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Impact of banana bacterial wilt and it’s control practices on household incomes in South - Western Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Economics of Makerere UniversityHousehold income of banana producing households has since 2002 been faced with various constraints including Banana Bacterial Wilt (BXW or BBW) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum. In 2013, BBW prevalence and incidence increased rapidly in the South-Western sub-region of the country, the home to over 70% of Uganda’s banana. Luckily, there was an intervention to control BBW using cultural practices. Hence, information on application of these practices was disseminated to banana farmers in the sub-region including Ibanda and Ntungamo districts. Against this background a study was conducted in Ibanda and Ntungamo districts to determine the Impact of BBW and its Control Practices on Household Incomes in South-Western Uganda. The study was conducted using Difference in Difference impact evaluation design, Ordinary Least Squares and fractional regression techniques. The findings of the study show that low BBW incidence had no significant effect on banana productivity compared to No BBW. However, high BBW incidence, above 20% (100 affected banana plants per acre or 200 affected plants per hectare), reduced banana yield by 23% which was averagely 222.80 bunches per hectare per year. Economically, the loss was valued at two hundred eighty nine (289) US Dollars per hectare per year. The study also observed that whereas, all farmers were adopting some BBW control practices, it is only the entire package that eliminates BBW. Hence, partial adoption of BBW Control Practices, led to a recovery of 56% of productivity, while a full package, at 80% and above adoption level caused a productivity recovery of 89% which was estimated at 198.29 bunches per hectare per year. Consequently, partial adoption had an economic value of one hundred forty four (144) US Dollars while high adoption had an economic value of two hundred and three (203) US Dollars per hectare per year. The study noted that household socio-economic characterstics of gender and ownership of cutting tools influence the extent of adoption of BBW control practices. The study further observed that farmer to farmer extension approach increased access to relevant information for BBW control and could be harnessed to ensure simple enforcement mechanisms required by the community to minimize BBW prevalence. It is important that the promotion and enforcement strategies should encourage banana farmers to adopt a complete package and not a partial package if BBW is to be properly controlled. The complete package includes avoidance of spreading BBW by cutting the male bud using a forked stick, use of clean planting materials, cutting down BBW infected plants, disinfecting tools using jik or fire, as well as suspension of use of farm tools in affected plantations
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among school-going adolescents with hearing impairment in Kampala District, Uganda
No full textA research dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Masters of Medicine in Psychiatry Degree of Makerere UniversityBackground: Depression remains one of the most common and disabling mental disorders among adolescents globally. Well as its burden has been widely studied, little is still known about how it affects school-going adolescents with hearing impairment, a group that often faces unique social emotional and structural challenges. Despite their increased vulnerability, adolescents with hearing impairment continue to be overlooked in most mental health research. This study set out to determine the prevalence of depression and explore the factors associated with it with the aim of informing inclusive mental health policy and interventions.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and factors associated with it among school-going adolescents with hearing impairment in Kampala district, Uganda.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 10 to 17 years with hearing impairment, attending three primary schools of the deaf in Kampala. Proportionate sampling across the schools was followed by simple random sampling. Depression was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children and adolescents (MINI-KID), adapted for use among adolescents with hearing impairment. A structured socio-demographic questionnaire was administered. Data was analyzed with Stata version 17 and modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to examine associations.
Results: The study included 116 adolescents with HI in Kampala, with a mean age of 14.5 years (SD=1.9), of whom 60 (51.7%) were female. The point prevalence of depression was 34.5%, with lifetime prevalence at 60.3%. Suicidal ideation was reported by 21%. Depression was more common among females (55.7%) and older adolescents (14-17 years) (62.9%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Living in father-only households and witnessing excessive disciplinary practices were significantly associated with depression.
Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents with HI. Depression was more common among females and older adolescents, exacerbated by family structure and punitive disciplinary practices. Urgent interventions are needed, including mental health support for students with HI, supportive family structures, implementing inclusive education policies, mental health training for teachers, and improved access to sign language-trained professionals to support this vulnerable group.Ruddy Ruggles Scholarship
Makch-Brain Health program
Objection my lord: criminal procedure: authoritative insights into criminal law and procedure. Revised and updated 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
Diversity and distribution of Odonata (Insecta) in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve in South-Western Uganda
No full textA dissertation 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 Zoology (Entomology/Parasitology) of Makerere University.Odonates have gained importance in the field of environmental management and biodiversity research as bioindicators of pollution and habitat changes of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Odonates diversity and abundance in an ecosystem is an indication of the general diversity of the ecosystem, owing to their position in the food chain as predators of both aquatic and terrestrial insects and probably other invertebrates. Larval community are predators in aquatic ecosystem, while adults prey on flying insects. In Uganda, most studies have focused on other insect groups especially those that are pests, vectors or those for food/feeds. For ecological insects, most studies are limited to the charismatic lepidopteran taxon, with only a few studies focusing on odonates. This study, conducted in Kalinzu CFR in south-western Uganda aimed to establish a baseline of Odonata in the forest with the objectives of: i) determining the diversity of Odonata species in Kalinzu CFR, ii) assessing distribution and assemblage of Odonata fauna in the different biotopes of Kalinzu CFR, and iii) evaluating environmental variables that influence the pattern of distribution of odonates in Kalinzu CFR. Adult odonates were collected using a standard sweep net along eight water courses; two from each of the four management zones of the forest reserve. Selected environmental variables were also assessed in the different sites. Species diversity in each zone was analysed using different diversity indices. PCA and Hierarchical clustering using PAST software were used to evaluate species distribution and relationship between different variables with odonates. A total of 1019 individuals belonging to 25 species, 16 genera, and seven families were recorded. Results showed that the forest had high diversity of odonates with the strict Nature reserve being the most diverse, while the Buffer zone was the least diverse. Umma saphirina was found to be the most dominant species and distributed throughout the forest reserve. Majority of species were localised and some such as Allocnemis superba were found restricted to the Research zone. Width of the water channels, water flow rate, canopy cover, vegetation density at ground level near water courses and presence of lentic or lotic system significantly influenced the distribution, richness and abundance of Odonata fauna in the forest reserve. The Strict nature reserve holds the highest conservation value and should be protected. Sustainable use of forest products in the Production zone should be practiced to conserve Odonata fauna and biodiversit
Assessing anaerobic co-digestion of faecal sludge with sugarcane press mud and water hyacinth for biogas and biofertilizer production
No full textMaster dissertationIn Uganda especially peri-urban areas, faecal sludge (FS) and agro-industry wastes are
abundant, and their poor management poses environmental and public health risks. In a bid to
find safe disposal and resource recovery, this study evaluated the potential of anaerobic co
digestion of FS with sugarcane press mud (SP) and water hyacinth (WH) for biogas
production. It is postulated that co-digestion with carbon rich substrates (water hyacinth and
press mud), could enhance digestibility, stabilisation of bio-solids and improve methane yield
higher than from faecal sludge alone. The experiment involved characterization of the of
feedstock and residual solids, determination of biogas yields, methane content, and eventual
pathogen reduction. Moisture content, pH, total solids, volatile solids, ash content, nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, carbon, sodium, calcium, total coliforms, Escherichiacoli (E. coli),
Salmonella, chemical oxygen demand, ammonium-nitrogen, lead and chromium were
measured. Five experimental setups were ran for 51 days and included; FS (100%), SP
(100%), WH (100%), FS+WH (1:1), and FS+SP (1:1) in 30L bio-digesters each with 20L of
feedstock and 5L of inoculum (activated faecal sludge), with 5L left for gas accumulation.
