Approved Research This page provides a searchable list of all research protocols that have been reviewed and approved by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology(UNCST).
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Name Title Nationality Approval Date Expiry Date Field of Science/Classification Trial Type Research Type  
Salim Kombo
ID: UNCST-2023-R005870
 OPTIMIZING STRATEGIES FOR PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN UGANDA - A SOCIAL NETWORK STUDY
REFNo: SS4005ES

Descriptive Social Network Study: Assess the relationship between network structure and pro-social engagement, focusing on network density, centrality, homophily, and bridging ties. Qualitative Study: Investigate the dissemination of pro-social engagement information, identifying effective channels, key information injectors, motivators, barriers, and incentives for increasing engagement.,Descriptive Social Network Study: Network Structure and Engagement Correlation: Assess the density and structure of social networks and correlate them with pro-social engagement levels. Centrality and Motivational Influences: Identify the centrality of highly engaged and committed individuals and key motivators within the networks. Homophily and Bridging Ties: Analyze the extent of homophily in pro-social engagement profiles and identify key individuals who bridge different engagement levels. Qualitative Study: Information Dissemination and Effective Channels: Investigate how community monitors disseminate pro-social engagement information and identify the most effective forums and platforms. Optimal Information Injectors and Motivators: Determine the best individuals for injecting and motivating pro-social engagement and their effective qualities. Barriers and Incentives for Engagement: Explore barriers to engagement and identify incentives or changes to increase engagement among less-engaged individuals.,Descriptive Social Network Study: Assess the relationship between network structure and pro-social engagement, focusing on network density, centrality, homophily, and bridging ties. Qualitative Study: Investigate the dissemination of pro-social engagement information, identifying effective channels, key information injectors, motivators, barriers, and incentives for increasing engagement.,
 Kenya 2025-07-04 14:15:43 2028-07-04 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Laura Nsangi Joan
ID: UNCST-2025-R016715
 ValgaNciclovIR for CMV Viraemia in AdvaNced HIV diseAse
REFNo: HS6040ES

The primary objective is to determine if valganciclovir is safe and efficacious in reducing CMV viraemia amongst hospitalised adults with advanced HIV disease and CMV viraemia.
Secondary objectives are to determine the effect of valganciclovir on mortality, to study its pharmacokinetics and explore the immunological response of patients with CMV viraemia before and after treatment with valganciclovir.

 Uganda 2025-07-04 14:08:02 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Luiza CardosodeAndrade
ID: UNCST-2025-R018410
 Measuring chlorination in areas with active Evidence Action chlorine delivery interventions
REFNo: SS3948ES

This study aims to assess the take-up of drinking water chlorination under DSW and ILC in Uganda and to compare different measurement methodologies to help improve monitoring protocols. The primary outcome of interest is the total number of people who use water pointers with DSW or ILC for which we can detect chlorine residual in the drinking water. Secondary outcomes explore differences in the methods used to estimate chlorination. In particular, we are interested in comparing chlorination rates measured using two different sampling frames (self-reported water point users and water point users listed) and two different chlorine residual measurement instruments (color discs and colorimeters). The tertiary outcome is the functionality of chlorination devices, which may be connected to low adoption. Finally, additional data will be collected to perform an exploratory analysis on other factors that may influence the adoption of chlorine for water treatment, such as the distance to the nearest water point where chlorine is available and the occurrence of symptoms related to the consumption of contaminated water.
 Brazil 2025-07-04 14:02:44 2028-07-04 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
ANNETTEE NAKIMULI OLIVIA
ID: UNCST-2022-R011194
 Maternal Ultrasound Prospective Observational Study for Machine Leaning Model Training
REFNo: HS6020ES

1. Collect ultrasound data from pregnant and non-pregnant individuals presenting at Kawempe national referral hospital. 2. Use the collected data and ultrasound images to train and validate MOBUS algorithms.,
 Uganda 2025-07-04 14:00:42 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bernard Kikaire
ID: UNCST-2021-R011663
 SEROPREVALENCE OF MARBURG VIRUS INFECTION AND OTHER WHO-PRIORITY PATHOGEN IN THREE (3) COUNTRIES IN AFRICA
REFNo: HS6241ES

Primary objectives 1.To assess previous exposure to Marburg Virus (MARV) Infection in the general population in three (3) African countries, determined by measuring circulating IgG antibodies.
2.To estimate MARV force of infection (FOI) in the three (3) African countries. 3.To develop a platform for the implementation of seroprevalence of WHO priority pathogens in Africa Secondary objectives 1.
To characterize age-specific and gender-specific seroprevalence trends. 2.To determine risk factors associated with prior infection with MARV in the three (3) African countries. 3. To assess host genetic factors including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of candidate genes that could be associated with susceptibility/protection from infection with MARV and other outbreak-worthy pathogens. 4.To estimate the seroprevalence of other WHO priority filovirus pathogens, including EBOV, SUDV, BDBV, TAFV, RAVN, etc. Exploratory objectives 1.To evaluate potential cross-reactivity of MARV IgG with other filoviruses. 2.To investigate neutralizing capacity of human monoclonal antibodies against MARV
Uganda 2025-07-04 13:58:59 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
ERIC WOBUDEYA
ID: UNCST-2019-R001047
 Paediatric Post-TB home-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Feasibility Study
REFNo: HS6222ES

Primary objective:
• To explore the feasibility of implementing a 6-week at home pulmonary rehabilitation program in children with diagnosed with PTLD, including measures of participant retention and adherence.

