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  
Helena Newell
ID:
Natural Capital Accounting of the NWSC Katosi Water treatment Project, Mukono District
REFNo: NS51ES

Our objectives are to: 1. Develop and apply a framework for assessing and quantifying natural capital stocks and the ecosystem service provision before (the baseline) and on completion of a development project, with regard to the project’s impact on biodiversity. 2. Where possible and appropriate, value ecosystem service provision in monetary terms i.e. flows of benefits from Natural Capital stocks. 3. Understand how impacts and dependencies on the project’s Natural Capital vary between different stakeholder groups at local, regional and international levels 4. Make recommendations on measures to minimise losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and on measures for the project to achieve ‘no net loss’ 5. Compare these findings to those of an ESIA in order to see how NC approaches enhance and supplement ESIA approaches, and explore the uncertainties and limitations of the NC approach, particularly with respect to data limitations and methods for valuation, in order to make recommendations for future projects
 UK 2018-07-17 2021-07-17 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Krista Milich
ID:
Red Colobus Monkey Reproduction and Conservation
REFNo: NS55ES

Long-term studies of wild primate populations are important for understanding how species adjust to environmental pressures and for examining models of our evolutionary past. My project uses the endangered red colobus monkey (Procolobus rufomitratus) of Kibale National Park, Uganda, as a model to understand how ecological stressors impact reproductive function, sexual behaviors, feeding ecology, and survival. Recent increases in hunting pressure and disease outbreaks have changed the selective pressures facing the Kanyawara red colobus monkeys. My previous work with these monkeys documented differences in behaviors and physiology for red colobus living in different habitats. Conducting further research on these animals will help to answer important questions about both endangered species and evolutionary processes. I request permission to study the behavioral and physiological responses of red colobus monkeys to ecological pressures. Specifically, I aim to: 1) re-evaluate the variation in reproductive and adrenal hormones of individuals living in different habitats, 2) examine behavioral variation over time of individuals in response to pressures from both hunting and disease outbreaks, and 3) monitor demographic changes and the health of this population. Long-term comparisons of the behavior and physiology of these individuals will provide data on the ability for primates to adjust to environmental changes.
 USA 2018-07-17 2021-07-17 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Moses Nyago
ID:
Analyzing the Ugandan private sector and stakeholders’ views for voluntary support of REDD+ related activities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
REFNo: NS44ES

This study specifically: 1) Examines Uganda’s private sector firms’ CSR investments/support outside their core businesses and their influence on CSR support for REDD+ and related activities; and 2) Analyzes REDD+ stakeholder views on barriers of private sector firms to support/invest in REDD+ related activities through CSR and opportunities to diminish them in Uganda. The key research questions are: a) What do private sector firms in Uganda commonly support/invest in outside their core businesses under CSR? b) What is the influence of pooled voluntary CSR support, outside firms’ core business on the likelihood of CSR support for REDD+ related initiatives? c) How does private sector firm type and economic activity sector mediate in the relationship between CSR investments/support outside firms’ core business activities and CSR support/investment in REDD+ related initiatives? d) What are the barriers to REDD+ related support/investments under CSR in Uganda? e) What are the available opportunities to diminish the barriers for enhancement of CSR support to REDD+ related initiatives in Uganda?
Uganda 2018-07-13 2021-07-13 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Catherine Hobaiter
ID: UNCST-2019-R001480
 Social structure and territory use in the chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
REFNo: NS56ES

