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  
ERICK SSEGUJJA
ID: UNCST-2021-R012964
 Partnerships for Stronger Knowledge Systems in Africa (KNOSA): Lessons from Uganda
REFNo: HS5716ES

Specifically, the implementation research has the following objectives;
1. To characterise the nature and functioning of the different components of the current national knowledge system, ??with a focus on the health sector.
2. To explore constraints and challenges affecting the capacity of Uganda’s national knowledge systems.
3. To document and assess the current interventions to strengthen the national knowledge system?
4. To explore opportunities for strengthening the capacity of the national knowledge system to advance evidence-informed decision making in Uganda’s health sector.

Uganda 2025-03-25 11:14:05 2028-03-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Ronald Moses Galiwango
ID: UNCST-2024-R015239
 INTEGRATED FEMALE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION TESTING FOR HIV EPIDEMIC CONTROL THROUGH PREP (IN-STEP)
REFNo: HS5715ES

a) To conduct an individually randomized effectiveness implementation trial of SRST plus cSTI testing to increase PrEP use among African women at high HIV risk.
b) To perform a mixed-methods, implementation science evaluation of female cSTI testing for improving PrEP use for HIV prevention.
c) To determine the most efficient, population-level female cSTI testing strategies to reduce HIV incidence in African settings.

Uganda 2025-03-25 11:13:20 2028-03-25 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Prudence Beinamaryo
ID: UNCST-2023-R007239
 Developing a robust interdisciplinary-informed WASH framework for the prevention and elimination of the wicked public-health problem of schistosomiasis (WickedSchisto)
REFNo: HS5707ES

I. What are the true health, economic and societal impacts of schistosomiasis?
a) Characterise what quality of life means to individuals living in Schistosoma endemic areas in Cameroon and Uganda, and how this is affected by infections, WASH access, environmental, spatial, social and other determinants.
b) Measure the diverse impact of schistosomiasis on individual’s and household’s quality of life.
c) Quantify the economic costs associated with schistosomiasis to individuals and society.
d) Develop and validate a field-suitable morbidity marker for mapping and monitoring disease resolution.
II. What are the most cost-effective combinations of WASH and MDA interventions?
a) Test the hypothesis that MDA refusal, due to fear of side effects, is linked with latrine access.
b) Characterise relative contributions of existing WASH on reducing reinfection post MDA: risk to self.
c) Quantify environmental force-of-infection and the impact of ‘risk to self’ and ‘risk to
Uganda 2025-03-25 11:11:44 2028-03-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Riley Derby Nicholas
ID: UNCST-2025-R017680
 Impacts of early social life on social and physical development in mountain gorillas
REFNo: NS946ES

Study social and physical change in immature mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in collaboration with Bwindi Gorilla Project, through combining behavioral, hormonal, and non-invasive growth measures
 USA 2025-03-25 11:02:11 2028-03-25 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Erika Sininärhi
ID: UNCST-2025-R017295
 Physiological correlates of variation in personality traits in the banded mongoose Mungos mungo
REFNo: NS942ES

1) To determine the relationship between social rank, prenatal androgen exposure, and personality. 2) To investigate whether individual differences in facial thermal patterns are connected to personality, behaviour and stress reactivity.
Finland 2025-03-25 11:01:27 2028-03-25 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
David Hayman T. S.
ID: UNCST-2023-R006403
 One Health, multiple factors: an interdisciplinary investigation of emerging infectious disease
REFNo: NS924ES

Infectious diseases significantly impact global health, affecting both humans and animals. Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose particular risks in regions with high human-wildlife interaction. One such region is Uganda, specifically around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), where communities live in close proximity to domestic and wild animals.

The objectives of this research are to:

Identify and quantify zoonotic pathogens in fecal samples from various animal species.

Assess pathogen prevalence across different species.

