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).
Search By Approval Date:
Clear Filter Total: 5,299
Name Title Nationality Approval Date Expiry Date Field of Science/Classification Trial Type Research Type  
Damasco OKETTAYOT
ID: UNCST-2024-R002113
 School-based Curriculum Practice and Implementation of Integrated Environmental Education in Secondary Schools in Gulu City
REFNo: SS3679ES

1. To assess the level of EE knowledge of secondary school teachers in Gulu City.
2. To assess teachers’ perceptions of the integration of EE into the secondary education curriculum.
3. To establish curriculum practice adopted in teaching EE in secondary schools.
4. To determine the association between curriculum practice and teachers’ EE knowledge.

Uganda 2025-05-16 10:00:38 2028-05-16 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Caroline Berry
ID: UNCST-2025-R017515
 The role of emotional feedback in the acquisition of culture and the transmission of knowledge in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
REFNo: NS965ES

Overall goal - Tackle the impact of affective processes, particularly emotions, in the acquisition of cultural knowledge in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Ultimately, as part of a joint research, decipher the evolutionary roots of how human cultures developed to such a different extent compared to our closest relatives.

Objectives:
- Investigate longitudinally how young chimpanzees acquire knowledge in their first years of life about the environment or their social group through the emotional reactions of their closest kin (their mother).
- Investigate the material side of cultural knowledge transmission: experimentally assess the possibility of measuring the influence of emotional reactions in the mother on the exploration of novel stimuli in young chimpanzees and how this impacts their knowledge acquisition.

 France 2025-05-14 9:57:19 2028-05-14 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Graff Tilman
ID: UNCST-2025-R016859
 The Use and Repair of Capital by Small Enterprises and Economic Growth: Evidence from Uganda
REFNo: SS3846ES

The study aims to generate more knowledge on the economic forces behind repair provision for machines and their effects in Uganda as a whole. Specifically, it intends to: (i) Quantify market frictions shaping the availability of repair services for capital used by small enterprises in the milling, coffee bean hulling and commuter motorcycle industries. a. Analyse the apparent dichotomy between the thriving capital repair market in Kampala and the dearth of timely repair in more remote areas in the country using Luwero as a case study. b. Understand the business considerations of mechanics in planning where to locate, which machinery to specialise in, and how to acquire customers. (ii) Examine the impact of the availability of capital repair services on economic growth at the micro and macro levels a. At a micro level, the study examines the impact of the availability of capital repair services on the growth of small enterprises in the milling, coffee bean hulling and commuter motorcycle industries. b. At a macro level, using findings on business growth through a simulation, the study examines the impact of the availability of capital repair services on Uganda’s economic growth. (iii) Make policy simulations and recommendations. a. Simulate the impact of different policies aimed at overcoming the identified frictions, such as subsidies and benefits to repair personnel, impacting in the price of spare parts, achieved through tariff changes, transportation infrastructure improvements, or quality improvement, and expanded training programs for mechanics. b. Using the above simulations, formulate policy recommendations for the Ugandan government. As an example, the price of spare parts is a crucial variable measured in our survey. One way the government can lower the price of spare parts is through lowering tariffs. Our simulations will make predictions about the economic value of such a tariff policy, allowing us to make a recommendation as to whether such a policy should be pursued.
Germany 2025-05-14 9:55:08 2028-05-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Kasyeba  sowedi
ID: UNCST-2024-R015275
 PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPTAKE OF LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG POST CAESAREAN DELIVERY MOTHERS AT MBARARA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
REFNo: HS5882ES

1.To determine the prevalence of uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives among post caesarean delivery mothers at Mbarara regional referral hospital.
2.To determine the factors associated with the uptake of long acting reversible contraceptives among post caesarean delivery mothers at Mbarara regional referral hospital.
 Uganda 2025-05-14 9:51:46 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Megan Schmidt-Sane Mila
ID: UNCST-2019-R001043
 Tackling inequities in HIV/AIDS treatment ‘failure’ and mortality in Kampala, Uganda through participatory research with young men on the social determinants of health
REFNo: SS3813ES

1. Use ethnographic methods to understand and evidence how key intersecting social determinants (e.g., gender, generation) shape young men’s HIV treatment failure and AIDS-related mortality, with a focus on health as persistently relational and embedded in social conditions.
2. Use a systemic participatory action research approach with community members, HIV service providers and policymakers to identify and map leverage points in the wider system, with a focus on deeper structural transformation.
 USA 2025-05-14 9:43:23 2028-05-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Douglas Bulafu
ID: UNCST-2021-R011774
 Assessment of the Mpox Response in Uganda: Documenting Challenges, Lessons and Innovations to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacities
REFNo: HS6025ES

