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  
Timothy Kintu Mwanje
ID: UNCST-2021-R013684
 Behavioral Determinants of Engagement with Digital Tools for HIV Prevention Information Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Aged 18�24 Years in Uganda
REFNo: HS8456ES

To explore the behavioural mechanisms shaping engagement and utilisation (Theoretical Domains Framework, TDF)., To characterise the extent of HIV-prevention information utilisation and its determinants (situated Information�Motivation�Behavioural Skills, sIMB, framework).,To determine the factors influencing acceptance, intention to use, and actual use of digital tools for HIV-prevention information (UTAUT2 framework).,To determine engagement with, and utilisation of, HIV-prevention information from digital tools among AGYW aged 15�24 years in southwestern Uganda.,
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:35:01 2029-09-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Elias Kumbakumba
ID: UNCST-2022-R011183
 Linking the Placenta to Secretory Activation and Milk Volume in Mothers of Preterm Infants
REFNo: HS8078ES

1. Our overall study objective is to determine if placental features can be used to predict secretory activation (milk coming in) and coming to volume (?500 mL milk per day) during hospitalization for mothers of preterm infants at MRRH/MUST.
2. To describe the placental features and lactation outcomes of mothers delivering preterm infants at MRRH.
3. To investigate the association between placental features and lactation outcomes in mothers of preterm infants at MRRH.
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:32:54 2029-09-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Carol Nanyunja
ID: UNCST-2026-R027220
 Training datasets for CergenX Wave: Anonymisation, extraction and annotation of EEG data
REFNo: HS8560ES

This study is a retrospective data analysis study to gather EEG data required for the training and validation of the CergenX Wave software device.

Primary Objective

Provide anonymised, annotated existing EEG datasets and associated anonymised metadata that were collected as part of historical studies or clinically obtained, to train, test and validate theCergenX Wave AI algorithm.
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:24:49 2029-09-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Enoch Nsubuga Ssemuwemba
ID: UNCST-2026-R025253
 The Influence of Social and Emotional Learning on Youth Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Ugandan Youth in a Peri-Urban Technical and Vocational Institution
REFNo: SS5809ES

Main Objective 1. This study aims to understand how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills influence the economic outcomes of youth in Uganda, particularly those transitioning from vocational education into the workforce.Specific Objectives 1. Examine whether SEL skills are associated with youth employment, income, and upward economic mobility in peri-urban Uganda. 2. Compare employment and income outcomes among youth with different levels of SEL skills during the transition from training to work. 3. Explore how young people and key stakeholders understand the role of SEL skills in shaping work opportunities and life outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:20:31 2029-09-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Kimberly Wortmann Teresa
ID: UNCST-2024-R003729
 Alternative Financial Modernities: The rise, debate, and disputes over Islamic banking in Uganda
REFNo: SS3121ES

1. To analyze the impact of internal tensions among Muslims, and between Muslims and non-Muslims, on the growth and development of Islamic finance and banking in Uganda.
2. To identify the main factors that have fueled the demand for Islamic banking products and institutions in Uganda since the early 1990s.
3. To examine how Muslim leaders and academics have pushed for the creation of Islamic banking in Uganda.
4. To evaluate the gendered dimensions of Islamic banking in Uganda.
5. To investigate the impact of Islamic banking on religious identity.

 USA 2026-09-09 17:18:33 2029-09-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Sumayia Nakimuli
ID: UNCST-2025-R022823
 Development of a Machine Learning Model for Predicting Preeclampsia Risk Among Pregnant Women at Kawempe National Rerrefal Hospital
REFNo: HS8169ES

Main Objective To develop and evaluate a machine learning model for predicting the risk of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Specific Objectives 1. To conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) and feature engineering on retrospective maternal health records from Kawempe National Referral Hospital to identify. 2. To develop and train, multiple machine-learning models, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest, and XGBoost, for preeclampsia risk prediction. 3. To test and validate the predictive performance of the developed machine-learning models using an independent test dataset, comparing their diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and AUC-ROC.
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:17:06 2029-09-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Christine Nalwadda Kayemba
ID: UNCST-2020-R014220
 UPTAKE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF THE MALARIA VACCINE AMONG MOTHERS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AGED 18 TO 24 MONTHS IN MUKONO AND BUIKWE DISTRICTS, UGANDA
REFNo: HS8069ES

