News
University of Dar es Salaam — College of Natural and Applied Sciences
50TH Anniversary of the Tanzania Journal of Science
International Scientific Conference — Official Programme
50 YEARS · TJS
📅 1st – 2nd April 2026
📍 New Library Conference Hall, UDSM
📄 Book of Abstracts available:
🔗 View / Download Abstracts (PDF)
Day One
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
Opening Plenary & Ceremony
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival and Registration |
| 09:00 – 11:00 |
Opening Ceremony (Master of Ceremony)
◆ National Anthem (DJ to lead) ◆ TJS Golden Jubilee Remarks by Principal, CoNAS ◆ Chief Editor Speech – TJS Road Map ◆ Welcome Address by the Vice Chancellor ◆ Speech by the Guest of Honour ◆ Award Giving Ceremony ◆ Guided Photo Session and Media Briefing |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | ☕ Health Break |
| 11:30 – 13:00 |
Keynote Speech and Panel Discussion
Topic: The Evolution of Scientific Research in Tanzania Keynote Speaker: Dr. Amos Nungu Session Chair: Prof. John A.M. Mahugija |
Parallel Sessions — 13:00–14:00
🏛 Main Auditorium
Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change
Session Chair: Dr. Esther Mvungi | Rapporteur: Dr. Jasson John
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Improvement of the Low-Quality Coal in TanzaniaBaker F. Giyani and Alphonce W. Wikedzi |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | Antioxidant Potential of Wild Mushrooms of Iringa Rural District, TanzaniaWasha B. Washa |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | The Population Structure of the African Lion (Panthera leo) in Ruaha National Park Using Citizen ScienceMngulwi Janeth, Searle Charlotte and Katandukila Jestina |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 1
Agriculture, Food Security, and Gender Dimensions
Session Chair: Prof. Donatha D. Tibuhwa | Rapporteur: Dr. Hashim Mangosongo
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Metal-specific Leafy Yield Reduction and Impervious Growth Rate of Amaranthus hybridus L. Grown in Heavy Metal-polluted SoilsNyatwere D. Mganga and Magreth B. Shedrack |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | Moisture-Driven Risks of Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnuts: Implications for Post-Harvest HandlingDeus Mashauri, Mgina Clarence and Kessy F. Kilulya |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | Comparative Analysis of Plant-based and Non-plant-based Materials for Enhancing Survival and Water Quality during Transport of Tilapia FingerlingsNyatwere D. Mganga, Moses I. Olotu and Rose R. Mambaly |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 2
Natural Products Value Chain and Health Management
Session Chair: Prof. Stephen S. Nyandoro | Rapporteur: Dr. Joseph Y. N. Philip
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tanzanian Rice Farmers on the Incidence and Management of Yellow Sugarcane Aphid (Sipha flava) InfestationConstantine Busungu, Happiness Mollel, Wilson Nene, Gerald Lukurugu, Wilson Masele and Fabiola Langa |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | Sympatric Populations of Nothobranchius melanospilus Exhibit Enhanced Larvivory: Evidence for an Inherited Trait with Biocontrol PotentialDavid O. Alila and Ole Seehausen |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | From Agro-Waste to Sorbent: Kapok Aerogels for Marine Oil Spill RemediationIbrahim Ahmed Abass, Makungu M. Madirisha, Elisante E. Mshiu, Sixberth Mlowe and Edgar C. Mapunda |
| 14:00 – 14:40 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
Parallel Sessions — 14:40–16:00
🏛 Main Auditorium
Departmental / Discipline Reviews
Session Chair: Prof. Kessy F. Kilulya | Rapporteur: Dr. Jasson John
| 14:40 – 15:00 | Contribution of Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation: A 50-year Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Future ProspectsChacha Werema, Abel Ahungu, Mohamed Kibaja, Lucas Dario, Mataba Lisesi, Blanka Tengia, Jasson John, Monica Shilereyo, Flora Stephano and Flora Magige |
