Dr. Yahaya Gavamukulya is an Associate prof. of (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology); Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences (BUFHS) .He is a research scientist who has vast experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods. He presently mentors several undergraduate and graduate students pursuing the degrees of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNS), Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia (BNA), M. Med (Internal Medicine), and M. Med (Paediatrics and Child Health). He is currently a Deputy Centre Leader – Administration and Partnerships, Natural Products Research and Innovations Centre (NaPRiC). His career goal is to obtain a challenging position in research and/or teaching, as well as to engage in outreach and to be a leader in research and teaching programs with a passion to innovate for sustainable development
•Co-PI; Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre Funding 2025: “Optimization and Value Addition to Tazcov and Glucotak Herbal Products for Commercialization” 2024-2025 (UGX 1.2Billion ≈ USD334,000$). (Innovation fund from Secretariate for Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President; Government of Uganda).
•PI; “Formulation and Pre-clinical evaluation of herbal toothpaste/ mouth wash for management of oral diseases”, 2023-2024 (500m UGX ≈ USD132,000$), (Innovation fund from Secretariate for Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President; Government of Uganda).
•2022 – 2025, Together with colleagues, we developed the unique Master of Science in Pharmacology (Drug Discovery and Development tenable at Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences at the Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NaPRiC) in Mbale, Uganda.
•2020 – 2024, Together with colleagues, we founded and established the Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NaPRiC) in Mbale, Uganda.
•Co-PI; Enhancing Biodegradable Sanitary Towel Production through Utilization of Seaweed and Banana Pseudo stem Residues: A Value Addition Strategy”; Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund’s (RSIF) Research Award 2021.
•SARS-CoV-2 Invitro Studies Project hosted at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI): 2020-2021 (560m UGX ≈ USD147,000$), 2021-2022 (1.4 billion UGX); Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics- PRESIDE through Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President; Government of Uganda
•Co-PI; Busitema University Natural Products and Drug Research Group (BUNaPReG) Herbal Medicine COVID-19 Study 2020: “Evaluation of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of three selected Ugandan medicinal plants and formulation of herbal product (s) for management of COVID -19”, 2020-2021 (450m UGX ≈ USD118,000$), 2021-2022 (2.4 billion UGX ≈ USD632,000$); (Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics- PRESIDE through Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation - MoSTI; Government of Uganda)
•PI Busitema University Research Mentors Group 2020, Competitive Small Research Grant II, UGX 5m (Busitema University Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation)
•Team leader Busitema University Hand Sanitizer Project 2020; UGX 10.7m (Busitema University -TBIIC), UGX 3.5m (Busitema University Staff Associations) and UGX 32m (Seed Global Health Uganda).
- Ahmed A. Abdille, Shedrack Reuben Kitimu, Mark M. Ndubi, Josephine Kimani, Esther N. Maina, Wallace Bulimo, Yahaya Gavamukulya, and Fred Wamunyokoli. (2022). Sub-acute and sub-chronic toxicity assessment of the antimicrobial peptide Dermaseptin B2 on biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters in BALB/c mice and Albino Wistar rats. Heliyon; 8 (2022) e12124.
- Kisakye, E., Gavamukulya, Y*, and Barugahare, J.B. (2022). Sickle cell trait screening in students in a Ugandan university: a cross-sectional study. Journal of International Medical Research; 50(11) 1–11.
- Mbabazi, F.K., Gavamukulya, Y., Awichi, R., Olupot-Olupot, P., Rwahwire, S., Biira, S., and Luboobi, L.S. (2022). A Mathematical Model Approach for Prevention and Intervention Measures of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda. Asian Research Journal of Mathematics;18(11): 233-248.
- Tumwakire, E., Arnd, H., and Gavamukulya, Y*. (2022). A qualitative exploration of Ugandan mental health care workers’ perspectives and experiences on sexual and reproductive health of people living with mental illness in Uganda. BMC Public Health; 22:1722
- Tumwakire, E., Ashaba, S., Mubangizi, V., and Gavamukulya, Y*. (2022) Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices among youth with and without mental illness in Uganda: a comparative study. Tropical Medicine and Health; 50, 51.