4.To explore, barriers and enablers of malaria vaccine acceptability and uptake as experienced by caregivers, community health workers and health system actors in the study area.,3. To explore the acceptability of the malaria vaccine among caregivers of children aged 18 to 24 months in in Mukono and Buikwe districts ,2. To determine caregiver?level, child and household, and health?system factors associated with malaria vaccine initiation and schedule completion among children aged 6 to 24 months in Mukono and Buikwe districts.,1.To estimate the proportion of children aged 18 to 24 months in Mukono and Buikwe districts who have (i) initiated the malaria vaccine (received at least one dose) and (ii) completed all doses due for their age.,To assess the uptake and acceptability of the malaria vaccine, and associated factors, among mothers and caregivers of children aged 18 to 24 months in Mukono and Buikwe districts.,
 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:13:32 2029-09-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
SultanJuma Kakuba
ID: UNCST-2025-R022656
 TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE APPROACHES DILEMMA TO LAND GRABBING MITIGATION IN BUGANDA AND ACHOLI REGIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUBENDE AND AMURU
REFNo: SS5257ES

1. To assess the efficacy of the Buganda and Acholi traditional governance structures in mitigating land grabbing in the districts of Mubende and Amuru, respectively.
2. To examine constraints to Buganda and Acholi traditional governance structures in land grabbing mitigation in the districts of Mubende and Amuru, respectively
3. To compare and contrast the Baganga and Acholi traditional land governance structures' dilemma in the mitigation of land grabbing.

Uganda 2026-09-09 17:07:41 2029-09-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Innocent Mwaka
ID: UNCST-2026-R023653
 Impact Evaluation of Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services in Schools in Karamoja, Uganda
REFNo: SS6011ES

• Measure the causal impact of climate-resilient school WASH services on children's health outcomes, school attendance and educational achievement.
• Assess whether improved menstrual health infrastructure and social and behaviour change (SBC) programming increase attendance, reduce dropout, and strengthen empowerment and self-efficacy among adolescent girls.
• Determine whether effects on health and education outcomes are sustained during periods of climatic stress, such as prolonged dry seasons.
• Assess the fidelity of programme implementation and the factors that facilitate or constrain delivery at school, community, district and national level.

 Uganda 2026-09-09 17:03:37 2029-09-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Provia Ainembabazi
ID:
Evaluating changes in Village Health Team Performance following implementation of CareConnect Project in Amuru District, Uganda
REFNo: HS8578ES

To assess changes in the financial knowledge following implementation of the financial literacy training of the CareConnect Amuru intervention package. ,To explore the perceptions and experiences of VHTs, family members, community members, health care workers, and district health officials regarding implementation of the CareConnect Amuru intervention package, including its acceptability, perceived benefits, implementation challenges, unintended consequences, and influence on community health service delivery. ,To assess changes in VHTs performance following implementation of the CareConnect Amuru intervention package by evaluating trends in routine service delivery indicators, including household visit frequency and coverage, referral rates, and referral turnaround time. ,To evaluate the changes in VHT performance following implementation of CareConnect Amuru intervention package (i.e. Mobility [bicycle provision], sustainability of mobility solution [bicycle maintenance and repair], and community development for long term mobility sustainability [financial training]) in Amuru district, Uganda.,
 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:52:03 2029-09-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kamya Moses
ID: UNCST-2020-R014203
 Pilot evaluation of the Comprehensive Larviciding Evaluation and Assessment Framework (CLEAR) in Uganda
REFNo: HS8566ES

This study aims to evaluate the added benefit of CLEAR-guided larviciding evaluation over routine guided program-led larviciding evaluation in Uganda, assessing operational performance, impact, and cost-effectiveness.,
 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:49:35 2029-09-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Kiconco Catherine
ID: UNCST-2021-R012494
 ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA
REFNo: NS1400ES

(i) To document the medicinal plants used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children under five in southwestern Uganda.
(ii) To determine in vitro antibacterial effects of the selected medicinal plants in the treatment of URTIs among children.
(iii) To isolate and identify bioactive components from the selected medicinal plants.


