Western Regions Of Uganda Research Articles

Sweet Potato Virus Disease and Its Associated Vectors: Farmers’ Knowledge and Management Practices in Uganda

Effective management of sweet potato diseases such as sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) depends to a large extent on farmers’ knowledge of the disease as well as on the integration of recommended management methods in their farming practices. SPVD has continued to be the most important disease constraining sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Inadequate information about farmers’ perception, knowledge and practices are the major impediments in developing countries and has hindered development of effective management of SPVD. This paper addresses the gap by (i) Understanding the socioeconomic characteristics of sweet potato farmers. (ii) Assessing knowledge level of the farmers about SPVD, SPVD vectors and management methods. (iii) Examining the relationship between farmers’ coping strategies to control SPVD and knowledge. To achieve the study objectives, a cross sectional survey was carried out among 95 sweet potato growing households in central, eastern and western regions of Uganda during 2017. Results showed that sweet potato is valued as the second most important subsistence crop among smallholder farmers. The female farmers (54.7%) were more involved in production than their male counterpart. SPVD was perceived by the majority of farmers (63.6%) as the most important disease and a total of 70.5% of these farmers had experienced the disease in their fields. Despite of SPVD prevalence as perceived by the farmers, close to half (48.4%) of these farmers did not have good knowledge of the SPVD, 67.4% were ignorant about SPVD vectors, 85.8% did not know management methods and hence 68.4% did not use any management method. These knowledge gaps down play stability of the farmers to effectively manage the disease. Nevertheless, it was revealed that the ability to identify SPVD, month of occurrence and education level improves its management. This paper recommends gender tailed support to sweet potato farming, increased awareness and training of farmers to improve their knowledge of SPVD, and development of effective control strategies for SPVD.

Factors Hindering Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Service Uptake among HIV Positive Women at Comboni Hospital Kyamuhunga Bushenyi District

In the absence of preventive measures HIV infected mothers transmit the infection to their babies during pregnancy delivery and breastfeeding. However, improving eMTCT service uptake and continuum of care still remains a significant impediment in the western region of Uganda. The study was to explore factors hindering eMTCT service uptake among HIV positive women at Comboni Hospital Kyamuhunga. A descriptive cross-section design was used and majorly simple random sampling was employed with a number of 36 respondents and interviewed response were analysed using SPSS version to determine the association between the independent and dependent variable. The findings of the study revealed that there are a range of factors that hinder HIV positive women on eMTCT service uptake, disclosure of HIV status with 77.7%, lack of partner and family support with 75%, dependence on partners with 80.6%, long waiting times at facility and no linkage to support groups with 33.3%and 47.2% respectively. In conclusion Strengthening community awareness on the importance of eMTCT service uptake, improving on time management by health workers, engaging male involvement in eMTCT care, improve youth friendly services, empowering women, putting emphasis on disclosure of status and supporting young mothers is so crucial. Keywords: elimination, mother to child transmission, HIV service uptake, HIV positive women

Hopes, joys and fears: Meaning and perceptions of viral load testing and low-level viraemia among people on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: A qualitative study.

Uganda applies the World Health Organization threshold of 1,000 copies/ml to determine HIV viral non-suppression. While there is an emerging concern of low-level viraemia (≥50 to <1,000 copies/ml), there is limited understanding of how people on antiretroviral therapy perceive viral load testing and low-level viremia in resource-limited settings. This qualitative study used the health belief model to explore the meaning that people living with HIV attach to viral load testing and low-level viraemia in Uganda. We used stratified purposive sampling to select people on antiretroviral therapy from eight high volume health facilities from the Central, Eastern, Northern and Western regions of Uganda. We used an interview guide, based on the health belief model, to conduct 32 in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyze the data with the help of ATLAS.ti 6. The descriptions of viral load testing used by the participants nearly matched the medical meaning, and many people living with HIV understood what viral load testing was. Perceived benefits for viral load testing were the ability to show; the amount of HIV in the body, how the people living with HIV take their drugs, whether the drugs are working, and also guide the next treatments steps for the patients. Participants reported HIV stigma, lack of transport, lack of awareness for viral load testing, delayed and missing viral load results and few health workers as the main barriers to viral load testing. On the contrary, most participants did not know what low-level viraemia meant, while several perceived it as having a reduced viral load that is suppressed. Many people living with HIV are unaware about low-level viraemia, and hence do not understand its associated risks. Likewise, some people living with HIV are still not aware about viral load testing. Lack of transport, HIV stigma and delayed viral load results are major barriers to viral load testing. Hence, there is an imminent need to institute more strategies to create awareness about both low-level viraemia and viral load testing, manage HIV related stigma, and improve turnaround time for viral load results.

