School of Biosciences Collection
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ItemInhibition potential of gut-derived bacterial from Nile Tilapia against Aeromonas Hydrophila(Makerere University, 2026)Bacterial diseases, particularly caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, remain a major constraint to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture. Management of infections relies on application of antibiotics, resulting in accelerated development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The present study assessed the diversity and probiotic potential against A. hydrophila of gut-derived bacteria from Nile tilapia, using and the cell-free supernatant and satellitism assays. Mature Nile tilapia individuals from three aquaculture farms were dissected, and gut bacteria isolated and identified using culture conventional culture techniques and the VITEK 2 Compact system respectively. Nine bacterial species, namely Staphylococcus gallinarum, S. sciuri, Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria kristinae, Bacillus subtilis, Aeromonas veronii, A. sobria, Rhizobium radiobacter, and Plesiomonas shigelloides, were recorded. None of the five selected gram-positive isolates — S. gallinarum, M. luteus, K. kristinae, B. subtilis, and S. sciuri — showed inhibitory activity against A. hydrophila probably due to inhibitions associated with culture media and conditions. The study recommends improvement in culture techniques that have the potential of maintaining the antagonist activities.
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ItemIn Silico analysis of Dolutegravir resistance mutations within the HIV-1 pol gene among isolates from Sub-Saharan Africa(Makerere University, 2026)Dolutegravir (DTG) has become the cornerstone of first-line antiretroviral therapy across Sub-Saharan Africa, yet large-scale genotypic surveillance of DTG resistance in the region remains limited. This study used an in silico approach to determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of DTG-associated integrase resistance mutations among HIV-1 isolates from Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 303 HIV-1 pol gene sequences encoding the integrase region were retrieved from NCBI GenBank, drawn from six countries (Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso). Resistance mutations were identified using the Stanford HIVDB Sierra algorithm, subtypes were assigned using the REGA Subtyping Tool, genetic associations were tested using PLINK logistic regression and principal component analysis, and phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using maximum likelihood (IQ-TREE2). DTG-associated resistance mutations were detected in 24.4% of sequences, with E138K (15.8%), G118R (13.5%), and R263K (6.3%) most prevalent, and the E138K+G118R dual pathway dominant. Resistance prevalence varied significantly by country (χ²=14.02, p=0.016) but not by subtype (χ²=6.86, p=0.144). PLINK identified nine integrase positions significantly associated with resistance, all within the catalytic core domain. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that resistant sequences were dispersed across all lineages, indicating convergent, independent acquisition of resistance rather than transmission of a single resistant strain. These findings reinforce the need for sustained INSTI resistance surveillance in Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate the value of in silico methods, integrating population-genomic and phylogenetic approaches, for monitoring HIV drug resistance in resource-limited settings.
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ItemImpact of Covid-19 pandemic on the psychological health Of soccer fans in Kampala Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted social and recreational activities globally, affecting psychological well-being. In Uganda, soccer plays an important role in fostering social connection and emotional balance. This study examined the impact of the COVlD-19 pandemic on the psychological health of soccer fans in Kampala, Uganda. Specifically, it identified the psychological challenges fans experienced, examined the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on soccer engagement and psychological well-being, and explored coping strategies that helped fans maintain mental health. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 166 respondents through an online structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The findings revealed that loneliness (39.8%), stress (33.1%), anxiety (31.3%), and depression (26.5%) were the most common psychological challenges experienced by fans. Exercise (70.5%), social media interaction (58.4%), and talking with friends or family (55.4%) were the most used coping strategies. The study concluded that the disruption of soccer engagement during COVID-19 negatively affected the psychological well-being of soccer fans in Kampala. It recommends the integration of virtual fan engagement platforms, community-based psycho-social programs, and accessible mental health services to enhance resilience during future crises.
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ItemPerformance of rosemary extract and lemon juice compared to synthetic calcium propionate as bread preservatives(Makerere University, 2025)Performance of rosemary extract and lemon juice compared to synthetic calcium propionate as bread preservatives
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ItemAn assessment of Makerere University students’ participation in sports(Makerere University, 2023)The purpose of this study was to assess students’ participation in sports in Makerere University. The objectives of the study were: to assess the level of Makerere University students’ participation in sports, to assess why the changes in the level of Makerere University students’ participation in sports and to assess measures that can be taken to increase the level of Makerere University student’s participation in sports. The study was conducted in Makerere University, a public university in Uganda. Descriptive research design was applied using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, purposive sampling was used to locate the target population and stratified simple random sampling was used to reach the sample population. Data collection was done by administering online questionnaires to specific WhatsApp groups and individuals. This study targeted Makerere University students and 380 questionnaires were distributed to them basing on the Krejcie and Morgan table targeting. Data was presented using tables and charts. Microsoft Excel and SPSS were used for data analysis. The results showed low levels of Makerere University students participation in sports. Results revealed that majority of the respondents (70.6%) were observed to participate in sports before joining Makerere University and they participated most in football (38%), running (16%) and volleyball (11.4%). The study revealed that majority of the respondents (56.6%) were not participating in sports, (19.1%) of the respondents participating in Makerere University sports participated once a month and the minority (3.1%) participated in sports daily. The study indicated that majority of the students (91.4%) did not participate in inter-halls competitions, most students participated in College galas (51/7%) and also (92.9%) of the respondents participated in Makerere University sports (31.4%) because of passion and (27.7%) participated because they had colleagues to participate with. Most of the respondents (37.4%) did not participate in university sports due to lack of time and followed by engagement with work (26.0%). 56% Makerere University students suggested that sports should both be incorporated in the annual university program and sensitize students then (52.9%) suggested that scholarships should be given to outstanding participants. Investing more in intramural recreation university sports should be considered. Further studies should be done on assessment of university students’ participation in public and private universities. These include opportunities available and environment.