- Kucel, S.B., Igga, H., Lusiba, B., Gavamukulya, Y*., Namwanje, S., Awichi, R.O., Matovu., J.K.B., and Barugahare, J.B.. (2022). A Scoping Analysis of Theories, Models, and Standard Operating Procedures for the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda.International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE and Health; 43 (14): 1-7.
- Abdille, A.A., Kimani, J., Wamunyokoli, F., Bulimo, W., Gavamukulya, Y., and Maina, E.N.(2021). Dermaseptin B2’s Anti-proliferative Activity and Down Regulation of Anti-proliferative,Angiogenic and Metastatic Genes in Rhabdomyosarcoma RD Cells In Vitro. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 12, 337-359
- Bor, H., Maina. E.N, Nyambega. B., Patel. T. K., Ochieng’ Olwal. C., Nalyanya., W., and Gavamukulya, Y*. (2021). The Potential of Differentiation-Related Gene-1 (DRG1) as a Biomarker for Metastasis of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research; 33(20): 162-169,
- Obakiro. S.B., Kiprop. A., Kigondu. E., K'owino. I., Kiyimba. K., Kato. C.D., Gavamukulya. Y.(2021). Sub-acute toxicity effects of methanolic stem bark extract of Entada abyssinica on biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters in Wistar Albino rats. Frontiers in Pharmacology;
- Chikwana. N., Maina. E.S., Gavamukulya. Y*., Bulimo. W., and Wamunyokoli. F. (2021). Antiproliferative Activity, c-Myc and FGFR1 Genes Expression Profiles and Safety of Annona muricata Fruit Extract on Rhabdomyosarcoma and BALB/c Mice. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research; 14(4): 30-46
- Gavamukulya, Y*., Maina, E.N., El-Shemy, H.A., Meroka, A.M., Kangogo, G. K., Magoma, G., and Wamunyokoli, F. (2021). Annona muricata mediated silver nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer activities against cervical and prostate adenocarcinomas through regulation of CASP9 and the CXCL1/CXCR2 genes axis. Tumor Biology. 43 (2021):37 55
- Nekaka, R., Oboth, P., Nteziyaremye, J., Gavamukulya, Y., Ssenyonga, L.V.N., Iramiot, J.S.(2021). Sero-Prevalence and Factors Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Rural Population in Eastern Uganda: A community cross-sectional study. Prim Health Care, 2021, 11(4), 378
- Obakiro, S.B., Kiprop, A., Kigundu, E.M., Kowino, I., Odero, M.P., Manyim, S., Omara, T.,Gavamukulya, Y., Bunalema, L., and Namukobe, J. (2021). Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2021, Article ID 5513484, 43 pages,
- Wakooko, P., Gavamukulya, Y*., and Wandabwa, J. (2020). Viral load suppression and associated factors among HIV Patients on antiretroviral treatment in Bulambuli District, Eastern Uganda: A retrospective cohort study. Infectious Diseases: Research and Treatment; 13 (1):1-9.
- Tumusiime, R., Mukasa, C., Kisakya-Maria, K.A, Neumbe, I.M., Odyeny, J., Maube, B.,Gavamukulya, Y*., and Nekaka, R. (2020). Baseline Assessment of Risk Factors of Presumptive Tuberculosis among under Five Children Living with an Index Client under Treatment in Mbale District, Eastern Uganda. Microbiology Research Journal International;30(5):1-8.
- Mbabazi, F.K., Gavamukulya, Y., Awichi, R., Olupot-Olupot, P., Rwahwire, S., Biira, S., and Luboobi, L.S. (2020). COVID-19 Forecast and Prediction: A Mathematical Model Approach forPrevention and Intervention Measures of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda. MedRxiv PrePrint
- Maina, E.N., Njau, V.N., and Gavamukulya, Y*(2020). Phytochemical analysis and Antileishmanial activity of Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica plant extracts against Leishmania major. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research; 9(1): 29-44.
