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  
Deborah Nakalyowa Luggya
ID: UNCST-2024-R003382
 Menstrual Hygiene Management and materials: Experiences of Adolescent Girls with Disability in Kamuli District, Uganda
REFNo: SS3523ES

a) To examine the current state of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls with disabilities in Kamuli district.
b) To identify the unique needs and challenges of adolescent girls with different disabilities in managing menstruation in Kamuli district.
c) To assess the factors influencing availability, accessibility, and affordability of reusable sanitary wear for adolescent girls with disabilities in Kamuli district.
d) To explore the socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents with disabilities in Kamuli district.
e) To assess the effects of inadequate menstrual hygiene management on the overall health, well-being, and participation of adolescent girls with disabilities in Kamuli district.

 Uganda 2025-04-11 15:55:45 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
ATURINDA JOSHUA
ID: UNCST-2024-R002017
 NARRATIVES OF RESILIENCE: KIGA FOLKTALES IN CULTIVATING SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL IDENTITY
REFNo: SS3803ES

i. To establish the historical moral and educational value embedded within Kiga traditional folktales.
ii. To analyze the importance of Kiga folktales in cultivating sustainable Cultural Identity
iii. To design innovative interventions that ensure sustainability of traditional Kiga folktales.

Uganda 2025-04-11 15:53:53 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Denis Okethwangu
ID: UNCST-2024-R004883
 Health system resilience in the context of infectious disease outbreaks: Exploring concepts and experiences, frameworks and tools in Uganda
REFNo: HS5718ES

1. Explore the understanding of the concept of health systems resilience, and determinants that influence building a health system resilient to infectious disease epidemics in Africa.
2. Critically assess the JEE and GHSI tools for their appropriateness to measure resilience to infectious disease outbreaks in Uganda and based on the results adapt/develop a context-specific tool for measuring HSR to infectious disease outbreaks.
3. Assess the resilience of the health systems of Mubende and Kassanda Districts during response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2022 using the context-specific tool and design interventions or strategies to address identified gaps towards building a resilient health systems to infectious disease outbreaks.
4. Identify enablers and barriers to the implementation of proposed strategies and interventions aimed at building a resilient health system to infectious disease epidemics.
 Uganda 2025-04-11 15:28:50 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Moses Awal
ID: UNCST-2024-R016231
 DEVELOPMENT OF POWER FLOW ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE OF 132-KV POWER TRANSMISSION GRID: A CASE STUDY OF UGANDA\'S ELECTRIC POWER SECTOR
REFNo: SIR483ES

PID parameter optimization using water cycle algorithm (WCA).,The current state of AGC in interconnected power systems.,
 Uganda 2025-04-11 15:27:19 2028-04-11 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Julius Okuni Boniface
ID: UNCST-2019-R000963
 PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED NOVEL MOLECULAR POINT OF CARE DIAGNOSTICS FOR EMERGING AND ONGOING EPIDEMICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN UGANDA (PREPARE-TID)
REFNo: A584ES

General Objective To validate novel rapid molecular assays in nucleic acid extraction, point of care testing and One health surveillance of AMR, CCHF, RVF and other arthropod borne pathogens responsible for emerging and ongoing epidemics in Uganda Specific Objectives (i) To determine the prevalence of Congo Crimean Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in different tick species collected at Kampala City Abattoir. (ii) To determine the diagnostic performance of a novel NA extraction on selected Assays for rapid detection of CCHF, RVF and AMR. (iii) To determine the diagnostic performance the multiplex qPCR-based Point of Care diagnostic assay for detection of CCHF, RVF and AMR. iv) To appraise the existing one health point of care diagnostics for detection of zoonotic pathogens using a meta-analysis. (v) To determine the reliability of novel next generation sequencing platform for detection of AMR markers for Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa from waste water samples.
(vi) To document the conditions required for the optimal performance of the test protocols.
(vii) To evaluate the field performance of the Multiplex qPCR one Health point of care diagnostic and the reliability of novel Next Generation platform in an emergency outbreak situation.