To assess and curate the response to the Mpox outbreak in Uganda including the policies, response interventions, strategies and challenges in order to generate lessons to inform the ongoing response and recovery as well as health system resilience to future public health emergencies. ,
 Uganda 2025-05-14 9:39:35 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Gumisiriza  Asaph Blair
ID: UNCST-2023-R006384
 Examining Institutional Support on Skills development for Youth Self-employment in Mbarara City: A study of Influences and Outcomes.
REFNo: SS3771ES

The study will be guided by the following objectives:
To investigate the relationship between institutional support and skills development initiatives for self-employment among youth in Mbarara City, Uganda, and to analyze the influences of this support on their self-employment ventures and the outcomes achieved.
1.5. Specific Objectives
i. To identify the types of institutional support mechanisms available to youth in Mbarara City as well as their effectiveness in promoting self-employment,
ii. To examine the perceptions and experiences of youth beneficiaries regarding institutional support for their self-employment endeavors in Mbarara City,
iii. To investigate the barriers and challenges encountered by youth in accessing self-employment even after training in Mbarara City,
iv. To propose actionable recommendations and strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of institutional support systems in Mbarara City to better foster youth self-employment

 Uganda 2025-05-14 9:37:17 2028-05-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Anna  Vitari
ID: UNCST-2024-R002485
 The nature of the firm revisited: Documenting Relational Contracts within and between firms in Uganda
REFNo: SS3360ES

Our end objective is to shed light on the constraints that prevent a myriad of micro-entrepreneurs from turning into salaried workers hired by firms. This would contribute to our understanding of structural change and how it fundamentally hinges on a transformation in the organization of labor (Bandiera et al. 2022). Moreover, we aim to investigate whether the evidence points to the existence of multiple equilibria and, if so, what the transition phase of moving from one equilibrium to another involves. In doing this, we will also shed light on the role that policymakers can play in creating coordination devices to select the “good equilibrium,In this proposal, we seek to deepen our understanding of the dynamics and payoffs that govern relational contracts in different industries operating in Kampala, Uganda. This will enhance our knowledge of the barriers to firm growth and specialization in developing countries, a well-known puzzle in the literature on structural transformation and growth (Hsieh and Olken 2014). In particular, by documenting the nature of the relationships between and within firms, we aim to understand the organizational frictions that prevent firms from merging, a necessary condition for countries’ structural transformation. ,
 Italy 2025-05-14 9:36:07 2028-05-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Brenda Nakirya Doreen
ID: UNCST-2023-R006312
 Impacts of extreme rainfalls on access to SRHR services for adolescent girls and young women in Mayuge district Uganda: a Case Study
REFNo: HS5852ES

1. To assess the differences in the prevalence of adolescent girls accessing SRHR services in remote areas of Mayuge District during periods of extreme rainfalls compared to times of moderate rainfall or the dry seasons over the past two years. 2. To explore the effects of extreme rainfalls on AGYW access to SRHR services in remote areas of Mayuge District. 3. To identify existing and recommend strategies to ensure sustainable systems for continued provision of SRHR services for AGYW during periods of extreme rainfalls in Mayuge District.
Uganda 2025-05-14 9:34:07 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Fred  Bulamba
ID: UNCST-2020-R014888
 Rule of THUMB: A multi-centre cluster trial evaluating the implementation of a perioperative care complex intervention to improve outcomes from haemorrhage during and after caesarean section in African hospitals
REFNo: HS5855ES

To evaluate the effect of the trial intervention on patient outcomes relevant to future trials.,To evaluate whether implementation of the ‘Rule of THUMB’ perioperative complex intervention increases risk assessment and improves diagnosis and compliance with proven interventions for haemorrhage during and after caesarean section.,
 Uganda 2025-05-14 9:24:07 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Isaac Ssewanyana
ID: UNCST-2020-R014336
 EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY OF PLASMA SEPARATION CARDS (PSC) AS AN ADDITIONAL SPECIMEN TYPE FOR THE ALINITY M HIV-1 ASSAY
REFNo: HS5963ES

