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Inheritance of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) resistance in tropical maize inbred lines
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Seed System of Makerere University.Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s most important cereals consumed in various forms by more than 1.2 billion people worldwide. Maize yield losses range from 22–67% which is estimated between 2.5 to 6.1 billion United States dollars in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to reduced grain yield, FAW infestation leads to approximately 20- 80 % higher mycotoxin (fumonisin) contamination when FAW larvae migrate from the leaves to the ears and damage grains compared to non-infested crops. Therefore, the objectives of this study were three: i) To determine and identify new sources of resistance to FAW in diverse tropical maize inbred lines. ii) To estimate combining ability effects for FAW resistance in diverse tropical maize inbred lines and resultant hybrids. iii) To determine the performance and stability of FAW resistance and grain yield in tropical maize hybrids. To assess levels of resistance to FAW, for study one, 112 inbred lines including four inbred line checks (CML536, CML545, CML547 and NML88) were planted in a screen house using a randomized complete block design, artificially infested with neonate larvae in a ‘Choice’ experiment to assess their levels of resistance to FAW. Further three female parents with known resistance to FAW were crossed with a selection of forty-two inbred lines in a North Carolina Design II. Ninety-four resultant hybrids were used in a study for combining ability. Performance and stability trials for FAW resistance and yield across three locations with known high FAW pressure were conducted following a 9 x 11 alpha lattice design. The study found highly significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) for the second FAW score (FAW2), third FAW score (FAW3), average fall armyworm number (AVGFAW) and area under pest progress curve (AUPPC) among the genotypes. The study found that both additive and non-additive gene action control FAW resistance. Narrow sense heritability (h2) estimates among FAW resistance traits were low to high with a range of 0.05 to 0.67. Genotype x environment interactions (GEI) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for FAW resistance traits and key agronomic traits under the study.
Two hybrids were the most resistant with CKDHL166087/WL429-12 having a mean of 4.17 followed by CKDHL166087/WL428-27-1A with mean resistance of 4.23. For yield, CML566/CML543 was the best-yielding hybrid with 6.08T/ha followed by CKDHL166087/CZL15088 with 5.07T/ha. Parental lines CKDHL166087, CZL15123, CKDHL120348, DJ92-687, WL429-20, WL118-5 and DJL184910 were the best combiners for FAW resistance and are recommended for utilisation as parents in the development of FAW-resistant hybrids and breeding populations.Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
National Crops Resources Research Institut
Diagnostic accuracy of the modified triple test in evaluation of palpable breast masses among women under 40 years attending Mulago Hospital
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the award of the degree of Master of Medicine in General Surgery at Makerere University.Background: Breast lumps remain the commonest presentation among women at outpatient
clinics in Uganda. However, the diagnostic utility of the modified triple test, MTT (physical
breast examination, breast ultrasound, and Fine needle aspiration cytology) for evaluation of
palpable breast lumps remains unknown. Objectives: 1) To determine the sensitivity of the modified triple test for evaluation of palpable discrete breast masses in women under 40 years. 2) To determine the specificity of the modified triple test for evaluation of palpable discrete breast masses in women under 40 years. 3) To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the modified triple test for evaluation of palpable discrete breast masses in women under 40 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 82 patients enrolled at the Mulago
National Referral Hospital breast and endocrine outpatient clinic. A physical breast
examination, breast ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, and core biopsy were
performed for every patient. The core biopsy /histopathology report was considered the gold
standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the diagnostic
accuracy of the modified Triple test were determined using STATA 17.0 software.
Results: The majority of the respondents lived in the urban area, 65/82 (79.3%) and the median
age of the participants was 25.5 years with interquartile range 20-33. The sensitivity of the
MTT was 100 % (95 %CI: 75.3-100) and the specificity of the MTT was 97.1 % (95 %CI:
89.9-99.9). The overall diagnostic accuracy of the MTT was 97.56 % (95 % CI: 91.5-99.7)
Conclusions and recommendations: This study proposed that MTT has high sensitivity,
specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of breast lesions among women under 40 years old.