Performance Analysis of a Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic- Grid Water Pumping System

This study examines the integration of grid and solar energy resources in remote water pumping systems to improve performance and reliability. The feasibility of a hybrid solar PV-grid system is investigated to assess its technical and financial performance compared to standalone solar PV or grid systems. A unique aspect of this hybrid system is the utilization of a water storage tank instead of energy storage for solar PV conversion. The system comprises a PV array, inverter, AC motor, submersible pump, storage tank, grid supply, and control systems. The paper presents a cost-effectiveness analysis using Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to economically evaluate the power supply for pumping systems in community areas. The study focuses on two energy supply systems: solar photovoltaic systems and the grid network. A case study is conducted in the western region of Uganda, where the pumping systems are designed to provide water for residential, commercial, and small industrial usage. To evaluate the proposed solar PV system, Matlab/Simulink software is utilized for modeling, and simulations are performed to assess the system's performance and outcomes. Overall, this research aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of integrating grid and solar resources in water pumping systems, with a particular emphasis on the economic viability and technical feasibility of a hybrid solar PV-grid system.

Molecular Characterization of Octopamine/Tyramine Receptor Gene of Amitraz-Resistant Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus Ticks from Uganda.

We previously reported the emergence of amitraz-resistant Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus ticks in the western region of Uganda. This study characterized the octopamine/tyramine receptor gene (OCT/Tyr) of amitraz-resistant and -susceptible R. (B.) decoloratus ticks from four regions of Uganda. The OCT/Tyr gene was amplified from genomic DNA of 17 R. (B.) decoloratus larval populations of known susceptibility to amitraz. The amplicons were purified, cloned and sequenced to determine mutations in the partial coding region of the OCT/Tyr gene. The amplified R. (B.) decoloratus OCT/Tyr gene was 91-100% identical to the R. (B.) microplus OCT/Tyr gene. Up to 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the OCT/Tyr gene from ticks obtained from high acaricide pressure areas, compared to 8 from the low acaricide pressure areas. A total of eight amino acid mutations were recorded in the partial OCT/Tyr gene from ticks from the western region, and four of them were associated with amitraz-resistant tick populations. The amino acid mutations M1G, L16F, D41G and V72A were associated with phenotypic resistance to amitraz with no specific pattern. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the OCT/Tyr gene sequence from this study clustered into two distinct groups that separated the genotype from high acaricide pressure areas from the susceptible populations. In conclusion, this study is the first to characterize the R. (B.) decoloratus OCT/Tyr receptor gene and reports four novel amino acid mutations associated with phenotypic amitraz resistance in Uganda. However, lack of mutations in the ORF of the OCT/Tyr gene fragment for some of the amitraz-resistant R. (B.) decoloratus ticks could suggest that other mechanisms of resistance may be responsible for amitraz resistance, hence the need for further investigation.

Co-infection of pigs with Taenia solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in Eastern and Western Uganda

