Dr. Abubakar Sadik Mustafa, PhD

Research interest: Mechanisms of plant defense against infection with bias to plant molecular defense, Environmental biotechnology e.g. Bioremediation, DNA barcoding of plants, Industrial biotechnology

Passionate about advancing biotechnology for sustainability, I engage in diverse research, teach, and supervise both undergraduate and graduate students. Specializing in agriculture and environment, I explore biofuels, biofertilizers, bioplastics, bioprocessing, bioremediation, and molecular organism characterization. As a scholar, I exhibit curiosity, critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration, fostering an inclusive academic environment. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and ethical conduct, I strive to address pressing global challenges through innovative research and impactful engagement. Dedicated to mentorship, I guide students towards academic and professional success, shaping the next generation of leaders in science and technology.

1. Co-Principal Investigator: Developing a microbial-based product for remediation of oil-contaminated soils in Uganda, worth Ugx. 104 million funded by Government of Uganda under Makerere University Research and Innovation Funds.
2. 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 funded by Government of Uganda under Makerere University Research and Innovation Funds.
3. 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 funded by Government of Uganda under Makerere University Research and Innovation Funds.
4. Principal Investigator: Willingness to use genetically modified crops: Case study of communities in Uganda, worth Ugx. 99 million funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Funds.
5. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) fellowship that fully funded my MSc. in Biotechnology studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia, 2011-2013.
6. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant (Investment ID: INV-009894) that fully funded my PhD research in Microbiology and Plant Pathology studies, Makerere University, Uganda, 2016-2020.
7. Early Doctoral Programme (EDP) Scholarship, African Doctoral Academy (ADA) at Stellenbosch University that fully funded my training at the ADA Winter School on i) Design and analysis of experimental data, ii) Introduction to quantitative research design and methodology, and iii) Grant Writing Fundamentals, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 2019.
8. American Phytopathological Society Award under the PhytoFrontiers™ Journals for Best Student Paper Award 2022, titled “Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum bacterial infection induces organ-specific callose and hydrogen peroxide production in banana (https://doi.org/10.1094/phytofr-11-21-0073-r).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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