Browsing by Author "Ocen, Gilibrays Gilbert"

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    Comprehensive analysis of molecular markers linked to antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in Northern, Northeastern and Eastern Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Olupot‑Olupot, Peter; Paasi, George; Katairo, Thomas; Alunyo, Patrick Jimmy; Nakiyemba, Alice; Ocen, Gilibrays Gilbert; Pande, Stephen; Alaroker, Florance; Okiror, William; Ocen, Emmaluel; Oula, Alex; Okalebo, Benard Charles; Ongodia, Paul; Amorut, Denis; Tukwasibwe, Stephen; Ndidde, Nabadda Susan; Sewanyana, Isaac; Nsobya, L. Samuel
    Background in Uganda, antimalarial resistance in Plasmodium falciparum poses serious public health and treatment challenges. Globally, recent data have highlighted the roles of following genes in malaria resistance: Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr), Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps), Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance gene 1 (Pfmdr1), and Plasmodium falciparum K13 propeller domain (Pfk13). This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of P. falciparum molecular markers linked to antimalarial resistance in Northern, Northeastern, and Eastern Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study collected 200 dried blood samples from children (2 months to 12 years) in Northern, Eastern, and Northeastern Uganda. Samples were from malaria-positive cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples and analysed using Molecular Inversion Probes to detect Plasmodium falciparum genetic mutations. The sequencing was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform, and raw data was organized and analysed with MIPTools software. Results: The study sequenced over 50% of the samples at each site as follows: Apac 87.7% (43/49), Moroto 68.0% (34/50), Soroti 65.0% (13/20) and Mbale 53.1% (43/81). The Pfk13 A675V and C469Y mutations varied from 0 to 23.3% and 8.3–14.3%, in four sites, with consistently low prevalence in Apac. The Pfdhfr N51I and S108N mutations were fixed in all districts, while C59R was fixed in Moroto and nearing fixation (92–97%) in other regions. The emerging I164L mutation ranged from 1 to 10% in all sites. The Pfdhps A437G and K540E mutations were fixed in Soroti, with 3–5% wild-type prevalence in other sites. The A581G mutation showed 2.3% mixed genotypes in Mbale only. The Pfcrt K76T was predominantly wild type, except for 5% mutants in Mbale and Moroto. The pfmdr1 N86Y were wild type across all districts, except for 15% mixed genotypes in Soroti. Conclusion: This study reveal rising partial artemisinin resistance and widespread antifolate resistance surpassing WHO thresholds in Northern, Northeastern, and Eastern Uganda. Emerging super-resistant parasites pose a serious threat to malaria control, necessitating urgent enhanced surveillance and alternative treatment strategies. Keywords Antimalarial resistance, Uganda, Pfk13, Pfdhfr, Pfdhps Pfmdr1, Pfcrt
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    Establishing a comprehensive digital evidence storage management framework for judiciary criminal investigation and prosecution : a case study of Arua city, Uganda
    (Scientific and Practical Cyber Security Journal, 2025) Oli, Caroline Tabu; Ocen, Gilibrays Gilbert; Alunyu, Andrew Egwar; Mwase, Ali; Odongtoo, Godfrey; Kalinaki, Hussein; Matovu, Davis
    The growing reliance on digital evidence in judicial proceedings highlights the urgent need for a robust and effective storage management framework. This study critically assesses the shortcomings of the current digital evidence storage system within the judiciary of Arua City, Uganda specifically issues related to loss, corruption, and inadmissibility of evidence, which threaten the delivery of justice and the protection of human rights. The study adopted a quantitative approach to explore the state of digital evidence management and design a suitable model for its improvement. This involved structured surveys aimed at generating measurable data on the technical, financial, and organizational challenges hindering effective implementation. Results showed that 87% of respondents identified technical barriers, 63% cited financial constraints, and 72% emphasized the need for organizational support and training. The study concludes that addressing these challenges through scalable, secure, and user-friendly systems alongside ongoing professional training and stakeholder engagement is vital. Regular evaluations are recommended to ensure system relevance and effectiveness in line with evolving digital technologies. KEYWORDS: Digital Evidence, Judiciary, Criminal Investigation, Evidence Storage Management, Arua City, Uganda