We recommend further studies with larger sample sizes and multiple centers to evaluate the
feasibility of implementing MTT across Uganda and other settings. Keywords: breast, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, modified triple test
Predictors of a positive prostate biopsy following PSA testing: a retrospective study of Ugandan men aged 40 or more years presenting to the Uganda Cancer Institute for prostate-related care between 2014 - 2021.
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Masters in Biostatistics of Makerere University.Introduction: The incidence and mortality due to prostate cancer (PCa) have been rising globally, making it the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men and the fourth most common cancer overall. In Uganda, PCa has been increasing at an alarming rate of 5.2% annually, making it the most rapidly growing cancer in the country and across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the widespread use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination (DRE) in PCa screening and biopsy referral, these methods remain inconclusive, and data on additional predictors of a positive biopsy are scarce. Objective: This study aimed at identifying the predictors of a positive prostate biopsy following a PSA test among men aged 40 or more years who presented to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) for prostate related care between 2014 and 2021. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 860 Ugandan men aged 40 or more years, who sought prostate related care at UCI from 2014 to 2021. Only records with baseline PSA results and histological reports were included, excluding those with prior surgery, hormone therapy, or duplicates. Variables included PSA levels, family history of PCa, Age, smoking status, Alcohol use, prostate volume (PV), comorbidities, and imaging results. Binary and Bayesian logistic regression (LR and BLR) models were compared using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and are under the curve (AUC), with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% Confidence Intervals. Results: Among the patients, 99.5% of those with a positive PSA result also had a positive biopsy. Although the BLR model slightly outperformed the LR model in terms of AUC (0.91 vs. 0.90), the LR model demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity (98.71% vs. 65% and 29.76% vs. 5%, respectively). The multivariable LR model identified age (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99, p=0.02) and MRI results (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.93, p=0.03) as significant predictors of a positive prostate biopsy. Conclusion:This study found a 99.5% positive biopsy rate following a positive PSA test. While both models demonstrated predictive value, LR’s superior sensitivity and specificity made it more suitable for clinical use. However, BLR’s slightly higher AUC suggests potential for improved accuracy with refinement. Age and MRI findings emerged as key predictors, emphasizing their role in biopsy decisions. These findings support LR in practice while encouraging further exploration of Bayesian approaches for PCa detection in Uganda
Prevalence and genetic diversity of Fasciola species in cattle slaughtered around lake Albert, Kyoga and Victoria basins in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of Master of Veterinary Medicine Degree (Food Animal Health and Production) of Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.Fascioliasis is caused by Fasciola species, with the intermediate host being freshwater and the definitive host being livestock and humans. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Fasciola species in cattle slaughtered along Lake Albert, Kyoga, and Victoria basins in Uganda. Fecal samples and adult flukes were collected from cattle slaughtered. Mini flotac technique and microscopy was done to detect Fasciola eggs. Morphological identification of the flukes was done, and later DNA was extracted. Furthermore, PCR was performed by amplifying DNA polymerase delta (pold) and Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pepck) genes for species identification. Additionally, Cytochrome C Oxidase 1 (cox 1), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad 1) genes were amplified for genetic diversity determination. PCR products sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed, haplotype and nucleotide diversity was determined. The result for this study revealed that the prevalence of Fasciola based on liver and coprological examination was 34.78% (112/322) and 14.91% (48/322), respectively. Morphologically, 261/389, 61/389, and 67/389 were provisionally identified as F. gigantica, F. hepatica, and intermediate, respectively. Upon PCR, all provisionally identified Fasciola species were confirmed to be F. gigantica based on pepck gene marker. Ten fluke samples were amplified with the pold gene, and sequenced, on in silico digestion with Alu 1 enzyme; these showed 3 fragments of F. gigantica. Twelve fluke samples were amplified with both cox1 and nad1 markers and showed gene fragments of 438 and 535 base pairs, respectively. The PCR products were Sanger sequenced. In this study, 5 and 12 haplotypes for cox 1 and nad 1 genes, respectively were obtained from 12 sequences. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity were Hd 0.833 and 1.000, and Pi 0.00416 and 0.02202 for cox 1 and nad 1, respectively. The result suggests high genetic diversity in the study area and that the population of Fasciola is undergoing different selective pressures affecting survival and reproduction. This may cause a future increase in the Fasciola population, hence presenting a big challenge in the cattle population.