Secondary objectives:
• To evaluate the change in health-related quality of life following the pulmonary rehabilitation intervention.
• To assess the change in exercise capacity following the 6-week pulmonary rehabilitation intervention.
• To explore the experiences and perceptions of children, caregivers, and healthcare providers related to the acceptability and feasibility of the pulmonary rehabilitation program

 Uganda 2025-07-04 13:57:06 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Tarekegn Abeku Abose
ID: UNCST-2023-R005864
 improving early warning and control of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks caused by extreme weather in Uganda
REFNo: HS5162ES

Main Objective
1. The project’s main objective is to strengthen the health system capacity in Uganda for improved early warning and rapid control of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks caused by extreme weather events, focussing on malaria RVF and YF.
Specific Objectives
1. 1. To document past mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in Uganda and analyse their association with extreme weather
2. 2. To develop and validate a risk index and early warning models to forecast the outbreaks
3. 3. To develop a platform that maps risks and generates predictions continuously, where real-time surveillance data feed into, for routine use by disease control programmes
4. 4. To develop an outbreak preparedness and response plan for various risk scenarios
5. 5. To facilitate adoption and use of the system
6. 6. To engage communities in the research activities
 UK 2025-07-04 13:55:42 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Francis Kiweewa
ID: UNCST-2020-R014929
 Longitudinal observation of cardiovascular diseases among people living with HIV in Lango Sub-region, Northern-Uganda.
REFNo: HS5900ES

Primary Objective
Assess the burden, risks and correlates of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Northern Uganda to inform strategies for prevention, care and treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The primary objective will be achieved through several secondary an explorative objective themed around forming a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiological, clinical, socio-behavioural, immunological, genetic, and microbiome-related factors influencing CVD among PLWH. The secondary and exploratory objectives are detailed in the attached protocol
 Uganda 2025-07-04 13:54:27 2028-07-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Sam Ononge
ID: UNCST-2020-R000328
 A CLINICAL TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY OFTHE WEKEBERE SYSTEM FOR MONITORING FETAL WELLBEING DURING LABOUR
REFNo: HS3407ES

The overall objective of this study is to demonstrate safety and performance of wekebere fetal monitoring system.

Specific Objectives
To determine accuracy of wekebere fetal monitoring in comparison with gold standard. To determine the safety of wekebere system
To determine’ uterine contractions

 Uganda 2025-06-30 9:35:11 2028-06-30 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Felix Bongomin
ID: UNCST-2020-R014224
 LIAISON® QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus II for the Diagnosis of Active and Latent Tuberculosis in Uganda
REFNo: HS6213ES

To evaluate the automated LIAISON® QuantiFERON® -TB Gold plus II immunoassay for the detection of IFN-γ in human lithium heparin plasma from subjects at low risk for M. tuberculosis infection, mixed risk for M. tuberculosis infection and with active TB disease.,
 Uganda 2025-06-30 9:16:34 2028-06-30 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Haruna Muwonge
ID: UNCST-2019-R000128
 Retrospective Analysis of RSV RTI Prevalence, Coinfections, and Risk Factors among Older Adults in Uganda: A Study Based on Sentinel Surveillance Data
REFNo: HS5423ES

Objectives
General Objective
To determine the prevalence, associated factors, and coinfection patterns of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) respiratory tract infections (RTI) among adults aged 60 and above in Uganda using sentinel surveillance data.
Specific Objectives
1. To determine the prevalence and seasonal trends of RSV RTI among older adults in Uganda using data collected from sentinel surveillance sites
2. To examine the relationship between comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, and the severity of RSV RTI among older adults in Uganda.
3. To determine the prevalence of coinfections with other respiratory viruses—SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and Pandemic A(H1N1) 2009—among older adults with RSV RTIs in Uganda.
4. To assess the association between coinfections with other respiratory viruses —SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and Pandemic A(H1N1) 2009— and clinical outcomes, including disease severity, hospitalization rates, and mortality, among older adults with RSV RTIs in Uganda.

