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  
VIVIAN ARINAITWE
ID: UNCST-2024-R016282
 Developing a Feasibility Framework for MedTech in Low-Resource Settings: A Case Study of the NeoNest Device in Mbarara District, Uganda
REFNo: SIR537ES

1.4.1. Main Objective
To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the NeoNest neonatal transport incubator in selected health facilities in Mbarara District, Uganda, and to develop a structured, context-specific feasibility assessment framework for introducing medical technologies in low-resource settings.
1.4.2. Specific Objectives
To assess current neonatal transport and thermal care practices in health facilities in Mbarara District.
To evaluate the simulated performance, usability, and acceptability of the NeoNest device in a controlled setting.
To identify barriers and enablers for the adoption and scale-up of the NeoNest device.
To develop and validate a feasibility assessment framework for medical technology deployment in low-resource settings, using expert consensus (e.g., Delphi ? 80% agreement).

 Uganda 2025-08-26 15:46:45 2028-08-26 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
HELEN KEZIE-NWOHA EKENE
ID: UNCST-2024-R016104
 Loalising National Gender and Climate Policy in Uganda
REFNo: SS4066ES

• To examine the extent to which global and national climate policies are leading to change at the local level, improving the lives of women and gender relations, including the distribution of resources.
• To co- produce knowledge with women, women’s organisations, community organisations and local government officials, about the effects of climate change on the lives of women and their communities; identify obstacles; and propose solutions and pathways to climate resilience.
• To use research evidence from the research to influence national level policy making

 Nigeria 2025-08-26 15:44:37 2028-08-26 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Wilson Ngonzi
ID: UNCST-2024-R016516
 SMALL HOLDER FARMERS ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN KIBAALE, KAGADI AND KAKUMIRO DISTRICTS
REFNo: SS4100ES

To examine the temperatures, drought and precipitation climate change patterns that impacts small holder farmers adaptation strategies in Kibaale, Kagadi and Kakumiro Districts To examine the small holder farmers adaptation strategies to climate change impacts in Kibaale, Kagadi and Kakumiro Districts. To examine the small holder farmers adaptation strategies on accessing climate information and early warning systems in Kibaale, Kagadi and Kakumiro Districts
Uganda 2025-08-26 15:42:18 2028-08-26 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
MUGULUSI GIDEON
ID: UNCST-2025-R018401
 SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALISATION ON JOB CREATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS4147ES

Purpose of the Study
The general objective of the study is to examine the effects of sustainable Industrialization on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda
1.3. 1 Specific Objectives
The following specific objectives will guide the study
(i) To examine the effects of Industrial Policy (IP) on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda
(ii) To investigate the effects of Technological Innovation (TI) on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda
(iii) To analyze the effects of Infrastructure Development (ID) on job creation and Poverty Reduction in Uganda.
(iv) To determine the effect of Human Capital Development (HCD) on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda.
(v) To analyze the effect of environmental sustainability on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda.
(vi) To evaluate the effect of social inclusion on job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda.
(vii) To examine the moderating effect of government support on Job creation and poverty reduction in Uganda

 Uganda 2025-08-26 15:38:58 2028-08-26 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Micheal Segawa Collins
ID: UNCST-2025-R017185
 EXPLORING HPV VACCINE UPTAKE AND ITS BARRIERS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN IN URBAN SLUMS OF KAMPALA.
REFNo: HS6259ES

To determine the uptake of both doses of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls and young women in the urban slums of Kampala.

To identify the barriers to the uptake of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls and young women in the urban slums of Kampala

 Uganda 2025-08-26 15:37:00 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Louis Gorgone
ID: UNCST-2025-R019673
 Socioendocrinology of female forest living olive baboons (Papio anubis)
REFNo: NS998ES

This research aims to explore the hormonal correlates of dominance, aggression, and affiliative (pro-social) behavior in female forest-living olive baboons (*Papio anubis*) at Kibale National Park, Uganda. Specifically, it investigates how female dominance rank, aggression, and social behaviors relate to physiological stress and aggression markers, measured through glucocorticoids and testosterone. By examining these relationships at multiple temporal scales, the study will shed light on the adaptive significance of social hierarchies and behaviors among females living in an ecologically stable forest environment, thus advancing the understanding of socioendocrine mechanisms underpinning female primate sociality.