| 15:00 – 15:20 | Five Decades of Research in Applied Microbiology and Contributions to Societal Development in TanzaniaLucy D. Mbusi, Hawa Myovela and Thomas J. Lyimo |
| 15:20 – 15:40 | Trends in Zoological Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam (1975–2025): Milestones, Challenges, and Future ProspectsYeremia J. Chuhila, Anitha Philbert, Wilirk Ngalason, Bruno Nyundo, Sawadi Ndunguru, Halima Mfaume, Diana Zakayo, Amoni J. Ulime, Joshua Masika, Jackline Katabaro, Flora Stephano and Fred D. Chibwana |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 1
Renewable Energy, Non-Technological, and Material and Physical Sciences
Session Chair: Prof. Margaret E. Samiji | Rapporteur: Dr. Paul Limbu
| 14:40 – 15:00 | Comparative Assessment of Bladder and Rectum Toxicities in Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy in Conventional Versus IMRT Hypo-fractionation for Localized Prostate CancerJumaa Dachi Kisukari and Mwingereza J. Kumwenda |
| 15:00 – 15:20 | Hydrothermal Pretreatment of Eichhornia azurea for Enhanced Release of Fermentable SugarsUmuamina A. Matola, Emrod Elisante, Mahir Said, and Abraham Temu |
| 15:20 – 15:40 | Metakaolin Alkali-Based Geopolymers as Sustainable Dielectric Substrates for Printed Circuit Boards: Structure–Property–Performance RelationshipsAli H. Ali, Baraka J. Maiseli, Regina P. Mtei, and Makungu M. Madirisha |
| 15:40 – 16:00 | Toxic Metal Ion Removal Efficacy of Functionalized Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Templated Mesoporous Materials Derived from Sugarcane BagasseDunia Athmani, Joseph Y. N. Philip and Grace A. Kinunda |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 2
Biodiversity Conservation and Nature-based Solutions
Session Chair: Dr. Cuthbert L. Nahonyo | Rapporteur: Dr. Hashim Mangosongo
| 14:40 – 15:00 | Integrated Ecological Assessment for Sustainable Community Development in Coastal Tanzania: A Case Study of the Children's Eco-Village CentreEzekiel E. Mwakalukwa, Sami D. Madundo, and Canisius J. Kayombo |
| 15:00 – 15:20 | Integrating UAV Surveys and NDWI Analysis to Monitor Lesser Flamingo Habitat Use at Lake Natron, TanzaniaAkshita Rabdiya, Mohamed Kibaja and Jasson John |
| 15:20 – 15:40 | Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Quality Control Practices: A Review of African Herbal Medicine MarketsSamson Hilonga, David C. Simiyu, and Amelia S. Buriyo |
| 15:40 – 16:00 | Extent of Spread and Effects of Maesopsis eminii on Woody Species Diversity and Structure in Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, TanzaniaKatundu Z. Shaban and Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | 📋 Poster Presentation |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | 🍵 Evening Tea and Networking |
Day Two
Thursday, 2nd April 2026
Morning Plenary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 – 08:30 | Arrival and Registration |
| 08:30 – 09:10 | 📋 Poster Session |
| 09:10 – 10:30 |
Keynote Speech and Panel Discussion
Topic: Science, Policy, and Sustainable Development Keynote Speaker: Prof. James E.G. Mdoe Session Chair: Dr. Grace A. Kinunda |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | ☕ Health Break |
Parallel Sessions — 11:00–14:00
🏛 Main Auditorium
Mathematics and Computational Sciences; Renewable Energy, Non-Technological, and Material and Physical Sciences
Session Chair: Prof. Eunice W. Mureithi | Rapporteur: Dr. James Makungu
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Computational Optimisation of Fire Station Locations for Handling Fire Emergencies in Dar es Salaam CityMathias Halinga, Tyson Lupumbwe and Mussa Mgwatu |
| 11:20 – 11:40 | Optimal Cutting Parameters in CNC Milling for Machining Time MinimizationMathias Halinga |
| 11:40 – 12:00 | DFT and TD-DFT Investigation of Triphenylamine-Based Sensitizers: Role of π-Linkers and Chalcogen Substitution for DSSC ApplicationsJulius Juvenary, Ohoud S. Al−Qurashi, Nuha Wazzan, Fortunatus R. Jacob and Geradius Deogratias |
| 12:00 – 12:20 | The Spatio-temporal Variability of Humid Heat Wave Events over Africa and Associated Regional and Global Climate DriversWesley B. Makundi, Rajab J. Mangara, Paul T.S. Limbu, Exavery K. Makula, Wilfred P. Kessy, Talam E. Kibona, Omari Hamisi, and Laban L. Kebacho |
