Browsing by Author "Mucunguzi, Patrick"

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    Comparative analysis of foristic richness and diversity in six central forest reserves of north eastern Uganda
    (BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2025) Ojelel, Samuel; Katuura, Esther; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James
    As the extinction risk of plants increases globally, there is need to prioritize areas with high floristic richness and diversity to inform the design of evidence-based conservation interventions. As such, this study aimed to comparatively analyse floristic diversity in six central forest reserves (CFR) of north eastern Uganda. This was guided by two objectives namely; (i) to determine the floristic richness and diversity in the CFRs and (ii) to evaluate the similarity and complementarity of floristic composition. Data was collected from nested quadrats (20 × 20 m for trees, 10 × 10 m for shrubs and 5 × 5 m for herbaceous climbers, forbs and grasses) placed at intervals of 100 m along a transect of 1000 – 1500 m. Species richness, diversity and evenness were determined for each CFR. Binary similarity coefficients were computed because only presence/absence data of plant species was recorded. A sum of 417 plant species in 76 families were recorded representing 8.7% of known vascular plants reported in Uganda. The CFRs have significantly variable Shannon–Wiener diversity indices ranging from 4.2 in Kano CFR to 4.47 in Bululu hill CFR (t = 85.291, df = 4, p = 0.00). The CFRs cluster into two groups namely Onyurut and Ogera hills and Akur, Kano, Bululu hills and Mount Moroto. The lowest similarity index was between Ogera hills and Moumt Moroto CFRs (0.37 or 37%) while the highest was between Akur and Kano CFRs (0.63 or 63%). The CFRs complement one another by supporting plant species not recorded elsewhere with three CFRs (Bululu hills, Mount Moroto and Onyurut) accounting for 81.53% of the plant taxa. The CFRs in NE Uganda have richness and floristic diversity with up to 8.7% of the known plants in Uganda present. The conservation status of these species is Vulnerable (4), Near Threatened (4), Least Concern (137), Data Deficient (1) and Not Evaluated (271). The two similarity clusters depict variation in altitudinal, proximity and climatic conditions. Five CFRs are required to conserve 95% of the species recorded. Therefore, the CFRs investigated play a complementary role in conserving the floristic diversity in north eastern Uganda.
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    Distinguishing Forest Tree Communities In Kibale National Park, Western Uganda Using Ordination And Classification Methods
    (African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kasenene, John; Midgley, Jeremy; Ssegawa, Paul; Tabuti, John R. S.
    A study of spatial variation in tree community structure and species composition in the Kibale National Park, western Uganda was conducted. Tree communities were compared at five sites namely K-14, K-15 and K-30 at Kanyawara in the north, Ngogo in the central part of the forest and Mainaro in the southern part. All trees ≥10-cm diameter at breast height were censused along belt transects covering a total of 15 ha in all sites. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify forest tree communities and species associations. Using cluster analysis, two species assemblages emerged: the Mainaro, Ngogo and K-15 cluster and the K-30 and K-14 cluster. Principal component analysis revealed the descriptive species for the northern and southern sites.
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    Non Timber Forest Products Trade and Community Livelihoods around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
    (Journal of Agricultural Studies, 2016) Tugume, Patience; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Kakudidi, Esezah; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James; Mugisha, Maud Kamatenesi; Namaalwa, Justine
    This paper generates data on the diversi ty and value of non timber forest products (NTFP) traded in markets adjacent to Mabira Central forest reserve. The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of NTFP trade to the livelihoods of trader s’ households . Q uarterly market surveys and field observations were conducted in eleven markets in 2014 . All NTFP traders were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires . Simple profitability method was used to determine the profit margins of the traded products. The per capita value of NTFP traded was calculated and was highest for drums ($ 3,101) and lowest for winnowing trays ($3). All products had profit margins above 60%. Income generated from NTFP was used to cater for other essential needs like payment of school fees, medic al treatment, buying food and other household items. NTFP trade has potential of improving the lives of traders through establishment of NTFP enterprises. In order for such enterprises to be successful traded forest products must be harvested sustainably t o ensure consistent supply of the products. Multipurpose species like Markhamia lutea, Phoenix reclinata, Raphia farinefera and Calamus sp could be domesticated to minimize pressure on the forest.
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    Wild edible plants used by communities in and around selected forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda
    (Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019) Ojelel, Samuel; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Katuura, Esther; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Namaganda, Mary; Kalema, James
    Background The consumption of wild plants is an ancient tradition which serves multiple purposes. Cognizant that Teso-Karamoja region is frequently affected by food scarcity and is not adequately surveyed for its flora, this study sought to establish an inventory and use of wild edible plants by the communities living in and around the forest reserves. Methods Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 240 respondents living in and around eight forest reserves between November 2017 and May 2018. One focus group discussion (8–12 members) per forest reserve and field excursions to collect the plant voucher specimens were also conducted. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative frequency of citation (RFC), and the factor of informants’ consensus (FIC). Results A total of 100 plant species in 47 families were reported as edible. Carissa spinarum, Strychnos innocua, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Ximenia americana presented the highest RFC, while the families Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Moraceae had more than five species each. Grasses (Poaceae) comprised only 1% of the edible species and trees 35%, while shrubs were the most important source of wild food (RFC = 0.47). The fruits contributed 63% while leaves (29%), seeds (9%), tubers (5%), and gum (1%). The fruits were considered as the most important use category (RFC = 0.78). Respondent homogeneity was none for gum but very high for seeds (FIC - 0.93). Only 36% of species are cooked, while 64% are eaten in raw. Harvesting is done rudimentarily by digging (5%), collecting from the ground (fruits that fall down) (13%), and plucking from mother plants (82%). Only 9% of the species were collected throughout the year, 27% in the dry season, and 64% in the rainy season. The consumption of these plants is attributed to food scarcity, spicing staple food, nutri-medicinal value, cultural practice, and delicacy. Conclusion A high diversity of wild edible plant species exists in the forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region. The shrubs and fruits are the most locally important life forms and use category, respectively. These edible plant species are important throughout the year because their consumption serves multiple purposes.