 USA 2025-08-26 15:34:30 2028-08-26 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
BRIGHT  NDAHIRO
ID: UNCST-2024-R015220
 ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS AND POTENTIAL USE OF SELECTED MACROPHYTES IN PHYTOREMEDIATION AND MANAGEMENT OF LAKE GEORGE, UGANDA
REFNo: NS1001ES

General objective
Assess the ecological risk of heavy metal contamination in selected macrophytes, associated water and sediments of Lake George, Uganda
Specific objectives
The specific objectives are to:
1.Determine the distribution and diversity of macrophytes on L. George
2.Determine the pattern of multi elemental concentration (Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, Co and their variations in wetland plant species of different growth forms, in corresponding water and sediments of Lake George.
3.Apply ecological pollution indices to assess pollution load in the sediments and macrophytes.
4.Identify the selected macrophytes potential use as bio-indicators and for phyto-extraction and phyto-stabilization of heavy metal contamination

 Uganda 2025-08-26 15:33:18 2028-08-26 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Edwin Nuwagira
ID: UNCST-2021-R013488
 EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF SHORT-COURSE INTERMITTENT INTRAVENOUS LIPOSOMAL AMPHOTERICIN B VERSUS ORAL POSACONAZOLE FOR CHRONIC PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS: A PHASE IIA, PROSPECTIVE, MULTI-CENTRE, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED, OPEN-LABEL, FEASIBILITY TRIAL
REFNo: HS6400ES

5. Assess recruitment and retention of patients with CPA on a trial to inform design and sample size for a definitive efficacy trial.,4. To assess adherence to posaconazole therapy,3. To evaluate the utility of different trial endpoints (change in Aspergillus IgG antibody titer, radiological improvement, step test and weight) across groups.,2. To compare 12-month all-cause mortality in each arm,1. To measure emergence of isolates of Aspergillus with resistance/reduced susceptibility to posaconazole in both arms. ,1. Compare the efficacy and tolerability of 1) short course, high dose of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B, 2) short course, high dose of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B followed by daily posaconazole, or 3) posaconazole alone for the treatment of CPA for 6 months.,
 Uganda 2025-08-26 13:48:03 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Barnabas Bakamutumaho
ID: UNCST-2021-R012636
 Countrywide Enhancement of Sentinel Congenital Rubella Surveillance and Intensified Case Identification for Burden Monitoring Following Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction in Uganda and Neighboring Countries
REFNo: HS6410ES

Objective: The long-term goal is to sustain systematic CRS case-based sentinel surveillance countrywide to understand the burden of rubella infections causing congenital disabilities and to assess the public health control and prevention interventions such as the vaccines.

Specific aim 1: To support laboratory based CRS diagnosis in clinically suspected cases
Specific aim 2: To monitor vaccine impact in Uganda's routine immunization program
Specific aim 3: To monitor and characterize genotypes associated with CRS
Specific aim 4: To monitor molecular epidemiology of CRS in East African region

 Uganda 2025-08-26 13:35:01 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Michael Emenyu Richard
ID: UNCST-2025-R018382
 Assessing awareness and attitudes of nurses/midwives on effective referral protocols of cleft lip and or palate children; a case study of Teso Sub-Region in Eastern Uganda
REFNo: HS5973ES

Main objective/ purpose To assess the level of awareness and attitudes of nurses/midwives on effective referral protocols for cleft lip and or palate children in Teso sub-region, Eastern Uganda. Specific Objectives i. To assess the level of awareness of nurses/midwives on effective referral protocols for cleft lip and palate children. ii. To determine the attitudes of nurses/midwives on effective referral protocols for cleft lip and palate children. iii. To assess the referral protocol/policy for cleft lip and or palate children in Uganda being implemented/used across the health facilities in Teso sub-region. iv. To determine the socio-demographics of nurses/midwives on effective referral protocols for cleft lip and or palate children.
Uganda 2025-08-26 13:23:57 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Clara Wekesa
ID: UNCST-2021-R013282
 Correlation between particulate matter and immuno-biochemical markers among people living with HIV and fibrotic liver disease in urban Uganda
REFNo: HS6060ES