The primary objectives of this protocol are to:
1) prospectively enrol and collect capillary PSC and venous PSC from subjects undergoing routine viral load monitoring at ART clinics, from subjects undergoing HIV-1 screening, and from subjects undergoing testing for CD4 counts. Note that plasma will also be collected and tested from each individual as part of routine test of record HIV-1 testing at CPHL.
2) perform testing of the PSC and plasma specimens using the Alinity m HIV-1 assay.
3) assess the following key performance attributes of the Alinity m HIV-1 assay testing PSC as a specimen type:
o correlation between Alinity m HIV-1 viral load from PSC and Alinity m HIV-1 viral load plasma
o clinical sensitivity and specificity for Alinity m HIV-1 viral load from PSC based on the agreement between Alinity m HIV-1 PSC results and Alinity m HIV-1 plasma results
o misclassification rates by Alinity m HIV-1 PSC results above and below the clinical threshold based on Alinity m HIV-1 plasma results
o suppression rates in participants based on Alinity m HIV-1 plasma and PSC results
The secondary objectives of the protocol are to:
1) Following Alinity m HIV-1 PSC testing, if the data analysis described above indicates promising performance and if sufficient left-over PSC spots are available, remaining PSC may be tested with another HIV-1 viral load test for which PSC is a claimed sample type (e.g., cobas HIV-1 Quantitative nucleic acid test for use on the cobas 6800/8800 Systems).
2) PSC results for the additional testing (if performed) will be analyzed for correlation to plasma results, clinical sensitivity and specificity, misclassification rates, and suppression rates to further determine if Alinity m PSC performance is equivalent to other HIV-1 testing technology.

Uganda 2025-05-14 10:16:37 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Mulemangabo Bisimwa
ID: UNCST-2025-R016823
 The Politics of Sustainable Energy Transition in Refugee Settlements: The case of Uganda
REFNo: SS3865ES

The research aims to examine the interactions between the top-down humanitarian energy system and the bottom-up community led-energy action, and how they shape sustainable energy access for displaced households in camp settings. Specifically, the research will address the following objectives: 1. To explore how the humanitarian system supports renewable energy access for displaced communities. 2. To examine the interrelationships between refugee-led energy initiatives and the international humanitarian agencies. 3. To examine how social interactions between refugee households and other energy stakeholders shape and influence the uptake of energy technologies and services in refugee camps.
Democratic Republic of Congo 2025-05-14 10:12:48 2028-05-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Richard Katuramu
ID: UNCST-2022-R011266
 OPTIMIZING LINKAGE OF PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED HIV DISEASE TO PRIMARY HIV CARE FACILITIES AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE (LINK STUDY)
REFNo: HS5890ES

1. To systematically review and describe the different interventions that have been tried to improve timely linkage among PLHIV after discharge from hospital in LMIC.
2. To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the timely linkage of PLHIV with AHD to primary HIV care facilities after hospital discharge in Mbale regional Referral hospital.
3. To determine the proportion of PLHIV with AHD linked to HIV care facilities within 14 days post-hospitalization in Mbale regional referral hospital.
4. To design and evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of implementing a theory-informed intervention to improve timely linkage among post-hospital discharge PLHIV with AHD in Mbale regional referral hospital.
5. To evaluate the implementation process of the LINK intervention using REAIM framework among PLHIV with AHD in Mbale regional referral hospital

 Uganda 2025-05-14 10:06:38 2028-05-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Martin Kasenge
ID: UNCST-2024-R001999
 Credit Risk Management Practices and Loan Portfolio Quality in Uganda's Commercial Banking Sector: A Survey of Selected Banks
REFNo: SS3740ES

1. To examine the effect of Risk identification and profiling on loan portfolio Quality
2. To examine the effect of Risk assessment on loan portfolio Quality
3. To assess the effect of Risk Monitoring and control on portfolio Quality
4. To examine the moderating effect of adverse selection on both credit risk management practices and loan portfolio quality

 Uganda 2025-05-12 10:29:57 2028-05-12 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
ASIIMIRE  DONATH
ID: UNCST-2021-R013270
 Urukundo Rwacu (“Our Love”): Administrating a Cross-Sectional Survey and Adapting Intervention to Enhance Postpartum Family Planning Decisions and Behaviors Among African Refugee Couples in Uganda
REFNo: SS3816ES

1. To conduct a cross-sectional survey with 210 pregnant African refugee couples (70/nationality) to examine the relationships between individual- and couple-level factors, male engagement, and couples’ postpartum family planning discussions, decision-making, and behaviors.
2. To adapt and finalize the Urukundo Rwacu intervention as a male-engaged family planning approach for refugee couples.
 Uganda 2025-05-07 8:48:43 2028-05-07 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Christine Mulowoza
ID: UNCST-2025-R017337
 Evaluating the Effect of Multi Month Dispensing in Community Differentiated Service Delivery models (EEMCD) on viral load coverage and suppression among Children (0-9) and Adolescents (10-19) living with HIV (CALHIV) in Uganda
REFNo: HS5907ES