 Uganda 2025-06-30 9:14:46 2028-06-30 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Peter Elyanu James
ID: UNCST-2021-R013210
 OPTIMAH Study: OPTImizing Malaria And HIV treatment in a shifting landscape in Africa
REFNo: HS6165ES

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
1. Assess the impact of HIV/DTG on weight gain (BMI) in Ugandan children ages 5 to 17 years of age over two years of follow-up.
2. Assess for PK drug-drug interactions between the two most widely used ACTs
(AL or AS-AQ) and DTG in longitudinal cohorts of HIV-uninfected children and CLHIV living in a high endemic malaria region (Busia).
3. To assess the 28- and 42-day efficacy of AL and AS-AQ for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children with and without HIV in a setting where artemisinin resistance has emerged.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES
1. To assess the impacts of DTG on changes in body composition, waist circumference, and metabolic derangements over 2-years of longitudinal follow-up.
2. To assess the impact of repeated malaria infection on changes in weight gain in CLHIV on DTG (comparing HIV-infected cohorts in Busia and Kampala).
3. To determine if changes in DTG PK exposure in the presence of repeated courses of ACTs are associated with impacts on virologic control (pharmacodynamics).
4. To assess for the development of dolutegravir-associated resistance mutations over two years of follow-up.
5. To determine if changes in ACT exposure in the presence of daily DTG for HIV treatment are associated with impacts on malaria treatment outcomes.
6. To critically compare the PK exposure of artemether, artesunate, and DHA in the context of the two leading ACTs in Africa and assess for associations between the PK exposure of artemisinin derivatives as drivers of parasitologic outcomes such as parasite clearance rates for artemisinin-sensitive and resistant infections.
7. To assess levels of gametocytemia in children with and without HIV infection and with artemisinin-sensitive and -resistant infections
8. To determine if repeated course of AL and AS-AQ are associated with selection of resistance-associated mutations to the partner drugs and/or the artemisinin component.
9. To identify novel mutations in known and/or putative loci associated with resistance to artemisinins, lumefantrine, and amodiaquine using amplicon-based sequencing and/or other genotyping methods.
10. To assess the exposure of unbound DTG, lumefantrine, and DEAQ and association with clinical outcomes (viral load or parasitemia)



 Uganda 2025-06-26 23:59:42 2028-06-26 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Daniel Magumba
ID: UNCST-2025-R018334
 PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY IN KAMPALA: A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF THE WALKABILITY OF KAMPALA’S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
REFNo: HS6064ES

1.To assess the Walkability of Kampala City’s Road infrastructure.
2.To explore stakeholder perceptions on pedestrian safety and walkability of Kampala city.

 Uganda 2025-06-26 23:54:31 2028-06-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Charlot Diepvens
ID: UNCST-2025-R017733
 Demand-side enablers and barriers to epidemic preparedness: a mixed-method approach to understand priorities, acceptance and effective strategies for Ebola vaccines
REFNo: HS6132ES

The objective of this study is to examine demand-side factors that influence (enable or hinder) epidemic preparedness, with a focus on licensed Ebola vaccines. Specifically, it aims to visually identify and map key influencing factors, and to adequately translate their effects into quantitative models. This translation is critical, as decision-makers frequently rely on models—such as disease transmission models—to guide outbreak response strategies. Modeling has the potential to demonstrate the impact of specific interventions (e.g., additional training, improved guidelines, or the provision of dedicated funding) on vaccine use. This case study explores priorities and acceptance regarding licensed Ebola vaccines among decision makers. It also examines how these perceptions shift under different vaccination strategies, including reactive vaccination (during an outbreak) versus preventive vaccination (outside of an outbreak). More specifically, the studies objectives are to: 1. Identify and map key influences or determinants of vaccine use in Uganda through a conceptual systems diagram (e.g., perceptions of personal risk, fear of vaccine side effects), building on key informant interviews and group model building workshops. 2. Develop and validate a quantitative simulation model evaluating the impact of various vaccination strategies and interventions on vaccine use over time. 3. Derive insights from the diagram and model to inform policy and strategic decision-making at local and national levels regarding Ebola vaccine implementation. In short, the study will develop a visual representation of the problem space that can guide both policy and practice.
 Belgium 2025-06-26 23:52:36 2028-06-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Joweria Nambooze
ID: UNCST-2019-R001118
 Socio-Cultural and Anthropological Perspectives on Child Feeding and Care, Food Consumption Habits, Dietary Patterns and Purchasing Behaviours in Uganda
REFNo: HS5843ES

Examine similarities and differences in caregiving practices that affect children’s nutrition across high-producing agricultural areas, pastoral regions, and urban landscapes,Explore the current perception of social behaviour change communication on complementary feeding.,Assess household dietary and food consumption behaviour,Examine caregivers\' purchasing habits and children’s food preferences, considering economic and cultural factors.,To gather comprehensive anthropological data on the dietary habits of children under 2 and the purchasing behaviours of caregivers in the districts of Kamwenge, Napak, and the urban areas of Kampala,
 Uganda 2025-06-26 23:51:22 2028-06-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
SEDRIC NABAASA NKUBA
ID: UNCST-2024-R016326
 Peer Influence, Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Adolescent Students in Secondary Schools in Greater Mbarara
REFNo: SS3934ES