Primary objectives:
• To examine the relationship between PM exposure and serum levels of biochemical and haematological parameters (liver chemistry profile, platelet count, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and lipid profiles)
• To examine the relationship between PM exposure and serum levels of pro-fibrotic cytokines
Secondary objectives:
• Correlation coefficient between PM and fatty liver change measurements
• Correlation coefficient between PM and fatty liver stiffness measurements

 Uganda 2025-08-26 13:19:27 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kirabo Suubi
ID: UNCST-2023-R005659
 RESPOND – Rethinking access and utilization of reproductive healthcare and domestic violence services among women with disabilities in Uganda
REFNo: SS3965ES

To explore the perspectives of reproductive healthcare (RHC) workers in providing reproductive health services to WWDs and their perspectives on the health system’s capacity to deliver reproductive health services to WWDs.,2. To explore the perspective of providers of domestic violence (DV) services in providing DV services to WWDs and their perspectives on the systems’ capacity to deliver domestic violence services to WWDs.,1. To explore the perspectives of WWDs on access and utilization of reproductive healthcare and domestic violence services. ,The purpose of this research is to provide a better understanding of the impact of disability on access, utilization, and delivery of reproductive healthcare and domestic violence services among WWDs, to inform responses to the needs of WWDs in low-income countries. ,
 Uganda 2025-08-26 13:15:25 2028-08-26 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Helen Naiga Nelly
ID: UNCST-2025-R016871
 Uptake of Sickle Cell Screening and Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs towards sickle cell screening among Young Adults in Bugweri district
REFNo: HS6109ES

• To determine the uptake of sickle cell screening among young adults aged 18-49 years in Bugweri district
• To determine the knowledge levels, attitude and beliefs of young adults aged 18-49 years in Bugweri district regarding sickle cell disease and screening
• To establish the factors influencing the uptake of sickle cell screening among young adults aged 18-49 years in Bugweri district

 Uganda 2025-08-26 11:41:44 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kazibwe Herman
ID: UNCST-2025-R017099
 STUDY TITLE: APPROPRIATENESS & USABILITY OF A DISCHARGE PLANNING PROTOCOL FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FOR PROVIDERS AT MBARARA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL AND MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
REFNo: HS6191ES

Research Question: Is an interdisciplinary referral protocol intervention for TBI patients, expanded for inclusion of occupational and speech therapy, appropriate and usable at a national & regional hospital? Objectives 1.To assess appropriateness of the discharge planning protocol, revised to include occupational and speech therapy, to concurrently meet the needs for decision-making by individual users and a multidisciplinary care team. 2.To assess usability of the revised discharge planning protocol and paper interface in healthcare practice for individual users and multidisciplinary team communication
Uganda 2025-08-26 11:40:11 2028-08-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Satoru Mikami
ID: UNCST-2019-R000358
 The Effects of a Hands-off Approach and Information Empowerment on Adherence to HWTS: Evidence from a Multi-Arm Randomized Field Experiment in Northern Wakiso, Uganda
REFNo: SS4167ES

This study aims to test two hypotheses on how to improve adherence to HWTS, especially focusing on the regular cleaning of water containers: (1) whether a hands-off approach, such as a conditional cash transfer, is more effective than a conventional hands-on approach, and/or (2) whether information empowerment—specifically, visually exposing the inside of water containers—can promote adherence under challenging conditions.
 Japan 2025-08-25 13:41:19 2028-08-25 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Nathan Kenya-Mugisha
ID: UNCST-2021-R013752
 Assessing different deployment models for small-scale tsetse control using Tiny Targets
REFNo: NS1013ES

The aim of this study is to evaluate three different models of Tiny Target deployment: top-down regular; top-down intensive; community-based, that could be used for future reactive vector control. The data that will be generated in the study will enable policy makers, implementers and funders to make an informed decision about how to implement reactive vector control. The aim will be achieved by the following objectives: Objective 1: to determine which deployment model achieves the greatest reduction in tsetse densities Objective 2: to compare the resource requirements of each deployment model Objective 3: to ascertain the acceptability of the different deployment models to the communities Objective 4: to compare the coverage and quality of Tiny Target deployments between models Objective 5: to assess community knowledge of tsetse habitat and human-tsetse contact areas Methods: Study sites:
Uganda 2025-08-19 13:22:12 2028-08-19 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Slyvia  Aarakit Manjeri
ID: UNCST-2025-R016896
 EVIDENCE FOR INFORMING OPTIMIZATION AND SCALING OF YOUTH AND WOMEN LED CLEAN ENERGY ENTERPRISES AND BUSINESS MODELS IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS4115ES

