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ItemPrevalence of honey bee pests and predators in apiaries in Arwotcek Sub-County, Amolatar District(Makerere University, 2025)Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are among the most important pollinators of flowering plants, playing a key role in provision of both direct and indirect value to the agricultural economy and, consequently, the global economy. However, they are exposed to a wide range of threats such as pathogens and parasites, habitat fragmentation, pesticides, and environmental stressors, which have led to the loss of a significant number of colonies. A decline in their colony numbers is worrisome as it can cause extensive economic consequences. Due to this, there has been a substantial increase in research exploring the factors that pose threats to honey bee health. However, this research has not been conducted in all bee keeping zones, especially in developing countries. The present study found it thoughtful to investigate the prevalence of pests and predators of honey bees in apiaries in Arwotcek sub-county, Amolatar district found in the northern part of Uganda. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design where purposive sampling was done among 40 beekeepers from four parishes (Ogenga, Aburkidi, Awac, and Anyamawele) in Arwotcek sub-county. The diversity of the bee pests and predators was computed using Shannon-weiner index while data on their abundance was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test at α=0.05. The 40 bee keepers sampled had both colonized and uncolonized bee hives, but with more uncolonized hives in their apiaries. Four different kinds of bee pests and predators were recorded. These were ants, small hive beetles, varroa mites, and wax moths. The highest diversity of bee pests and predators was recorded in Awac parish (0.10877), followed by Ogenga (0.009178). Significant differences in the abundance of bee pests and predators (Kruskal-Wallis statistic=11.401, p=0.022, df=4, Kruskal-Wallis test) at α=0.05 were registered. Small hive beetles were the most dominant in all the four parishes of Arwotcek sub-county followed by wax moths. In all the four parishes, the parishes where large numbers of bee pests and predators were registered are Ogenga and Aburkidi. These findings are pivotal as they portray a clear picture of the threats to beekeeping in Arwotcek sub-county. This is the first study at the sub-county level to determine the diversity and abundance of bee pests and predators in four beekeeping villages of Arwotcek sub-county. It is thus paramount that adequate knowledge on the presence of these pests and predators is generated, not only in Arwotcek sub-county but also in other beekeeping communities in Amolatar district. However, since the current study did not consider the measures being taken by bee keepers in Arwotcek sub-county, there is a need for a study focusing on the bee pest and predator prevention measures.
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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