A study was carried out in Kamuli and Hoima districts in Eastern and Western regions of Uganda to determine the Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis (PCC) and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites co-infection status in pigs. One hundred sixty-one households were selected randomly and visited between November and December 2019. A household questionnaire was administered, and faecal and blood samples were collected from at least one pig older than 3 months per household. A blood sample was obtained from a jugular venipuncture, and a rectal faecal sample was obtained. Taenia spp. circulating antigen levels in the sample sera were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, apDia™ cysticercosis Ag ELISA. The modified McMaster technique was used to identify and quantify the GI parasites. The apparent animal-level seroprevalence for PCC was 4.8% (95% CI 2.7–7.1) and differed across the two districts (p = 0.018). At the pig herd level, the prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI 5.5–14.4). The prevalence of the different nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts in the two districts was as follows: strongyles 79.0% (95% CI 74.3–83.6), coccidia 73.3% (95% CI 68.3–78.6), Trichuris spp. 7.4% (95% CI 4.9–10.6), Strongyloides ransomi 2.1 (95% CI 0.7–3.5) and Ascaris spp. 4.9 (95% CI 2.8–7.4). Overall, across the two districts, the arithmetic mean for the oocysts per gram (OPG) for coccidia was 2042.2 ± 5776.1, and eggs per gram (EPG) were the highest in strongyles 616.1 ± 991. Overall, 57.4% of the porcine cysticercosis seropositive pigs were also positive for at least one of the gastrointestinal helminths which included strongyles, Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris spp. and Ascaris spp. The co-infection status of pigs with both PCC and GI parasites demonstrated by this study can provide an incentive for integrating the control and management of both parasites with oxfendazole. Further studies are required to understand the feasibility of using oxfendazole including cost–benefit analysis and the acceptability by local stakeholders for the control of T. solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.

Baseline Prevalence of Trachoma in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: Results of 11 Population-based Surveys

ABSTRACT Purpose There are several settlements in the Northern and Western Regions of Uganda serving refugees from South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), respectively. Trachoma prevalence surveys were conducted in a number of those settlements with the aim of determining whether interventions for trachoma are required. Methods An evaluation unit (EU) was defined as all refugee settlements in one district. Cross-sectional population-based trachoma prevalence survey methodologies designed to adhere to World Health Organization recommendations were deployed in 11 EUs to assess prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in 1–9-year-olds and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds. Household-level water, sanitation and hygiene coverage was also assessed in study populations. Results A total of 40,892 people were examined across 11 EUs between 2018 and 2020. The prevalence of TF in 1–9-year-olds was <5% in all EUs surveyed. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in 5 out of 11 EUs surveyed and ≥0.2% in the remaining 6 EUs. A high proportion of households had improved water sources, but a low proportion had improved latrines or quickly (within a 30-minute return journey) accessible water sources. Conclusions Implementation of the antibiotic, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement components of the SAFE strategy is not needed for the purposes of trachoma’s elimination as a public health problem in these refugee settlements; however, intervention with TT surgery is needed in six EUs. Since instability continues to drive displacement of people from South Sudan and DRC into Uganda, there is likely to be a high rate of new arrivals to the settlements over the coming years. These populations may therefore have trachoma surveillance needs that are distinct from the surrounding non-refugee communities.

Genetic diversity and genetic relatedness in Plasmodium falciparum parasite population in individuals with uncomplicated malaria based on microsatellite typing in Eastern and Western regions of Uganda, 2019\u20132020

BackgroundGenetic diversity and parasite relatedness are essential parameters for assessing impact of interventions and understanding transmission dynamics of malaria parasites, however data on its status in Plasmodium falciparum populations in Uganda is limited. Microsatellite markers and DNA sequencing were used to determine diversity and molecular characterization of P. falciparum parasite populations in Uganda.MethodsA total of 147 P. falciparum genomic DNA samples collected from cross-sectional surveys in symptomatic individuals of 2–10 years were characterized by genotyping of seven highly polymorphic neutral microsatellite markers (n = 85) and genetic sequencing of the Histidine Rich Protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene (n = 62). ArcGIS was used to map the geographical distribution of isolates while statistical testing was done using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's rank-sum test and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsOverall, 75.5% (95% CI 61.1–85.8) and 24.5% (95% CI14.2–38.9) of parasites examined were of multiclonal (mixed genotype) and single clone infections, respectively. Multiclonal infections occurred more frequently in the Eastern region 73.7% (95% CI 48.8–89.1), P < 0.05. Overall, multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.7–2.1), P = 0.01 that was similar between age groups (1.8 vs 1.9), P = 0.60 and regions (1.9 vs 1.8), P = 0.43 for the < 5 and ≥ 5 years and Eastern and Western regions, respectively. Genomic sequencing of the pfhrp2 exon2 revealed a high level of genetic diversity reflected in 96.8% (60/62) unique sequence types. Repeat type AHHAAAHHATD and HRP2 sequence Type C were more frequent in RDT−/PCR + samples (1.9% vs 1.5%) and (13% vs 8%), P < 0.05 respectively. Genetic relatedness analysis revealed small clusters of gene deleted parasites in Uganda, but no clustering with Eritrean parasites.ConclusionHigh level of genetic diversity of P. falciparum parasites reflected in the frequency of multiclonal infections, multiplicity of infection and variability of the pfhrp2 gene observed in this study is consistent with the high malaria transmission intensity in these settings. Parasite genetic analysis suggested spontaneous emergence and clonal expansion of pfhrp2 deleted parasites that require close monitoring to inform national malaria diagnosis and case management policies.