 Uganda 2025-04-11 15:16:42 2028-04-11 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Fred Kaggwa
ID: UNCST-2022-R008842
 Dialogues of Delivery: Fine-Tuning Large Language Models for Prenatal and Perinatal Care in East African Languages
REFNo: HS5739ES

General Objective
To develop, evaluate, and deploy an open-source fine-tuned Large Language Model capable of answering prenatal and perinatal care questions in Luganda, Runyankore-Rukiga, and Swahili, thereby enhancing access to relevant health information among expectant mothers.
Specific Objectives
1. Collect, curate, and build high-quality clinical text corpora and datasets specific to these languages and healthcare needs.
2. Develop a pipeline for fine-tuning domain-specific LLMs to support prenatal and perinatal care in Luganda, Runyankore-Rukiga, and Swahili.
3. Deploy and evaluate the effectiveness of the fine-tuned domain-specific LLMs in community health settings, ensuring linguistic, cultural, and contextual relevance.

 Uganda 2025-04-11 15:13:35 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Omulepu Isaac
ID: UNCST-2022-R003531
 PREVALENCE AND FACILITATORS OF RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE DURING CHILDBIRTH AMONG WOMEN IN IN KAYUNGA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL AND IMPACT OF DISRESPECTFUL AND ABUSIVE CARE ON MATERNAL HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR
REFNo: HS5710ES

1. To determine the prevalence of RMC during childbirth among women in Kayunga RRH .
2. To assess for the facilitators of RMC during childbirth among women in Kayunga RRH
3. To explore the impact of disrespectful and abusive care of women during childbirth to maternal health seeking behavior.

 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:48:37 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Nicolas Laing
ID: UNCST-2024-R015317
 The impact of patient preferences, knowledge and attitudes on the demand for and supply of formal health care in Uganda
REFNo: SS3699ES

Objecitve,
 New Zealand 2025-04-11 14:45:57 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Japheth Noel
ID: UNCST-2021-R013959
 The Role of Inclusive Practices on Academic Resilience and Retention among Refugee Secondary School Students: A case of Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, Uganda
REFNo: SS3750ES

To examine the role of inclusive practices on academic resilience and retention among refugee secondary school students in Nakivale refugee settlement camp in Uganda.,(v) To analyze the relationship between academic inclusive practices and retention among secondary school students in Nakivale refugee settlement camp.,To determine the relationship between social inclusive practices and retention among secondary school students in Nakivale refugee settlement camp.,To analyze the relationship between academic inclusive practices and academic resilience among secondary school students in Nakivale refugee settlement camp.,To examine relationship between social inclusive practices and academic resilience among secondary school students in Nakivale refugee settlement camp.,To explore social and academic inclusive practices among secondary schools in Nakivale refugee settlement camp, in Uganda.,
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:40:49 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
EDWIN AKUGIZIBWE
ID: UNCST-2024-R003785
 Data-driven trauma and surgery care in remote Africa: Socioeconomic insights, outcome models and equity recommendations
REFNo: SS3606ES

Develop an innovative app to enhance tracking and prediction of follow-up-treatment of trauma/surgery cases for improved health equity in Uganda and Africa at large.,Identify patterns and trends and develop models that classify and predict trauma related cases, with a particular focus on disparities in healthcare delivery.,Assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to surgical care for trauma patients in remote regions of Uganda ,The key aim of this study is to develop predictive models for health equity in remote African regions. These models will integrate data on SES, healthcare infrastructure, and past healthcare outcomes to anticipate potential areas of need and vulnerability (Ranapurwala et al., 2019). By proactively identifying and addressing disparities, the study seeks to contribute to the establishment of a more equitable and resilient healthcare system capable of responding effectively to trauma incidents.,
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:37:25 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Daniel Ebbs
ID: UNCST-2021-R012328
 A Risk Prediction Model for Prehospital Identification of Seriously Ill Children in Resource Limited Settings
REFNo: HS5672ES

Develop a risk prediction model for the early identification of serious illness in the prehospital setting. , Determine the ability of CHWs to collect new clinical exam parameters in the prehospital setting utilizing mHealth for training. ,
 USA 2025-04-11 14:34:43 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Tadeo Winyi
ID: UNCST-2024-R002357
 FINANCIAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN CENTRAL UGANDA
REFNo: SS3719ES

The study's objectives are:
i. To assess the role of revenue streams in promoting quality of education in private universities in central Uganda.
ii. To determine the extent to which financial budgeting influences the quality of education in private universities in central Uganda.
iii. To analyze the effect of financial monitoring and control in the promotion of quality of education in private universities in central Uganda.
iv. To explore the mediating role of financial management practices between financial resource management and quality of education in private universities in central Uganda.


