Dr. Ritah Nakayinga is a lecturer in the Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University. She earned her PhD in Microbiology from Rhodes University, South Africa. Her research focuses on bacteriophages and plant extracts, with a specific emphasis on their practical applications for managing agricultural crop diseases. She aims to develop biocontrol products for crop protection. Dr. Nakayinga has authored and co-authored research articles, making valuable contributions to the field of Xanthomonas biocontrol. Her work has been widely recognized across diverse platforms.

As a lecturer, she teaches and supervises student research across a spectrum of subjects within microbiology and biology. Beyond her instructional role, she ardently engages in administrative undertakings both at the department and faculty levels, alongside her active involvement in community outreach initiatives. She is the coordinator for the MPH program since 2021, a role she continues to uphold with dedication.

Area of speciality

Research interests fall within the broad field of plant disease biocontrol using bacteriophages and plant extracts for the management of important crop diseases.

Research Interests

Development of bacteriophage and natural product technologies for the biocontrol of crop diseases.

Current Projects

1.Principle investigator for the project “Characterization of broad soil phage lytic against Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum. Funded by International Foundation of Science (2023-2024)

2.Principle investigator for the project “Development of bacteriophage cocktails for the management of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt”, (2020-2022). Funded by OWSD Secretariat at UNESCO and IDRC (International Development Research Centre);