Survey on general awareness, mental state and academic difficulties among students due to COVID-19 outbreak in the western regions of Uganda

This academic research is carried out to access the general awareness, mental state and academic difficulties among different age groups of students studying in various schools, colleges, or Universities during this lockdown period due to the COVID-19 crisis in the western regions of Uganda. An aggregate of 405 students participated in this survey. Among them 253 students are from rural regions, 59 students are from semi-urban regions and 93 students are from urban regions. This survey is classified into three sections: the first section spotlights the perceptive level of students about the COVID-19 crisis, the second section emphasizes the mental state of students and the final section highlights the academic difficulties faced by the students during this lockdown period. A statistical run is deliberated with the aid of SPSS version 20 software to evaluate the significance level (P-Value<0.05) of each question among the localities.

Rift Valley fever seroprevalence and abortion frequency among livestock of Kisoro district, South Western Uganda (2016): a prerequisite for zoonotic infection

BackgroundRift Valley fever (RVF) is classified as viral hemorrhagic fever and is endemic in East and West Africa. RVF is caused by an arthropod borne virus (RVFV); the disease is zoonotic and affects human, animal health as well as international trade. In livestock it causes abortions, while human infection occurs through close contact with infected animals or animal products.MethodsA quantitative observational study using stratified sampling was conducted in the western region of Uganda. Blood samples and abortion events from 1000 livestock (goats, sheep and cattle) was collected and recorded. Serum was analyzed for RVFV IgG reacting antibodies using competitive ELISA test.ResultsThe overall RVFV seroprevalence was of 10.4% (104/1000). Cattle had the highest seroprevalence (7%) followed by Sheep (2.2%) then goats (1.2%). Species specific RVFV seroprevalence was highest in cattle (20.5%) followed by sheep (6.8%) then goats (3.6%). RVFV seroprevalence in northern highlands (21.8%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the southern lowlands (3.7%). Overall prevalence of abortion was (17.4%), sheep had the highest prevalence of abortion (7.8%) followed by goats (6.3%) and then cattle (3.3%). Species specific abortion prevalence was highest in Sheep (24.1%) followed by goats (18.8%) and then 9.7% in cattle.ConclusionRVFV is endemic in Kisoro district and livestock in the highland areas are more likely to be exposed to RVFV infection compared to those in the southern lowlands. Out breaks in livestock most likely will lead to zoonotic infection in Kisoro district.

Assessing short evolution brucellosis in a highly brucella endemic cattle keeping population of Western Uganda: a complementary use of Rose Bengal test and IgM rapid diagnostic test