Analyze microbial community structures and antimicrobial resistance genes.
 New Zealand 2025-03-25 11:00:19 2028-03-25 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Joan Mutyoba Nankya
ID: UNCST-2021-R010992
 Using patient journey mapping approach to understand and improve post-abortion care within routine health care services
REFNo: HS4137ES


General objective

The general objective of this study is to use a journey mapping approach to understand client experiences as they navigate abortion services, and gaps in services, in order to improve PAC service delivery, client experiences and outcomes within the health care system.
Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the journey mapping approach include:

1. To document client experiences at different stages of post-abortion care-seeking.
2. To understand the current service provision processes for clients seeking post-abortion care services and identify gaps and unmet needs in these services.
3. To evaluate comprehensiveness of care and identify interventions to improve care.
4. To compare patient experiences with established standards of care

The specific objectives of the survey include:
1. To characterize the type and range of contraceptive and abortion-care services available for women who seek care at health facilities.
2. To determine whether women, including young women, receive comprehensive counseling on choices related to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), medical abortion (MA) and contraception and which factors are related to receipt of such counselling.
3. To determine whether family planning and abortion services are provided with respect and compassion.

 Uganda 2025-03-25 10:56:04 2028-03-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Karen Bailey M.
ID: UNCST-2024-R003544
 Understanding invisible socio-environmental systems through pesticides across human-wildlife interactions
REFNo: SS3710ES

To model simulations of the interactions within the SES, illustrating the feedback mechanisms between pesticide use, environmental changes, and human-wildlife well-being,To quantify pesticide exposure and associated health outcomes in humans and wildlife, with a focus on spatial and temporal trends,To assess socio-economic and environmental factors influencing farmers\' decisions regarding pesticide use,To investigate the socio-environmental drivers and molecular-level impacts of pesticide use in a tropical forest-agricultural mosaic and develop strategies that balance agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation among communities around the Kibale National Park ,
 USA 2025-03-25 10:53:06 2028-03-25 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kamya Moses
ID: UNCST-2020-R014203
 Integrating management of alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and menopausal transition into HIV care for women living with HIV in Uganda
REFNo: HS5750ES

To explore the unique health challenges faced by women living with HIV in Uganda related to intimate partner violence, menopausal transition, and alcohol use disorder (AUD), focusing on distinct age groups to inform targeted health interventions
 Uganda 2025-03-19 13:02:04 2028-03-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Abel  Kakuru
ID: UNCST-2022-R009193
 Epidemiology of Malaria Infection in Sub-Saharan African Countries
REFNo: HS5638ES

To estimate the site-specific IR of P. falciparum infection by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) testing, overall and by age group (5-11 years, 12-17 years, 18-60 years) during the active detection of infection period.
 Uganda 2025-03-19 12:57:39 2028-03-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Noeline Nakasujja
ID: UNCST-2019-R001428
 Clonal Hematopoiesis: A Global Perspective on the Impact of CH on Alzheimer’s Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa
REFNo: HS5533ES

Main Objective
1. The aim of this proposed work is to compare the frequency and type of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) mutations in age-matched African American and Ugandan populations. We intend to determine the correlation between specific CH-associated mutations and development of Alzheimer’s Disease in both a Ugandan and African-American population.

Specific Objectives
1. Compare the frequency of CH in an elderly African American versus elderly Ugandan population.
2. Compare the types of CH mutations in an elderly African American versus elderly Ugandan population.
3. Determine the correlation between specific CH-associated mutations and the development of AD in a Ugandan population.
 Uganda 2025-03-19 12:53:37 2028-03-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
STEVEN SEBBALE
ID: UNCST-2023-R006063
 PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE DOCTORATE HOLDERS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION: AN EXAMINATION ON GENDER EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY AND INTERSECTIONALITY IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS3712ES

a) To examine the demographic and professional characteristics of female doctorate holders in Uganda
b) To assess the intersectional challenges faced by female doctorate holders in Uganda
c) To provide data-driven insights for integrating intersectionality into UNCST’s grants system
 Uganda 2025-03-18 13:09:22 2028-03-18 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Richard Wismayer
ID: UNCST-2019-R000483
 The microbiome as an aetiological factors in colorectal carcinoma in Ugandan patients
REFNo: HS5644ES

1. To investigate the frequency of carriage of faecal P. micra in Ugandan CRC patients and controls by 16S rRNA sequencing and PCR and assess its potential as a non- invasive biomarker compared to other bacteria (Study 1).