| 12:20 – 12:40 | Mathematics and Industrial and Societal Development: The Case of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Dar es SalaamMarco Mpimbo and Egbert Mujuni |
| 12:40 – 13:00 | Computational Analysis of Production Cost Models Incorporating Power Consumption for Efficient Metal Turning OperationsMussa I. Mgwatu |
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Synthesis and Assessment of a Castor Oil-based Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor for a Low-carbon Steel in Seawater-acetic Acid SolutionFrida W. Andalu, Abraham K. Temu, Alfred R. Akisanya and Joseph Y.N. Philip |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | The Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrological Processes over Kilombero Catchment under CMIP6 Model Projections using the SWAT ModelBerson F. Kachira, Paul T.S. Limbu, Exavery K. Makula, Rajab J. Mangara, Wilfred P. Kessy, Talam E. Kibona, Omari Hamisi, and Laban L. Kebacho |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | Structure-Based Screening and Computational Evaluation of Scillarenin Analogues as Potential Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Lactate DehydrogenaseLucas Paul |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 1
Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change
Session Chairs: Prof. Chacha W. Nyamkinda and Dr. Amelia Buriyo | Rapporteur: Dr. Y. N. Philip
| 11:00 – 11:20 | The Nexus of Emerging Contaminants, Climate Change, and Water Sustainability in Sub-Saharan AfricaKessy F. Kilulya |
| 11:20 – 11:40 | Effect of Human Activities on Woody Species Diversity, Composition, and Structure in Pugu–Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve, TanzaniaEzekiel E. Mwakalukwa, Sami D. Madundo, and Canisius J. Kayombo |
| 11:40 – 12:00 | The Invasion of Tanzania by the Indian House Crow Corvus splendensNeil E. Baker |
| 12:00 – 12:20 | Dietary Composition of Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) [Temminck 1820] in Montane Agro-Ecological Landscape, Northeastern TanzaniaJuma A. Ramadhani and Jasson John |
| 12:20 – 12:40 | Phosphate Pollution Pathways: From Detergents and Effluents to River Systems in Dar es SalaamJoseph H. Nziku, Edgar C. Mapunda and Kessy F. Kilulya |
| 12:40 – 13:00 | Response of Large Wild Herbivores to Seasonal and Spatial Variations in Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, TanzaniaNalaila J. Gabriel |
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Farming Practices, Cultivar Preferences, and Determinants of Macadamia Yield in the Southern Highlands of TanzaniaMasanja S. Bulloh, Washa B. Washa, Margaret Lupembe and Stephen I. Nnungu |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | Multidisciplinary Chemical Research and Innovation: Five Decades of Contributions from the Department of Chemistry at UDSM to the Tanzania Journal of ScienceMakungu M. Madirisha, Henry Kahimbi, Cryspian J. Kimani, Edgar C. Mapunda, Regina P. Mtei, Grace A. Kinunda, Joseph Y.N. Philip, Clarence A. Mgina, Kessy F. Kilulya and Stephen S. Nyandoro |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | How Group Size Shapes Activity Budgets and Ranging Patterns in Endangered Ashy Red Colobus Monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles): Insights from Chala Hill Forest Reserve, TanzaniaValeria Ndimila, Steven Temu and Mohammed Kibaja |
🏢 Mini Conference Hall 2
Agriculture, Food Security & Gender; Natural Products; Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change
Session Chair: Prof. Nuru R. Mlyuka | Rapporteurs: Dr. Jasson John & Dr. Hashim Mangosongo
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Soil Fertility Status in Selected Hass Avocado Production Orchards in Njombe DC, TanzaniaEscain Kiwonde, David Simiyu, Baijukya Frederick and Stephen Nnungu |
| 11:20 – 11:40 | Sugar Yield Potential of Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. in Amani Nature Reserve, Tanzania: Implications for Alternative Sugar Production and Forest ManagementFortunatus Bulabo Makonda, Ahmed S. Mndolwa and Mbonea Joshua Mweta |
