Dr. Arthur Kajungu Tugume is a Ugandan scientist and academic leader based at the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University since October 1999. He holds a PhD (with a distinction) in Plant Pathology from the University of Helsinki, Finland (2010), an M.Sc in Crop Science (Genetics) (2003) and 2^nd Class upper B.Sc degree (Botany and Biochemistry) (1999) both from Makerere University.

Dr. Tugume is Associate Professor of Plant pathology & virology since 2018 in the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, where he has played diverse leadership roles. He was Head of the same Department twice, in 2012-2015 and 2020-2022. Currently, he is the Dean, School of Biosciences (2022-2030), overseeing the administration, academics and implementation of 17 diverse basic science academic programs in four (4) departments. He is the Chairperson of Makerere University Deans’ Forum, an association of Deans and Directors of academic units/institutes aimed at promoting good governance, networking and enhancing inter-disciplinary research. As a member of the Makerere University senate since 2022, he has served on numerous committees of the University senate in execution of his roles as Dean. He is also a member of university senate of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Dr. Tugume has been a Principal Investigator, Co-investigator, Coordinator, or Technical advisor for research projects of US$18,000 to US$6,200,000 budgets, with broad collaborative research networks in 12 countries spread across 5 continents. His research interests are focused on genetics; biotechnology; plant-microbe interactions; plant virus evolution, ecology, and transmission; plant pathology; and, plant sexual reproductive biology in diverse cultivated plant species and their wild relatives. He has supervised and mentored numerous next generation scientists at postgraduate and undergraduate levels in the last 18 years. During this time, he has co-authored 44 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals. He is a reviewer for dozens of internationally recognized scientific journals as well for local and international funding organizations.

Dr. Tugume is the president of the Biology Society of Uganda (BioSU), and hence, at the forefront of motivating and promoting early interest in Biology amongst learners at O’ and A’ levels, as well as prime enrollment to university-level basic biological sciences. His interest was stimulated by a desire to cause positive change against the long-standing poor academic performance in Biology in Uganda’s national examinations. With keen interest in proper science governance, he is an ardent advocate for the creation a robust foundation in basic sciences on which to build all the other [applied] sciences if the science, technology and innovations (STIs) ecosystem is to survive, function and thrive.

Dr. Tugume is a member of numerous professional organizations. For example, he is a Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) a national think-tank for science-based solutions. He is also a member of the board of Trustees for the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Social Support Fund and Chair of the fund’s Finance, Administration and Investment committee. He is a co-founder (since 2011) of College of Natural Science Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and founder of MUSTARD-SEED Investments Club: seeking and promoting the financial independence of these formations. As a member of the 6^th (2020-2024) and 7^th (2025-2029) National Biosafety Committee (NBC) of UNCST, he is instrumental in policy guidance and regulation of biosafety, biotechnology, research investments and scientific applications for Uganda’s advancement.

MAIN ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) (2003-2010) Subject area: Plant Pathology, Major: Plant Virology, by Coursework and Dissertation, University of Helsinki, FINLAND.
• MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE (MSC) (Crop Science), (1999-2003), Major: Genetics and Plant Breeding, coursework and dissertation, Makerere University, UGANDA.
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSC) (HONS) (1995-1999), Botany and Biochemistry (2^nd Upper class Degree), Faculty of Science, Makerere University, UGANDA.

COMPLETED SUPERVISION (PhD and MSc Graduates):

• PHD: DR. CYPRIAN OSINDE; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Molecular Basis of Secondary Metabolites-mediated Defense Against Stem Borers in Sorghum Bicolor L. (Moench) and Oryza sativa (Desv.) Steud.” Completed June 2025, Graduated February 2026.

• PHD: DR. FRED B. MASIKA; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Constraints, characterization and incidence of viruses affecting watermelon and pumpkin production in Uganda.” Completed in 2023, Graduated January 2024.

• PHD: DR. MUSTAFA A. SADIK; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “ELISA-based quantification and role of callose in the development of BXW disease in bananas.” Completed in 2023, Graduated January 2024.

• PHD: DR. MARY BUTTIBWA; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Utilizing heated pollen and androgenesis pathways for production of double haploid cassava.” Completed January 2022, Graduated May 2022.

• MSC: MS. LYDIA AKELLO; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and  Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Incidence and severity of early and late blight diseases and characterization of Phytopthora infestans of Tomato in selected Agro-ecological regions of Uganda.” Completed January 2025, Graduation due Februray 2026.

• MSC: MS. LILLIAN SAMANYA; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Genetic analysis of cassava resistance in selected crosses to African Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadium, Hemiptera).” Completed November 2024, Graduated January 2025.

• MSC: MS. GORRETI VICKY NABAKOOZA; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Variability of Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) of bacteria from bananas in Uganda.” Completed in 2023, Graduated January 2024.

• MSC: MR. BENISON TUGUME; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Role of hydrogen peroxide in defense and recovery from Xanthomonas wilt infection in banana.” Completed in 2022, Graduated in February 2023.

• MSC: MS. JULIET KEMIGISA; (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University); Dissertation Title: “Mechanisms of weevil resistance in selected diploid banana genotypes in Uganda.” Completed in September 2021, Graduated in May 2022.

