Department of Biology

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Bacterial Diversity and their Association with Anchocerca Volvulus Infection in Simulium Flies in Northern Uganda
(Unpublish Dissertation_Gulu University, 2024) Lakot, Amerida
ABSTRACT Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a chronic and debilitating neglected tropical disease resulting from recurrent infections with the parasitic filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. This disease is transmitted by blackflies (Simulium species) and poses significant health challenges to affected populations. To date, vector control of blackflies has largely relied on chemical insecticides, an approach that has several drawbacks. There is a pressing need for alternative biological strategies for vector control, one potential approach being the use of 'probiotic' bacteria to modify the physiology of the vector's gut, thereby creating an environment that is hostile to pathogens. This study aimed to survey the bacterial communities in the guts of blackflies from onchocerciasis foci in northern Uganda to identify species with the potential to interrupt onchocerciasis transmission. Simulium flies (n=534) were collected from five sites in Nwoya, Pader, Amuru and Moyo districts in Northern Uganda. The flies were extracted using the SDS method and tests for O. volvulus infection were done using nested PCR. Twenty-five infected flies and forty-seven non-infected Simulium flies were then run for 16s metagenomic PCR using the 16S Barcoding Kit. The library was then subjected to nanopore sequencing. The sequencing identified 12 bacterial phyla with Proteobacteria as the predominant with a relative abundance of 89.7%. The most abundant genera were Enterobacter with 21.4% out of the 149 bacterial genera identified. The bacterial diversity across the sampled districts were significantly different basing on the Shannon index (p=0.26). Eight bacterial genera were significantly associated with flies infected with O. volvulus: Peptoniphilus (p=0.009), Vogesella (p=0.029), Aquabacterium (p=0.018), Curvibacter (P=0.034), Paucibacter (P=0.004), Massilia (P=0.011), Mannheimia (p=0.011) and Shimwellia (P=0.036). On the other hand, six bacterial genera were identified to be predominantly associated with uninfected status. These included Enterococcus (p= 0.03), Citrobacter (p=0.043), Haemophilus (p=0.037), Shewanella (p=0.035), Halotalea (p=0.020) and Zymobacter (p=0.018). The study identified eight novel bacterial genera linked to O. volvulus infection and six associated with non-infection in Simulium flies. Antibacterial drugs could be developed to target the infection-associated genera, while symbiotic bacteria in non-infected flies could be modified to produce molecules against O. volvulus. Further research is needed to understand the physiological mechanisms of these bacteria, which could lead to effective biocontrol strategies.
CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND ITS PERCEIVED IMPACT ON HONEY PRODUCTION IN PAICHO AND PALARO SUB-COUNTIES, NORTHERN UGANDA.
(Gulu University, 2026-09-04) Anywar, Boniface
This study examined the Climate variability and its perceived impact on honey production. A case study in Paicho and Palaro Sub-counties, Gulu District, Northern Uganda. The study centered on the lack of comprehensive, localized understanding of how climate variability specifically affects honeybee production. A mixed-method design was employed. Primary data was collected from133 purposively selected beekeepers using either structured questionnaires or key informant interviews. Rainfall and temperature data for the period 2000–2023 were obtained from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis focusing on indicators of climate variability and adoption of low-cost strategies. It was noted that annual rainfall ranged from 1,025.2 mm to 1,698.1 mm in Paicho and 935.2 mm to 1,575.8 mm in Palaro, followed by marked increases in mean annual temperatures (Paicho: 29.94–36.99 °C; Palaro: 29.94–38.22°C). ANOVA results revealed no significant differences in the yearly rainfall amounts for both locations (p > 0.05), but high significant monthly differences (p < 0.05). Maximum and minimum temperatures of Paicho showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) across the 24-year periods. Palaro Sub-county showed yearly and monthly significant different in minimum and maximum temperatures (p > 0.05) throughout the study period, indicating variability in the area. The average annual and monthly temperatures exhibited similar patterns with the statistical analysis for both minimum and maximum temperatures, this means that the average temperatures show the same trend with minimum and maximum temperatures in all the Sub-counties. Beekeepers unanimously perceived climate variability as negatively affecting honey production, mainly through reduced flowering of plants (94.7%), disruption of bee behavior and increase pests and disease prevalence. Spatial patterns showed apiaries concentrated near water bodies and woody areas, underscoring the importance of environmental resources for colony resilience. Although, common coping measures included shading the hives (64.7%) and planting forage crops (36.8%), adoption of more effective approaches such as supplementary feeding (15%) and use of modern hives (3.8%) are constrained by limited finance. The study concludes that unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures threaten honeybee production. Strengthened climate-smart extension services, increased access to modern hive technologies and climate financing among others are recommended to enhance adaptive capacity.