East African chimpanzee society is characterised by a fission-fusion structure. The traditional view holds that all of the males within a chimpanzee community will range together and form close social bonds, whilst the females disperse, with less affiliation among non-kin (Wrangham, 1979; Goodall, 1968; Gibly and Wrangham, 2008). Much recent work focuses on understanding the nuances of, and variation within, chimpanzee social structure (see Aureli et al., 2008). We plan to investigate how population constraints, sex ratios, and territorial ranging interact with the chimpanzee communities’ social structures in the Budongo Forest. In particular we will explore how population characteristics and instability in the social structure might influence ranging decisions and social grouping over time. In the Budongo forest there are two habituated communities of chimpanzees: Waibira with around 120 individuals, in which habituation started in 2011, and Sonso with around 65 individuals, in which habituation started in 1990. These two neighbouring groups present a unique opportunity to explore the impact of social and environmental factors on chimpanzee territorial behaviour. Within the chimpanzee fission-fusion social system, members of a larger group form numerous subgroups that merge and split in response to social and ecological factors like food availability, predation pressure, and the presence of receptive females. While communities typically consist of 50-70 individuals with around 10-15 adult males, abnormally large communities exist in Ngogo (over 200 individuals) and Waibira (estimated 120 individuals), where over 30 adult males have been recorded. However, little is known about differences in social structure and associated consequences in these communities. One study has indicated clear subgrouping in the males of Ngogo, who range in two distinct ‘neighbourhoods’ rather than as a single unit (Mitani & Amsler, 2003). The result begs the question of whether this social structure is related to the unusual demographic size or is a consequence of other factors in Ngogo. Is there similar evidence of subgrouping amongst male chimpanzees in Waibira? If so, this may be an indication of the need to manage male-male social interactions when part of an abnormally large community. Indeed, Lehmann and Boesch (2004) reported that subgrouping patterns in chimpanzees of the Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire were dependent on total community size and number of males, with smaller communities exhibiting higher cohesiveness and a reduction in fluidity of the fission-fusion system. In addition to the number of individual males influencing subgrouping within a community, the presence of individual differences may also impact the male social structure. For example alpha male chimpanzees are known to exhibit different dominance styles that may be more cooperative or agonistic during their tenure as alpha (Foster et al., 2009). Furthermore, the fate of usurped males after they lose their alphaship may be related to their dominance style (Uehara et al., 2004). Changes in the rank of individual male chimpanzees may also impact the social behaviour of their relatives. While other male chimpanzees, even when closely related, represent possible competitors, female relatives such as mothers, or sisters who remain resident in their natal community, may adjust their social behaviour depending on the rank of their sons and brothers. One external environmental factor that may influence male chimpanzee subgrouping is the presence of human researchers. As we have long-term data available for the Waibira community we can compare the variation in territory use and in male subgrouping over the course of habituation, allowing us to explore the impact of habituation on chimpanzee behaviour. In addition to variation in the number and personality of males within a community, the use of territory and male sub-grouping may be impacted by the behaviour of neighboring communities. Chimpanzee intercommunity disputes are agonistic, and may include lethal aggression, particularly where a single male or small party encounters a larger number of males from the other community. As such they represent a significant pressure on chimpanzee use of territory. The number of males in a chimpanzee community influences how large the territory is, and when food availability is stable and abundant, it is thought that more energy is directed at territory utilisation and defense (Herbinger et al., 2001). Previous work from Kibale has also shown that on a given day, higher numbers of males in a party of chimpanzees will increase their tendency to patrol borders (Mitani and Watts, 2005). As periods of social uncertainty surrounding alpha changes can affect associative patterns and grooming behaviour, especially between males (see Koyama et al., 2017), it raises the question of how social instability impacts male territory usage. We will explore the almost 30-year data set of the Sonso chimpanzees in order to test whether or not the number of independent males, and/or the presence of individual males, impacts the size of the communities’ territory and their use of the areas within it. We will also investigate peripheral territory ranging in relation to alpha male transitions. Understanding the social grouping and ranging patterns over time will shed light on the function and motivation of chimpanzee territoriality. Understanding the ways that population characteristics, social relationships, and territory usage interact has implications for both ecological theory and for conservation management. Research Questions 1. Male subgrouping within communities (lead researcher Ms Bodden) ● Is there evidence of subgrouping or ‘neighbourhoods’ among male chimpanzees in the Waibira community? If so, how does this structure affect cohesion and stability? ● How does the Waibira community structure compare to that of the males in Sonso and how have subgroups changed over time? ● What effect have alpha male transitions had on subgrouping structure in the Waibira males? 2. Male use of territory in the Sonso community (lead researcher Ms Shearer) ● How does the number of independent males, and the leadership of individual alpha males influence the size and use of the Sonso territory? ● What social factors predict Sonso chimpanzees’ peripheral territory usage across seasons? We will explore the number of independent males, the identity of the alpha male, and the proximity to alpha male transitions. 3. Female association and subgrouping patterns (lead researcher Mr Chapoy) ● Do females who migrate from the same community preferentially associate with each other? We will explore the behaviour of the four confirmed immigrants from the Sonso community to the Waibira community. ● Do female relatives of independent males vary their use of the territory with variation in their male relatives ranks? We will explore the physical and social centrality of females who are closely related to males who move into or out of the top three rank positions.
 UK 2018-07-13 2021-07-13 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Joanita Nangendo
ID:
HIV Self-Testing as a strategy to increase HIV testing uptake and linkage to prevention and care among men in Mpigi district
REFNo: HS226ES

