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  
Heather Brown
ID:
Epidemiology of Traumatic Injuries in Masindi, Uganda
REFNo: HS115ES

The purpose of this study is to characterize the incidence, patterns, and severity of injury among patients presenting to MKMC.
USA 2017-11-20 2020-11-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Madelyn Prevost
ID:
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Crafting subjects with regimented health and religion
REFNo: SS122ES

This project is intended to further the knowledge on HIV/AIDS, Catholicism, Non-Governmental Organizations, poverty, and work in a Ugandan context as globalization, greater access to medicine, and modernity change the cultural landscape. In addition to furthering scholarly knowledge, this project will also, ideally, help the site organization, Reach Out Mbuya remain relevant in the changing climates of donor funding, client needs, and HIV prevalence rates. Reach Out is a Catholic-based HIV/AIDS organization that seeks to provide holistic care to clients and their families through medical care, material support, subsistence projects, counseling, HIV prevention, and peer support. In Kampala, Reach Out has community sites in Mbuya, Banda, and Kinawatak; they also have an additional site in Kasaala. I will likely draw all of my participants from the Mbuya, Banda, and Kinawataka site locations; as a volunteer, I will spend most days at Mbuya, but also do work in Banda and Kinawataka sites weekly. Therefore, I will be more known to staff and clients at these locations, making recruiting participants smoother. Building off literature that demonstrates how an HIV diagnoses affects a person’s sense of self and habits (Wekesa and Coast [2013]; McGrath et al [2014]); Whyte [2014]; Bartos and MacDonald [2000]), I propose that HIV, as well as comprehensive aid programs can have unique and varied affects on a person’s employment and livelihood. Adding to this argument, I will draw on literature dealing with subject formation (how a person’s identity and behaviours are formed and changed through processes and interactions), both in secular and Christian contexts (Foucault [2000]; Koopman [2013]; Skinner [2012]; Tambling [1990]; Norget, Napolitano, and Mayblin [2017]). Using this literature, I will argue that it is a combination of the regimented HIV/AIDS treatment schedule and Catholic belief and practice encouraged and facilitated by Reach Out that creates a socially responsible and productive subjects in their clients. Working from this hypothesis, my project asks three primary questions: (1) How might being HIV positive affect an individual’s work, livelihood, and/or employment, and what role might religion play in the extent of these effects? (2) How does Reach Out’s comprehensive, holistic-based approach complement services provided by the government? (3) How does being HIV positive affect one’s social and/or economic standing, and one’s capability to remain in care?
Canada 2017-11-20 2020-11-20 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Robert Borst Adriaan Johannes
ID:
Exploring the impact of governing community health workers through a community health entrepreneurship model: protocol for a mixed-method research project
REFNo: HS58ES

Aim: To evaluate the impact of organising community health services through a social franchise model. Research objectives: To assess the association between exposure of inhabitants to the Healthy Entrepreneurs social franchising model and several health related factor and 2) To explore the performance and motivation of the community health workers enrolled in the Healthy Entrepreneurs model.
Netherlands 2017-11-14 2020-11-14 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Lara Rosenoff Gauvin Shelley
ID:
We are Sons and Daughter of Bwoc: Refusal and Land Rights Protections in Rural Post-Conflict Acoliland, Northern Uganda.
REFNo: SS112ES

To understand: What do processes involved in writing a clan-based non-profit foundation’s constitution (in a previously oral tradition of indigenous governance) do for relatedness in the post-conflict, land-pressured context? After it is written, and circulated, what does the document do for relatedness in context? How does/can it mediate both between sons and daughters of the clan, and between clan members, National Government, and foreign companies, as examples? And finally, how do real and perceived land pressures impact ideas and practices of relatedness, and thus social repairing and particular notions of refusal, through time.
Canada 2017-11-14 2020-11-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Joe Abell Nadin
ID:
A study investigating different perspectives on the use of participatory approaches in HIV prevention work
REFNo: SS123ES