European Union Horizon 2022- PREPARE4VB
A knowledge management framework for supporting knowledge sharing on performance of SMES to guide it investment decisions case study of Kampala Central Division
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the College of Computing and Information Science in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science in Information Systems of Makerere UniversityABSTRACT
This qualitative case study explores the challenges and information gaps hindering IT investment decisions and digital transformation among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kampala Central Division, Uganda. The study aims to develop a context-specific Knowledge Management Framework (KMF) that empowers SMEs to make informed IT investment choices by addressing critical barriers such as financial constraints, staff resistance, infrastructure instability, and vendor distrust.
Using a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth case studies of 30 SMEs across retail, healthcare, agriculture, and service sectors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and observations, with thematic analysis revealing six key challenges: financial risk aversion (92% of SMEs), digital skills gaps (87%), infrastructure inequity (83%), vendor distrust (78%), security vulnerabilities (65%), and unstructured decision-making (72%). Building on Alavi and Leidner’s (2001) Knowledge Management stages and extending the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study introduces "Perceived Risk & Trust" and "Human Capital & Digital Literacy" as critical determinants of IT adoption in resource-constrained settings.
The resulting KMF integrates localized knowledge creation, mobile money-compatible ROI tools, offline-first architecture, and sector-specific decision trees. A pilot evaluation with 5 SMEs demonstrated its potential, showing a 40% increase in IT investment confidence, a 35% reduction in perceived implementation failures, and a 50% improvement in staff adoption rates with localized training. The framework also provides policymakers with evidence-based recommendations, such as vendor accreditation systems and solar-powered digital hubs, while contributing to academia through a validated architectural blueprint for KM solutions in developing economies.
The study concludes that a structured, context-sensitive KMF can significantly accelerate SME digital transformation by bridging knowledge gaps and mitigating risks. Key recommendations include SME adoption of the framework for systematic IT decision-making, policy interventions to improve infrastructure and vendor trust, and further research to validate the extended TOE model. By addressing both theoretical and practical gaps, this research offers a scalable solution to enhance SME competitiveness and drive Uganda’s digital economy.
Keywords: Knowledge management, SME digitalization, IT investment, Kampala, contextual framework
Missed opportunities for administration of low-dose aspirin to pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia at Kawempe National Referral Hospital
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the award of Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.Background: Evidence suggests low-dose aspirin (LDA) prophylaxis given between 11-16 weeks of gestation and stopped at 36 weeks may prevent or delay early onset preeclampsia in high-risk individuals and may reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in patients who develop the disease. Aspirin administration is associated with a risk reduction of up to 25% in preeclampsia development. This study aimed to determine the missed opportunities for low-dose aspirin administration to high-risk pregnant women with preeclampsia at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women with preeclampsia who demonstrated risk factors for preeclampsia before diagnosis of preeclampsia. These were assessed if they were administrated with LDA and any factors associated with missed opportunities for LDA. The data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 19. Modified Poisson regression analysis including bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to measure the associated factors. Results: 288 mothers were recruited with an average age of 30.74±6.14 years and majority (91.3%, 263/288) were married. The prevalence of missed opportunities for the administration of LDA was 91.0%. For those who had LDA prescribed, majority (80.8%, 21/26) were administered with 75 mg aspirin and 19.2% (5/26) were administered with 150mg. Aspirin was predominantly initiated between 11–16 weeks of gestation in 61.5%, 16/26 and majority were given a once-daily regimen (84.6%, 22/26). The missed opportunities for LDA administration were more likely in women without a history of preeclampsia [aPR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34–2.58, P = 0.02] or chronic hypertension [aPR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.59–6.57, P = 0.013] as compared those with such a history. Additionally, women who reported the unavailability of LDA at their antenatal care (ANC) site were more likely to miss LDA administration compared to those who reported LDA as consistently available at their ANC site [aPR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.54–5.94, P = 0.018]. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight significant gaps in the administration of low-dose aspirin (LDA) for preeclampsia prevention, with missed opportunities being more likely among women without a history of preeclampsia or chronic hypertension and those who reported LDA unavailability at antenatal care sites. There is need for enhanced adherence to preeclampsia prevention protocols among Uganda healthcare provers. Key words: Low-Dose Aspirin, Preeclampsia, Missed Opportunities
