Browsing by Author "Mutambuka, Martin"

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    Comparative analysis of nutrients in frequently consumed Indigenous African vegetables: implications for geriatric nutrition
    (Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2026-01-27) Mutambuka, Martin; Nakanwagi, Mildred; Bulyaba, Rosemary; Dramadri, Isaac Onziga; Tumusiime, Gerald; Kizito, Elizabeth Balyejusa
    The promotion and consumption of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) offers potential to improve diet quality and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among older persons. However, limited information exists on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals that contribute to these benefits. This study assessed the nutritional composition of three genotypes of each of four commonly consumed AIVs in Uganda: Solanum aethiopicum Shum (E16, E15, and E11), Solanum aethiopicum Gilo (G4, G9, and G6), Amaranthus sp. (Var. 008, Var. 025, and Var. 007), and Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (UCU Cow 1, Aseremoya, and Acc23). The vegetables were analysed for minerals (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K), dietary fibre, phytochemicals (anthocyanins, tannins, catechins, polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, flavonoids), and vitamins (α-tocopherol and β-carotene) using standard procedures and means were separated using One-Way ANOVA. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed across AIVs. S. aethiopicum Shum E16 exhibited the highest mineral levels, while V. unguiculata genotypes showed the lowest Mg, Fe, and K content. Iron was highest in S. aethiopicum Gilo G4 (8.83mg/100g). Leafy vegetables contained greater quantities of phytochemicals, dietary fibre, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol than fruit vegetables. Principal component analysis segregated genotypes based on nutrient profiles: phytochemicals and fibre strongly influenced V. unguiculata clustering, minerals influenced Solanum spp, and tocopherol and gallic acid distinguished Amaranthus genotypes. These findings highlight distinct nutritional advantages across AIV species. V. unguiculata exhibited particularly high phytochemical and vitamin content, suggesting its value as a nutrient-dense component of diets aimed at supporting healthy ageing.
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    Microbiological quality and safety assessment of sun dried Rastrineobola argentea (Mukene) sold at selected landing sites of lake Victoria and peri urban Kampala city markets
    (African Journal of Food Science, 2020-05-26) Muhame, Andrew M.; Mugampoza, Ediriisa; Lubuulwa, L. Leonard; Byarugaba-Bazirake, George; Byarugaba-Bazirake, George W.; Mutambuka, Martin
    Silver fish (Rastrineobola argentea) also locally known in Uganda as Mukene contributes significantly to Ugandan national economy and its value was estimated at $13 million US dollars in 2015. The fish is traditionally dried under direct sunshine on bare ground in unhygienic conditions, which expose it to dust and microbiological contamination. In this study, the microbial load of indicator and pathogenic organisms was determined in Mukene sold at selected landing sites of Lake Victoria and Kampala markets, Uganda. A total of 46 samples were collected randomly from landing sites and markets. The total aerobic counts, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were enumerated using standard microbiological methods. The findings showed that Mukene was of low microbial quality for total plate counts, total coliforms, E. coli and S. aureus counts with values ranging from 2.48-8.61 log cfu/g, 0.36-3.09 log MPN/g, 0.36-3.04 log MPN/g and 0.10-6.66 log cfu/g, respectively. Of all samples analyzed, 63% were positive for Salmonella species. As salmonellae and staphylococci are often implicated in incidences of food poisoning, this study suggests that consumption of sun dried Mukene sold at landing sites of Lake Victoria, Uganda, poses a public health concern. There is the need to improve on hygiene during processing, storage and distribution of Mukene in Uganda.