This project will explore the use of participatory methods in HIV prevention work in Uganda. Proponents of the use of participatory methods in HIV prevention would claim that their projects avoid making demands by allowing ordinary people to decide themselves what changes they feel they need to make. Critics of participatory approaches used in economic development projects have, however claimed that they do not result in any real moves towards transfer of control and that any ‘participation’ involved is essentially cosmetic. Other possibilities are opened up by suggestions that the forms that projects take in order to qualify as participatory can leave them open to contestation and the possibility of resistance from participants. Through participant observation of prevention projects and interviews with participants, facilitators and the employees of NGOs using participatory methods to carry out HIV prevention work I will explore the dynamics at play and the perceptions of different actors involved when these methods are used in the context of HIV prevention. Aims: This project will have two main aims: 1) To explore the different perspectives of participants, organizers, facilitators and planners on the use of participatory methodologies and the dynamics of the implementation process. The main objective here will be to examine people’s expectations regarding participation and their assessments of the degree to which control is handed over. The way in which this will be approached is by testing a hypothesis derived from existing criticisms of participatory methodology: that this methodology does not lead to real changes in the dynamics of development work. 2) To explore the use of the idea of ‘participation’ in the context of HIV prevention work. HIV prevention, which deals with the regulation of sexuality, presents many contrasts with development projects which focus on economic development. This project will examine how prevention projects adapt the concept of participation in this context and the degree to which the idea of participation has to widen to allow this to happen. Significance and Expected Benefits: The most direct benefit of this research will be the information that it will make available to organisations planning, developing and implementing HIV prevention work. The project will deliver information on the perceptions of the intended beneficiaries of the HIV prevention work that has been studied. This will include participant’s evaluations of the degree to which the design and implementation of the prevention work resulted in a genuinely participatory experience from their perspective. Contrasting this with views expressed by staff at different level of the implementing organisation will allow any differences in perceptions to be identified, both in terms of the understanding of the ideas behind ‘participation’ and how it works in practice. Having access to this information will be useful to implementing organisations in improving the design of prevention work and putting it into practice. Providing those who have taken part in prevention work as participants with feedback may strengthen their ability to demand changes from providing organisations.
UK 2017-11-14 2020-11-14 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Hannington Gumisiriza
ID:
EXTRACTION, ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF THE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM THE LEAVES OF GOUANIA LONGISPICATA
REFNo: NS34ES

1. Isolation of the phytochemical constituents of Gouania longispicata leaves. 2. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts 3. Determining the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. 4. Antioxidant and cytoxicity studies on the most active extract 5. Structure elucidation of the compounds isolated from the most active extract against the selected organisms
Uganda 2017-11-14 2020-11-14 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Amos Mwaka Deogratius
ID:
Understanding the roles of indigenous and complementary medicines and practices in breast and cervical cancer control and care in northern Uganda
REFNo: HS67ES

General objective To examine the roles, from multiple perspectives, of traditional health practitioners and indigenous health practices regarding breast and cervical cancer control and care in northern Uganda. Specific Objectives 1. To assess the beliefs and knowledge of traditional health practitioners regarding what cancers are in general, and the risk factors, symptoms and treatment practices for specific cancers with particular reference to breast and cervical cancers. 2. To examine beliefs and knowledge of traditional health practitioners and cultural leaders on the traditional rituals used in the treatment of various chronic diseases including cancers, diabetes and hypertension in northern Uganda. 3. To examine beliefs of traditional health practitioners regarding their benefits and roles in referring patients suspected of having breast and cervical cancers to health facilities in northern Uganda. 4. To explore the reasons for visits to the traditional health practitioners from patients attending care with the healers and who perceive themselves and or perceived by THPs as having various cancers including breast and cervical cancers. 5. To explore beliefs of district leaders and technocrats in the Acholi sub region regarding the roles of THPs in breast and cervical cancer care and control.
Uganda 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Samson Okello
ID: UNCST-2019-R001580
Impact of HIV-infection on Geriatric Health among Older-Age People in Southwestern Uganda.
REFNo: HS97ES

Our main objective for this study is to provide data to help answer the following question: How does the prevalence of and risk factors for frailty, decreased physical functioning, visual/auditory impairment, and neurocognitive disorders differ between HIV-infected people versus HIV-uninfected controls in Uganda.
Uganda 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Nakueira Sophie
ID:
Group Identification and resource conflict amongst South Sudanese and Somali Refugees in Southwestern Uganda
REFNo: SS118ES

a) To unpack the dispute resolution mechanisms used by refugees in dealing with resource conflict. b) To investigate how processes of inclusion and exclusion take place amongst specific groups within two distinct refugee groups. c) To understand the interactions between state and non-state actors in Nakivale Refugee Settlement and how their activities and interactions intertwine with the specific refugee groups that are the subject of this study. d) To examine if and to what extent refugee resettlement programs such as the Self Reliance Strategy play a role in ongoing conflicts in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
Uganda 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Hang ZHOU
ID:
Bring African Bureaucracies back in: Negotiations and Implementation of Chinese Development Engagement in Uganda
REFNo: SS125ES