 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:47:11 2029-09-04 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
BABALANDA STANLEY
ID: UNCST-2025-R021770
 LOCAL POWER DYNAMICS AND VIOLENCE IN RWENZORI SUB-REGION OF UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF KASESE AND BUNDIBUGYO DISTRICTS, 1962–2025
REFNo: SS5805ES

1.To assess the nature of Local Power Dynamics in the Rwenzori Sub-Region of Uganda.
2.To analyse the role played by key actors involved in perpetuating or resisting violence in the Rwenzori Sub-Region of Uganda.
3.To examine the ways through which local power dynamics lead to reproduction or resistance of violence in the Rwenzori Sub-Region of Uganda.
 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:45:53 2029-09-04 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Samuel  Kiweewa Baker
ID: UNCST-2026-R026610
 STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT PLANNING AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA: INSIGHTS FROM NDEJJE UNIVERSITY
REFNo: SS5913ES

General Objective To evaluate the consequences of strategic procurement planning on Organizational performance in Private Universities, using Ndejje University as a case study. Specific Objectives To achieve the above purpose, the study will investigate the following specific objectives: i. To determine the effect of strategic needs assessment and forecasting on organizational performance at Ndejje University. ii. To examine the effect of budget allocation practices on organizational performance at Ndejje University. iii. To assess the effect of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure integration on organizational performance at Ndejje University. iv. To determine the moderating effect of institutional governance quality on the relationship between strategic procurement planning and organizational performance at Ndejje University.
Uganda 2026-09-04 15:39:44 2029-09-04 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Abdulkarim Ssegawa
ID: UNCST-2023-R007566
 MACHINE LEARNING MODELS TO PREDICT ART ADHERENCE, ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS, AND SEVERE BRONCHOPNEUMONIA AMONG CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA
REFNo: SIR780ES

To develop and validate an audio-based AI algorithm for prediction of severe bronchopneumonia among children with respiratory infections,To explore the performance of the available different audio-based AI algorithms developed for prediction of various diseases.,To develop and validate an AI algorithm to diagnose and predict active tuberculosis among CLHIV enrolled in the EMPIRICAL clinical trial,To develop and validate an AI model for predicting ART adherence among early treated CLHIV from the EARTH cohort,DEVELOPMENT OF AI MODELS FOR THE PREDICTION OF ART ADHERENCE, ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS, AND SEVERE BRONCHOPNEUMONIA AMONG CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA,
 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:37:45 2029-09-04 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
SUNDAY NICKSON
ID: UNCST-2026-R023410
 PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING AND HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN UGANDA: A CASE OF NTUNGAMO DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT
REFNo: SS5915ES

Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to establish the effect of participatory budgeting on health service delivery in local governments in Uganda using Ntungamo District Local Governement. Objective of the study The study will be guided by the following objectives. i. To establish the effect of participatory budget formulation on health service delivery in Ntungamo District. ii. To establish the effect participatory budget implementation on health service delivery in Ntungamo District. iii. To examine the effect participatory budget monitoring on health service delivery in Ntungamo District. iv. To establish the moderating role of political influence in the relationship between participatory budgeting and health service delivery.
Uganda 2026-09-04 15:33:29 2029-09-04 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Tierra Smiley Evans
ID: UNCST-2026-R027022
 Population Census and Health Assessment of Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
REFNo: NS1370ES

Overall Goal & Objectives: The primary goal of this project is to utilize molecular analyses to conduct a comprehensive population census and health assessment of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi that will support conservation and management of this critically endangered species.
Our specific objectives, described below, include generating critical data on gorilla count and distribution, their associated microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles, pathogen prevalence, and parasite burden, as well as assessing anthropogenic impacts to these health indicators. Together, these data and analyses will directly inform management strategies and health monitoring protocols, while also enhancing regional capacity to protect mountain gorillas.

Objective 1: Generate a population size estimate based on molecular data generated in the region. We have developed a robust panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers unique to the gorilla genome which will effectively identify individuals from fecal samples. We will apply our approach to samples collected during the BINP census. These samples include both habituated and unhabituated gorillas, the latter of which are rarely observed directly. While all habituated gorillas are well known and regularly monitored by Gorilla Doctors, our molecular analysis of night nest fecal samples will allow inclusion of unhabituated groups without the need for direct encounters. This approach will generate an accurate estimate of the total gorilla population in BINP and provide a reliable, validated molecular genotyping method for long-term monitoring of all eastern gorilla populations. In addition, while comprehensive censuses of mountain gorillas have been conducted every 5-10 years since 1971, the current census will be the first for which all genotyping will be conducted in the region. This is now possible due to capacity building efforts by Gorilla Doctors including development of the Gorilla Doctors Regional One Health Laboratory in Musanze, Rwanda.

Objective 2: Conduct molecular surveillance of pathogens and parasites circulating in the gorilla population. Fecal samples will be screened for a wide range of endemic and emerging pathogens and parasites using multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. This will include respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens and parasites spanning bacteria, viruses, fungi, and strongylid nematodes. The resulting data will be integrated into a broader analysis of spatial and temporal trends in pathogen prevalence among eastern gorillas. Gorilla Doctors are well equipped to conduct this surveillance as we already implement validated methods for molecular pathogen detection in our Regional One Health Laboratory.