i. To map the clean energy technologies and their deployment value chains with investment opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs (CEEs) in Uganda.
ii. To identify the best practices in clean energy technologies, financing and business models that promote investment opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs in Uganda.
iii. To investigate the economic and social impact indicators of the selected best practices on women and youth-led entrepreneurs (CEEs) in Uganda
iv. To examine systemic factors influencing access to business opportunities in clean energy technologies for women and youth entrepreneurs.
v. To propose a practical framework for optimizing and scaling up women and youth-led clean energy businesses based on empirical insights from the study

 Uganda 2025-08-19 13:19:56 2028-08-19 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Jennifer Davis
ID: UNCST-2019-R000218
 The health and well-being benefits of transitioning to piped water service: A prospective study in rural Uganda
REFNo: SS4270ES

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 commits the water sector to a new standard of “safely managed” services, including access to an improved water source on premises. This target is not supported by evidence consistently indicating that piped water services on premises generate substantially greater benefits, however. This study, which is the first known prospective analysis of a piped water infrastructure investment in a lower-income country, will help to ensure that debates around costs and benefits of improved services within the SDG initiative are grounded in solid empirical evidence. More specifically, the broad goals of the study are to (1) measure stated preferences of households for piped water service from community water points (public standposts) and household/yard connections, as well as for individual service attributes (e.g., reliability, water quality); (2) assess the impact of transitioning from use of improved community water sources (especially boreholes with handpump) to piped water supply on outcomes at the individual, household and community level; and (3) identify the household, community, and water service characteristics associated with comparatively large (small) impacts.
USA 2025-08-19 13:16:15 2028-08-19 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Esther Cathlyn  Atukunda
ID: UNCST-2022-R009265
 Exploring the implementation of new PrEP methods during periconception, throughout pregnancy, and after childbirth
REFNo: HS6260ES

Aim 1a: Explore preliminary implementation strategies for injectable cabotegravir (CAB) and other long-acting PrEP agents for people of reproductive potential in rural Alabama and Uganda.


Aim1b: Informed by the qualitative findings, we will design a survey to quantify the perceived barriers and facilitators and assess feasibility and acceptability of the implementation strategies proposed in Aim 1a. We propose to survey N~120 key stakeholders (KS) across the two sites.

Approach (Aims 1a-b): Using rapid qualitative methods to analyze in-depth interviews and focus group discussion conducted with ~24 key stakeholders (ministry of health, clinic administrators, clinicians) and ~50 consumers (people of reproductive potential) across the two sites. We will then survey ~120 key stakeholders across sites to assess feasibility and acceptability of the implementation strategies identified in the qualitative work (Aim 2b).

Aim 2. Select implementation strategies for a future adaptive trial through a modified Delphi process.
Approach: Stakeholders will be convened for site-specific group meetings to hear suggestions for implementation strategies and adaptations, and asked rank their preferences. These data and information from the literature will inform the design of an adaptive trial for evaluating implementation strategies for novel PrEP for people of reproductive potential in rural Uganda and Alabama.

 Uganda 2025-08-18 13:55:55 2028-08-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Christine John Amaa Oyokuru
ID: UNCST-2025-R019599
 "Role of Ama-tualu Narratives in Gender Discourse for Men's Participation in Household Livelihood Resilience in Omugo Sub-County, Terego District, Uganda
REFNo: SS4087ES

1. To identify narratives of gender discourses experiences and their implied meanings on men’s active participation for livelihood resilience in Omugo Sub-County, Terego District, Uganda.

2. To evaluate men’s experiences on opportunities, economic well-being, and self-assertiveness in reference to the Afrocentric value of ama-tualu in Omugo Sub-County, Terego District, Uganda.

3. To establish ama-tualu transformative sustainable development practices for men’s participation in household livelihood resilience in Omugo Sub-County in Terego District, Uganda.

 Uganda 2025-08-18 13:54:32 2028-08-18 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
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