 54 families dominated by Chironomidae (29.1%). Macroinvertebrate diversity increased with ASPT (r = 0.57; N = 131; P = 0.000). The water quality was generally poor and was not affected by the season (t = 1.03; df = 64; P = 0.303) though sites had different water quality (F = 11.32; df = 20; P = 0.000) attributed the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. We concluded that river Rwizi system is highly degraded and thus recommend restoration of the entire catchment. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are good indicators of long-term conditions but less sensitive to short-term changes. Multiple approaches, biological and chemical, are encouraged during the restoration process.
Compliance to riverbank regulation guidelines and its impact on the quality of River Enyau in Arua Municipality, Uganda
(International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 2019) Oloya, Geofrey; Andama, Morgan
This study documented the human activities carried out in the protected zones of river Enyau (within 30 m of river’s bank) and their influence on the quality of the river. Human activities in the protected bank of river Enyau and the quality of the river were ascertained during a field survey in March-May, 2019.The diversity of macrozoobenthic invertebrates per site and water pollution levels were determined using Shannon-Weiner (Hʹ) and Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) indices respectively. Fourteen different human activities dominated by housing units (27%) were observed in river Enyau protected zones under study in Arua Municipality. Ozu-Ediofe zone corresponding directly to Arua urban center recorded the highest occurrence of the human activities (65.3%) which greatly reduced the macrozoobenthic invertebrate diversity (Hʹ=1.2) and caused pollution of river Enyau (BMWP=26.0) along that zone. The downstream zones, Onduparaka (Hʹ =2.24, BMWP=68.6) and Onduparaka-Ozu (Hʹ=1.57, BMWP=46.9) sites were both moderately polluted. On the other hand, the upstream zones i.e. Ediofe-Pajulu Bridge (Hʹ=2.52, BMWP=132.9) and Ragem Technical Institute (Hʹ=2.48, BMWP=96.2) were unpolluted and slightly polluted respectively. Hence, the implementation of the existing river bank management guidelines should be strengthened in Arua Municipality to ensure good quality of river Enyau and its sustainability.
Spatial variation in physicochemical surface water quality in River Rwizi, Western Uganda
(Journal of Water Resource and Protection,, 2019) Ojok, Walter; Wasswa, John; Nakiguli, Caroline Kiwanuka; Ntambi, Emmanuel
River Rwizi originates from the Buhweju hills. It is a major source of water for the inhabitants of Mbarara Municipality and surrounding environment. In this study, spatial variation of water quality in River Rwizi section within Mbarara Municipality was determined using cluster analysis. Laboratory analysis was conducted on water samples from five sites along the river section using standard methods for: pH, EC, TSS, TDS, turbidity, temperature, total hardness, alkalinity, salinity, colour, NH3-N, 2 SO4 − , BOD, COD, DO, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn. Cluster analysis grouped the study sites into slight pollution (Spencon, GBK), moderate pollution (Katete) and high pollution (BSU, Kakoba) for dry season. For rain season, order was: slight pollution (BSU, Spencon), moderate pollution (GBK) and high pollution (Kakoba, Katete), basing on similarity of water quality variables. These results show that water pollution resulted primarily from domestic waste water, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents. Thus, water from River Rwizi is not suitable for drinking in both dry and wet seasons.
Studies on the utilization and proximate composition of wild Aframomum anguistifolium (sonn.) K. Schum fruits in Nakaseke district, Uganda.