| 11:40 – 12:00 | A Survey of Chloroquine Injection Usage in Mareri and Damba areas of Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria: a Three-Month Preliminary StudyKabiru Abdullahi, Mu'awiyya U. Ladan, Samaila S. Moyi, Hadi Labaran and Asiya Anas |
| 12:00 – 12:20 | From Herbarium to Bioeconomy: Five Decades of Plant Science Driving Societal and Industrial Development in TanzaniaIman S. Yangaza, Samwel Kamoyo, Henry J. Ndangalasi and Samora M. Andrewa |
| 12:20 – 12:40 | Anthropogenic Impacts on Edaphic Factors and Vegetation Status in the Riparian Zone of Mlandizi Wetland, Coast RegionGodfrey F. Kimaro and Marcus Rwelamira |
| 12:40 – 13:00 | Assessment of the Effect of Seedling Age and Seedling Density on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa)Matto M. Chacha and Constantine Busungu |
| 13:00 – 13:20 | Occurrence of Parasitic Helminthes in Freshwater Fishes from Lake Rukwa, TanzaniaGaudensiahosana C. Marandu, Jestina V. Katandukila, Victor A. Makene and Fred D. Chibwana |
| 13:20 – 13:40 | An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants, Animal Products, and Mineral Resources Used by the Pare People of Northern TanzaniaSiri A. Abihudi, Albert Shayo and John J.R. Tabuti |
| 13:40 – 14:00 | Chemical Composition and Selected Biological Activities of the Non-polar Fractions from Hugonia castaneifoliaSaidi M. Katundu, Abdul Jabar, Muhammad R. Shah, Joan J.E. Munissi, and Stephen S. Nyandoro |
| 14:00 – 14:20 | Levels and Variations of Selected Antibiotics in Broiler Chickens from Poultry Farms in Dar es SalaamGeofrey G. Kapesa, Regina P. Mtei and Kessy F. Kilulya |
| 14:20 – 14:50 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 14:50 – 15:30 | 📋 Poster Presentation |
Closing Session — 15:30–17:00
◆ Word of thanks from the committee (Chief Editor, TJS)
◆ Closing remarks by DVC Research
◆ Entertainment and Cocktail
List of Posters (Day 1 and 2) — Session Chair: Dr. Egbert Mujuni
Poster 1
Efficacy of the Native Killifish Nothobranchius eggersi in Suppressing Malaria Mosquito Larvae in Coastal Tanzania
David O. Alila
Poster 2
Toxicity of Crude Leaf and Pod Extract of Swartzia madagascariensis in Cattle: Insights from Iringa, Tanzania
Saada M. Mbepera and Washa B. Washa
Poster 3
Interspecific Competition and Trophic Niche Partitioning: A Case Study of Sympatric African Annual Killifish Species
David O. Alila and Ole Seehausen
Poster 4
Assessing Iodine Deficiency and its Determinants among School-aged Children in Mtwara Region, Tanzania
Herieth Joseph, Happy Magoha and Elina Maseta
Poster 5
An Investigation of Various Applications of Fixed-Point Theorems in Abstract Spaces
Shabani Makwaru, Marco Mpimbo and Santosh Kumar
Poster 6
IoT-Enabled Adaptive Control for Reducing Larval Mortality in Sea Cucumber Aquaculture: A Case for Tanzania's Blue Economy
Chumu Omar Said, Abdi T. Abdalla and Hadija R. Mbembati
Poster 7
Sampling Network Data with Computable Aspects of Social Capital
Justine Eustace, Egbert Mujuni, Liliane Pasape and Verdiana Grace Masanja
Poster 8
Short-term Responses of the Avifauna to Habitat Fragmentation in an Urban Landscape in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Chacha Werema
Poster 9
JSXGraph a STACK Companion for Geometric Concepts and Interactive Graphs in STEM e-Learning
Idrissa S. Amour
Poster 10
Potent Antimicrobial Properties of Tanzanian Seagrasses: A New Hope Against Human Pathogens from the Western Indian Ocean
Lucy D. Mbusi and Thomas J. Lyimo
Poster 11
Comparative Binding Energetics of Coptis chinensis Alkaloids and Orforglipron against GLP-1 Receptor
Lucas Paul and Geradius Deogratias
Poster 12
Elevation Drives Tree Composition but not Structure in Natural Forest Patches Buffering Meru Forest Plantation, Tanzania
Rosemary P. Mziray and Ezekiel E. Mwakalukwa
Hekima ni Uhuru
© College of Natural and Applied Sciences · www.udsm.ac.tz
📄 The Program and Book of Abstracts are found at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/tjs/news.html