 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:31:27 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
FRED TWINOMUGISHA
ID: UNCST-2024-R003414
 THE ROLE OF INVOLVING PATIENTS IN PROMOTING HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN MUKONO AND KAGADI DISTRICTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
REFNo: HS5449ES

1)To determine the level of knowledge and practice on hand hygiene among patients and health workers in selected healthcare facilities in Mukono and Kagadi districts, Uganda.
2)To explore the barriers and facilitators of involving patients in promoting hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers in selected healthcare facilities in Mukono and Kagadi districts, Uganda.
3)To explore the perceptions of healthcare workers on involving of patients in promoting hand hygiene practices in selected healthcare facilities in Mukono and Kagadi districts, Uganda.
4)To design and evaluate an intervention to improve hand hygiene among health workers.

Uganda 2025-04-11 14:30:15 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Degree Award
Jessica Perkins M
ID: UNCST-2021-R013564
 Perceived Norms About Alcohol Use and HIV/STI Prevention among Adolescents and Young Adults in Rural Uganda (Y-SNAPS)
REFNo: HS5650ES

1. To Use qualitative methods to explore perceived norms around alcohol, HIV/STI transmission risk behavior, and HIV prevention among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in Rwampara District, Uganda. 2. To estimate the causal effects of perceived norms around alcohol use and HIV/STI transmission risk behavior on HIV/STI prevention among AYA in Rwampara District and conduct survey experiments to assess how different data collection methods affect responses. 3. To conduct a mixed-methods, randomized controlled trial to test the preliminary efficacy and mediating mechanism of a personalized normative feedback intervention on behavioral intentions, heavy alcohol use, and HIV/STI prevention among AYA in Rwampara District.
 USA 2025-04-11 14:27:29 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Edith Namakula
ID: UNCST-2022-R006923
 Antibiotic prescription patterns among inpatients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Incidence, UCG compliance and associated factors
REFNo: HS5646ES

To determine the incidence of antibiotic prescription among inpatients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:26:00 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Lucy Aciro
ID: UNCST-2023-R007829
 Income Diversification and Climate Change Adaptation among smallholder farmer in Northern Uganda
REFNo: A567ES

1. To determine the alternative livelihood strategies among smallholder wood charcoal producers
2. To analyze the effect of income diversification options on food security and living standards of the smallholder wood charcoal producers
3. To assess the climate change adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder wood charcoal producers
4. To determine the willingness of the farmers to adopt different strategies or productions process that enhances sustainability

 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:24:32 2028-04-11 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Eleanor Namusoke Magongo
ID: UNCST-2021-R013199
 Uganda Paediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (UP-ART) -THRIVE Sub-study on diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Advanced HIV disease in Children and Adolescents living with HIV in Uganda
REFNo: HS5592ES

Primary Objective:

1.To assess the cascade (receipt of all components of care with in one month of being eligible for screening), of care among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) with advanced HIV disease (AHD), dissecting all steps included in the Ugandan national guidelines (including screening for AHD and opportunistic infections (OI), treatment, optimization of care and prophylaxis).

Secondary objectives:

2.Describe the number and proportion of CALHIV who were eligible for AHD screening per calendar year starting in 2023, among all those in follow-up in UP ART that year

3.Describe the prevalence and incidence of AHD and its characteristics at the time of AHD diagnosis.

(i)Prevalence is based on proportion screened for AHD who met the definition of AHD at initial screening

(ii)Incidence will be estimated in two groups:

a.among those screened and not diagnosed with AHD at initial screening who meet the definition of AHD within 12 months of initial screening.

b.among those eligible for screening but were not screened for AHD, who met the definition of AHD within 12 months of becoming eligible for screening

4.Assess the clinical progression and outcomes of children and adolescents with AHD diagnosis, including mortality, morbidity (new and recurrent WHO 3 and 4 events), retention in HIV care, treatment interruption, and growth changes by 12 months after AHD diagnosis.

