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
Relative abundance, geographical distribution, and utilization of the edible wild black plum (Vitex doniana) in Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2025-08-04) Caku, Jimmy; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Masika, Fred Bwayo
Wild edible plants play a crucial role in food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustaining rural livelihoods. Vitex doniana, though widely distributed, remains an underutilized species with significant ecological, economic, and medicinal value. Despite its adaptability across diverse ecosystems, its population in Uganda faces increasing threats from human activities. In addition, the lack of comprehensive data on its abundance and distribution hampers conservation efforts, posing a risk to the plant’s genetic diversity. Ecological and ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Uganda, Koboko district, to assess the abundance, utilization, and distribution of V. doniana. A total of six line transects and 18 quadrats (three alternating quadrats (50 m × 100 m) with 25 m spacing between quadrats per line transect) were used for data collection. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the utilisation of V. doniana from 144 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS. Results indicated a higher relative abundance of young regenerating trees (74.0%) than mature trees (26.0%). The distribution of V. doniana across different land-use types showed a statistically significant variation (χ² = 7.17, df = 2, p = 0.028). The local community utilizes the tree for fruit harvesting, firewood, charcoal production, and construction purposes. To ensure the sustainable use of V. doniana, community by-laws, awareness, controlled harvesting, and agroforestry practices should be embraced.
High-throughput sequencing analysis reveals Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus and Tobacco Streak Virus isolates infecting pumpkins in Uganda
(CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2025-08-01) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Tugume, Arthur K.; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Shimelis, Hussein; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Athman, Shahasi Y.; Ipulet, Perpetua; Alicai, Titus
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a globally cultivated, economically significant cucurbit species, yet viral diseases pose a major threat to its yield and quality, especially in key production areas such as Uganda. To investigate and document viruses affecting pumpkins in Uganda, we assessed the sub-regional severity of virus-like diseases and identified pumpkin-infecting viruses using RNA sequencing. A total of 75 pumpkin leaf samples displaying typical viral symptoms were collected from 66 fields across Uganda. These samples were then pooled into five bulk groups, each consisting of 15 different plant leaves. Our analysis identified two viruses and detected six viruses, which were, however, not confirmed by another method. The two identified viruses were Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus (MWMV) and Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV). This is the first report of MWMV and TSV infecting pumpkins in Uganda. The virus-like disease symptoms exhibited variations in sub-regional severity and incidence. These findings highlight the current viral diversity in pumpkins in Uganda, providing critical information for developing integrated disease management strategies to enhance crop yield and productivity.
First report of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus and other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda
(New Disease Report, 2025-05-15) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Mahipal, S. K.; Alicai, T.; Shimelis, H.; Ddamulira, G.; Athman, S. Y.; Ipulet, P.; Osingada, F.; Salman, F. A.; Tugume, A. K.
This study reports the first detection of Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) and multiple other viruses infecting watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Uganda. Using high-throughput sequencing of leaf samples collected from commercial farms across three districts, we identified six viruses, including MWMV, pepo aphid-borne yellows virus (PABYV), Citrullus lanatus cryptic virus, Cucumis melo cryptic virus, Watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus, and a novel E. coli virus. The complete genome sequences of MWMV and PABYV were obtained, and virus presence was confirmed through RT-PCR. Observations indicated that mixed infections led to more severe symptoms such as mosaic patterns, leaf mottling, and stunting, affecting approximately 30–40% of cultivated plants. These findings underscore the emerging viral challenges in Ugandan watermelon production and emphasize the importance of vigilant disease monitoring and management strategies.
Detection of filarial IgG and IgM antibodies among individuals with lymphedema in the Kamwenge District, Western Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2025-07-08) Mwesigye, Vicent; Tebulwa, Joanita Berytah; Musinguzi, Benson; Agaba, Bosco Bekita; Bagenda, Charlse Nkubi; Bajunirwe, Francis; Bazira, Joel; Mulogo, Edgar; Herbert, Itabangi; Byarugaba, Frederick
Filarial infections trigger a complex immune response characterized by the production of different antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). These immunoglobulins play a key role in diagnosing the disease, with IgM typically indicating recent infection and IgG reflecting past or ongoing exposure. Assessing their presence provides valuable insight into an individual's immune response and infection history. This study examined the levels of IgG and IgM in people living with lymphedema in the Kamwenge district, Western Uganda, to better understand their immunological status in relation to filarial infection.
This cross-sectional study, conducted in the Kamwenge district, aimed to assess the presence of anti-filarial antibodies among lymphedema patients. A total of 154 participants, predominantly female (71.4%), with a mean age of 54.7 years, were selected through simple random sampling. Serological testing using the Abbexa Filariasis IgG/IgM Rapid Test revealed that 10.4% tested positive for IgG, and 1.9% for IgM antibodies. We enrolled a total of 154 participants, the majority of whom were female 110 (71.4%) while 44 (28.6%) were male. The participants had a mean age of 54.7 years, with a standard deviation of 15.6 years. Overall, 10.4% (n=16) tested positive for filarial antibodies. Specifically, 10.4% (n=16) were positive for filarial IgG, while
1.9% (n=3) tested positive for IgM antibodies. The serological findings demonstrated a low prevalence of recent filarial infections, with a higher occurrence of past or chronic exposure among participants. This suggests that while active transmission may be limited, lymphatic filariasis remains an ongoing public health concern in the Kamwenge district. These results emphasize the need for continued surveillance, early detection, and targeted interventions to effectively manage and mitigate the burden of filarial-related lymphedema in the region.
Boda-boda business activity and socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso District, Uganda
(Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS), 2025-07-15) Mbowa, Henry Stanley; Eton, Marus; Tushabe, Sylivia Byarugaba
Purpose: This study established the effect of Boda-boda Business Activity (BBA) on socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso District, Uganda.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 89 respondents were determined from 114 people at the boda-boda stage in Kitemu. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. SEM was employed to establish the causal effect between the variables.
Results: The results indicated that people joined BBA to earn a living to support their families (Mean=4.4; Std.D=0.756), due to a lack of jobs (Mean=4.07; Std.D=1.055), and ease of repairing motorbikes (Mean=3.85; Std.D=1.417). Furthermore, BBA had a significant effect on socioeconomic transformation (β=0.392; p˂0.000). Conclusion: The BBA has the potential to bring substantial socioeconomic transformation, including employment creation (mean=4.0), improved mobility (mean=4.12), and stimulated local commerce (mean=3.79) in Kitemu Ward. Thus, the BBA had a positive effect on socioeconomic transformation (β=0.392, p<0.001).
Limitation: The study employed a descriptive survey design on motorbike riders in Kitemu Ward, which might hinder generalization of the study findings. Thus, more studies need to be conducted using different research designs on a larger sample of boda-boda stages in Wakiso.
Contributions: This study provides information to the Ministry of Work and Transport on how the boda-boda sector can be improved to enhance socioeconomic transformation in Wakiso.