(African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development, 2019) Kyayesimira, Juliet; Mawanda, Ivan; Andama, Morgan; Safari, David
Nakaseke district is located in the central region of Uganda and has high abundance of edible Aframomum anguistifolium (wild cardamom) fruit, locally known as “Amatuunguru’’. The fruit is consumed by only few people who access it from the wild and there is limited information on the nutritional benefits of the fruit. This study determined the utilization and consumptive benefits of A. anguistifolium fruits among the local communities of Nakaseke district as well as the proximate composition of the fruit. A cross-sectional survey using an interview guide was conducted to establish the utilization and consumptive benefits of the fruit while the proximate composition (crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber and ash, moisture) was determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results revealed that fruits are collected and consumed by the local communities because of their nutritional and medicinal values. A. anguistifolium plant is not domesticated despite the different consumptive benefits accrued from it. The results revealed that children are the major collectors (consumers) of the fruit (48%) compared to women and men and they collect the fruit from the wild as they go about their chores like collecting firewood, tending grazing animals and fetching water. The fruit’s availability is highest in the rainy season and maturity indicators include the fruit exocarp turning red in colour. The exocarp is removed and thrown away during consumption leaving the inside part which is edible. The fruit was found to contain moisture (72.98%). The content of the dry matter was ash (13.97%), crude fat (4.35%), crude protein (6.82%), crude fiber (12.55%) and nitrogen- free extracts/NFE (62.30%). Hence the fruit is a suitable supplement for moisture, fats, proteins and crude fiber needed in human diet. The plant is still collected from the wild and grows mainly in swampy areas (wetlands) which are being cleared for agriculture, settlement and road construction. This plant could be endangered if its conservation is not prioritized.
The physico-chemical quality of effluents of selected sewage treatment plants draining into river Rwizi, Mbarara Municipality, Uganda
(Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2019) Atwebembeire, Jeninah; Andama, Morgan; Yatuha, Jane; Lejju, Julius Bunny; Kagoro-Rugunda, Rapheal; Bazira, Joel
As population increases in urban areas, the domestic and industrial activities increase resulting in an increase in the volumes of wastewater and anthropogenic pollution, hence posing a threat to public health and environment. This study assessed the physical chemical quality of two main sewage plant effluents discharging into River Rwizi. Effluent water samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, colour, turbidity, total suspended solid, total iron, phosphates, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium carbonate, temperature, pH, ammonium, electrical conductivity, chloride and nitrates. Parameters were analyzed following standard methods of APHA (1985). The values obtained were compared with EPA (2001), NWSC (2015) and NEMA (1999) standards for waste water. Results showed that the mean values most of the parameters tested were higher than the recommended EPA, NWSC and NEMA standards. The mean colour was 1627.67°C and 1414.33°C in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to EPA (20-150), NWSC (500) and NEMA (300) standards (p > 0.05). The mean alkalinity was 1390.17 mg/l and 1308.33 mg/l for Kakoba and Taso respectively compared with EPA (400) and NWSC (800) standards. DO had a mean concentration of 68.27 mg/l and 63.03 mg/l in Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to EPA and NEMA standard of 5 mg/l. Mg was 243.29 mg/l and 246.49 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NEMA standard for waste water of 100 mg/l (p > 0.05). The mean pH was 8.26 and 8.16 in Taso and Kakoba sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC and NEMA standard of 6.0 - 8.0. Phosphate mean concentration levels were 32.2 mg/l and 27.11 mg/l for Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to standards of EPA (0.5 - 0.7 mg/l) and NEMA (10 mg/l). NO3 was 10 mg/l and 5.83 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC maximum permissible limit of 5 mg/l. The mean NH4 concentration was 385.33 mg/l (Kakoba) and 50.0 mg/l (Taso) compared to the EPA guideline range (0.2 - 4 mg/l). Chloride (Cl) had a mean of 833.33 mg/l in Kakoba compared to EPA (250 mg/l), NWSC and NEMA (500 mg/l) standards. Therefore the study recommends for effective treatment of waste effluents from Kakoba and Taso sewage treatment plants before recycling in order to avoid pollution of river Rwizi.
Ethno-varieties and Distribution of jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in Uganda: implications for trade, food security and germplasm conservation.