Objection my lord: family law and practice: compassionate and informed guidance on marriage, divorce and child law. revised and updated second edition
No full textA bookIt is with profound admiration that I pen this review for the second edition of *Objection My Lord*, an extraordinary legal tome by the distinguished scholar Isaac Christopher Lubogo. Having made a resounding impact with its inaugural edition, this magnum opus has not only solidified its place in the annals of legal literature but has now ascended to even greater heights in its revised form. Lubogo has meticulously expanded the boundaries of legal discourse, presenting a work that is not merely an analysis but an intellectual journey through the complex architecture of trial advocacy. The first edition of *Objection My Lord* already heralded the arrival of a formidable legal mind, one whose treatment of objections and courtroom dynamics was incisive and authoritative. However, this second edition exemplifies what can only be described as a tour de force in legal writing. With refined precision, the author delves into the intricacies of evidentiary objections, the art of courtroom persuasion, and the strategies that define masterful advocacy. Isaac Christopher Lubogo has, with this edition, set an even higher bar for legal scholarship. His mastery of procedural and substantive law is evident as he navigates through both theoretical frameworks and practical applications with unparalleled fluency. His discourse on the law of evidence is especially noteworthy, as it demonstrates a rare combination of academic rigor and pragmatic insight—qualities that are essential for any advocate seeking to excel in litigation. The author’s treatment of objections in this edition goes beyond mere technicalities; it explores the psychological and rhetorical dimensions of legal practice, elevating the subject from a simple procedural necessity to a formidable weapon in the arsenal of courtroom strategy. Lubogo dissects the art of objecting with clinical precision, revealing the subtleties that differentiate the ordinary advocate from the truly exceptional. Moreover, this edition benefits from a deepened engagement with comparative jurisprudence. Lubogo draws from not only Ugandan and East African legal systems but also traverses global legal landscapes, enriching the text with international perspectives that offer fresh insights and broaden the scope of applicability for both budding and seasoned practitioners. The author’s style is replete with eloquence, yet never at the expense of clarity. His ability to marry dense legal principles with accessible explanations makes this book an invaluable resource for law students, practitioners, and even judges. The second edition is undeniably a magnum opus—an academic feast of legal wisdom served with eloquence, precision, and a deep understanding of the legal craft. In sum, *Objection My Lord* in its second edition is an indispensable guide for the astute advocate. Isaac Christopher Lubogo has upped the ante, setting an exemplary standard for future legal scholarship. I wholeheartedly commend this work to every member of the legal fraternity, for it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the study and practice of law
Reservoir characterization and modeling of fractured basement in ruman oil field, Melut Basin, South Sudan
No full textA Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfillment for the award of a Master of Science Degree in Petroleum Geoscience of Makerere University.This research investigates the hydrocarbon reservoir potential of fractured basement rocks in the Ruman Field, located in the Melut Basin of South Sudan. An integrated approach, utilizing a combination of resistivity images, acoustic logs, lithological data, and seismic attributes, was employed to effectively evaluate the formation. The study identifies two primary sets of fractures from well data interpretation with a notable concentration around the Ruman A1 well, attributed to nearby faulting. However, the study of seismic attributes has shown significant fracture network at the uplift basement section. Fracture orientations predominantly trend NE-SW and NW-SE, with aperture widths ranging from 0.4 mm to 2.1 mm and mean hydraulic apertures between 0.7 mm and 2.7 mm. These findings indicate favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation within the granitic gneiss lithology (Chandrasekhar, P.H., Mane, P., Rajappan, P., ONGC, WOB, Mumbai, 2015).