Diet acceptance and preference of the edible grasshopper Ruspolia diferens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
(The Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology, 2018-02-23) Malinga, Geofrey M.; Valtonen, Anu; Lehtovaara, Vilma J.; Rutaro, Karlmax; Opoke, Robert; Nyeko, Philip; Roininen, Heikki
The edible grasshopper Ruspolia diferens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) gathered seasonally from the wild is a highly valued and an economically important edible insect, particularly in East Africa. To reduce the pressure on wild populations, a sus tainable mass production technique needs to be developed. Unfortunately, however, basic biological know-how on feeding habits of R. diferens is poorly understood, which poses a constraint on the development of mass-rearing technology. Here, we evaluated the acceptance and feeding preference of R. diferens for 16 cultivated or processed foods using no-choice and multiple-choice laboratory bioassays. The results indicated that adult R. diferens can eat a wide variety of foods but does not necessarily accept all the foods equally. Furthermore, our experiments showed that R. diferens has high ability to select diet among those available. The order of decreasing preference was wheat bran > germinated fnger millet > rice seed head > fnger millet seed head > chicken feed egg booster > sorghum seed head. Finally, our study indicated that sex and color morph are not associated with the order of acceptance and preference of diets in R. diferens. These results show potential foods that could be utilized for developing future mass-rearing methods for R. diferens.
Efficacy of In Ovo Delivered Prebiotics on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Gut Health of Kuroiler Chickens in the Face of a Natural Coccidiosis Challenge
(MDPI journal of Nutrients, 2019-10-28) Angwech, Harriet; Tavaniello, Siria; Ongwech, Acaye; Kaaya, Archileo N.; and Maiorano, Giuseppe
A study was carried out to assess the efficacy of prebiotic delivered in ovo on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health in the face of a natural coccidiosis infection in Kuroiler chickens. On d 12 of incubation, 150 fertile eggs were divided into a prebiotic group injected with trans-galactooligosaccharides (Bi2 tos) and a control group uninjected. Hatched chicks from each group were further divided: One group received antibiotic chick formula while the other was left untreated, giving rise to 4 groups—Control (C), Antibiotic (A), Bi2 tos (B), and Bi2 tos + Antibiotic (AB). Prebiotic improved growth performance at six weeks of age, AB birds were the heaviest at the end of the rearing period. The highest intestinal lesion scores and oocyst counts were recorded in C birds. B group had a slightly higher carcass weight and cuts yields tended to be higher in treated groups compared to C. Meat from B group displayed a higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to C and a positively lower n-6/n-3 ratio compared to C and A. In conclusion, prebiotics with or without antibiotics reduced severity of intestinal lesions and oocyst excretion induced by natural infection with Eimeria, with positive effects on Kuroiler chicken productive traits.