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
1.Among CALHIV, enrolled on MMD in community DSD models, determine the extent of viral load coverage and suppression as per the Uganda national guidelines.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
2.To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of CALHIV on MMD in community DSD model program
3.To determine the extent of viral load coverage for the CALHIV since being enrolled on the program
4.To assess the prevalence of viral load suppression CALHIV on MMD in community DSD models
5.To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing viral load testing uptake.
6.Explore the barriers and facilitators to effective implementation of MMD in the community DSD model

Uganda 2025-05-07 18:39:14 2028-05-07 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Damari Atusasiire
ID: UNCST-2024-R002645
 A cluster- randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and impact of the Tiko platform on increasing access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among Adolescents and Young People (AYP) in Uganda
REFNo: SS3858ES

To assess whether the Tiko Model increases the modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) among adolescents and young people in treatment areas relative to control areas.
To determine if there is a reduction in unintended pregnancies.
To evaluate improvements in knowledge, perceived norms, and attitudes towards contraception and HIV services (testing, ART, and PrEP).
To assess whether there is an increase in the uptake of HIV testing, ART, and PrEP.
To determine if there is an increase in access to high-quality, youth-friendly health services.
To examine whether there is a reduction in the HIV test positivity rate.
To assess improvements in the continued use of short-acting contraception and retention in ART and PrEP.
To evaluate whether there is an improvement in the number of Couple Years of Protection (CYP) offered.
 Uganda 2025-05-07 18:25:50 2028-05-07 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Victoria Isika Kiasyo
ID: UNCST-2025-R017083
 WOMEN'S DIGITAL SAFETY: Measurement for bolstering policy response
REFNo: SS3824ES

1. Conduct formative, human-centered research. We plan to co-create an instrument and contextualize our understanding of TFGBV, we will hold co-creation workshops with women and institutional stakeholders. 2. Translate formative human-centered findings to measurement. We will use qualitative insights from Aim 1 to compare local findings with existing TFGBV measures (developed mostly in high-income settings). 3. Pilot novel measure of TF-GBV exposure. We will pilot a quantitative instrument and submit this in an amendment to this ethics proposal. This amendment will specify the instrument, sampling, data collection procedures, analytical plan, community engagement and dissemination plan. Briefly, a long-list of items will be tested through quantitative surveys delivered both in person and digitally. Output from these surveys will enable us to validate and refine the instrument before dissemination.
 Kenya 2025-05-07 18:23:51 2028-05-07 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Winnie Kibone
ID: UNCST-2023-R008421
 Navigating Dual Diagnoses: Experiences of Individuals Living with Sickle Cell Disease and HIV in Uganda
REFNo: HS5859ES

1. To explore the experiences of people living with SCD and HIV in Northern and Central
Uganda
2. To determine indications for hospitalization, co-morbidities and clinical outcomes of
patients with SCD in Northern and Central Uganda
 Uganda 2025-05-07 18:22:49 2028-05-07 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Eleanor Namusoke Magongo
ID: UNCST-2021-R013199
 Uganda Paediatric Antiretroviral Treatment study on uptake and long term outcomes on dolutegravir in Children and Adolescents living with HIV in Uganda (UP-ART DTG study).
REFNo: HS5830ES

Primary objectives: 1.To describe the uptake of DTG in the UP ART cohort and characteristics at start of dolutegravir (DTG)- based regimens (DBRs) 2.To describe mortality and loss to follow-up among CALHIV after start of DBRs 3.To assess the effectiveness of DBRs by assessing viral load (VL) response over time on DBR (viral suppression and viral failure) Secondary objectives: 4.To identify factors associated with viral failure 5.To assess the number/proportion of CALHIV discontinuing DTG and reasons for discontinuation 6.To assess changes in weight, height and body mass index (BMI) over time on DBR In analyses for Objectives 1-6, the key results will be presented overall and stratified by the following characteristics at start of DBR (where sufficient numbers n>20): a)Age at start of DBR: <2, 2 to <6, 6 to <12 and 12 to <20 years b)ART history and VL status at start of DBR: Naive, ART-experienced and suppressed (VL<1000 copies/mL), ART experienced and viremic (VL≥1000 copies/mL) and ART- experienced and unknown VL. The VL status is based on most recent measurement within 6 months of start of DBR. c)DTG regimen: DTG/ABC/3TC, DTG/TDF/3TC, other DTG-based regimen
Uganda 2025-05-07 18:21:47 2028-05-07 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
View Sort By:

"A prosperous Science and Technology Led Ugandan Society."

NRIMS