BackgroundBrucellosis is a worldwide and zoonotic disease often sadly misdiagnosed in endemic areas. Challenges of availability and accessibility of diagnostic tools are common in resource constrained populations where the most vulnerable are found, surveillance and diagnosis are limited too.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a simple two stage cluster sampling method was conducted to measure short evolution brucellosis burden among cattle keeping households that are one of the highest risk populations to be exposed to Brucella infection. A total of 216 households were randomly selected from 18 rural villages from the Western Region of Uganda. Household blood samples were tested for Brucella antibodies using the highly sensitive Rose Bengal test (RBT) and IgM ELISA Lateral Flow Assay (LFA).ResultsAmong the total tested population, 58.8% did not react with any of the tests, 13.4% reacted with both tests. Among those that reacted with both (N = 29), 62.1% had weak (+ 1) LFA staining, 34.5% had moderate (2+) LFA staining. Altogether, both weak and moderate staining (96.5%) are consistent with sub-acute disease, while only one (3.4%) had strong (3+) LFA staining consistent with acute infection. 19.4% of the samples tested positive only with RBT, consistent with chronic infection, eighteen samples (8.3%) reacted exclusively with IgM LFA.ConclusionWe identified a high prevalence of short evolution brucellosis in the cattle keeping household members. Prevalence of chronic infection diagnosed with RBT only was higher than the prevalence of short evolution brucellosis. IgM LFA results depict possible cases of cross reaction with Salmonella spp., Plasmodium etc. Ultimately, we identified a consistent prevalence of short evolution brucellosis in the cattle keeping household members. Indeed, the use of a combined diagnostic with LFA and RBT is easy and amenable for an active disease surveillance and accurate diagnosis in rural settings.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Anti-retroviral Therapy at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District, Uganda

Complex regimens present significant challenges to both patients and health-care providers with respect to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) treatment adherence. Improper adherence leads to poor suppression of HIV replication in infected cells. High level of ART treatment adherence leads to better viral suppression outcomes. Proper maintenance of ART treatment adherence over time remains a problematic area especially in resource limited settings, including sub-Saharan African countries. The western region of Uganda has been noted to have a high prevalence of HIV patients. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the factors associated with non-adherence among the HIV patients on ART in a teaching hospital in south-western Uganda. Findings of the study revealed that forgetting treatment was the most cited factor. Feeling better after some medication period, being too ill to take medication, stigma associated with taking ART medication, alcohol consumption and drug stock out were also identified to be associated to non-adherence among the study participants. Most of the patients in this study (150/255, 58.8%) had good adherence, followed by those who had fair rates of adherence (60/255, 23.5%). Forty five patients (17.6%) had the least adherence level. Findings also showed that females were most likely to miss their medication. The age groups of 30-39 and 40-49 were the most likely not to adhere to medications compared to the other age groups while the 0-19 and above 50 years age groups were most likely not to miss their medication. The separated patients were more likely to miss medication compared to others. Patients who had attended only primary education and those who attended tertiary level of education were most likely to be non-adherent to medication. Deliberate measures need to be taken to cater for the non-adherent patients. Interventions aimed at the high-risk non-adherence groups need to be specifically developed.

Antidiabetic Properties of an Aqueous-Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) P. Beauv

Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) P. Beauv. is a common medicinal plant in the central and south- western regions of Uganda. It is popular for its use primarily in the treatment of diabetes and some other ailments. In this study the antidiabetic properties of an aqueous methanolic extract (SCE) of the stem bark were explored using experimental rat models. In normoglycemic rats, the extract reduced blood glucose levels with a significant effect (p<0.05) after 2 h at the 800 mg/kg dose. The standard chlorpropamide also produced significant lowering of normal blood glucose at all the time intervals studied (0.5, 1, 2, 4 h.). In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), SCE reduced glucose-induced glycemia in a moderate manner. SCE 200, 400, 800 mg/kg bodyweight caused reduction in glycemia by 62, 63 and 35% respectively. SCE (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) caused reduction in hyperglycemia by 10, 29 and 4% respectively, in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemia. The standard drug Chlorpropamide (400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced hyperglycemia by 85%. Prolonged treatment (daily dose for 17days) with SCE reduced alloxan diabetes as well; 33% by the 200 mg/kg dose, 66% by the 400 mg/kg dose and 42.9% by the 800 mg/kg dose. Both single dose and multiple dose effects were not significant (p<0.05). Therefore, SCE has hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects in the experimental diabetic models used and at the doses applied. Further purification of the crude extract may improve on the potency. Toxicity studies are also required to standardize its safety.