FRUIT FLY INFESTATION AND ITS IMPACT ON MANGO (Mangifera indica . L.) PRODUCTION IN OYAM DISTRICT, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2016) Odyomo Patrick
Worldwide, fruit fly infestation is a major constraint to mango production. In Oyam district northern Uganda. mango fruits drop on the ground due to fruit fly attack. This is disheartening and frustrates efforts to diversify agriculture. Despite the overwhelming economic importance of mangoes, efforts to assess the impact of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) have been minimal. In this study, the fruit fly species causing damage and their damage level on mango fruits and local perspectives on the pest were assessed. Matured mango fruits were collected from purposively selected 30 trees belonging to I 0 mango varieties between May and July 2011. assessed for fruit fly damage and incubated individually Knowledge and perceptions of smallholder's growers and fruit vendors on the fruit fly pest and their management practices were sought by use of semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions respectively. Bactrocera invadens and Ceratitis rosa Wft.! identified as the fruit fly species causing damage on mango fruits. Bactrocera invadens was the most abundant (99.4%).The percentage median levels of damage varied from 7.56 to 84.34 among the mango varieties. The most damaged mango varieties were Ddodo'Atik'. Gleen and Alphonso. whereas the least damaged were Ddodo'lndia' and Ddodo·Totol'. The infestation index for B invadens was 53.42 adults/kg infested fruit and for C rosa was 0.3 adults/kg infested fruit. The general knowledge about the fruit fly pest and the damage its cause was limited among the mango growers and fruit vendors. The results of this study indicate that B mvadens is the main species causing high damage and economic loss on mango fruits in Oyam district. The results further suggest that there is no proper management of fruit flies by mango stakeholders. This highlights the need to make the management of mango fruit fly pest a high priority in all the agricultural, marketing and developmental plans.
FUNGAL AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF HERBAL MEDICINES SOLD IN LIRA AND GULU CITIES, NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2024) WALTER ORECH
In middle- and low-income countries, the use of herbal medicinal products has significantly increased. Therefore, ensuring the safety of herbal products from fungal contamination is a public health concern. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess aflatoxin and fungal contamination in herbal medicines sold in Gulu and Lira cities, northern Uganda. A total of 52 herbal medicine samples were collected. Moisture content was determined by the oven-drying method, aflatoxin extraction was done using 70% methanol, and analysis was conducted using ELISA. Fungal identification was performed through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Out of the 52 samples analyzed, aflatoxin and fungal incidences were 35% and 34.6%, respectively. While most aflatoxin contamination levels were below regulatory limits, 11.1% exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia permissible level of 5 µg/kg. The study also revealed a positive correlation between moisture content and aflatoxin contamination. To mitigate aflatoxin contamination and ensure the safety of herbal medicines, it is imperative to implement improved processing techniques, packaging, storage, and quality control measures. Common fungal species identified included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pichia kudriavze vii. Pichia kudriavzev ii was identified as the most prevalent fungi. The estimated daily intake and hazard index values indicated a low health risk for consumers. Although the short-term health risk appears low, long-term consumption may lead to adverse health effects. This study highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action to safeguard public health in relation to herbal medicine consumption in northern Uganda.
Heterogeneity in the prevalence and intensity of bovine trypanosomiasis in the districts of Amuru and Nwoya, Northern Uganda
(Biomedical Central- Veterinary Research, 2015) Angwech, Harriet; Nyeko, Jack H. P.; Opiyo, Elizabeth A.; Okello-Onen, Joseph; Opiro, Robert; Echodu, Richard; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Njahira, Moses N.; and Skilton, Robert A.