1. To explore the gender difference in prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among adolescent students in secondary schools in greater Mbarara.
2. To establish impacts of peer influence on risky sexual behaviors among adolescent students in secondary schools in greater Mbarara.
3. To determine the mediation effects of alcohol us on the relationship between peer influence and risk sexual behaviors among adolescent students in secondary schools in greater Mbarara.
4. To explore the perceptions of adolescent students in controlling risk sexual behaviors in secondary schools in greater Mbarara

 Uganda 2025-06-25 13:34:21 2028-06-25 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Victor Musiime
ID: UNCST-2021-R013794
 Understanding Post-Discharge Mortality in children living with HIV who are hospitalized (SUPPORT1-PDM)
REFNo: HS6005ES

1. To assess the impact of an improved follow-up on reducing PDM in CLHIV 2. To evaluate the performance of disease severity biomarkers in this specific population to predict PDM 3. To analyze changes in serial measurements of CMV and potential association with PDM at day +360 in CLHIV 4. To describe the number of children with persistent detection of a specific respiratory pathogen 5. To describe the number of children with persistent detection of specific gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens 6. To describe the number of cases of histoplasmosis in CLHIV, its clinical characteristics, and outcomes in the identified cases, up to +360 days after discharge 7. To describe the prevalence of MDR colonization at enrollment, the microorganism isolated, and the duration of the colonization 8. To describe the main characteristics of readmissions, deaths and morbidity during 1-year follow-up after enrollment
 Uganda 2025-06-25 13:30:24 2028-06-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
JULIAN APAKO
ID: UNCST-2024-R004399
 LUNAS as a versatile and simple technique for malaria testing in a high transmission, rural setting
REFNo: HS5918ES

Primary objective - To determine the diagnostic accuracy of LUNAS POCT for malaria compared to common routine malaria testing (RDT and microscopy) during standard patient care in malaria-suspected individuals presenting at Kumi Hospital, Kumi, Uganda. Secondary objectives - To determine the diagnostic accuracy of LUNAS POCT for malaria compared to a commercial LAMP test - To determine the prevalence of malaria infections categorized by Plasmodium species. - To determine the correlation between time to positivity of both LAMP and LUNAS and parasitaemia as assessed by reference microscopy. - To determine the prevalence of P. falciparum harbouring deletions or mutations of the pfhrp2/3 gene in study participants, who have a P. falciparum infection with a parasitaemia as assessed by reference microscopy but a negative Pf HRP2/3 RDT result. - To determine the prevalence of Pf kelch13 (K13) gene mutations, which have been associated with resistance to artemisinin. - To determine the effectiveness of dried blood spots (DBS) for long term storage and transport of patient samples at ambient temperature for PCR testing.
Uganda 2025-06-25 13:26:35 2028-06-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Catherine Atuhaire
ID: UNCST-2021-R013090
 MATERNAL INFANT BONDING AND BREAST-FEEDING OUTCOMES IN UGANDAN MOTHERS DIAGNOSED WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN MBARARA DISTRICT, SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA
REFNo: HS5848ES

1. To determine the prevalence of maternal bonding impairment among mothers diagnosed with PPD in a public health facility in Mbarara district, South western Uganda.
2. To determine the breast-feeding outcomes of children born to mothers diagnosed with PPD in a public health facility in Mbarara district, South western Uganda.
3. To explore the lived bonding and breast-feeding experiences of mothers Diagnosed with PPD in a public health facility in Mbarara district, South western Uganda

 Uganda 2025-06-25 13:21:19 2028-06-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Eve Wabule
ID: UNCST-2024-R004285
 DRIVERS OF NO-SHOWS FOR AMBULATORY APPENDECTOMY AMONG PATIENTS SCHEDULED FOR AMBULATORY APPENDECTOMY AT KYABIRWA SURGICAL CENTER
REFNo: HS6046ES

To establish the institutional drivers of no-shows for ambulatory appendectomy among patients scheduled for ambulatory appendectomy at Kyabirwa surgical center,To determine the patient-related drivers of no-shows for ambulatory appendectomy among patients scheduled for ambulatory appendectomy at Kyabirwa surgical center,To determine the prevalence of no-shows for ambulatory appendectomy among patients seeking ambulatory surgery at Kyabirwa surgical center,To assess the drivers of no-shows for ambulatory appendectomy among patients scheduled for ambulatory appendectomy at Kyabirwa surgical center,
 Uganda 2025-06-25 13:19:11 2028-06-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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