- Madivoli, E. S., Kareru, P. G., Gachanja, A. N., Mugo, S. M., Makhanu, D. S., Wanakai, S. I., Gavamukulya, Y. (2020). Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Lantana trifolia Aqueous Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials.
- Nabwana, W. B., Namayanja, S. S., Kemigisha, C., Kisakye, E., Kusetula, A. K., Wakabi, S., Wambi, I., Musiime, I., Nekaka, R., Gavamukulya, Y*. (2019). Socio-demographic determinants of Vaccine Coverage for Pneumococcus and Rota Virus Among Under Five Children in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda. International Journalof TROPICAL DISEASE and Health; 39 (3): 1-13.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E.N., Wamunyokoli, F., Meroka, A.M., Madivoli, E.S., El-Shemy, H.A., and Magoma, G. (2019). Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of leaves of Annona muricata: A green nanobiotechnology approach. Biotechnology Journal International; 23 (4): 1-18.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E.N., Meroka, A., El-Shemy, H.A., Magoma, G., and Wamunyokoli,F. (2019). In search for new anticancer drugs: Data for cytotoxic activities of green synthesizedsilver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata and 5-Fluorouracil against HeLa, PC3 and PNT1A Cell lines. Data in Brief; 26:104442.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E.N., Meroka, A., Madivoli, E.S., El-Shemy, H.A., Wamunyokoli,F., and Magoma, G. (2019). Green Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Stable Silver Nanoparticles from Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits of Annona muricata. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials.
- Nabwana, W. B., Namayanja, S. S., Kemigisha, C., Kisakye, E., Kusetula, A. K., Wakabi, S., Wambi, I., Musiime, I., Nekaka, R., Gavamukulya, Y* . (2019). Towards Universal Health Coverage: Data for Determinants of Immunization Coverage of Pneumococcal and Rota Virus Vaccines Among Under Five Children in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda. Data in Brief; 25:104269.
- Nambala, E., Byakika-Tusiime, J., and Gavamukulya, Y*. (2019). Nutritional knowledge and practice among Patients with non-communicable diseases attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda: A cross sectional study. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE and Health; 37 (1): 1-11.
- Gavamukulya, Y., El-Shemy, H.A., Meroka, A., Madivoli, E.S., Maina, E.N., Wamunyokoli, F., and Magoma, G. (2019). Advances in green nanobiotechnology: Data for synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona
muricata. Data in Brief; 25:104194. - Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E.N., Meroka, A., Madivoli, E.S., El-Shemy, H.A., Magoma, G.,Wamunyokoli, F. (2019). Liquid Chromatography Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
(LC/SQ MS) Analysis Reveals Presence of Novel Antineoplastic Metabolites in Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits and Leaves of Annona muricata. Pharmacognosy Journal. 11(4): 660–668. - Oboth, P., Gavamukulya, Y*., Barugahare, B.J. (2019). Prevalence and clinical outcomes of Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal parasitic infections among children in Kiryandongo refugee camp, mid-Western Uganda: A cross sectional study. BMC Infectious Diseases; 19(295):1-8.
- Aguti, B., Kalema, G., Lutwama, D.M, Mawejje, M.L., Mupeyi, E., Okanya, D., Nekaka, R., and Gavamukulya, Y*. (2018).Knowledge and Perception of Caregivers about Risk Factors and Manifestations of Pneumonia among Under Five Children in Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda. Microbiology Research Journal International; 25(3):1-11.
- Manzi, F., Ogwang. J., Akankwatsa, A., Wokali, O.C., Obba, F., Bumba, A., Nekaka, R., and Gavamukulya, Y*.(2018). Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy and its Effects in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District, Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study. Prim Health Care 8: 298.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Wamunyokoli, F., and El-Shemy, H.A. (2017). Annona muricata: is the natural therapy to most disease conditions including cancer growing in our backyard? A systematic review of its research history and future prospects. Asian Pac J Trop Med; 10 (9): 835-848.
