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.
How to publish in Muni Repository
- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
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Recent Submissions
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.
Comparative analysis of oil palm extraction rates and nutritional profiles of indigenous and introduced hybrid genotypes cultivated in selected districts of Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-04-04) Caku, Jimmy; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Nuwamanya, Ephraim; Ddumba, Gerald; Mahipal, Kesawat Singh; Asiimwe, Alex; Amugoli, Otuba Moses; Alicai, Titus; Masika, Fred Bwayo
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq. L.) is the leading global source of plant-based oil. However, Uganda relies on imported hybrid varieties because it lacks a domestic breeding program. To inform potential breeding efforts, this study evaluated oil extraction rates and nutritional profiles of indigenous and introduced hybrid oil palm genotypes cultivated in Bundibugyo, Kanungu, and Kalangala districts. Seventy-five ripe fruit bunches were collected, and palm oil was extracted using a screw press. Measurements of oil extraction rate and stearin mass recovery were performed. Nutritional analysis of olein samples included carbohydrate quantification via the Anthrone method; fatty acid quantification (linolenic, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection; and beta-carotene concentration determined using spectrophotometry. Statistical differences between groups were assessed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test, as data for most variables did not meet the assumptions for parametric tests. Indigenous genotypes showed slightly higher mean oil extraction rates (23.3%) and stearin recovery (22.6%) than hybrids (22.8 and 17.9%, respectively). These results highlight the potential of indigenous genotypes as promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at enhancing oil yield and nutritional quality under Uganda’s agro-ecological conditions. The study provides foundational data to support the development of a sustainable, locally adapted oil palm breeding initiative.
Effect of partner support on antenatal care visits among married adolescents in rural northwestern Uganda: A quasi-experimental study
(PLOS, 2026-04-02) Appeli, Saidi; Chandia, Christine; Izudi, Jonathan
Background
Adolescent pregnancy is associated with several challenges, and partner support is crucial. However, the causal effect of partner support on the use of maternal health services among pregnant adolescents has not been rigorously examined. We assessed the causal effect of partner support on the frequency of antenatal care (ANC) visits among married adolescents in rural Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a quasi-experimental study using observational data from a cross-sectional study that involved married adolescents aged 10–19 years in rural northwestern Uganda. The primary exposure was partner support, measured as a binary variable. Adolescents were considered to have received support if their spouse encouraged ANC attendance, accompanied them to visits, or provided financial or emotional support during ANC; otherwise, they were classified as having not received support. The primary outcome was the number of ANC visits, while the secondary outcome was attending four or more ANC visits. Propensity score weighting was used to ensure covariate comparability between the partner support groups (yes vs. no). Poisson regression was used to estimate the causal effect of partner support on the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (primary outcome), while the modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the causal effect on attending four or more visits (secondary outcome).
Results
Of 281 participants, 205 (72.9%) received partner support. Among participants with partner support compared to those without partner support, the frequency of ANC visits (Risk Ratio 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00–1.32) and four or more ANC visits (Risk Ratio 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.52) improved.
Conclusion
The study showed that partner support was associated with improvements in ANC visit frequency and attendance of four or more ANC visits, among married adolescents in northwestern Uganda. Interventions aimed at improving ANC utilization should consider engaging and educating partners, as their support positively influences ANC utilization.
The effect of credit collection policy on loan performance in the banking sector in central region of Uganda
(Indonesian Association of Lecturers Researchers in Economics and Business (ADPEBI), 2026-03-30) Semusu, Alex; Eton, Marus; Kaaya, Siraje; Mpora, Eliab Byamukama
This study examined the effect of credit collection policy on loan performance in the banking sector of Central Uganda. Despite the presence of formal credit collection frameworks, commercial banks in Uganda continue to experience persistent loan defaults, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing collection practices in improving loan performance. Anchored in a pragmatic research paradigm, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to selected commercial banks and analyzed through Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) using Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistical Program (JASP) version 0.19.3.0. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to validate the measurement model. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and analyzed thematically to complement and explain the quantitative findings. The results revealed that credit collection policy had a negative but statistically non-significant relationship with loan performance (β ≈ −0.04, p > 0.05). While the measurement model demonstrated acceptable construct validity and reliability, the structural model indicated that formal credit collection policies did not significantly influence loan performance outcomes. Qualitative findings provided further insight, showing that collection practices were largely reactive, with recovery efforts typically initiated only after loans became non-performing. In addition, heavy reliance on third-party debt collectors and delayed borrower engagement weakened internal ownership and accountability in the credit recovery process. The study contributes empirical evidence from Uganda’s banking sector by demonstrating that the effectiveness of credit collection policy is determined less by formal policy design and more by proactive implementation and early borrower engagement. By integrating quantitative SEM results with qualitative insights, the study offers a nuanced explanation for the weak linkage between credit collection policies and loan performance, with implications for strengthening credit risk management policies in developing economies.