Nutritional and sensory characteristics of local and hybrid East African Highland cooking bananas: Implications for breeding programs Willy Nelson Kisenyi, Pricilla Marimo, Moses Matovu, Kephas Nowakunda, Ediriisa Mugampoza, et al. Jsfa Reports, 2026 Background Bananas ( Musa species) are an important staple food and cash crop in many parts of the world. The East African Highland cooking bananas form the backbone of food security for millions of Ugandans. The demand for high quality cooking bananas is thus closely linked to their sensory characteristics (which drive consumer preference) and physicochemical properties, which, on the other hand, influence their nutritional and culinary values. We explored the relationship between nutritional composition, sensory characteristics, and physicochemical properties of 23 cooking banana cultivars from Uganda. These included officially released hybrids ( n = 2), hybrids under evaluation ( n = 12), female parent cultivars used in breeding ( n = 3), and popular local East African Highland bananas ( n = 6). Results Local cultivars (Mpologoma, Mbwazirume, and Muvubo) had significantly higher moisture, crude fat, ash, protein, and amylose contents compared to the hybrids ( p < 0.05). Hybrid cultivars (N2, N6, and M33) had the highest dry matter contents, while the other hybrid cultivars had higher phenolic contents. Sensory evaluation identified key desirable characteristics of cooked bananas to be color, texture, aroma, taste, and astringency. Some hybrid cultivars (N21, N15, N11, N8, 17914S‐24, N2, and N6) had lower sensory scores compared to others (M32, N17, M9, M33, and N24) and the local cultivars. Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation revealed positive relationships between physicochemical properties (titratable acidity, pH, phenols, tannins, starch, amylose, moisture, and minerals composition) and desirable sensory characteristics (yellow homogeneous color, sweet and matooke tastes, and low astringency). Conclusion Breeders could select for the attributes with positive relationships to enhance the adoption and consumption of the hybrid cooking bananas. However, further work is needed to establish the acceptability thresholds of the attributes.
Not one-size-fits-all: µ-FTIR and pyrolysis GC-MS for complementary analysis of microplastics in eutrophic surface water Timothy Omara, Barbora Benetková, Ivan Sumerskii, Patrick Ssebugere, Christine Kyarimpa, et al. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2026 This study reports large microplastics found in Lake Victoria through an analytical workflow that combines the complementary methods stereomicroscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-MS) for the quantification of 11 environmentally relevant microplastic polymers. Algae-rich surface water samples ( n = 18) were trawled using a 0.3 mm manta net from Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake. Stereomicroscopy as a determinant analytical technique detected 191 particles, which were primarily blue fragments and fibres. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant polymers identified by µ-FTIR. Pyr-GC-MS allowed the detection and quantification of microplastics (MPs) with LOD and LOQ of 0.01–14.7 µg and 0.03–49.1 µg. Polyethylene (0.058–0.34 µg/L), polypropylene (0.024 µg/L and 0.043 µg/L), nylon 6 (0.0051–0.064 µg/L), nylon 66 (0.0022–0.084 µg/L), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (0.0029–0.027 µg/L) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (0.0036 µg/L) were quantified. µ-FTIR was found to be suitable for the identification of the most abundant polymers in the 0.3–4.9 mm size range whereas Pyr-GC-MS afforded the quantification of seven polymers, most of which were not detected by µ-FTIR. This complementary workflow gave a wider perspective on MP loading, providing both polymer concentrations and physical characteristics (sizes, colours, forms and count) of the MPs. Graphical abstract
Ecological and Human Health Risks from Potentially Toxic Elements in Environmental Matrices of Kiteezi Landfill, Uganda Emmanuel Ebbu, Irene Nalumansi, Ivan Kiganda, Caroline Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Patrick Onen, et al. Journal of Xenobiotics, 2025 By the time of this study, Kiteezi landfill was Uganda’s largest waste disposal site and received substantial volumes of municipal solid waste. In the present study, water (n = 36), leachates (n = 36), superficial sediments (n = 30), and Colocasia esculenta corms (n = 6) were sampled from Kiteezi landfill in the dry and wet seasons of 2022 before its tragic collapse in 2024. The physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, and oxidation–reduction potential) and concentration of potentially toxic elements (As, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) were analyzed using standard methods and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, respectively. Significant seasonal variations (p < 0.05) were observed for all the physicochemical parameters of water and leachates except temperature. Further, significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of potentially toxic elements (PTXEs) were quantified in environmental matrices sampled during the dry season than the wet season. Arsenic and Pb concentrations in water surpassed their WHO permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L. The concentrations of PTXEs were higher in downstream samples (p < 0.05), indicating that landfill activities led to their enrichment in matrices near the facility. Ecological and pollution risk indices indicated that there is severe enrichment of Cu and Zn in the sediments, with dry season downstream samples having contamination factors and geoaccumulation indices of 539.3 and 74.7 and 8.5 and 5.6, respectively. Although ingestion of water may not cause probable health risks, consumption of Colocasia esculenta corms could lead to non-carcinogenic and cancer health risks in both children and adults (hazard indices = 0.085–189.0 and total cancer risk values of 7.33 × 10−6–4.87 × 10−3). These results emphasize the need that any new replacement for Kiteezi landfill should be properly planned and managed to mitigate potential environmental pollution with xenobiotics.