Background: Livestock trypanosomiasis, transmitted mainly by tsetse flies of the genus Glossina is a major constraint to livestock health and productivity in the sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of the prevalence and intensity of trypanosomiasis is important in understanding the epidemiology of the disease. The objectives of this study were to (a) assess the prevalence and intensity of trypanosome infections in cattle, and (b) to investigate the reasons for the heterogeneity of the disease in the tsetse infested districts of Amuru and Nwoya, northern Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September, 2011 to January, 2012. Blood samples were collected from 816 cattle following jugular vein puncture, and screened for trypanosomes by HCT and ITS-PCR. A Pearson chi-squared test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between location, age, sex, and prevalence of trypanosome infections. Results: Out of the 816 blood samples examined, 178 (22 %) and 338 (41 %) tested positive for trypanosomiasis by HCT and ITS-PCR, respectively. Trypanosoma vivax infection accounted for 77 % of infections detected by ITS-PCR, T. congolense (16 %), T. brucei s.l (4 %) and mixed (T. vivax/ T. congolense/T.brucei) infections (3 %). The risk of trypanosome infection was significantly associated with cattle age (χ 2 = 220.4, df = 3, P < 0.001). The highest proportions of infected animals were adult males (26.7 %) and the least infected were the less than one year old calves (2.0 %). In addition, the risk of trypanosome infection was significantly associated with sex (χ 2 = 16.64, df = 1, P < 0.001), and males had a significantly higher prevalence of infections (26.8 %) than females (14.6 %). Conclusion: Our results indicate that the prevalence and intensity of trypanosome infections are highly heterogeneous being associated with cattle age, location and sex
IMPACT OF CLIMATE AND LAND USE LAND COVER CHANGE ON WATER QUALITY IN SIRONKO CATCHMENT, MT. ELGON
(Makerere University, 2023-02) Kilama Luwa Justine ,
Surface water quality underpins a range of livelihood means in Sironko catchment. This study determined the impacts of climate and Land use Land Cover Change (LULCC) on water quality in Sironko catchment. Field assessment of selected water quality from January to December 2018 followed standard procedures. Land use land cover change maps of Sironko catchment in 1986, 2000, 2016 and 2040 were developed by supervised classification. Baseline 1980-2009 and future climate scenarios 2025-2040 were downscaled by delta method. Stream flow, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) loads were simulated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Mean values of selected water quality parameters were compared with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) guideline for clean surface water quality. t-test was employed at p < 0.05 level to determine any significant difference in water quality. Trends and trend magnitudes were determined using the Mann Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. The contribution of climate and LULCs on stream flow, TSS, TN, and TP were computed using a second powered matrix regression model. Results show that agricultural lands; forests; and wetlands areas reduced by 8 %; 32 %; and 20 %, respectively between 1986 and 2000. But between 2000 and 2016, forests and wetlands areas increased by 84 % and 5 % while woodlands and agricultural lands decreased by 43 % and 13% respectively. From 2016 to 2040, built-up areas are projected to increase by 74 %; agricultural lands by 5 %; and grasslands by 2 %; while wetlands will decrease by 9 % and woodlands by 7 %. Less variability was detected in March, April and May (MAM) rainfall 20 < CV <30 while SON showed high variability CV > 30. Annual rainfall will increase at p < 0.05 in Kumi and Nakapiripirit stations between 2025 and 2040 while mean temperature showed increasing trends at p < 0.05 between 1980 and 2009 and between 2025 and 2040. In terms of water quality parameters, Fecal coliforms were above UNBS limit of drinking water quality while significant seasonal differences were detected at p < 0.05 for pH, EC, TP, and DO. Whereas the impacts of both climate and LULCC on River flow are both significant at p < 0.05 levels between 2025 to 2040, climate change is projected to increase River flow more than LLCC while the latter is projected to increase TN more than climate change under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Local communities should improve on their waste disposal mechanisms while they also adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate and land use change on water quality in Sironko catchment.
Performance of the African edible bush-cricket, Ruspolia differens, on single and mixed diets containing inflorescences of their host plant species
(Entomologia experimentalis et applicata, special issue: insect production, 2020) Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Valtonen, Anu; Hiltunen, Minna; Lehtovaara, Vilma J.; Nyeko, Philip; Roininen, Heikki
The African edible bush-cricket, Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), is an eco nomically valuable insect in sub-Saharan Africa. For its mass-rearing, suitable diets that can sustain its performance need to be identified. This study aimed at finding inflorescence diets of 10 host plant species and their mixtures that result in the highest R. differens production. We reared newly hatched nymphs to adults on inflorescences of single host species, and also on a gradient of five diversifying dietary mixtures consisting of one and mixtures of two, three, five, and seven host plant species. For the single host-plant diets, the developmental time was shortest on Pennisetum purpureum, Chloris gayana, and Brachiaria ruziziensis (approximately 63 days), whereas the fresh weight was highest on B. ruziziensis and P. purpureum (approximately 0.383 g). Survival was highest (>65%) on C. gayana, P. purpureum, B. ruziziensis, Setaria sphacelata, and Sporobolus pyramidalis, and lowest on Panicum maximum, Hyparrhenia rufa, Cynodon dactylon, and Paspalum scrobiculatum (<40%). With respect to diet mixtures, the developmental time was significantly shorter (on average 16 days shorter), and survival was higher, in the most diversified diets compared to the least diversified diets. The contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fatty acid composition did not differ significantly among the diets. However, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids differed significantly among the diets and there was a significant diet*sex interaction. From the applied point of view, based on our results, for maximal weight and survival plus fast development, we recommend rearing on P. purpureum, C. gayana, B. ruziziensis, and S. sphacelata, and on dietary mixtures of inflorescences. These findings are important in designing large-scale rearing programs for this species.