Molecular characterization of serotype O foot-andmouth disease virus from pigs: Implications for multispecies approach to disease control in Uganda

In Uganda, where foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is mainly done through vaccination, constant monitoring of outbreaks and phylogenetic studies are important in designing effective disease control strategies. These efforts however, have mainly concentrated on cattle since they are the main visible disease hosts. In this study, the molecular characteristics of the VP1 coding sequences of the pigderived FMD virus and its phylogenetic relationship with other historical Ugandan FMD virus sequences are determined. Sixty seven samples were collected from three districts of south western Uganda and subjected to RT-PCR. Partial VP1 capsid protein coding sequences of 12 positive samples were amplified and sequenced using serotype specific primers. Eight sequences were successfully obtained, all of which were from domestic pigs. All samples were confirmed as belonging to serotype O using BLAST search. Phylogenetic analysis of the test sequences with selected sequences, showed a close relatedness (average of 3.77% pair-wise distance) to viruses isolated from central and western Uganda in the years 2005 and 2006 from cattle. These results show that domestic pigs in the western region of Uganda have been infected with the same circulating strain of FMDV and play a potentially important role in FMD maintenance and spread. Keywords : Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), pig-derived FMDV sequence, persistence, domestic pigs African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(19), pp. 2547-2552

The Ecology and History of Uganda's Budongo Forest

A tropical rainforest is an ecological complex that interacts both directly and indirectly with a multitude of external factors, including its human population. This paper examines the ecological interaction of the Budongo Forest of Bunyoro, Uganda, with the human population of the area over the past century3 The Budongo Forest is located in the center of the kingdom of Bunyoro in the western region of Uganda. Throughout history, the direct and indirect effects of human activities have modified the vegetational communities of the Budongo from their original conditions. Much change has occurred within the last century at the instigation of Europeans, but the major modifiers of forest patterns in Africa, fire (most frequently of anthropogenic origin) and elephants, have been active in Uganda for thousands of years.2 Climatic conditions over the last millennium would seem to have favored the natural expansion of the Budongo Forest, but instead a combination of human and wildlife activity constrained the forest. Prior to European contact, human-generated fires, set to clear away dry growth from the previous year and engender fresh, new grass for cattle, also cleared away the savanna bush growth and swept right up to the edges of the forest. These annual fires and the large elephant population kept the forest blocks of Budongo and Siba from spreading into surrounding savanna lands. The arrival of Europeans, however, changed the pattern of interacting effects significantly. The Europeans suppressed and controlled fires, periodically removed large animals, and managed the forest for timber production. The overall results were a less diverse forest, fewer species, and the elimination of most large wildlife. Such conditions favored the forest's expansion into the savanna. Though it is often discussed in the disciplines of primatology, zoology, and botany, the Budongo Forest is represented by a very limited corpus of other research, including historical literature. Although Uganda was a protectorate under the British Empire during the period from 1890 to 1961, it was administered with an absolute minimum of expense to the Crown, which supported only a very limited amount of research.3

Distribution of ABO and Rh(D) Phenotypes in Uganda

Abstract. Nineteen African tribes living in Uganda have been studied for ABO and Rh(D)antigens. High incidences of group A (41%), group B (30%), and group O (51%) were found in the tribes of West Nile, Busoga‐Bukedi, and Karamoja, respectively. Genetical mixing showing a southwestward ‘cline’ is apparent. The northern, eastern and central regions have less Rh(D)‐negative than the western region. The incidence of Rh(D)‐negatives increases from the north (less than 2%) to the south (about 6%).In the Kampala area, incidence is A 27%, B 20%, O 48%, AB 5%, and Rh(D)‐negative 2%. It is recommended that transfusion of blood without Rh(D)typing be discouraged. The practice would be more dangerous in the western region of Uganda.

Distribution of ABO and Rh(D) Phenotypes in Uganda

Nineteen African tribes living in Uganda have been studied for ABO and Rh(D)antigens. High incidences of group A (41%), group B (30%), and group O (51%) were found in the tribes of West Nile, Busoga-Bukedi, and Karamoja, respectively. Genetical mixing showing a southwestward ‘cline’ is apparent. The northern, eastern and central regions have less Rh(D)-negative than the western region. The incidence of Rh(D)- negatives increases from the north (less than 2%) to the south (about 6%). In the Kampala area, incidence is A 27%, B 20%, O 48%, AB 5%, and Rh(D)-negative 2%. It is recommended that transfusion of blood without Rh(D)typing be discouraged. The practice would be more dangerous in the western region of Uganda.