Sub-study I • To determine prevalence and the associated factors of HIV testing among men in Mpigi district • To describe the barriers and facilitators of HIV testing among men in Mpigi district • To describe the perceptions of oral HIVST among men in Central1 Uganda Sub-study II • To determine the uptake and factors associated with oral HIVST among men in Mpigi district Sub-study III • To determine linkage to prevention, treatment and care, and the influencing factors among men using oral HIVST in Mpigi district Sub-study IV • To describe men’s experiences of using oral HIVST in Mpigi district • To describe the perceptions of oral HIVST among men who received but did not use oral HIIVST in Mpigi
 Uganda 2018-07-13 2021-07-13 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Ronald Kiguba
ID: UNCST-2019-R000844
 Pharmacoepidemiology of the delayed initiation of prescribed antimicrobials among paediatric Inpatients at Mulago hospital
REFNo: HS211ES

Primary Objectives 1. To determine the incidence of delayed initiation of prescribed antimicrobials during index admission among paediatric inpatients at Mulago Hospital 2. To identify key risk factors for the delayed initiation of prescribed antimicrobials during index admission among paediatric inpatients at Mulago Hospital Secondary Objectives 1. To determine if there is an association between the delayed initiation of prescribed antibiotics during index admission and increased hospital stay in paediatric inpatients with sepsis at Mulago Hospital 2. To determine if there is an association between the delayed initiation of prescribed antibiotics during index admission and increased mortality in paediatric inpatients with sepsis at Mulago Hospital 3. To estimate the hospital readmission rates to any health facility post-index discharge among paediatric inpatients at Mulago Hospital 4. To estimate the incidence of suspected adverse drug reactions among paediatric inpatients at Mulago Hospital
Uganda 2018-07-05 2021-07-05 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Hilda  Nakalema Sekabira
ID:
Evaluating the Impact of Early Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) on Patient Outcomes Among HIV-Infected Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
REFNo: HS218ES

BROAD AIM: The broad aim of this study is to assess the impact of early initiation of ART on patient outcomes, over time, among adolescents and young adults (AYA), 15 - 24 years of age, living with HIV, in high-volume health facilities in Uganda before and after the implementation of the 2013 WHO ART treatment guidelines. SPECIFIC AIMS: Aim 1: To assess the effect of early ART on adherence to medication among AYA 15 - 24 years, before and after the implementation of the 2013 WHO ART treatment guidelines. Aim 2: To assess the effect of early ART on the rate of Opportunistic Infections (OI) episodes among AYA 15 - 24 years, before and after the implementation of the 2013 WHO ART treatment guidelines. Aim 3: To compare survival and predictors of survival among AYA 15 - 24 years, before and after the implementation of the 2013 WHO ART treatment guidelines.
Uganda 2018-07-05 2021-07-05 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Tatiana Morais
ID:
"Women’s Talk”
REFNo: SS173ES