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2019) Nakintu, Justine; Olet, Eunice; Andama, Morgan; Lejju, Julius
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is a fruit tree crop largely grown in tropical regions for its edible fruits. Though listed among underutilized crops, the demand for jackfruit in Uganda has increased. Amidst the increase in demand, the crop faces strong selective pressure and yet there is no documentation of the varieties and distribution of the crop in the country. This study therefore aimed at determining the varieties and distribution of jackfruit in Uganda using folk knowledge to provide a baseline for its production, booming market and conservation. A cross-sectional survey involving 349 participants comprising of 205 jackfruit traders and 144 jackfruit farmers from three political regions and three agro-ecological zones was conducted. Data were collected through face to face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and direct observations. Classification of jackfruit varieties, geographical location of the source of jackfruits for traders and the time of harvest of the fruit by the farmers were investigated. Occurrence of varieties per household was determined through on-farm visits. Data analysis techniques involved descriptive, chi-square and Cramer’s V measure of association analyses. Traders mainly obtained jackfruit from Central (46.0%) and Eastern (37.6%) political regions, Lake Victoria Crescent and Mbale Farmlands (41.1%) and Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga Basin (30.0%) agro-ecological zones. Jackfruit varieties were classified basing on fruit texture and pulp colour, revealing four ethno-varieties, soft (Serebera), firm yellow (Kanaanansi), firm red (Namusaayi) and firm white (Namata). Namata and Serebera registered the lowest occurrences political regions and agro-ecological zones. Farmers harvested jackfruit throughout the year with a peak season in December and January. Folk knowledge provided baseline information for jackfruit variety categorization. Selection pressure exerted on Serebera and Namata demands for germplasm conservation. Since jackfruit thrives in a wide range of climatic conditions, its cultivation should be encouraged to ensure food security and sustain the increasing demand.
Assessment of Cadmium and Lead in dried sewage sludge from Lubigi feacal sludge and wastewater treatment plant in Uganda
(Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2019) Kyayesimira, Juliet; Ssemaganda, Abbey; Muhwezi, Godfrey; Andama, Morgan
Sludge contains organic and inorganic compounds including traces of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and others. These metals restrict the use of sludge in agriculture because their accumulation is harmful to the environment and particularly the food chain. Cadmium and lead are among the most common heavy metals found in municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge. They are capable of bioaccumulation in plant tissues like roots and leaves and are non-biodegradable and therefore they remain in the sludge which is disposed on land or used as fertilizers on farms. The presence of heavy metal pollutants serves as a great threat to soils and also makes plants grown on such soils unfit for animal and human consumption as they may have detrimental effects to animal and human life. For instance, Pb and Cd are known to be human carcinogens. This study therefore aimed to investigate the levels of Cd and Pb in the treated dry sludge from Lubigi Feacal Sludge and Wastewater treatment plant located in Kawempe division, Kampala city, Uganda so as to ascertain its safety for use on agricultural lands. Two batches of samples were collected and analyzed at Government Analytical laboratory in Wandegeya, Uganda. The acid digested sludge samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. The average concentrations of Pb found in collected sludge samples, batch 1 (11.912 mg/kg dm) and batch 2 (5.304 mg/kg dm) were far below the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) maximum permissible concentration (840 mg/kg) for any land application. Cadmium was not detected in all the sludge samples collected; there is an implication that it is either completely absent in the sludge generated by the plant or present but far below detectable levels. The sludge generated from Lubigi fecal sludge and wastewater treatment plant is therefore safe for application on agricultural lands as far as Pb and Cd concentrations are concerned.
Causes of losses and the economic loss estimates at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain in Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2019) Kyayesimira, Juliet; Wangalwa, Rapheal; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Lejju, Julius Bunny; Matofari, Joseph W.; Andama, Morgan
Uganda’s beef industry has been growing slowly and requires sustained monitoring of actors at postharvest handling points in order to decrease public health risks and losses. This study documented causes of losses and estimated economic values at post-harvest handling points along the beef value chain. It was carried out at slaughter houses, transporters and butcher shops in the districts of Western, Central and Eastern Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted among meat handlers who were interviewed to find out the losses incurred in the value chain. Microbial load from carcass swabs were collected and evaluated using standard microbiological methods to determine microbial contamination of beef. The causes of losses varied at different handling points. The actors at slaughter houses indicated the major losses were due to low beef demand (15.3%), insecurity (13.4%) and poor weight estimation methods (11.03%). Losses at the butchery included, beef waste (22.4%), drip loss (19.7%) and beef spoilage (18.4%). Microbial analysis showed the highest microbial prevalence at the butchery (70-100%) followed by slaughter (50-80%) and lastly transport (30-50%). Microbial contamination on carcass leads to spoilage and hence market loss because exportation does not admit contaminated foods. Actors reported beef waste and drip loss as the major causes of losses at the butchery. To reduce losses, public health care education for meat handlers and adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a key.
