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  
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
Atek kagirita
ID: UNCST-2024-R015689
 LABORATORY SYSTEM RESILIENCE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 OUTBREAK; ITS PREDICTORS, POLICY, AND PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT IN UGANDA
REFNo: HS6101ES

General objective
To assess the level of laboratory system resilience to COVID-19 disease outbreak, its predictors, appropriateness of policies to support it, and capacity of private sector laboratories to impact it in Uganda
4.2.2 Specific objectives
1. To determine the level and characteristics of resilience among licensed / accredited COVID-19 testing laboratories in Uganda.
2. To establish the predictors of resilience among licensed / accredited COVID-19 testing laboratories in Uganda.
3. To describe private sector laboratory capacity to contribute to national laboratory system resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks
4. To appraise the appropriateness of current/emerging policies to support laboratory resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks
 Uganda 2025-06-23 13:30:18 2028-06-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Abel  Kakuru
ID: UNCST-2022-R009193
 Development of context-appropriate approaches for the recruitment and retention of women of childbearing age and pregnant women in antimalarial clinical trials
REFNo: HS6036ES

1. To understand the context, socio-cultural practices and beliefs around early pregnancy as well as collecting experience with and/or perception of previous clinical trials to inform the development of culturally acceptable and understandable communication materials about the SAFIRE trial, including the information sheets for obtaining consent.
2. To identify factors and individuals that may influence WOCBA and pregnant women’s decision-making around participation and retention in the clinical trial to be addressed as part of project procedures and communications.
3. To explore approaches for facilitating the inclusion of WOCBA and pregnant women (in early pregnancy) in the clinical trial, based on the findings from objective 2.
4. To identify key stakeholders (including household decision-makers, community leaders and opinion shapers, health sector actors), from community to national levels, to be included and involved in the community engagement strategy prior to trial implementation.

 Uganda 2025-06-20 9:25:32 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Rita Nakalega
ID: UNCST-2019-R000599
 Exploring Neuro-Vascular Biomarkers in Young Adults with lifelong HIV and without HIV in Uganda: Insights from Carotid Ultrasound
REFNo: HS6038ES

Exploratory objectives/aims: To determine the prevalence of and relationships between HIV infection, carotid pathology, neurological and neurocognitive function, and serum markers of cardiovascular health and inflammation in a population of young adults living with HIV in Uganda who acquired the infection perinatally as well as uninfected age-matched controls,Secondary objective (Aim 2): To determine the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, as determined by a battery of cognitive evaluations, of a population of young adults living with HIV in Uganda who acquired the infection perinatally, relative to uninfected age-matched controls.,Primary objective (Aim 1): To determine the prevalence of carotid pathology, as determined by ultrasound-based measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT), in a population of young adults living with HIV in Uganda who acquired the infection perinatally, relative to uninfected age-matched controls.,
 Uganda 2025-06-20 9:22:24 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kiel McGowan
ID: UNCST-2025-R017284
 Prevalence and patterns of coinfection with malaria and soil transmitted helminths among school-aged children in rural Northern Uganda: A cross-sectional study
REFNo: HS6039ES

To measure the prevalence of coinfection with malaria and STH among school-aged children and to identify factors that may be associated with infection.
 USA 2025-06-20 9:16:14 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
MARY AGUNLOYE OLAOLUWA
ID: UNCST-2024-R003434
 EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF AVOCADO (Persea americana Mill.) IN HIGH-FAT DIET/ LOW- DOSE STREPTOZOTOCIN - INDUCED TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN WISTAR RATS
REFNo: HS5401ES

1. To screen aqueous, ethyl acetate, and ethanol leave extracts of p. americana Mill for anti-hyperglycemic activity
2. To assess the anti-diabetic potential of selected extract in high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin-induced T2DM in Wistar rats in a dose dependent pattern, and identify it mechanism of action
3. To perform phytochemical screening and metabolite profiling of the selected bioactive extracts through integrated FT-IR, LC-MS and GC-MS
4. To assess the in silico interactions of compounds of avocado leaf with selected drug targets in type II diabetes.
5. To evaluate the biological activities of the in silico hit compounds using in vitro and in vivo analyses

Nigeria 2025-06-20 9:03:03 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
GEOFFREYEDWIN SEMAMBO
ID: UNCST-2024-R015519
 prevalence and factors associated with Adverse maternal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals delivered at Mbarara regional referral Hospital
REFNo: HS5740ES

To determine the factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital,To describe the adverse maternal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals delivered at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital,To determine the prevalence of adverse maternal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals delivered at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, To determine the prevalence and factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes among emergency obstetric referrals delivered at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital,
 Uganda 2025-06-20 8:55:52 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Gloria Lubega
ID: UNCST-2025-R017180
 Understanding HIV vertical transmission in Uganda in a population of urban mothers in the era of Dolutegravir based antiretroviral therapy(VERT)
REFNo: HS6095ES

Quantitative Objectives I. To identify level of utilisation of PMTCT and EID services among mothers living with HIV. II. To assess the factors associated with utilization of PMTCT services and EID services among mothers living with HIV. III. To identify factors associated with HIV vertical transmission in the era of Dolutegravir based therapy among mothers living with HIV. IV. To determine the proportion of pregnant women diagnosed with HIV that were linked to care and the time taken from HIV diagnosis to linkage to care among mothers living with HIV. Qualitative Objectives 1. To explore the experiences of women in the PMTCT program, including. • Barriers and facilitators for utilizing the program. • Adherence to instructions such as breastfeeding practices. • And the role of close relationships (partner, family and community members) in supporting women’s participation in PMTCT. 2. To obtain suggestions that can potentially improve the implementation of the PMTCT program
Uganda 2025-06-20 8:53:57 2028-06-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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