University of Kisubi

Background: As of 2008; human pathogenic bacteria were being identified in lake water and fish and by 2017; it was still a persistent problem in the aquatic environment up to date. Sources attributed to their presence in lake water and fish include; surface run-off from land, sewage discharge, sewage over flow, run-off of domestic and wildlife animal waste, direct waste deposition by grazing animals among others. Mitigation for aquatic ecosystems degradation over the years has been attempted through field and / or laboratory-based bacteriological monitoring of lake surface water quality. Methods: A cross-sectional laboratory-based survey was undertaken at Kasenyi landing site. Thirty-one (n=31) Lake Victoria shore water samples and thirty (n=30) Oreochromis niloticus samples were collected and bacteriologically examined for Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, and Enterobacteria. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 software to compute the chi-square and p-values. Results: Citrobacter freundii was the most occurring human bacterial contaminant in water at 71% (22/31) while Klebsiella pneumoniae was the least occurring human bacterial contaminant at 6% (2/31). In the Orechromis niloticus organ samples; the most occurring was Enterococcus species at 77.5% (93/120) while the least occurring was Citrobacter freundii at 39% (47/120). There was no statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of bacteria in the Lake Victoria shore water and in the Oreochromis niloticus organs. Conclusion: Citrobacter freundii had the highest occurrence in the Lake Victoria shore water while Enterococcus species had the highest occurrence in all the four Oreochromis niloticus organs. A chance-based relationship between the occurrence of bacteria in the Lake Victoria shore water and in the specific Oreochromis niloticus organs was established. Recommendation: A larger sample size research to evidence the potential sources of human pathogenic bacteria into the Lake Victoria shore water and the fish at Kasenyi landing site.

Background: Goal six (6) of the 2030 agenda and sustainable development goals highlights the need to "ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." Over the years; Lake Victoria, which supports nearly one-third of the total East African population has been facing pollution-related effects and thus risking water-borne infections from pathogenic bacteria for example; Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, etc.; with some of the associated factors including wastewater treatment, agricultural activities, soil surface runoffs, bathing, rubbish dumping among others. Methods: A two-month cross-sectional pilot survey was done in which thirty-one (n=31) Lake Victoria surface water samples were collected at the Kasenyi landing site and bacteriologically examined through culturing water samples. Additionally; a one-time field observation accompanied by eleven (n=11) short interviews with key respondents was undertaken to identify the factors potentially associated with the bacterial contamination of the Lake Victoria shore surface water. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Results: Citrobacter freundii accounted for the highest occurrence at 58% (46/79) while Klebsiella pneumoniae was the least occurring at 3% (2/79). “Soil surface run-off” emerged as the most occurring factor related to possible bacterial contamination of the shore surface waters (73%; 8/11). One-time field observation revealed the presence of “bathing practices, rubbish dumping, and soil surface runoff.” Conclusion: Citrobacter freundii was the most occurring bacterial pathogen; soil surface run-off emerged as the most occurring factor; there is a low chance of encountering Klebsiella pneumoniae and a high chance of encountering Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus species, and Enterococcus species. Recommendation: Establishment of control mechanisms (i.e. physical barriers) for soil run-off into the lake shore.

Purpose: This study attempted to study the dynamics between organisational compassion and employee engagement during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Uganda and Rwanda when workers were required to work from home and in Virtual work environments Methodology/approach: The study adopted a quantitative research design. Data was collected from a sample of staff in selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda and Rwanda using of an online questionnaire that was distributed both through social media and email correspondence. Findings: The findings indicated that organizational compassion was a significant predictor of the vigour component of employee engagement compared to dedication and absorption while working virtually. Moreover, for selected organisational compassion dimensions of mindfulness and kindness, Supervisor’s kindness towards employees and employees’ mindfulness of self to others were strong predictors of work engagement while working remotely. Originality/value: While organisational compassion and employee engagement have been studied in, in-person settings, the paper attempted to study these concepts in virtual and remote work spaces that had unique complexities. https://www.doi.org/10.53615/2232-5697.10.127-137