Exploring the genetic diversity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) grown in Uganda based on SSR markers
(Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2019) Nakintu, Justine; Albrecht, Christian; Müller, Christina M.; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Andama, Morgan; Olet, Eunice A.; Lejju, Julius B.; Gemeinholzer, Birgit
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is an economically important tree crop that is widely cultivated in Uganda for its fruit. Despite its economic importance, little is known about the genetic diversity of jackfruit in the country. This puts the crop’s genetic resource at risk as farmers selectively grow varieties based on market demand. The study analyzed the genetic diversity of A. heterophyllus trees from 12 districts belonging to three agro-ecological zones and three political regions of Uganda. Ten SSR loci were used to assess the genetic relationship among 200 trees, 197 from Uganda and 3 out-group individuals. All SSR loci were polymorphic with an average of 10.9 alleles per locus. STRUCTURE analysis proposed two genetic clusters: Cluster 1 was composed of samples from Eastern and neighboring Central districts, and Cluster 2 which constituted out-groups and samples from Western and neighboring Central districts. Results of STRUCTURE analysis were confirmed by PCoA. Mbarara District exhibited the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.79, I = 1.71), while Kamuli (He = 0.61, I = 1.08 and Pallisa (He = 0.59, I = 1.12) displayed the lowest genetic diversity despite high abundances of jackfruit trees. Molecular variation was higher within populations than among populations. Moderate and significant genetic differentiation was registered among geographical zones, while varietal differences displayed little insignificant genetic differentiation. Soft and white pulped varieties, considered inferior on the market, harbored private alleles which may be genetically valuable resources. Therefore, sustainable utilization and conservation efforts of the jackfruit genetic resource should consider preserving inferior varieties for future crop improvement.
Heavy metal pollution in the main rivers of Rwenzori region, Kasese District South-Western Uganda
(Octa Journal of Environmental Research, 2020) Mukisa, Wilber; Yatuha, Jane; Andama, Morgan; Aventino, Kasangaki
Current study established heavy metal pollution of rivers Mubuku, Rwimi and Nyamwamba in Kasese district, Western Uganda. Their integrity is important because communities depend on them for water resources. No recent information is known on rivers' quality status yet traverse a densely populated area with agricultural activities and a history of copper/cobalt mining as heavy metals pose high health risks. The study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2019 and quantified levels of Cu, Zn, Pb and Co in water and fish to estimate the rivers quality. Water samples were randomly collected in sterilised bottle while fish samples were collected using non selective net method, dissected and dried to a constant mass. The total heavy metal load was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that, apart from Lead, the levels of Cu, Zn and Co in the waters were all within WHO limits except Co at one site on R. Nyamwamba with 0.233±0.009mg/L above the limit 0.05mg/L for drinking water. The overall mean for Pb was 0.030±0.006mg/L and 0.047±0.003mg/L at R. Nyamwamba, 0.053±0.003mg/L at R. Mubuku and 0.067±0.003mg/L at R. Rwimi, all above the WHO limit of 0.01mg/L. In fish tissues, Cu was within WHO limit; however, Pb and Zn were above limits (Pb, 2.0ppm; Zn, 100ppm) for fish. The average concentration for Pb was 29.05±4.85ppm, 69.23±9.25ppm and 32.33±5.93ppm at R. Nyamwamba, Rwimi and Mubuku respectively and for Zn, 115.05±8.12ppm, 117.47±8.65ppm and 118.69±8.79ppm at R. Nyamwamba, Rwimi and Mubuku respectively. Similarly, for all the three rivers, physico-chemical parameters; pH, temperature, electro-conductivity and dissolved oxygen were within the WHO limits but turbidity, 12.02±0.39NTU was above the limit of 5.0NTU. Therefore, there is need for management intervention to control further contamination of rivers with heavy metals and controlled use of water bodies as washing bays

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