Objective 3: Assess helminth burden in the gorilla population. We will conduct helminth egg counts in fecal samples. Strongylid and other helminth parasites are widespread in mountain gorilla populations, and these parasites have been linked to gastrointestinal disease (Petrželková et al., 2021). Egg counts data will be used as a proxy for helminth infection intensity, which will be analyzed along with other health indicators to elucidate factors influencing gorilla health.

Objective 4: Molecularly characterize microbiomes associated with the gorilla gut and elucidate their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene profiles. We will employ high throughput sequencing to generate metagenomic data from mixed microbial communities present in gorilla fecal samples and predict AMR gene function based on existing databases. While most studies of AMR in gorillas have been culture-based, our metagenomic sequencing approach will allow characterization of a larger fraction of AMR genes present across entire microbial communities associated with the gorilla gut (de Abreu et al., 2021). This work will examine how microbiomes and AMR profiles vary by individual, group identity, and location within BINP, and how they are influenced by host genetics, infections, and antibiotic interventions. We are uniquely equipped to address the relationship between AMR and history of clinical treatments using Gorilla Doctors extensive records of clinical cases and antibiotic drug treatment regimes. Gorilla Doctors’ clinical intervention records for mountain gorillas in BINP date back to 1997. The results of this work will contribute to baseline health parameters for mountain gorillas. In addition, results are pertinent to clinical interventions for gorillas and to public health in the region.

Objective 5: Utilize modeling and statistical approaches to evaluate anthropogenic impacts to gorilla health indicators. Leveraging UWA's data on tourist visitation frequencies, we will investigate correlations between tourism pressure and variations in pathogen prevalence, helminth burden, gut microbiomes, and AMR profiles across gorilla groups. Further, we will examine associations among pathogen distribution, microbiome and AMR profiles, and proximity to human-modified landscapes. This will provide insights into how human presence and activities influence gorilla health and will inform management strategies to minimize negative impacts using a One Health approach.

 USA 2026-09-04 15:29:09 2029-09-04 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Omoding Jacob
ID: UNCST-2025-R017370
 EFFECTS OF FLOODS ON FOOD PRODUCTION AND RURAL LIVELIHOOD IN SELECTED SUB-COUNTIES IN KUMI DISTRICT EASTERN UGANDA
REFNo: NS1306ES

Specific Objectives 1. To determine the natural and anthropogenic causes of floods within the study area by mapping flood-prone areas. 2. To characterize the frequency and magnitude of flood occurrence in the study area using GIS based flood mapping techniques and historical flood data. 3. To assess the effect of recent floods (years 2000 to 2020) on food production within the study area by mapping the areas affected by floods 4. To describe adaptive strategies employed by local communities to mitigate flood impacts on their livelihoods by mapping infrastructure, flood control measures, and flood-adapted farming practices
Uganda 2026-09-04 15:24:45 2029-09-04 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Amuzah Nshabaruhanga
ID: UNCST-2026-R024275
 Effect of Continuous Medical Education on Healthcare Workers Knowledge and Initiation of Hypertension Care at Primary Health Care Facilities in Hoima District, Western Uganda.
REFNo: HS8383ES

1. To determine the effect of targeted continuous medical education on healthcare workers' knowledge of hypertension care at selected primary health care facilities 2. To assess the effect of targeted continuous medical education on the initiation of patients with elevated blood pressure into care at selected primary health care facilities
Uganda 2026-09-04 15:22:48 2029-09-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Christine Nalwadda Kayemba
ID: UNCST-2020-R014220
 MORTALITY AMONG SMALL AND VULNERABLE NEONATES AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE, PREVALENCE AT TWO MONTHS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG INFANTS DISCHARGED IN CENTRAL UGANDA
REFNo: HS8297ES

To assess care-seeking behaviors and health system interactions for SVNs during the first two months of birth.,To determine the factors influencing two-month mortality among SVNs following discharge from a health facility.,To compare the proportion of two months� mortality after hospital discharge between SVNs born with weight of <2000gm versus those that are born with a weight of 2000-2499gm.,To estimate the proportion of small and vulnerable newborns (SVNs) who die within the first two months of life after discharge from health facilities in Central Uganda, and factors influencing mortality within that age group at the community level to generate evidence that fills critical gaps in understanding outcomes for SVNs in community settings.,
 Uganda 2026-09-04 15:18:13 2029-09-04 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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