Bioaccumulation and Transfer of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Yam-Soil System and Associated Health Risks in Kampala’s Luzira Industrial Area Gabson Baguma, Gadson Bamanya, Hannington Twinomuhwezi, Allan Gonzaga, Timothy Omara, et al. Journal of Xenobiotics, 2025 Rapid industrialization in peri-urban centers has accelerated the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils, with implications for food safety and public health concerns. This study quantified PTEs (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in soils and yam (Colocasia esculenta) tubers from Kampala’s Luzira Industrial Area. Soil contamination levels were evaluated using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI), while soil-to-crop transfer of the PTEs was assessed using the biological accumulation factor (BAF). Statistical analyses (One Way Analysis of Variance, Pearson bivariate correlation, and Principal Component Analysis) were applied to identify relationships among PTEs and sampling sites. Soils exhibited marked industrial influence, with PTE concentrations in the order Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd. The PLI values above unity confirmed cumulative pollution, with hotspots dominated by Zn, Pb, and Cu. Yam tubers contained lower PTE concentrations but reflected a similar contamination pattern as in the soils. The BAF values were <1 for all the PTEs except Zn, pointing to its greater solubility and mobility in the area’s acidic soils. Health risk assessment indicated that yam consumption was the dominant exposure pathway, with hazard indices (HI) for children exceeding the safe threshold at all industrial sites (HI = 1.14–2.06), and total cancer risks (TCR) ranging from 1.27 × 10−4 to 5.83 × 10−4, well above the US EPA limit. For adults, the TCR also surpassed 1 × 10−4 at sampling points SP3 and SP4. These results found potential transfer of the PTEs from soils into yam tubers, with Cd and Cr being the key drivers of dietary risk.
In silico Antimycobacterial Evaluation of Compounds Isolated from Kigelia africana Stem Bark Ivan Gumula, Mary Achiro, Sarah Kiwanuka Nanyonga, Denis Akampurira, Patrick Onen, et al. Natural Product Communications, 2025 Objective Tuberculosis (TB) is among the major causes of mortality due to a single infectious bacterium. The burden of TB is higher due to multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, which lead to treatment failures. The present study conducted in silico studies of bioactive compounds isolated from Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth stem bark. Methods Pure compounds were isolated from dichloromethane/methanol stem bark extract of Kigelia africana after repeated column chromatography. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established based on 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) spectroscopy. In silico analyses were performed to assess the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics and antibacterial potential of the compounds against target proteins (4QIJ and 5HKF, 5L3J and 8GZY, and 2QIL) from M. tuberculosis , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus , respectively. Results Four compounds: demethylkigelin, tyrosyl butyrate, stearic acid and stigmasterol were characterized. In molecular docking studies, the compounds showed binding affinities ranging from −4.4 to −9.3 kcal/mol against target proteins 4QIJ, 5HKF, 5L3J, 8GZY and 2QIL. Stigmasterol (L4) had the highest affinity against the highest binding affinity, with a score of −9.3 kcal/mol against S. aureus protein 2QIL. It also showed strong affinities against M. tuberculosis (4QIJ and 5HKF) and E. coli (5L3J and 8GZY) targets. In silico toxicity profiling predicted tyrosyl butyrate and stearic acid to be relatively safe whereas demethylkigelin and stigmasterol showed potential respiratory and cardiotoxic effects that needs further safety evaluation. Conclusion Kigelia africana stem bark possesses bioactive compounds that are potential inhibitors of M. tuberculosis with good to better binding affinities and stable interactions. Future studies should validate the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity as well as toxicity of the compounds.