Biogas production was monitored using 20L gas collection bags, with cumulative and
specific yields calculated based on volatile solids (VS) added and methane content analyzed
using the Geotech BIOGAS 5000 gas monitor. By day 50, FS+SP had the highest cumulative
biogas volume of 256 L, an average specific biogas yield of 89.3 L/kg VS with methane
content of 64.7%. Following this, was SP that generated 218.7 L of biogas with an average
specific biogas of 47.9 L/kg VS, methane yield of 50.9-56.2% peaking at 56.2% methane
content by day 21. Water hyacinth alone produced 96.3 L of biogas, an average specific
biogas of 46.9 L/kg VS and methane content of 51.5%. A combination of FS+WH produced
178.8 L of biogas, yielding an average specific biogas of 80.3 L/kg VS, with methane content
beginning at 49.4% on day 7 and decreasing to 44.3% by day 49. Finally, FS alone had the
lowest yield, with 15.4 L of biogas and an average specific yield of 3.7 L/kg VS, peaking at
39.3% methane content by day 49. .Escherichia coli were completely removed in all setups.
Substrate SP had the highest nitrogen and calcium content among the substrates. Co-digested
substrates FS+SP and FS+WH demonstrated significant enhancement in nutrient
composition, with enhanced concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making
them suitable for agricultural applications. The assessment of digestate substrates for
fertilizer potential revealed a ranking from highest to lowest as follows: SP, FS+SP, FS+WH,
FS, and WH. While all substrates demonstrated potential as fertilizers due to their nutrient
content, they required further treatment to lower pathogen numbers, particularly total
coliforms, before safe application. The study concludes that co-digestion, enhances methane
production and nutrient recovery. Recommendations include use of continuous mixing,
explore other substrates, optimal substrate ratios, ammonia mitigation strategies, and field
trials for digestate utilization.DAA
Comparative assessment of nutritional status and body composition of school children in Tororo district, Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry of Makerere UniversityChildhood malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in Uganda, with significant rates of stunting, wasting and underweight in rural districts like Tororo. Accurate assessment of nutrition status and body composition is essential for effective intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a non-invasive method for assessing the body composition of children aged 6 to 14 years against the deuterium dilution method (DDM) as a reference method in determining the nutritional status and body composition of school children aged 6 to 14 years in Tororo district Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 152 school children aged 6 to 14 years from Rubongi Primary School, Tororo District, Bukedi sub-region selected through random sampling. BIA measurements of total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and fat mass percentage (%FM) were carried out using the TANITA MC-780MA-N body composition analyser, and the results were compared to those obtained using the deuterium dilution method. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess the agreement between the two methods. The results indicated that 8.6%, 10.5% and 4.6% of the children were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively; none of the children were overweight or obese. However, 2% of the children were severely stunted and wasted. BIA estimates of FFM and TBW were strong and positively correlated with the deuterium dilution method (r = 0.85, and r = 8.3) respectively (P<0.0001). However, a slight systematic bias was observed, with the BIA tending to overestimate %FM (20.01 + 2.56) in girls than boys (18.90 + 3.74). Despite these differences, the limits of agreement were within clinically acceptable ranges for most of the measurement variables. The Bland-Altman analysis showed no systematic bias between BIA and DDM values for FFM and TBW, with narrow limits of agreement between the two methods (TBW: bias of 0.8651kg [95% CI -4.19-5.92], and FFM: bias of 1.497kg [95% CI -6.040 to 9.035]. There was no significant difference between BIA and DDM in body composition measurement. Since BIA presents a more feasible method of body composition measurement, and this study has demonstrated its agreement with DDM, it can be used to assess body composition by researchers in the field and in clinics in resource constrained settings
Prevalence and factors associated with shunt survival among hydrocephalus patients that underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at Mulago National Referral Hospital: a retrospective cross-sectional study
No full textA dissertation submitted to the School of Medicine in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the master's degree in Neurosurgery of Makerere University.Introduction: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is one of the mainstay treatments for hydrocephalus patients. Some patients that undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery experience eventful survival. However, limited information exists on the extent of VPS surgery among hydrocephalus patients and factors associated with shunt survival at neurosurgical unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with shunt survival among hydrocephalus patients that underwent VPS surgery at Neurosurgical Unit of MNRH.