2. To explore the associations of P.micra and F.nucleatum, the general tumour microbiome, the intra-tumour immune response and the tumour MSI status within the tumour itself. P.micra and F.nucleatum will be determined by PCR, the tumour microbiome by 16S rRNA sequencing and the tumour immune response both pathologically and by the numbers of infiltrating lymphocytes a key prognostic marker. MSI and MSS status will also be identified (Study 2).

3. To analyse the bacterial content of faeces using 16S rRNA sequencing in relation to the clinical features and MSI/MSS status of CRC in Ugandan patients and controls using network analysis in Ugandan patients. To identify bacteria positively and negatively associated with Ugandan bowel cancer carriage (Study 3).

4. To determine the prevalence of cancer related stool toxins, pks, FadA, and ETBF in Ugandan colorectal cancer patients and controls using quantitative PCR assays on faeces (Study 4).

5. To compare the above findings with those of CRC patients and controls from the international microbiome network in Ghana, India, Vietnam, Argentina and England (Study 5).

 Malta 2025-03-18 13:03:54 2028-03-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Shahiid Kiyaga
ID: UNCST-2021-R007055
 Genetic Diversity and Transmission Intensity Heterogeneity of Plasmodium falciparum in Malaria Endemic Regions in Uganda
REFNo: HS5697ES

General Objective
To analyze the genetic diversity of P. falciparum and the heterogeneity in malaria transmission intensity in high-endemic areas of Uganda.
Specific Objectives
1. To assess the genetic diversity and population substructure of P. falciparum in high endemic areas of Uganda by quantifying allelic variation and estimating population structure parameters using F_ST (fixation index) and principal component analysis (PCA).
2. To characterize the heterogeneity in transmission intensity in high endemic areas of Uganda using P. falciparum targeted amplicon genomic data and malaria epidemiological parameters.
3. To develop and apply advanced machine learning models to predict geographical origins of P. falciparum parasites in Uganda using whole-genome sequence data.
 Uganda 2025-03-14 19:14:47 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Racheal Ninsiima
ID: UNCST-2020-R014564
 Effect of blockchain technology on the performance of barley farmers in eastern Uganda
REFNo: A536ES

i) To determine farmers’ behavioural intention to accept BCT in Uganda’s eastern barley producing region.
ii) To examine the factors that influence adoption and extent of use of BCT among barley farmers in eastern Uganda.
iii) To determine the effect of BCT on barley farmers’ productivity and gross margin in eastern Uganda
iv) To develop suitable BCT implementation framework among barley farmers in eastern Uganda.

 Uganda 2025-03-14 19:13:35 2028-03-14 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 SURVEY, SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF HERBAL PRODUCTS USED FOR MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT IN UGANDA.
REFNo: HS5468ES

To conduct a survey of herbal medicinal products used for malaria prophylaxis and treatment, evaluate their safety and prophylactic efficacy among school-age children (8-15yrs) in Kibuku district, Uganda.
1. To identify herbal medicinal products used by communities for malaria prophylaxis and treatment in Uganda.
2. To evaluate the artemisinin content of herbal medicinal products used by communities for malaria prophylaxis and treatment in Uganda.
3. To determine the antiplasmodial activity (IC50) of herbal medicinal products used for malaria prophylaxis and treatment in Uganda.
4. To evaluate the safety of herbal medicinal products used for malaria prophylaxis among school age children (8-15 years) in Kibuku district in eastern Uganda.
5. To determine malaria incidence among school age children (8-15 years) receiving selected herbal medicinal products for malaria prophylaxis compared to monthly Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DP) in Kibuku district in eastern Uganda.
6. To determine prevalence of parasitaemia among school age children (8-15 years) receiving selected herbal medicinal products for malaria prophylaxis compared to monthly Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DP) in Kibuku in eastern Uganda.

 Uganda 2025-03-14 19:08:33 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Irene  Vries de
ID: UNCST-2024-R003372
 A pilot Study for introducing a Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) device (Baby Checker), supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI), in peri-urban UgandaVersion 1.3 August
REFNo: SS3581ES

Objective and Research Questions
The objective of this research is to assess the technical performance and health outcomes resulting from the introduction of the BabyChecker device in peri-urban Uganda. Specifically, the study aims to evaluate its impact on enhancing timely ANC, including routine care and referrals, thereby potentially reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. This evaluation will inform developers and implementers on the effective and responsible deployment of the BabyChecker Point-of-Care Ultrasound Scan (POCUS).

