Short Biography

I am currently working as an Assistant Lecturer. I have diligently served Makerere University since 2013. I have been involved in teaching, supervising students’ projects, conducting community outreach, mentoring students, and conducting research and development.

I have a PhD in Microbiology and Plant Pathology (2023, Makerere University), and I hold a Master’s degree in Biotechnology (2013, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)

I consider myself diverse, committed, and passionate about research, and I am presently participating in several research projects. Though diverse in research areas, I have a special interest and expertise in industrial biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology. This entails the use of biotechnology in solving agricultural and industrial challenges.

Education Background

PhD. in Microbiology and Plant Pathology (2023, Makerere University)
Master of Science in Biotechnology (2013, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
Bachelor of Science in Ethnobotany (2010, Makerere University)

Publications

i. Tugume, P., Mustafa, A. S., Walusansa, A., Ojelel, S., Nyachwo, E. B., Muhumuza, E., Nampeera, M., Kabbale, F. & Ssenku, J. E. (2024). Unravelling taboos and cultural beliefs associated with hidden hunger among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Buyende district, Eastern Uganda. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 20(1), 46. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-024-00682-z

ii. Mustafa, A. S., Ssenku, J. E., Nyachwo, E. B., Ruto, G. C., Bunani, N., Musimami, G., Maseruka, R. & Anywar, G. (2023). Assessing knowledge and willingness to use genetically modified crops in Uganda. Agriculture & Food Security, 12(1), 28. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-023-00434-4

iii. Ssenku, J. E., Naziriwo, B., Kutesakwe, J., Mustafa, A. S., Kayeera, D. & Tebandeke, E. (2023). Mercury accumulation in food crops and phytoremediation potential of wild plants thriving in artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas in Uganda. Pollutants, 3(2), 181-196. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants3020014

iv. Lydia, N., Basamba, T. A., Nyakoojo, C., Mustafa, A. S., Saidi, N., Mutumba, G. M. & Ssenku, J. E. (2023). Ecological distribution and genetic diversity of Azolla in Uganda. BMC Plant Biology, 23(1), 131. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-023-04146-6

v. Mustafa, A. S., Ssenku, J. E., Ssemanda, P., Ntambi, S., Dinesh-Kumar, S. P. & Tugume, A. K. (2022). Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for quantification of callose. Methods and Protocols, 5(4), 54. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/mps5040054

vi. Mustafa, A. S., Tugume, B., Ssenku, J. E., Ssemanda, P., Athman, S. Y., Oryem-Origa, H., Kubiriba, J., Dinesh-Kumar, S. P. & Tugume, A. K. (2022). Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum bacterial infection induces organ-specific callose and hydrogen peroxide production in banana. PhytoFrontiers™, 2(3), 202-217. doi:https://doi.org/10.1094/phytofr-11-21-0073-r

vii. Ssenku, J. E., Walusansa, A., Oryem-Origa, H., Ssemanda, P., Ntambi, S., Omujal, F. & Mustafa, A. S. (2022). Bacterial community and chemical profiles of oil-polluted sites in selected cities of Uganda: potential for developing a bacterial-based product for remediation of oil-polluted sites. BMC Microbiology, 22(1), 120. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-022-02541-x

viii. Mustafa, A. S., Ssenku, J. E., Nyachwo, E. B., Ruto, G. C., Bunani, N., Musimami, G.,
Ssenku, J. E., Nabyonga, L., Kitalikyawe, J., Ntambi, S., Aguttu, G. & Mustafa, A. S. (2021). Potential of Azolla pinnata R. Br green manure for boosting soil fertility and yield of terrestrial crops in Uganda: a case study of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12892-021-00108-2

ix. Mustafa, A. S. & Wagiran, A. (2013). Molecular cloning and bioinformatic analysis of endosperm-specific promoter, α-Globulin (AsGlo1). Jurnal Teknologi, 64. doi:https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v64.2029

Projects /Grants

i. Principal Investigator: The implication of oil exploration, extraction, and processing industry on agriculture and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Uganda: The case of the Albertine region in Uganda, worth Ugx. 111.2 million.

ii. Principal Investigator: Exploration and development of plant-based fungicides to curb post-harvest losses in maize, worth Ugx. 128 million.

iii. Principal Investigator: Willingness to use genetically modified crops: Case study of communities in Uganda, worth Ugx. 99 million.

iv. Co-Principal Investigator: Developing a microbial-based product for remediation of oil-contaminated soils in Uganda, worth Ugx. 104 million.

v. Co-Principal Investigator: Surveillance of the Potato Cyst Nematode, a deadly pest of potato in Uganda: detection, identification and risk reduction measures, worth Ugx. 176 million.

vi. Co-Principal Investigator: Unravelling the vulnerability and status of hidden hunger among breastfeeding and pregnant women in Buyende district, Eastern Uganda, worth Ugx. 153 million.

vii. Co-Principal Investigator: Knowledge, attitudes and conservation of commonly traded medicinal plants in a climate changing environment in Eastern Uganda, worth Ugx. 85 million.

Mentorship / Supervision

i. Arnold Katungisa, PhD in Botany (2022/HD13/23317U). Uncovering the physiological impact of heat shock proteins (HSPS) in oxidative stress quenching and thermal acclimation for climate resilience in Ugandan coffee germplasm.

ii. Kalungi Frank, Master of Science in Biochemistry (2023/HD13/18770u). Establishing a CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in the East African Highland banana.

iii. Nangozi Lilian, Master of Science in Botany (2013/HD13/91u). The effect of polyethene glycol-6000 and abscisic acid on somatic embryogenesis of selected East African Highland banana cultivars.

iv. Amumpaire Doreen, Master of Science in Botany (2023/HD13/27857u). Optimisation of a protoplast isolation, transfection, and regeneration system for the East African Highland banana hybrid NAROBAN 5.

v. Muhumuza Robert, Master of Science in Botany (2023/HD13/2568U). Comparative analysis of energy production from selected food wastes, wood fuel and perception towards biogas utilisation in Mbarara city in Uganda.

vi. Nabakka Joseline, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (22/U/6462). Investigating the effects of different drying methods on iron, betalains and vitamin C content of beetroot.

vii. Igiraneza Faith Lillian, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (21/U/07127/PS) Assessing the antibacterial activity of bioactive compounds of Nakitembe and Mbwazirume leaves, pseudostems and corms against Escherichia coli.

viii. Prudence Acen Ilan, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (21/U/11457/PS). Assessing the antibacterial activity of zinc-oxide nanoparticles from Aloe barbadensis on Penicillin and carbapenem-resistant bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

ix. Nalwali Swabrah Kalumba, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (21/U/12816/PS). Evaluating the bio-pesticidal potential of Psorospermum febrifugum on rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) in the management of post-harvest loss.

x. Muhumuza Emmanuel, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (18/U/9352/PS). Assessing the impact of market practices and organisation in Kampala on E. coli and V. cholerae contamination levels of tomatoes

xi. Nangobi Joanita, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
18/U/9371/PS Efficiency of molecular approach in diagnosis of sorghum anthracnose disease

xii. Namuli Shakirah, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (20/U/11875/PS). Vitamin composition of vegetables commonly consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding women in Buyende district, Eastern Uganda.

For a detailed CV, please click here