- Abou-Elella, F., Hanafy, E. A., and Gavamukulya, Y*.(2016). Determination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities of extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica (Kaff Maryam) against HeLa cell lines. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research,10(7), 77-87.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Abou-Elella, F., Wamunyokoli, F., and El-Shemy, H.A. (2015). GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Phytochemicals Present in Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Annona muricata: A Further Evidence for Its Medicinal Diversity. Pharmacognosy Journal; 7 (5):300- 304.
- Gavamukulya, Y., Abou-Ellela, F., Wamunyokoli, F., and El-Shemy, H.A. (2014).Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant activity and in vitro anticancer potential of ethanolic andwater leaves extracts of Annona muricata (Graviola). Asian Pac J Trop Med; 7(1): S355-S363.
•Akurut, E., Gavamukulya, Y., Mulindwa, J., Isiagi, M., Galiwango, R., Bbuye, M., Lujumba, I., Kiberu, K., Nabisubi, P., Kebirungi, G., Kambugu, A., Castelnuovo, B., Nkurunungi, G., Jjingo, D., Oketch, B., Kateete, D.P., & Mboowa, G. Design of a multi- epitope vaccine against drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis and mycobacterium bovis using reverse vaccinology. The Busitema University 3rd Annual Science, Technology and Innovation Symposium (3BUSTIS).
•Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E.N., El-Shemy, H.A., Meroka, A.M., Kangogo, G. K., Magoma, G., and Wamunyokoli, F. Annona muricata mediated silver nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer activities against cervical and prostate adenocarcinomas through regulation of CASP9 and the CXCL1/CXCR2 genes axis; Virtual 7th All African Congress on Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th – 17th September 2021.
•Edwin Shigwenya Madivoli, Patrick Gachoki Kareru, Anthony Ngure Gachanja, Samuel Mutuura Mugo, David Sujee Makhanu , Sammy Indire Wanakai, Gavamukulya, Y. Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Lantana trifolia Aqueous Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity; Virtual 7th All African Congress on Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th – 17th September 2021.
•Gavamukulya, Y. (2020). Green Nanobiotechnology: Biosynthesis of Annona muricata Silver Nanoparticles and Biochemical Evaluation of their Anticancer Activities on Selected Adenocarcinomas; Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa Uganda Chapter (NAPRECA-U). Virtual Research Seminar, September 2020.
•Gavamukulya, Y. (2020). Green Nanobiotechnology: Biosynthesis of Annona muricata Silver Nanoparticles and Biochemical Evaluation of their Anticancer Activities on Selected Adenocarcinomas; Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa Uganda Chapter (NAPRECA-U). Virtual Research Seminar, September 2020.
•Gavamukulya, Y. (2020). Green Nanobiotechnology: Biosynthesis of Annona muricata Silver Nanoparticles and Biochemical Evaluation of their Anticancer Activities on Selected Adenocarcinomas; Busitema University Virtual Research Seminar Series. Tuesday, June 02, 2020.
•Gavamukulya, Y. (2020). Green Nanobiotechnology: Biosynthesis of Annona muricata Silver Nanoparticles and Biochemical Evaluation of their Anticancer Activities on Selected Adenocarcinomas; Biochemistry Seminar Series (Guest Speaker Seminar), Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University, Kampala - Uganda. Thursday, March 12, 2020.
•Gavamukulya, Y., Maina, E. N., El-Shemy, H. A., Wamunyokoli, F., and Magoma, G. (2019). Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles from Extracts of Fruits of Annona muricata: A green nanobiotechnology approach. Conference paper presentation, Kirinyaga University 3rd International Conference, September 11-13, 2019. Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
•Gavamukulya, Y. (2019). Recent advances in cancer drugs research: A green nanobiotechnology approach. Cancer Seminar 2019; Uganda Cancer Institute, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences and Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching hospital. Health Manpower Development Centre, Mbale – Uganda, 18th April 2019
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Discovery
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Natural Products Bioprospecting
- Green Nanobiotechnology