POWER AND DEVELOPMENT: CONTROVERSIES OVER THE BUJAGALI HYDROPOWER PROJECT ALONG THE NILE RIVER IN UGANDA.
(LINKÖPING UNNIVERSITY, 2007) Kilama Luwa Justine ,
Mega projects are in most cases considered as the necessary evil of development. Before their benefits can be reaped, a lot of sacrifices and tough choices have to be made. The fear and uncertainties surrounding such projects range from the impacts on the local people, on the environment, the costs of investment, and to, if the project will deliver the promised benefits. Because of these fears and uncertainties, it is not unusual that most if not all such projects meet a lot of critics and resistance before their success or failures are witnessed. Today, it is more of a requirement than a belief (although without a guarantee) that stakeholders’ involvement and their active participation in all decision-making process concerning a project is the surest way of minimizing conflicts and ensuring justice. The Bujagali hydropower project being an example of such projects and without immunity to the problems faced by other mega project around the world has been a case study for this thesis. This study has therefore focused on institutional arrangements that governed the management and utilization of water resources in connection to hydropower development along the Nile River in Uganda, the procedures and stages of the negotiations for hydropower infrastructure development in Uganda, identified the major stakeholders that take part in such negotiations and looked in detail for what their issues and interests are. It has also examined the attitudes and opinions of stakeholders on the potential and benefits of hydropower against (solar, bio-fuel and geothermal) energy sources in the context of Uganda, taking into consideration the need for socio-economic development, preservation of culture and environmental protection. Finally, it has analyzed the conflicts/controversies that have arisen in the Bujagali hydropower project.
Recovery of fruit-feeding butterfly communities in Budongo Forest Reserve after anthropogenic disturbance
(Forest Ecology and Management, 2021-04-07) Oloya, Joseph; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Nyafwono, Margaret; Akite, Perpetra; Nakadai, Ryosuke; Holm, Sille; Valtonen, Anu
Understanding of how biodiversity can recover after anthropogenic disturbances, such as selective logging, is important for planning conservation strategies for tropical forests and for more sustainable timber harvest re gimes. However, the knowledge of insect community compositions in regenerating logged forests is still limited, especially in the Afrotropics. Here, we evaluated the recovery patterns of fruit-feeding butterfly communities in four different-aged secondary forest compartments and one primary forest compartment in the Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. In each compartment, butterflies were sampled monthly for five consecutive months in 2017 using traps baited with fermented bananas. A total of 3,778 individuals, representing 82 species (78 identified at the species level and four morphogroups) were recorded. The fruit-feeding butterfly community composition differed among forest compartments and study months. Fruit-feeding butterfly communities of the oldest 72-year-old secondary forest compartment were similar to the primary forest compartment. In the younger secondary forest compartments the seasonal variation was large; especially the communities of the “core” rainy season months were distinct from the communities in primary and oldest secondary forest. The majority of individuals captured from both primary and secondary forests represented forest-dependent species. Primary forests are irreplaceable for preserving the diversity of tropical forests in the long-term. Nevertheless, our study demonstrates that selective logging can allow fruit-feeding butterfly community composition to recover if enough time (>70 years) is allowed for recovery.

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