Overcoming matrix and oligomer interferences in pyrolysis GC-MS analysis of microplastics in animal tissue T Omara, BM Benetková, I Sumerskii, P Ssebugere, C Kyarimpa, ... Pyro2026: The 25th International Symposium on Analytical and Applied … , 2026 2026
Geochemistry, Speciation, and Health Risks from Potentially Toxic Elements in Street Dust of Mbarara City, Uganda HO Kumenya, I Nalumansi, C Angiro, I Kiganda, T Omara, E Ntambi Journal of Xenobiotics 16 (3), 83 , 2026 2026
Nutritional and sensory characteristics of local and hybrid East African Highland cooking bananas: Implications for breeding programs WN Kisenyi, P Marimo, M Matovu, K Nowakunda, E Mugampoza, ... JSFA Reports , 2026 2026
Occurrence of microplastics in surface water, superficial sediments and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from fish breeding areas of Lake Victoria F Atukwatse, CB Nagawa, T Omara, C Kyarimpa, SO Lugasi, R Basooma, ... Discover Applied Sciences 8, 570 , 2026 2026
Not one-size-fits-all: µ-FTIR and pyrolysis GC-MS for complementary analysis of microplastics in eutrophic surface water T Omara, B Benetková, I Sumerskii, P Ssebugere, C Kyarimpa, SO Lugasi, ... Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, 1-14 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Tetracycline residues in milk and beef from the Ugandan Cattle Corridor J Mwesigye, J Kwetegyeka, I Gumula, T Omara, I Kiganda Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B 61 (2), 72-83 , 2026 2026
Chemical composition of turpentine from Ugandan Pinus caribaea resins CB Nagawa, IS Kitiibwa, D Mubiru, A Syofuna, CM Kyarimpa, T Omara, ... African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry 18 (1), 1-17 , 2026 2026
Fatty acid composition and cholesterol distribution in edible tissues of long-horned Ankole cattle J Wanyama, J Kwetegyeka, H Twinomuhwezi, T Omara, I Kiganda Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 149, 108725 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Optical sensor-based nitrogen management and its budget in water bodies T Omara, S Yiga, F Nantaba, CB Nagawa, I Kiganda, F Okori, E Ntambi In: Tonni Kurniawan, & Abdelkader Anouzla (Eds). Point Source Nitrogen … , 2025 2025
Bioaccumulation and Transfer of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Yam-Soil System and Associated Health Risks in Kampala’s Luzira Industrial Area G Baguma, G Bamanya, H Twinomuhwezi, A Gonzaga, T Omara, P Onen, ... Journal of Xenobiotics 15 (6), 193 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Ecological and Human Health Risks from Potentially Toxic Elements in Environmental Matrices of Kiteezi Landfill, Uganda E Ebbu, I Nalumansi, I Kiganda, CK Nakiguli, P Onen, S Ocakacon, ... Journal of Xenobiotics 15 (6), 185 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
GC-MS metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of Maytenus senegalensis stem bark extracts: Computational insights from ADMET analyses, and in silico studies P Onen, T Otema, SK Nanyonga, D Akampurira, R Tumwesigye, ... In: Techniques in Natural Product Isolation, Characterization and … , 2025 2025
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by communities on the fringes of Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Uganda I Kahwa, T Omara, M Agaba, U Nuwagira, CO Ajayi NAPRECA 2025 International Symposium on Natural Products Research, 3rd … , 2025 2025
Unveiling potential antimycobacterial phytochemicals from Kigelia africana stem bark against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Ethnomedicinal insights and in silico studies P Onen, M Achiro, SK Nanyonga, D Akampurira, R Tumwesigye, D Ocira, ... In: Computational methods and Artificial Intelligence in Natural Products … , 2025 2025
Chemical composition of turpentine from Ugandan Pinus caribaea resins CB Nagawa, IS Kitiibwa, D Mubiru, A Syofuna, CM Kyarimpa, T Omara, ... The NAPRECA 2025 International Symposium on Natural Products Research, 3rd … , 2025 2025
In silico antimycobacterial evaluation of compounds isolated from Kigelia africana stem bark I Gumula, M Achiro, SK Nanyonga, D Akampurira, P Onen, R Tumwesigye, ... Natural Product Communications 20 (10), 1-9 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Toxic legacy: Heavy metals in Kiteezi landfill’s leachates, water, sediments and Colocasia esculenta before the 2024 tragic collapse E Ebbu, I Nalumansi, T Omara, E Ntambi 6th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2nd … , 2025 2025
Antimalarial activity and toxicity of a novel chitosan Schiff-base scaffold of aloin isolated from Aloe barbadensis CK Nakiguli, VJ Kosgei, J Odda, T Omara, CO Ajayi, JK Cherutoi Letters in Applied NanoBioScience 14 (3), 194 , 2025 2025