2.1 Research Questions per Component
A. Technical Performance
Health Worker performance research questions:
1. What is the initial scanning performance of health workers by cadre on their first day of using BabyChecker?
2. What is the average scanning performance over the study period for health workers by cadre (e.g., certificate, diploma, degree nurses, midwives, clinical officers)?
3. Is there a correlation between the average scanning performance of health workers and their cadre or years of experience?
4. How much time do health workers require to navigate the BabyChecker application and complete a scan on their first day?
5. What is the average time required by health workers to navigate the BabyChecker application and complete a scan over the study period?
6. How well is the BabyChecker equipment maintained throughout the study period?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) research questions:
1. What is the specificity and sensitivity of BabyChecker's AI in estimating gestational age during the first and second trimesters?
2. What is the specificity and sensitivity of BabyChecker's AI in identifying non-cephalic fetal presentation and low placental localization or placenta previa during the third trimester (36+ weeks)?
B. Health Effectiveness
The hypothesis posits that the introduction of BabyChecker will increase ANC attendance during the first trimester and improve access to imaging services, leading to early detection of risk factors and subsequent referrals. The study focuses on observing changes in ANC attendance, risk factor identification, and referral initiation as direct outcomes of the POCUS intervention.
Health Effectiveness of BabyChecker (AI + Remote Read Results) research questions:
1. Does the introduction of the BabyChecker and other VHE community interventions contribute to an increase in pregnant women first attending ANC during the first trimester?
2. Does the introduction of the BabyChecker and mobilization contribute to an increase in pregnant women that come for the 8th ANC visits?
3. Does the introduction of BabyChecker contribute to an increased overall number of ANC visits?
4. Does the introduction of BabyChecker increase the detection rate of pregnancy risk factors such as multiple pregnancies, placenta previa, breech presentation, or non-longitudinal fetal positions?
5. Does the introduction of BabyChecker increase referrals for multiple pregnancies, placenta previa, breech presentation, or non-longitudinal fetal positions?
6. Do women follow through on referrals, and do these referrals lead to improved health outcomes among women in the private sector?

 Netherlands 2025-03-14 18:58:29 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Isaac Mugwano
ID: UNCST-2024-R002967
 IMMEDIATE AND LONG TERM OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH SEVERE MITRAL STENOSIS UNDERGOING BALLOON MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY (BVM) AT THE UGANDA HEART INSTITUTE.
REFNo: HS5507ES

1. To describe the immediate (post-operative) outcomes of patients who underwent BMV at UHI during the study period.

2. To describe the long term (1 year and 5 year) outcomes of patients with severe mitral stenosis who underwent BMV at Uganda heart institute during the study period.

Uganda 2025-03-14 18:51:15 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Fiona  Nakabugo Kabuuka
ID: UNCST-2024-R003631
 UTILIZATION AND DETERMINANTS OF HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING SERVICES AMONG YOUTH IN KAWAALA VILLAGE, LUBAGA PARISH, LUBAGA DIVISION
REFNo: HS5339ES

To assess the health-facility determinants influencing the utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling services among youths in Kawaala village, Lubaga Parish, Lubaga Division in May 2024.,To assess the environmental related determinants influencing the utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling services among among youths in Kawaala village, Lubaga Parish, Lubaga Division in May 2024.,To determine the individual determinants influencing the utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling services among youths in Kawaala village, Lubaga Parish, Lubaga Division in May 2024.,To determine the level of utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling services among youths in Kawaala village, Lubaga Parish, Lubaga Division in May 2024.,To assess the utilization and determination of HIV testing and Counseling services youths in Kawaala village, Lubaga Parish, Lubaga Division in Kampala District in May 2024.,
 Uganda 2025-03-14 18:37:36 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Murezi Mereth
ID: UNCST-2023-R007640
 Effects of Lifestyle and Environmental Change on the Human Epigenome
REFNo: HS5243ES

To advance our understanding of the epigenomic mechanisms that mediate the acclimatization to major transitions in lifestyle and environment to understand how populations adapt, both in the past and in the future.
Characterize how extreme lifestyle and environmental transitions affect patterns of gene regulation.

 Uganda 2025-03-14 18:36:41 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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