Forensic analysis of the Y chromosome snps in the Elgon region population of eastern Uganda

cases of sexual assault, paternity testing, or missing persons investigations. In this research, a forensic analysis of the Y chromosome SNPs from 32 unrelated male individuals of the Elgon population in Eastern Uganda using the Next Generation Sequencing Technology (NGS) and the Ion AmpliSeq HID Y-SNP Research Panel v1 primer pool. Using the Y-leaf analysis tool, our results showed that the Elgon population exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity of 40.6% which is characteristic of many African populations. Thirteen (13) unique Y chromosome SNPs (Haplogroups) that could serve as useful genetic markers for forensic analysis and population genetics studies were identified in this study. The haplogroups originate from the major three Haplogroups A, B and E typical of the African Population and Haplogroup E showed the highest frequency of 63.63%) followed by haplogroup A with the frequency of 21.21% and haplogroup B with a frequency of 15.15%. The haplogroups were A1b, A-M13, B-M5844, B-Y12200, B-Y275213, E-M41, E-Z830, E-V22, E-U175, E-M4254, E-U174, E-L514 and E-U290. Haplogroup E-U174 was observed in highest frequency 24.24% in Bagisu only and haplogroups B-Y275213, E-Z830 and E-U290 were observed in Sabiny only. Other haplogroups were shared in both. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup of the Elgon population and underscores the importance of Y chromosome SNPs in forensic analysis and population genetics research. By analyzing SNPs on the Y chromosome, forensic scientists can develop a genetic profile that can be used to identify the male contributors to a DNA sample. However, further studies should be conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of other populations in Uganda using Y chromosome SNPs with a large sample size as this will help to fully understand the genetic diversity