Methods: A 5-year retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 hydrocephalus patients. A review of patients’ medical charts and outpatient follow-up records along with a telephone survey were done. Pre-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was exported to STATA version 17.0 for statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess for association.
Results: Prevalence of VPS surgery at MNRH was 35.0%. Majority of patients were male (56.0%). Mean age of patients was 21.0 ± 21.2 years. Obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus were found in 69.0% (72) and 31.0% (32) of patients respectively. The majority of the patients had non-PIH 83.0% (86). A shunt failure rate of 34.6% was recorded in this study. Shunt infection and shunt malfunction rates were similar at 10.6% respectively. Etiology of hydrocephalus was found to be a significant factor affecting shunt survival (95% CI 0.032-0.775; p=0.023).
Conclusion: VPS insertion was relatively low (35.0%) among hydrocephalus patients that presented at neurosurgical unit of MNRH. The 1-year shunt survival was 65.4%. One in three patients that had VPS surgery developed complications including shunt failure, shunt malfunction and mortality. Patients with non-PIH were less likely to experience shunt failure
Prevalence, associated factors and in-hospital outcomes of gastrointestinal perforations at Bwera General Hospital, Kasese - Uganda: a retrospective cross-sectional study
No full textA dissertation report submitted to the School of Medicine in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master's Degree in General Surgery of Makerere University.Introduction: Gastrointestinal perforations (GIPs) constitute surgical emergencies which necessitate prompt diagnosis and management that is significantly facilitated by the availability of adequate facilities and resources. Knowledge of prevalence, associated factors and in-hospital outcomes of mortality, Enterocutaneous fistulas and reoperations is crucial for ensuring optimal resource availability, allocation and improved patient care. However, in rural areas of sub–Saharan Africa including Uganda, there is paucity of research on prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of GIPs.
Objective: To determine the prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of GIPs at Bwera General Hospital, Kasese, Uganda.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study involving review of patient charts (from 1st Jan 2019 to 30th Dec 2023) was conducted at Bwera General Hospital in Kasese district. Stata version 18 was used to analyze data and descriptive statistics were reported using mean (SD) and frequency (proportion) for continuous variables and categorical variables respectively. Modified Poisson regression analysis for factors associated with GIPs was done.
Results: Among the 870 patients with GIT conditions 143 were found to have been diagnosed with GIPs. A prevalence of GIPs of 16.6% 95% CI (14.2% to 19.2%) was thus reported with in hospital deaths of 8.5% 95% CI (4.8% - 14.4%) and 5.7% 95%CI (2.8% -11.0%) of these participants staying long in the hospital (>2 weeks). Age AOR 0.978 95%CI (0.966-0.991), having typhoid AOR 2.147 95%CI (1.332-3.460), and were the factors associated with having a GIP.
Conclusion: There is a high burden of GIPs, in hospital mortality and short hospital stays in Bwera hospital. Notably Younger age, having a history of typhoid, PUD and GIT tumors were associated with an increased risk of GIPs in Bwera General Hospital
Feasibility and factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of a self-administered PHQ-9 for depression screening at Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital HIV Clinic
No full textA dissertation submitted to in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry of Makerere University.Background: Comorbid depression is three times more prevalent among people living with HIV in Uganda, yet its diagnosis is still a challenge due to multiple factors such as inadequate health care work force that results into heavy workload and less attention. A self-administered PHQ-9 tool may be useful in improving screening for depression and depression treatment monitoring among people living with HIV in Uganda. However, there are limited studies on the feasibility and accuracy of a self-administered PHQ-9 in Uganda.