• SC: MR. GERALD ADIGA; (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University); Dissertation Title: “Evaluation of selected Cassava genotypes for dual resistance to Cassava mosaic and Cassava Brown streak Diseases in selected environments in Uganda.” Completed in June 2017, Graduated in January 2018.

• MSC: MR. RONALD KISEKKA (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), Makerere University); Dissertation title: “Insect-host preferences and their epidemiological significance in the transmission of Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV) in sweetpotato: a case of four districts in Uganda.” Completed in June 2016, Graduated in February 2017.

• MSC: MR. FRED M. BWAYO (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), Makerere University); Dissertation Title: “Comparison of severity of virus diseases and incidence of four viruses infecting watermelon and pumpkins in four Districts in Uganda.” Completed in June 2016, Graduated in February 2017.

• MSC: MS. MARY BUTTIBWA (Department of Biological Sciences, Makerere University); Dissertation Title: “Development of an in vitro protocol for production of double haploid cassava (Manihot esculenta).”. Completed in April 2015, Graduated in January 2016.

• MSC: MS. JANE N. MAYAMBALA (Department of Biological Sciences, Makerere University); Dissertation Title: “Optimization of substrate formulations for domestication of a selected edible Agaricus Mushroom.” Completed in 2014, Graduated in January 2015.

• MSC: MR. MUHAMMAD KASHIF (Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland); Dissertation Title: “Detection and characterization of viruses of sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) from Guatemala and Honduras.” Completed in November 2009, Graduated in June 2010.

ON-GOING SUPERVISION (MSc & PhD Candidates):

• PHD: MR. RONALD KISEKKA; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Mechanisms for improving coffee disease resistance by plant-mediated soil microbiota in tree coffee systems.” Supervision On-going.

• PHD: MS. TEDDY MARY ASIIMWE TINDYEBWA: Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, CONAS, Makerere University. Dissertation Title: “The socio-economic and ecological drivers of arbovirus transmission and disease outbreaks in selected rural regions of Uganda” Doctoral study on-going.

• PHD: MR. SYLAS ISOUT; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Phenotypic and genotypic screening of climate resilient banana germplasm for biotic stress tolerance in Uganda.” Supervision On-going.

• PHD: MR. FRANK KALUNGI; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Microbial-mediated tolerance to Fusarium wilt in bananas.” Supervision Ongoing.

• MSC: MR. JULIUS MUSINGE; Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PMB), CONAS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Microbial-mediated tolerance to drought stress in bananas.” Supervision Ongoing.

• MSC: MR. EMMANUAL WANYAMA; Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, CHS, Makerere University: Dissertation Title: “Characterization of genetic polymorphism across 23 forensic autosomal STRs in Uganda’s population.” Supervision On-going.

MEMBERSHIP ON DOCTORAL COMMITTEE FOR PHD STUDENTS:

• Godwin Anywar: Dissertation Title: “Ethnopharmacology, cytotoxicity, antiviral, and immunomodulatory profiles of medicinal plant species used by herbalists in treating people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.” Doctoral study completed in 2020.

• Allan Waniale: Dissertation Title: “Floral Biology and Crossability Studies for Improving Matooke and Mchare Banana Breeding in East Africa.” Doctoral study completed in 2023.

• Peter Ziribagwa Sabakaki: Dissertation Title: “The influence of land use change on arboviral emergence among humans in the Albertine region, Uganda.” Doctoral study on-going.

• Arnold Katungisa: Dissertation Title: “High throughput phenotyping platforms as novel tools for estimating storage root quality traits in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) germplasm.” Doctoral study on-going.

• Paul Akuyenze: Dissertation Title: “Profiling Starch Properties and their Genetic Markers in selected East African Highland Cooking Bananas.” Doctoral study on-going.

• Jeremy Adedeji: Dissertation Title: Molecular epidemiology of African swine fever virus in Nigeria” Doctoral study on-going.

• Mohammed Iliya: Dissertation Title: Incidence, Characterization and Management of Onion purple blotch disease in Uganda. Doctoral study under Examination.

• Rachael Jamobol Anvu: Dissertation Title: “Patterns of population genetics and disease resistance among domestic pigs in Nigeria.” Doctoral study ongoing.

Undergraduate Supervision:  Supervised (or still supervising) undergraduate students’ special projects TO COMPLETION AND GRADUATION as follows:

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Daniel Mitieduma (23/U/11351/PS). Title: Mapping Uganda’s HIV Genomes to Identify Antiretroviral Resistance Hotspots for Precision Public Health. Completed June 2026; Graduation January 2027.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Grace Julia Nantume (23/U/1191). Title: Quantification of Phenolic Compounds at the Different Ripening Stages in Banana Cultivars of Gros Michel and Apple Banana. Completed June 2026; Graduation January 2027.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Benitah Nambalirwa (23/U/1104). Title: Exploring Sorghum Leaves, Pumpkin Seed Extract, and Sweet Potato Leaves for Extending Tomato Shelf Life. Completed June 2026; Graduation January 2027.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Alex Kazibwe (22/U/4426/PS). Title: Prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in Kitagata, Rwagimba, and Kiruba Kyathumba hot springs in Western Uganda. Completed June 2025; Graduated February 2026.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Fadhil Wamimbi (21/U/07100/PS). Title: The efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia and banana peeling ash as biocomposite for the growth of Amaranthus spp. Completed July 2024; Graduated January 2025.