The main objective of this research project is to understand the camps’ context response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The focus will be on what the refugee considers to be the best practices already implemented and what can be improved. Also, Uganda does have a National GBV Database (NGBVD) which makes the country a pioneer in addressing and making visible GBV, thus, this research would like to learn from the Uganda good practices and policies.
Portugal 2018-06-26 2021-06-26 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Lillian Gimuguni Nabaasa
ID:
Educational Liberalization and the Quality of Teaching and Learning: A Perspective of Public and Private University Education in Eastern Uganda
REFNo: SS160ES

i. To find out the effect of educational liberalization on the profile of students entering the universities in eastern Uganda. ii. To establish the extent to which liberalization of education affects the quality of academic staff in universities in Uganda iii. To establish the effect of the Education Liberalization on the quality of teaching methods used in universities in Uganda. iv. To find out the extent to which liberalization affects the quality of teaching and learning environment in universities in Uganda
Uganda 2018-06-26 2021-06-26 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Shannon McFarlin Christa
ID: UNCST-2019-R001414
 Skeletal life history research of Bwindi mountain gorillas
REFNo: NS42ES

Major Objectives for this project: Focusing on naturally accumulated skeletons from Bwindi mountain gorillas recovered in partnership with UWA, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC), and Max Planck Institute, our major objective is to generate new data on the morphology, developmental life history and health of wild mountain gorillas and understand how these aspects of their biology are influenced by ecology and behavior. Specific Aims: (1) Collect primary data on the skeletal and dental morphology of Bwindi gorillas, to: (a) with an initial focus on understanding skeletal correlates of behavior, such as diet; (b) document skeletal changes associated with aging and pathology in Bwindi gorillas; and (c) pursue comparative studies to characterize variation in these features between Bwindi and Virunga gorillas. (2) Initiate the first micro-anatomical studies of dental and bone development in Bwindi gorillas, to: (a) test hypothesized relationships between socioecology, development and life history in Bwindi gorillas, and as compared to Virunga gorillas; (b) investigate relationships between individual life history factors, health (where documented), and developmental defects in teeth and bones; and (c) investigate relationships between tooth and bone development and a key behavioral transition during development, weaning, as studied through fecal and plant food sampling. (3) Work with Ugandan staff of UWA and ITFC to build expertise in osteology, and local capacity for the long-term preservation and use of mountain gorilla skeletons as a scientific and educational resource in Uganda.
 USA 2018-06-26 2021-06-26 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Moses Muwanguzi Mawanda
ID:
Testing Researhc March 2017
REFNo: A15ES

Objectives of the research project
 Uganda 2018-06-23 2021-06-23 Agricultural Sciences Non-degree Award
Celia Taylor
ID:
COMPARING THE WORKLOAD AND KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN UGANDA
REFNo: HS207ES

The aim of this research is to determine how CHWs employed by Living Goods in Uganda spend their time and to identify the KSAs they use when undertaking CHW-related tasks/activities; comparing findings between CHWs identified as being “excellent” performers and other CHWs (whom will be “average” performers). The specific objectives are: • To examine the activities undertaken by CHWs during a typical “CHW day”. • To identify the KSAs demonstrated by CHWs as they undertake different activities. • To compare time use and KSAs between two groups of CHWs: those identified by programme managers as excellent performers and a random sample of all other CHWs. • To use the results of this comparison to identify the KSAs that distinguish excellent from average CHWs. • To qualitatively consider the content validity of the current selection process/tools used by Living Goods to determine whether they would help to identify those most likely to be excellent CHWs.
UK 2018-06-19 2021-06-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Milton Musaba Wamboko
ID: UNCST-2019-R000825
 Effect of preoperative bicarbonate infusion on Maternal and Perinatal outcomes of obstructed labour; A Randomised Controlled Trial
REFNo: HS217ES

To identify the risk factors, document the profile of electrolyte changes and establish the effect of a preoperative sodium bicarbonate infusion on maternal and perinatal outcomes among patients with OL in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Uganda 2018-06-19 2021-06-19 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
SUSAN BALEKE ATUHAIRWE
ID: UNCST-2019-R001107
 SAFETY, EFFECTIVENESS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF MISOPROSTOL FOR TREATMENT OF INCOMPLETE MID TRIMESTER ABORTION IN UGANDA
REFNo: HS153ES