This project seeks to take African bureaucracies seriously, an actor that has largely neglected in the existent literature. Taking an empirically grounded approach, this project aims to study the real governance of African bureaucracies and investigating what they actually do without classifying them into pre-determined ideal-typical categories. More specifically, using China-Uganda development engagement in road construction and agriculture sectors as a case study, this project conceives this development engagement as ‘processes of negotiation, contestation and bricolage’ through which Ugandan bureaucrats together with local, national and Chinese actors seek to articulate their preferred positions and fulfil the mandates of their organisations.
China 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Stephanie Grand
ID:
Volcanic inputs in soils of the Albertine Rift Valley: implication for modern soil biogeochemistry
REFNo: NS33ES

1. Identify the geochemical signature of recent volcanic eruptions products in the area based on the literature and lab analyses of grab samples of volcanic rocks. 2. Look for evidence of volcanic influence in modern soils using geochemical and mineralogical analyses of soil samples collected at different locations and different landscape positions 3. Analyze the link between inferred volcanic inputs and soil fertility 4. Formulate recommendations for integrating pedologic and geochemical information into agricultural sustainability studies
France 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Kate Scow
ID:
Innovations  in Dry Season Horticulture for Women and Smallholders in East Africa -Production and Marketing for income, nutrition, and climate resilience
REFNo: A14ES

Dry season vegetable production has been identified as a high priority in the largely rainfed (>97%) agricultural systems of Uganda. Off season vegetable supplies are currently inadequate to meet human nutritional needs. As rainfall patterns become increasingly unpredictable and rapid population expansion places more pressure on food systems, demand for vegetables will further outstrip supplies. This spin-off project builds on the team’s previous participatory work in Uganda to convene stakeholders from public and private sectors and develop innovations in small scale dry season vegetable production for women farmers in East Africa. We will develop a research and development approach resulting in release of horticulture irrigation innovations tested at five ‘innovation sites’ over three field seasons in Eastern Uganda and create a framework for local public and private sector organizations to develop small scale irrigation systems. We will work closely with smallholder women farmers who are often excluded from irrigation and marketing developments. We will: i) work at five locations over three dry seasons to test dry season vegetable production systems with farmers, research partners, district staff, NGO partners, and university students, ii) assess agronomic, economic, market, nutrition, and gender impacts of the innovations; and iii) develop scale-out options for the most promising technologies. Ugandan partners include two regional NGOs, three institutes of the National Agricultural Research Organization, and one university. Development of a co-innovation systematic approach for assessing and supporting innovations in dry season vegetable production will strengthen small scale farmer enterprises targeted to local markets and family consumption.
USA 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Agricultural Sciences Non-degree Award
Aleksander Braczkowski Ryszard
ID: UNCST-2019-R001345
Assessing the densities and conflict of large carnivores within and on the boundaries of Queen Elizabeth National Park
REFNo: NS25ES

1) Provide the most accurate estimates of carnivore numbers in Queen Elizabeth using spatially-explicit statistics 2) Assess human-carnivore conflict hotspots within and on the boundaries of Queen Elizabeth National Park to ensure effective targeting of mitigation interventions
South Africa 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Christine Namata
ID:
KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM VERSUS MORPHINE-MIDAZOLAM FOR CONTINOUS PATIENT SEDATION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS IN UGANDA. A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
REFNo: HS76ES

Specific objectives i. To compare duration of mechanical ventilation among patients sedated with ketamine-midazolam versus morphine-midazolam. ii. To compare incidence of hypotension necessitating vasopressor support among patients under ketamine-midazolam versus morphine-midazolam. iii. To compare incidence of delirium among patients under ketamine-midazolam versus morphine- midazolam.
Uganda 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
Global Excellence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outcomes (GECO): Implementation of COPD case finding and self-management action plans in low and middle income countries.
REFNo: HS110ES

1. To determine whether case-finding for COPD can be facilitated using a modified 5-item questionnaire. 2. To determine whether a self-directed COPD Action Plan for the management of COPD exacerbations can be implemented with CHWs and local health care centers. 3. To determine whether a self-directed COPD Action Plan is cost-effective
Uganda 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Benjamin Hounsell
ID:
Innovating Mobile Solutions for Refugees in East Africa
REFNo: SS120ES

Much literature on the use of mobile technology for migration focuses on migration into Europe, with little research conducted to assess the technology uses and needs of refugees traveling too, from and within East Africa. This study will explore how refugees in Kenya and Uganda use mobile technology to support migration, during their journey and at arrival, and to what extent current solutions meet their needs. The results will open the way for innovative solutions, uniquely tailored for refugees across the region and in Uganda particularly. 
UK 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Pavel Reppo Aleksandrovich
ID:
Implementing the MANAS trial in Uganda (MAN U) - The Pilot Phase
REFNo: HS134ES