• SC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Daniel Ochola Oyuk (19/U/6138/PS). Title: The role of Mentha piperite (pepper mint) and Ocinum gratissimum (Mujaaja) in the management of fungal contamination of beef. Completed in January 2024; Graduated January 2025.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Joshua Magezi (21/U/080909/PS). Title: The bioinsectcide potential of Datura stramonium seed extract on Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil). Completed in July 2024; Graduated January 2025.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Jacob Bakashaba Ruhanga (20/U/11847/PS). Title: Assessing the synergistic activity of Metarhizium anisopliace and a Pyrethroid against Phaseolus vulgaris bruchids. Completed July 2023; Graduated January 2024.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Jimmy Buyego Mugambe (20/U/18105/PS). Title: Assessment of Optimal UV wavelength for efficient elimination of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Lactis in dairy products for enhanced shelf life and product quality. Completed in July 2023; Graduated January 2024.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Benard Epanu (20/U/11884/PS). Title: Exploring larvicidal potentail of Citrus limon peel extracts as alternative control agent for Aedes aegypti. Completed in July 2023; Graduated January 2024.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Keneth Kisenyi (17/U/5279/PS). Title: Validation of sample pooling strategy in the diagnostics of SARS-COV-2. Completed in March 2022; Graduated January 2023.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Agatha Mwebaze (17/U/6868/PS). Title: Antifungal activity of Aloe vera on pityriasis capitis-causing fungi Malassezia furfur. Completed in February 2022; Graduated January 2023.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Mercy Priscilla Kwaga (17/U/5499/PS). Title: Assessing the effectiveness of different antiseptics on Escherichia coli. Completed in January 2021; Graduated January 2022.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Sandra Kamikazi (16/X/2325/PS). Title: Effectiveness of Dettol detergent in the management of Xanthomonas campestris pv musacearum in banana plantations. Completed in August 2019; Graduated January 2020.

• BSC (ETHNOBOTANY): Mr. Barnabas Arinaitwe: Title: Cultural methods used by farmers in controlling banana bacterial wilt in Mbarara district. Completed in June 2018; Graduated January 2019.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Lydia Akello (14/U/4729/PS). Title: Determination of proteinase activity of crude extracts from papaya. Completed in June 2017; Graduated January 2018.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Faith Hyabene (14/U/6439/PS). Title: Determination of iodine content of different organs of Bidens pilosa by titration methods. Completed in June 2017; Graduated January 2018.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Bosco Kwitonda (13/U/7231/PS). Title: In vitro evaluation of antibiotic potential of ginger on selected micro-organisms. Completed in June 2017; Graduated January 2018.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Mr. Willian Opeesa Otai (13/U/13197/PS). Title: Incidence and severity of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in Ngora district, Eastern Uganda. Completed in June 2016; Graduated January 2017.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Primah J. Nakyazze (12/U/10848/PS). Title: Molecular detection of cucurbit infecting viruses in Watermelon and Pumpkin samples. Completed in July 2015; Graduated January 2016.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Rosette Nangozi (12/U/11850/PS). Title: Phylogenetic analysis of cassava brown streak associated virus isolates based on their coat protein nucleotide sequences. Completed in July 2015; Graduated January 2016.

• BSC (BIOTECHNOLOGY): Ms. Lillian Samanya (11/U/24041/PS). Title: Detection of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus in sweetpotato plants. Completed in June 2014; Graduated January 2015.

• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: EXTERNAL: Mr. Moses Ebellu-Elaun (07/U/16067/EXT), Title: Yield performance of 23 candidate maize hybrids in an advanced yield trial. Completed in June 2013; Graduated January 2014.

• BSC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY: Ms. Hikmah Nabukenya (10/U/973), Title: The Impact of human activities on wetlands: a case study of Kajjansi wetland along Entebbe Road. Completed in June 2013; Graduated January 2014.

• BSC ETHNOBOTANY: Ms. Rebeckah Namulindwa (08/U/21776/PS), Title: Anti-fungal activity of crude extracts from Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae). Completed in July 2011; Graduated January 2012.

• BSC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY: Ms. Diane Benbella Esaete Shelagh (08/U/1400), Title: DNA-based diagnosis of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv.manihotis in selected districts of Uganda. Completed in June 2011; Graduated January 2012.

• BACHELOR OFSCIENCE: BOTANY: Mr. Bruno Wagubi (08/U/19135/PS), Title: Incidence of virus diseases of pumpkins in Bugabula county, Kamuli district. Completed in May 2011; Graduated January 2012.

• BSC ETHNOBOTANY: Ms. Doreen T. Nabukalu (08/U/23574/PS). Title: A comparative Investigation of the anti-candida activity of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Completed in May 2011; Graduated January 2012.

For a detailed CV, click here