1) To determine the burden of abortion morbidity among near-miss cases in Uganda. 2) To compare the safety and effectiveness of diagnosis and misoprostol administration by midwives versus physicians for management of incomplete mid trimester abortion. 3) Explore health workers’ experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of incomplete mid trimester abortion. 4) To compare the acceptability of PAC using misoprostol by intervention type (midwives vs. physicians), in the mid trimester. 5) To determine the post abortion contraceptive uptake and continuation over 12 months for LARCs versus SARCs.
 Uganda 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
WYCLIFF TUSIIME EDWIN
ID:
Teachers digital competence in the Teaching of Art and Design in Teacher Training Institutions in Uganda
REFNo: SS152ES

(i) to analyze if and how teachers use digital tools in the teaching of art and design?; (ii) to examine the challenges and /or opportunities teachers meet in the use of digital tools during teaching processes in Art and Design; (iii) to establish ways teachers can develop digital competence to enrich the teaching of art and design in TTIs?
 Uganda 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Julius Okuni Boniface
ID: UNCST-2019-R000963
 Effect of host genotype on seropositivity to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Ankole cattle and immune activation of macrophages by recombinant heat shock protein 70 kd
REFNo: A32ES

To determine the seroprevalence of MAP in Ankole cattle in Rakai, Lyantonde and isingiro districts. To determine the allele frequencies of TL2-2, IFN-gamma, NOD2,SCL11A1, BoLA (DRB) genes in seropositive cattle and their case controls. To determine the association between serostatus and individual SNPs. To determine the effect of HSP70 immunisation on the activation of monocyte derived macrophages in invitro culture with MAP.
 Uganda 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Agricultural Sciences Non-degree Award
DENISH MOORTHY
ID:
Cost of Fortification of Maize Flour in Uganda
REFNo: HS191ES

The objective of this project is to prepare a background document that will help decision-makers better understand how producer start-up and operational costs and governmental monitoring and evaluation costs associated with maize flour fortification vary by scale of milling operations. Based on existing data and on data collected during this study, we will estimate the private and public sector costs of a (say) 10-year scale-up of a regional maize flour fortification program involving existing very small- and small-scale millers. These cost estimates, when set alongside estimates of micronutrient (MN) needs/deficiencies, and expected coverage of the proposed fortification program, can provide guidance regarding the costs of a maize fortification program among very-small and small-scale milling operations, and may also provide guidance regarding regional targeting of a maize flour fortification programs involving very-small and small-scale millers. For this study, we will also use available data on the private and public-sector costs of large-scale wheat flour fortification in Uganda; the results of this exercise may help decision-makers to compare the expected costs and nutritional benefits of wheat versus maize flour fortification programs.
India 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Herbert Arinaitwe
ID:
Critical Success Factors (Csfs) For Institutionalisation of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Government: The Case of Justice, Law and Order Sector in Uganda
REFNo: SS171ES

i. To examine the relationship between leadership and the institutionalisation of monitoring and Evaluation in JLOS. ii. To examine the relationship between institutional set up and the institutionalisation of M&E in JLOS. iii. To examine the relationship between organisational culture and institutionalisation of M&E in JLOS.
Uganda 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Meghan Sobel
ID:
The Role of News Media in Rwanda and Uganda
REFNo: IS12ES

The objective of this study is to compare the media landscape in Uganda to the media landscape in Rwanda. Building on previous research that we have conducted via interviews with journalists in Rwanda, we aim to answer the following research questions: RQ1: What are the roles and functions of journalists in present-day Uganda? RQ2: How does Ugandan journalists’ use of social media compare to journalists in Rwanda? RQ3: How does Ugandan journalists’ use of constructive journalist compare to journalists in Rwanda? RQ4: How do Ugandan journalists perceive their level of press freedom compared to journalists in Rwanda?
USA 2018-06-13 2021-06-13 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Catriona  Waitt John
ID: UNCST-2019-R001068
 Audit of current anticoagulant practices in the War-PATH Ugandan and South African clinical study sites
REFNo: HS179ES

1. To evaluate the current clinic service provision, drug availability, and current practices for warfarin prescription and dose adjustment at selected anticoagulant clinics in Uganda and South Africa 2. To evaluate the indications and demographic distribution and proportion of patients in therapeutic range among patients currently attending the anticoagulant clinics
UK 2018-05-30 2021-05-30 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
View Sort By:

"A prosperous Science and Technology Led Ugandan Society."

NRIMS