5.Strengthen data quality and completeness of AHD related data captured in electronic medical records through dedicated training, data monitoring plans and regular feedback to clinic staff.
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:20:45 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Grace Ahimbisibwe Miriam
ID: UNCST-2021-R012129
 Establishing Surveillance for Serious Neonatal Infections in sub-Saharan Africa (SNIP-Africa) Version 2.0 dated 15 Aug 2024
REFNo: HS5614ES

General Objective
To establish capacity and methods to conduct surveillance of neonatal BSI, pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, AMR colonisation prevalence (patient and hospital environment) and antibiotic prescribing trends among hospitalised neonates (≤28 days) in sSA neonatal units.


Specific Objectives
i. To set up a surveillance network and define methods to support continuous epidemiological evaluation of neonates with suspected sepsis in participating sSA neonatal units.
ii. To create a streamlined, translatable data capture approach for use across a range of healthcare facilities.
iii. To determine the personnel and physical resources required for ongoing surveillance in different settings.
iv. To develop a real time data dashboard driving quality improvement through surveillance at the level of participating sites.
v. To describe AMR burden and patterns and identify trends in resistant bacterial invasive and carriage isolates in participating units and participants.
vi. To pilot assessment of colonization pressure and the relationship between invasive blood culture isolates, faecal carriage, the hospital environment and antimicrobial usage.
vii. To develop tools to detect and monitor outbreaks within participating neonatal units.
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:17:57 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Edgar Mulogo Mugema
ID: UNCST-2023-R008170
 HIV-Associated Viral Acute Respiratory Tract Illness (HAVARTI): The burden and severity of vaccine-preventable respiratory infection in people living with HIV in rural Uganda.
REFNo: HS5676ES

Primary Objective

The overarching goal of this study is to define the incidence and relative frequency of, and severity of illness from, influenza and two other vaccine-preventable viral respiratory infections, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, among people living with HIV (PLWH) in rural Uganda.


Specific Aims

1. Determine the incidence of ARI in a cohort of individuals living with HIV in rural Uganda and the proportion and incidence of those ARI episodes caused by vaccine-preventable viral respiratory infections (influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2). We will enroll adolescents and adults infected with HIV who receive care at the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Bugoye Health Centre (BHC), a rural peripheral health facility in western Uganda. Participants will self-collect a mid-turbinate nasal swab at the onset of every episode of ARI during the study follow-up period. Samples will be tested for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours of collection using a molecular assay.

2. Estimate the morbidity and mortality from influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in this same population of PLWH. Study staff will conduct home visits 14 days after the onset of each episode of ARI to assess outcomes. Specifically, they will record any antibiotic or other treatment taken and its source (e.g., purchased at drug shop or prescribed by a healthcare provider); missed days of work (e.g., in the field for subsistence farmers); care-seeking including outpatient visits and inpatient admissions; and vital status.

3. Explore risk factors for severe disease from influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 among PLWH. As an exploratory aim, we will collect information on demographics, household and socioeconomic factors, cooking methods, past medical history including presence of underlying lung disease, smoking status, and history of pneumonia or tuberculosis, nadir and last CD4 count, most recent HIV viral load (VL) and VL at diagnosis, and ART history.

Uganda 2025-04-11 14:15:22 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Ouma Simple
ID: UNCST-2021-R012820
 Harnessing Parental Social Networks to Increase HIV Testing Uptake Among Children of At-Risk Parents in Uganda: A Parallel-Group, Two-Arm Quasi-Experimental Implementation Science Protocol
REFNo: HS5741ES

Objectives:

Main Objective

To Adapt, implement and evaluate maternal SNS to improve access to HIV testing services among children of FSW.

Specific Objectives

1. To adapt SNS that harnesses maternal SN for HIV testing in children of female sex workers
2. To implement the adapted HASHTAG intervention targeting CARP in Gulu City
3. To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation science outcomes of the HASHTAG project
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:13:08 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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