Physical and Mechanical Strength Properties of Resin Tapped Pinus caribaea Timber CB Nagawa, IS Kitiibwa, D Mubiru, A Syofuna, CM Kyarimpa, T Omara, ... East African Journal of Forestry and Agroforestry 8 (1), 406-414 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) cage aquaculture in Africa: Potential threats to congeneric fish species and advances to detect escapees G Kwikiriza, M Muthoka, T Omara, I Abaho, MP Tibihika, M Curto, M Opiyo, ... Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries 5 (4), e70090 , 2025 2025 Citations: 11
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Exponential Disruptive Technologies and the Required Skills of Industry 4.0 O Bongomin, G Gilibrays Ocen, E Oyondi Nganyi, A Musinguzi, T Omara Journal of Engineering 2020, 4280156 , 2020 2020 Citations: 416
Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies T Omara, AK Kiprop, RC Ramkat, J Cherutoi, S Kagoya, DM Nyangena, ... Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, 3529081 , 2020 2020 Citations: 179
Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review SB Obakiro, AK Kiprop, I Kowino, E Kigondu, MP Odero, T Omara, ... Tropical Medicine and Health 48, 68 , 2020 2020 Citations: 108
Antivenin Plants Used for Treatment of Snakebites in Uganda: Ethnobotanical Reports and Pharmacological Evidences T Omara, S Kagoya, A Openy, T Omute, S Ssebulime, KM Kiplagat, ... Tropical Medicine and Health 48, 6 , 2020 2020 Citations: 107
Antimalarial Plants Used across Kenyan Communities T Omara Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, 4538602 , 2020 2020 Citations: 99
The Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960-2020) T Omara, AK Kiprop, P Wangila, AP Wacoo, S Kagoya, P Nteziyaremye, ... Journal of Food Quality 2021, 8899839 , 2021 2021 Citations: 97
Aflatoxins in Uganda: an encyclopedic review of the etiology, epidemiology, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, reduction and control T Omara, W Nassazi, T Omute, A Awath, F Laker, R Kalukusu, B Musau, ... International Journal of Microbiology 2020, 4723612 , 2020 2020 Citations: 68
Medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria by indigenous communities of Tororo District, Eastern Uganda JRS Tabuti, SB Obakiro, A Nabatanzi, G Anywar, C Nambejja, ... Tropical medicine and health 51 (1), 34 , 2023 2023 Citations: 63
Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review SB Obakiro, A Kiprop, E Kigundu, I Ko’wino, MP Odero, S Manyim, ... Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021, 5513484 , 2021 2021 Citations: 62
Mercuric pollution of surface water, superficial sediments, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis nilotica Linnaeus 1758 [Cichlidae]) and yams (Dioscorea alata) in auriferous areas of … T Omara, S Karungi, R Kalukusu, BV Nakabuye, S Kagoya, B Musau PeerJ 7, e7919 , 2019 2019 Citations: 61
Plants Used in Antivenom Therapy in Rural Kenya: Ethnobotany and Future Perspectives T Omara Journal of Toxicology 2020, 1828521 , 2020 2020 Citations: 47
Medicinal plants used in the management of sexual dysfunction, infertility and improving virility in the East African Community: a systematic review C Kyarimpa, CB Nagawa, T Omara, S Odongo, P Ssebugere, SO Lugasi, ... Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2023 , 2023 2023 Citations: 44
Intraspecific Variation of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Different Solvent Extracts of Albizia coriaria Leaves from Some Agro-Ecological Zones of … T Omara, AK Kiprop, VJ Kosgei Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021, 2335454 , 2021 2021 Citations: 44
Effects of industrial effluents on the quality of water in Namanve stream, Kampala Industrial and Business Park, Uganda C Angiro, PPO Abila, T Omara BMC Research Notes 13, 220 , 2020 2020 Citations: 41
Effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of sisal/cattail polyester commingled composites SM Mbeche, T Omara PeerJ Materials Science 2, e5 , 2020 2020 Citations: 40
Performance Characteristics of a Cooking Stove Improved with Sawdust as an Insulation Material J Okino, AJ Komakech, J Wanyama, H Ssegane, E Olomo, T Omara Journal of Renewable Energy 2021 (01), 9969806 , 2021 2021 Citations: 37
Suberosin alleviates thiazolidinedione-induced cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways S Iqbal, J Farhat, I Kahwa, T Omara Cardiovascular Toxicology 23 (9-10), 295-304 , 2023 2023 Citations: 35
Medicinal plants used for treating cancer in Kenya: an ethnopharmacological overview T Omara, MP Odero, SB Obakiro Bulletin of the National Research Centre 46 (1), 148 , 2022 2022 Citations: 34
Heavy Metal Contamination of Sediments from an Exoreic African Great Lakes’ Shores (Port Bell, Lake Victoria), Uganda G Baguma, A Musasizi, H Twinomuhwezi, A Gonzaga, CK Nakiguli, ... Pollutants 2 (4), 407-421 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Effects of continuous deep-fat frying on the physicochemical properties of assorted brands of edible cooking oils sold in Greater Metropolitan Kampala T Omara, E Kigenyi, F Laker, M Adokorach, G Otim, R Kalukusu, B Musau, ... Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research 3 (2), 1-13 , 2019 2019 Citations: 27
