Browsing by Author "Ssemugabo, Charles"

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    Bacteriological and Physical Quality of Locally Packaged Drinking Water in Kampala, Uganda
    (Journal of environmental and public health, 2015) Halage, Abdullah Ali; Ssemugabo, Charles; Ssemwanga, David K.; Musoke, David; Mugambe, Richard K.; Guwatudde, David; Ssempebwa, John C.
    To assess the bacteriological and physical quality of locally packaged drinking water sold for public consumption. Methods. This was cross-sectional study where a total of 60 samples of bottled water from 10 brands and 30 samples of sachet water from 15 brands purchased randomly were analyzed for bacteriological contamination (total coliform and faecal coliform per 100 mL) usingmembrane filtrate method and reported in terms of cfu/100 mL. Results. Both bottled water and sachet water were not contaminated with faecal coliform.Majority (70%, 21/30) of the sachetwater analyzed exceeded acceptable limits of 0 total coliforms per 100mL set byWHOand the national drinking water standards.The physical quality (turbidity and pH) of all the packaged water brands analyzed was within the acceptable limits.There was statistically significant difference between the median count of total coliform in both sachet water and bottled water brands (𝑈(24) = 37.0, 𝑝 = 0.027). Conclusion. Both bottled water and sachet water were not contaminated with faecal coliforms; majority of sachet waterwas contaminated with total coliformabove acceptable limits. Government and other stakeholders should consider intensifying surveillance activities and enforcing strict hygienic measures in this rapidly expanding industry to improve packaged water quality.
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    Characteristics of Pesticide Poisoning in Rural and Urban Settings in Uganda
    (Environmental health insights, 2017-06-05) Pedersen, Bastian; Ssemugabo, Charles; Nabankema, Victoria; Jørs, Erik
    Pesticide poisoning is a significant burden on health care systems in many low-income countries. This study evaluates cases of registered pesticide poisonings treated in selected rural (N = 101) and urban (N = 212) health facilities in Uganda from January 2010 to August 2016. In the urban setting, pesticides were the most prevalent single poison responsible for intoxications (N = 212 [28.8%]). Self-harm constituted a significantly higher proportion of the total number of poisonings in urban (63.3%) compared with rural areas (25.6%) where unintentional poisonings prevailed. Men were older than women and represented a majority of around 60% of the cases in both the urban and rural settings. Unintentional cases were almost the only ones seen below the age of 10, whereas self-harm dominated among adolescents and young persons from 10 to 29 years of age. Organophosphorus insecticides accounted for 73.0% of the poisonings. Urban hospitals provided a more intensive treatment and had registered fever complications than rural health care settings. To minimize self-harm with pesticides, a restriction of pesticide availability as shown to be effective in other low-income countries is recommended. Training of health care workers in proper diagnosis and treatment of poisonings and improved equipment in the health care settings should be strengthened.
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    History, evolution and future of environmental health in Uganda
    (Informa UK Limited, 2018-12-03) Ndejjo, Rawlance; Atusingwize, Edwinah; Oporia, Frederick; Ssemugabo, Charles; Musoke, David; Ssemwanga, David K.; Halage, Abdullah Ali; Isunju, John Bosco; Kansiime, Winnifred; Mubeezi, Ruth; Mugambe, Richard Kibirango; Mbaha, Emery Patrice; Luyima, Paul; Ssempebwa, John C.
    This article explores the history and evolution of Environmental Health in Uganda under four key themes: training and practice; research; governance, policy and regulatory framework; and challenges. The article also describes the future of the profession. Through a review of documents and key informant interviews, it is noted that Environmental Health in Uganda dates back to colonial times when the country was affected by diseases including plague, trypanosomiasis and small pox. Concerted efforts were advanced to train cadres that would improve the sanitation status and address the prevailing disease burden. Over several decades, the Environmental Health profession has evolved in many areas of training, practice, research and governance, policy and legal framework amidst several challenges. The future of Environmental Health in Uganda will require more advanced training and research, broadened practice, and streamlined governance.
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    Pesticide Residue Trends in Fruits and Vegetables from Farm to Fork in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda—A Mixed Methods Study
    (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article, 2022) Ssemugabo, Charles; Guwatudde, David; Ssempebwa, John C.; Bradman, Asa
    This mixed methods study used laboratory measurements of pesticide residues in produce, semi-structured questionnaires, and in-depth interview data to describe trends in pesticide residue in produce and handling and processing practices for fruits (watermelon and passion fruit) and vegetables (tomato, cabbage, and eggplant) along the farm to fork chain. Of the 50 farmers visited, 34 (68.0%) sold their fruits and vegetables to transporters, 11 (22.0%) to market vendors, and 4 (8.0%) directly to homes and restaurants. The majority 42 (93.3%) of the consumers (home/restaurant) purchased their fruits and vegetables from market vendors and transporters. Washing with water or vinegar, wiping with a cloth, peeling the outer layer, and blending and cooking were the most common post-harvesting processing methods used by stakeholders along the supply chain. Some farmers and market vendors reported spraying fruits and vegetables with pesticides either prior- or post-harvest to increase shelf life. Statistically significant decreasing pesticide residue trends along the farm to fork chain were observed for dioxacarb, likely due to degradation or washing, peeling, cooking, blending, or wiping by consumers. Increasing trends were observed for methidathion and quinalphos possibly due to pesticide applications. There is a need in Uganda to promote practices that minimize pesticide use and exposure through diet, while maintaining food integrity.