Employing (Home) Organisation: Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Project title: Uncovering the Distribution of Snail Hosts of Schistosomiasis in Poorly Studied Regions of Uganda
Dr. Julius Tumusiime is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda. He has expertise in the fields of conservation biology, ecology, freshwater biology, parasitology, entomology, malacology, biological informatics, molecular biology, GIS and biostatistics. He holds a joint PhD in Biology from Justus Liebig University Giessen – Germany, and MUST in Uganda. He is passionate about reducing snail-borne parasitic diseases, one-health and the citizen science approach.
Summary of Project Destination
My research focuses on freshwater snail-borne parasitic diseases affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife. In Uganda, the distribution of human schistosomiasis and its snail hosts remains unclear. I aim to understand if the high prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni near major water bodies is linked to specific snail species absent in inland areas. I also seek to explain the puzzling absence of Schistosoma haematobium, the dominant global schistosome, despite the presence of its potential snail hosts in Uganda. Preliminary findings from Lake Albert suggest unresolved classifications of S. mansoni hosts, possibly involving cryptic species. My research will involve detailed identification of these snails to assess their roles in schistosomiasis transmission and potential risks of disease emergence.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
My placement at the Invertebrates Division of the Natural History Museum London is a great opportunity to be mentored by Dr. Bonnie Webster – an expert in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases like Schistosomiasis. I will gain transferable knowledge and skills in the evolution, genetic diversity, and interactions between hosts and parasites to better understand and control these diseases. I hope to transfer the knowledge and skills obtained to improve the curriculum and strengthen research in the Department of Biology at MUST.
Quote
“This fellowship will be a key milestone in my academic career for the benefit of society. I will make the best out of it.”
Dr. Julius Tumusiime expects to start his fellowship in July 2025