Research Articles

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Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Gulu University

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Genetic Characterization of Alupe Napier Grass Accessions Based on Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
(American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015-02-24) Kawube, Geofrey; Kabirizi, Jolly; Namazzi, Clementine
Genetic variability of 23 Napier grass clones, 22 of which were collected from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute – at Alupe in Kenya was determined using 17 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. All markers were polymorphic with the most discriminative being PSMP2267. Average gene diversity among the Napier grass clones was 0.54 with an average heterozygosity of 0.63. Total number of alleles across all loci was 90 with mean number of alleles per locus of 5.29 and a mean polymorphic information content of 0.50. Results also indicate a high genetic distance among the Napier grass clones with the most distant clone being 16814 while the closest was between kakamega1 and kakamega2 and kakamega2 and kakamega3. Principal Co-ordinates Analysis did not group the clones in a definitive structure, with most clones scattered. However, the SSR markers grouped the clones into two clusters derived from a dendogram generated by Neighbour joining analysis with clone 16814 being alone in a cluster. Clone Kakamega1, Kakamega2 and Kakamega3 as very closely related. These findings are key in guiding selection of clones for inclusion in breeding programs and conservation of Napier grass
Napier grass stunt disease prevalence, incidence, severity and genetic variability of the associated phytoplasma in Uganda
(Elsevier Ltd., 2015-04-30) Kawube, Geofrey; Talwana, Herbert; Nicolaisen, Mogens; Alicai, Titus; Otim, Michael; Kabirizi, Jolly; Mukwaya, Anthony; Nielsen, Steen Lykke
The prevalence, incidence and severity of Napier grass stunt disease (NGSD) caused by phytoplasma on Pennisetum purpureum, the main fodder for livestock under intensive and semi-intensive management systems in Uganda were determined following a field survey carried out in 17 districts. A total of 298 Napier grass fields were visited and NGSD status visually assessed and 1192 samples collected for identification and confirmation of the phytoplasma by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using universal primers P1/P6 nested with R16F2n/R16R2n and, tuf primers 890/340 nested with 835 and 400. From these, 221 PCR products were sequenced and sequences aligned. Napier grass stunt disease is widely spread at an epidemic proportion, with the districts at different risk levels. The most affected districts are in central, East and North parts of the country while those in the west are least affected. Sequence alignments and Blast searches showed that the phytoplasma causing NGSD in Uganda belonged to the phytoplasma group 16SrXI, with single nucleotide sequence variants in a few districts. Therefore, there is a need for development of an area wide NGSD management strategy to contain the disease.
Temporal Dynamics of Napier Grass Stunt Disease as Influenced by Napier Grass Clones and Initial Inoculum
(merican Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015-05-09) Kawube, Geofrey; Talwana, Herbert; Alicai, Titus; Otim, Michael; Mukwaya, Anthony; Kabirizi, Jolly
Napier grass stunt disease (NGSD) is the main biotic factor limiting Napier grass production in the East African region. Its management is, however, hampered by inadequate epidemiological information. This study determined the temporal spread of NGSD in Napier grass fields. A field experiment was setup at National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge in Uganda to determine the influence of initial inoculum and clones on the spread of NSD in the field. The experiment was arranged in a randomized Complete Block Design and replicated 4 times. The initial inoculum levels used were 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% while the clones included KW4, local/wild type and P99, respectively. Napier grass stunt disease incidence data was recorded at 60 days intervals starting 90 days after planting up to 450 days. Napier grass was cut back to a height of 5 cm above ground after each data collection. Gompertz model was found to adequately describe NGSD temporal spread, the basis on which all incidence data was transformed. Results indicate that NGSD symptoms appeared in the field after 150 days after planting. However, NGSD incidence at the time was influenced by initial inoculum levels and type of clone. Plots with higher levels of initial inoculum density reached epidemic levels faster than those without. Disease incidence increased with increase in levels of initial inoculum and time, doubling after every 13.8 to 29.8 days, as such the rate of disease spread is moderate. The disease progression was fastest in clone P99 followed by KW4 and least in local. Final NGSD incidence and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) were linearly related with the NGSD incidence at the time the disease was first detected; indicating that incidence at NSD detection can be used to predict the final disease and AUDPC in the field. Therefore, deployment of measures that reduce initial inoculum is important in control of the disease.
Genetic Diversity in Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Assessed by SSR Markers
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2015-06-15) Kawube, Geofrey; Alicai, Titus; Wanjala, Bramwel; Njahira, Moses; Awalla, Juma; Skilton, Robert
Understanding of genetic diversity among Napier grass is very important for selection and improvement of Napier grass breeding population. This study determined the genetic diversity among the farmer preferred, wild(local) and selected ILRI gene-bank Napier grass clones using 23 SSR markers selected from pearl millet, maize and sorghum. The results indicated polymorphism among the SSR markers, revealing a total of 339 alleles of which 27.1% alleles were unique, occurring either only in local, farmers-preferred or ILRI clones. Similarly, genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity were highest in the local than in farmers’ preferred and least in the ILRI gene-bank clones. The clones clustered in two groups with a few overlaps, although most of the farmer’s grown Napier grass clones grouped with those from ILRI genebank and clone P99, emphasizing their genetic relatedness. Therefore, the unique alleles revealed in the local clones may be associated with adaptability to local environments. These alleles could, therefore, be exploited for genetic improvement of the farmer-preferred Napier grass.
Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health:
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2017) Khaitsa, Margaret Loy; Ejobi, Francis; Majalija, Samuel; Tumwine, Gabriel; Sente, Celsus; Okech, Samuel George; Vudriko, Patrick; Mugisha, Lawrence; Owiny, David Okello; Amulen, Deborah; Ikwap, Kokas; Sherman, Jack; Wills, Robert; Smith, David; Kabasa, John David
Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda
(International Journal of One Health, 2017-05-05) Muloki Nabirye, Harriet; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Okello Owiny, David
Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data. Results: Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
Africa-United States joint curriculum development of a Master of Science degree in international infectious disease management at Makerere University
(2017-05-06) Majalija, Samuel; Owiny Okello, David; Khaitsa, Margaret Loy; Freeman, Douglas; Ekiri, Abel; Ssemadaali, Marvin; Kaneene, John Baligwamunsi; Kabasa, John David
Trans-boundary infectious diseases and zoonoses once thought to be limited by geographical demarcations are now a constant threat to global animal and human health, trade, food security, and socio-economic wellbeing. Many colleges and schools worldwide are training students to serve as professionals who will improve animal health, public health and food security globally. With this realization, Makerere University and North Dakota State University (NDSU) developed the first US-Africa trans-Atlantic degree addressing integrated disease management and international biosecurity. Both institutions received a grant from United States Department of Agriculture, Higher Education Challenge program to develop a joint Master of Science degree in International Infectious Disease Management (MS-IDM). This grant also funded four graduate students´ stipend and research. Additionally, the two institutions received funds through “Capacity building in Integrated Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ)” project that supported students from Uganda. Faculty from CIMTRADZ participating institutions offered short term training to MS-IDM students, including workshops at The International Scientific Boma and conference in Uganda. A joint degree (MS-IDM) was developed in 2011. Ten MS-IDM students graduated and over 20 fellowships were awarded. Student exchange and joint mentorship of students by faculty at both institutions occurred. There were challenges experienced and valuable lessons learnt. The MS-IDM degree provided opportunities for human capacity development to manage transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in East and Central Africa. This paper describes the curriculum development, challenges experienced and lessons learned, and informs future similar endeavors in internationalizing curricula in higher education.
Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda
(Africa Health Sciences, 2018) Muloki, Harriet N.; Erume, Joseph; Owiny, David O.; Kungu, Joseph M.; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ogeng, Duncan; Nasinyama, George W.
Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic. Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify mod- ifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facili- ties in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio. Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 - 8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis. Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.
Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda
(African Health Sciences, 2018-03-01) Muloki, Harriet N; Erume, Joseph; Owiny, David O; Kungu, Joseph M; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ogeng, Duncan; Nasinyama, George W
Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic. Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio. Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 - 8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis. Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.
Alone or a combination: ascertaining factors associated with choice of pig health management strategies amongst smallholder farmers in northern Uganda.
(Elsevier, 2022-12-17) Okello-Owiny., David; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tonny; Okello, Daniel Micheal
Pig production is an important farm enterprise for an increasing number of smallholder farmers due to its potential for improving household incomes. The sector is however faced with high burden of health issues that limit most farmers from realizing the benefits. In order to improve management of pig health for smallholder farmers, an understanding of the major health issues and factors associated with farmers' choice of the pig health management strategies are paramount. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda, this study assessed the factors associated with the use of different pig health management practices adopted by smallholder pig farmers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and two different regression models. Binary Probit Regression model was used to assess factors associated with the use of a single pig health management strategy, while, Generalized Poisson Regression model was used to assess the factors associated with the number of pig health management strategies used by the farmers. Results showed that the common health issues were African Swine Fever, lice, worms and mange, while the common strategies for health management involved self-administering antibiotics, consulting veterinarians, deworming, spraying with acaricides, selling the sick pigs, treatment with local herbs, and burying dead pigs. These pig health management strategies were influenced by farmers location, experience, age, access to extension, use of information and communication technologies, and use of processed feeds. This study recommends improving farmers' access to relevant information and expanding veterinary extension services by promoting the use of radio and mobile phones in pig health management.

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