Cumulative intensity logs were analyzed to define mechanical zones, revealing three structural trends that correlate with the identified fracture systems. Variance and ant track seismic attributes further enhanced the understanding of fracture features in this extensional setting (Varsha, Malviya, Sanjoy, & Deelip, 2023). A comprehensive Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model was generated, depicting ellipsoidal fractures with maximum lengths of 500 cm and widths up to 3 cm. The model indicates porosity and permeability distributions of 0.7% to 1.5% and 0.4 md to 2.1 md, respectively, with significant oil-bearing fractures trending NW-SW
The results underscore the importance of thorough fracture characterization for effective reservoir management and highlight the need for further studies, including well testing, geomechanical modeling and advanced 3D seismic imaging, to improve geological understanding and reduce exploration risks. By integrating techniques, this research aims to enhance predictions of reservoir behavior under various development scenarios, contributing to more effective hydrocarbon appraisal and development strategies
The 14-day incidence and risk factors of gastrointestinal anastomotic leak among adult patients in Mulago Hospital, a prospective cohort study
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master's Degree in Surgery of Makerere University.Background: Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications following gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic surgery. It increases morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing GI surgery. Globally, the frequency of anastomotic leak varies depending upon the tissue that is being anastomosed. Higher incidences of anastomotic leak up to 36.5% have been reported in Low- and Middle-income countries compared to the lower rates of less than 10% in Higher income countries for small and large bowel anastomoses. Despite the burden, the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery are not well defined in Uganda.
Objective: We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal surgery at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).
Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 85 adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards of MNRH 24 hours following gastrointestinal surgery. Independent variables including preoperative anemia, preoperative albumin level, and ASA status were recorded on entry, while the dependent variable (anastomotic leak) was obtained upon 14 day’s follow- up. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for anastomotic leak, p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of the 85 participants recruited, 7 (8.2%) developed anastomotic leak during the 14 day follow up. Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dl (RR, 8.15; 95% C.I, 1.16 - 57.48; p=0.035) was identified as independent risk factor for anastomotic leak after multivariate logistic regression adjusted for confounders.
Conclusion: The incidence of anastomotic leak in Mulago National Referral Hospital was low, (8.2%). Low Hb (Hb<10g/dl) was the only statistically significant predictor variable of gastrointestinal anastomotic leak in this study
Accuracy of ganga hospital open injury score in predicting amputation of severe open lower limb injuries among adults seen at Mulago Hospital
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of a Master of Medicine in Orthopedic Surgery at Makerere UniversityBackground: With the recent advent of more motorization in Uganda, severe open lower limb injuries are pretty common. Hence, a frequent ethical and medical-legal dilemma in decision-making by frontline clinicians often occurs on whether to amputate a limb to prevent mortality. There are a variety of injury scores to help guide decisions; unfortunately, most fall short of accuracy. There is a need for a precise score to assist clinicians in providing a tiebreaker to salvage or amputate with the most accuracy.
Objective: To assess the accuracy of GHOISS in the clinical prediction of amputation among adult patients with severe open lower limb injuries at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Methods: A three-month hospital-based prospective cohort study was done at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s accident and emergency ward among 92 adult patients with severe open lower limb injuries using the Buderer sample technique. An interviewer-guided questionnaire was used to collect participants' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.
The patients with severe open lower limb injuries were evaluated and scored using GHOISS and MESS scores. Participants were thereafter followed up for up to 5 days to see if any subsequently experienced a delayed amputation.
Results: The study included 92 participants, predominantly male (85.87%), with a mean age of 34 years (±11.47). The most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents (90.22%), and the tibia was the most frequently injured site (80.43%). Among the study population, 2.17% underwent primary amputation, 7.61% had delayed amputation, and 90.22% had limb salvage. The predictive accuracy analysis of GHOISS compared to MESS demonstrated superior performance for GHOISS. For primary amputation, both scores had AUC = 1.0, but GHOISS had slightly higher specificity (91.11% vs. 87.78%). For delayed amputation, GHOISS showed AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 71.43%, specificity = 94.12%, outperforming MESS (AUC = 0.72, sensitivity = 42.86%, specificity = 88.24%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that GHOISS is a highly accurate tool for predicting primary and delayed amputations, significantly outperforming MESS in sensitivity and specificity