Research Question & Specific Objectives Question: How will implementing a trained Community Health Worker (CHW)-led Collaborative Stepped Care Intervention (CSCI) lead to an improvement in recovery from depression among patients within general outpatient attending public primary care facilities in Uganda? Aim 1: To determine whether treatment from trained CHWs leads to 1) patient recovery from MDD as defined by the DSM-IV at 6 months, and 2) the proportion of patients with above threshold scores (PHQ-9 score of ≥10). Hypothesis: Constituents of collaborative care interventions predicted a favorable outcome. Aim 2: To increase awareness of CHW-led, collaborative stepped care as a viable option of treatment for depression among trainees, study participants, the community and stakeholders. Relevance: Community views and input are essential to inform the development of a culturally appropriate training curriculum for CHWs. Aim 3: To determine the outcome of the CHW training on retention of knowledge and skills in competencies required to deliver the stepped care intervention among trainees after the training. Hypothesis: Trained CHWs will demonstrate increased level of knowledge and skills in competencies required to deliver collaborative stepped care after the training. Aim 4: To determine the perceptions of CHWs, study participants, the community and stakeholders towards the process of integrating CHW-led, collaborative stepped care into community based mental healthcare. Relevance: There is a need to understand the views of participants and stakeholders pre and post to determine project efficacy.
USA 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Anaclet Namanya Mutiba
ID:
Teachers' Understanding and Classroom Practices of Quality Education in Ugandan Primary Education: A Case of Bushenyi District
REFNo: SS124ES

The main study objective is to find out how teachers understand and practice quality education in Ugandan primary education. The specific objectives are: (i) To find out how teachers understand neoliberal policies in relation to quality education. (ii) To establish how teaching and instruction processes reflect quality education. (iii) To find out factors that influence teaching and instructional processes and methodology.
Uganda 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
KOHJUN HORI
ID:
Land use and Soil erosion in high populated region in southwestern Uganda
REFNo: A21ES

The area of southwestern Uganda lies along the border with Rwanda and is characterized by high population density, despite the fact that it is a rural area. The area is a highland ranging in altitude from 1,200 to 2,350 m. People have been forced to use limited areas of farmland because of the population increase. In the slope areas of this Area, the shapes of the crop fields are irregular depending on the landform. This feature exacerbates soil loss and agricultural production. There is a high risk of collapse of embankment due to heavy rain. In the previous study, it is pointed out using questionnaire survey as a measure to prevent soil erosion carried out by local residents, but it is not clear by investigate scientifically that the usefulness to prevent soil erosion possessed by terrace farming. It is suggested that soil degradation is accelerating due to short fallow and sudden heavy rain due to climate change. It is expected that the population increase will continue in the future, and it will be necessary to prepare the environment that can sustain livelihood even in the situation of decreasing the per capita area of farm land. Therefore, I will clarify in detail the natural environment aspects that have a big influence on the livelihood activities of the local residents and verify the land use form of the local residents. In discussing soil erosion in mountainous regions of Africa, it is essential to verify sustainable land use that can withstand the effects of climate change. In this study, scientific verification of soil erosion possessed by terrace farming will be carried out in the mountainous area in southwestern Uganda, where land shortage and soil deterioration become serious. Finally I devise a method of land use to prevent soil degradation and aim to improve residents' livelihoods. This research is composed of three main research.
Japan 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Agricultural Sciences Degree Award
Adrian Muwonge
ID:
The dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in the pig and human gut microbiome in Uganda
REFNo: HS103ES

The hypothesis to be tested is that people in contact with pigs in peri-urban settings are at higher risk of acquiring AMR genes across this interface than people in rural settings. The specific objectives are: 1. To identify significant changes in taxonomic and AMR genes in gut microbiomes of people and their pigs in peri urban and rural settings over a one-year period using 16SrRNA, AMR gene probes and real time PCR. 2. To conduct forensic investigations of the significant changes detected in objective 1 using sequence based metagenomics on the corresponding gut microbiomes in parallel with whole genome sequencing and phenotypic AMR testing of sentinel bacteria to understand the underlying dynamics. 3. To predict, estimate and make inferences on AMR gene occurrence, taxa-linked within and between host exchange and their potential phenotypic effects using bioinformatic, statistical and support vector machine approaches on the data generated in 1&2.
Uganda 2017-10-11 2020-10-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
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