Objective: The study aimed at determining the feasibility, accuracy and factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of a self-administered PHQ-9 for depression screening at Mukono Church of Uganda (MCOU) hospital HIV clinic.
Methods: A cross-sectional study among people living with HIV who attended care at (MCOU) Hospital. Participants self-administered the PHQ-9 and thereafter were assessed by a trained clinician who was using a DSM-5 checklist as reference standard. Among those who picked the questionnaire from the reception, the number of those who accepted to self-administer the questionnaire, those willing but unable to self-administer, and time taken to self-administer were recorded. The completion rate was also recorded. The PHQ-9 scores and the psychiatric diagnoses for each participant were recorded. Clinicians were blinded to the self- administered PHQ-9 findings. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors that affect diagnostic accuracy.
Results
Of PLHIV, 30.7% were found to be positive for depression as per the DSMV-5. The average time taken to self-administer was 9.4 minutes, standard deviation of 3.8. About 88% were accepted to complete the tool, and the completion rate of 86% among those who attempted. Majority of the study participants found it easy to self-administer the PHQ-9.
The study revealed a high accuracy of the self-administered PHQ-9 with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 68.7% at an optimum cut off of 5. Older participants above 50 years were 43% less likely to accurately complete the PHQ -9 compared to participants 18 to 29 years.
Conclusion: A self-administered PHQ-9 has a considerably high accuracy and is feasible for depression screening among PLHIV. However, Older PLHIV 50 years and above could benefit more from a clinicians help while completing the PHQ-9
Response of selected Latin American cassava genotypes to cassava brown streak disease in Uganda
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 Systems of Makerere University.Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a big threat to food security in the predominantly cassava growing regions in Africa. The disease causes total crop loss in susceptible varieties. A more sustainable method to manage CBSD would be to use host plant resistance. Although most African cassava germplasm continue to succumb to the disease, novel sources of CBSD resistance were reported in the Latin American gene pool when germplasm collection at CIAT, Columbia, was screened by graft-inoculation technique in a glasshouse in Germany. This study undertook an evaluation of the Latin American cassava genotypes for resistance to CBSD and root quality in Uganda. Specifically, the study validated the resistance reported in the Latin American cassava genotypes in a hotspot environment and established variability for root quality attributes in Uganda. Two sets of experiments were established at Namulonge; one under natural field conditions, using the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The second experiment was conducted in a screenhouse, where the plants were graft-inoculated with a virulent strain of Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV). Data was collected on CBSD severity and viral detection every three months from the time of planting. To understand variability for fresh root yield, dry matter, and starch contents, data was collected from field trials set at three sites at Abi, Serere, and Kabarole. Results from the screening experiment indicated the Latin American cassava genotypes did not show CBSD symptoms in the field, as opposed to the Ugandan genotypes that showed varying levels of CBSD symptoms. In the second experiment, after graft inoculation, highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) among genotypes were realized. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) were observed for both CBSD foliar and root necrosis. Overall, the mean CBSD severity of Ugandan clones was higher than in the Latin American genotypes, suggesting better resistance for CBSD in the background of Latin American clones. Interestingly, three genotypes, COL 40, COL 2182, and PER 556, neither exhibited CBSD symptoms nor tested positive for CBSV in the two experiments. Notably, all the Latin American cassava genotypes yielded lower than the top-check variety, NAROCASS 1. However, genotype COL 40 exhibited mean dry matter content (DMC) of 38% across the three study environments, which was higher than the mean DMC of the local check variety NAROCASS 1 (35%). Taken together, this study provides information about sources of CBSD resistance, and it is therefore essential to keep track of these clones as potential sources for subsequent CBSD resistance breeding. Consequently, the finding also emphasizes the suitability of genotypes such as COL 40 that combine disease resistance with desirable root quality attributes, as well as the need to incorporate graft inoculation techniques while screening advanced breeding materials for CBSD resistance.Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), USAID, Feed the futur