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  
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
Joyce Kambugu Balagadde
ID: UNCST-2020-R014996
International classification, cancer and care: Accounting for the diagnostic potential of low- and middle-income countries
REFNo: SS3561ES

NOTES: The overall project is guided by three research questions, given here with their related objectives. Specific objectives for research activities in Uganda are also described. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 1: What are the “on-the-ground realities” of brain tumour diagnosis and care in Sub-Saharan Africa and how does diagnostic practice in brain tumours differ across the region? OBJECTIVE 1: To develop three detailed empirical case studies of diagnostic work and brain tumour care in Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa that are embedded in understandings of care23, national policy, socio-technical infrastructures, and international classification. OBJECTIVE 2: To compare empirical case studies to develop rich understandings of how practitioners in Sub-Saharan Africa use, refuse, or adapt WHO classifications, or mobilise to establish their own terms of reference. OBJECTIVE 3: To generate critical perspectives on diagnostic value, where diagnosis might not be assumed an essential condition of good care. RESEARCH QUESTION 2: How are the diagnostic contexts of LMICs considered by experts writing international cancer classifications? OBJECTIVE 4: To examine how international cancer classifiers understand diagnostic approaches and infrastructures in LMICs. OBJECTIVE 5: To examine the individual values and institutional principles that guide how classifiers consider these approaches in their decision-making about cancer classification. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 3: How are local medical practitioners, cancer advocates, and international organisations mobilising in a regional network to improve brain tumour outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa? OBJECTIVE 6: To explore how local medical practitioners, advocates, and international organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa are collaborating in a new professional network, Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA), to improve brain tumour diagnosis and care across Sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE 7: To examine how members understand unity and diversity among Sub-Saharan African countries, and establish common aspirations and strategies concerning diagnosis and classification. OBJECTIVE 8: To explore how members understand their work on a disease which is considered rare, yet its true incidence unknown, and which is de-prioritised in national and international funding. The specific research objective for research conducted in Uganda is to develop a thorough ethnographic understanding of how brain tumour diagnosis happens in practice; how diagnostic work relates to local sociotechnical infrastructure, national policy, and international classification; and how diagnosis relates to care and treatment decision-making.
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:29:40 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
ssonko jackson
ID: UNCST-2022-R009683
SOCIAL SECURITY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND CLIENTS' SATISFACTION: A CASE OF NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY FUND BENEFICIARIES IN UGANDA .
REFNo: SS2326ES

To investigate the contribution of the Social Security Policy Implementation on NSSF Clients’ Satisfaction in Uganda,To assess the influence of Legal framework for social security on NSSF clients’ satisfaction in Uganda.,To analyze the congruence between of Social Security Policy Implementation andLegal framework for social security with particular reference to NSSF in Uganda,To investigate the contribution of the Social security policy to NSSF clients’ satisfaction. The donation is regarded as mediating the Legal Framework for Community Safety with a particular focus on Kampala and the surrounding areas of Uganda.,
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:26:08 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
GWOKYALYA EDITH BAAGALA
ID: UNCST-2023-R005596
Academic staff workload and Quality management in private chartered universities in Uganda
REFNo: SS3509ES

i. To examine the effect of the academic staff workload on total quality management in Private chartered universities in Uganda.
ii. To evaluate the effect of academic staff workload on faculty development programs in private chartered universities in Uganda.
iii. To examine the effect of faculty development programs on total quality management in Private chartered universities in Uganda.
iv. To assess the mediating effect of faculty development programs in the relationship between academic staff workload and total quality management in Private chartered universities in Uganda

Uganda 2025-03-14 18:24:15 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Paulous Serugo
ID: UNCST-2023-R005541
EFFECT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY-GENERATED CROPS ON SOCIALAND ECONOMIC JUSTICE OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN CENTRAL UGANDA
REFNo: SS2560ES

To evaluate the benefits and costs of biotechnology-generated crops on the social justice of smallholder farmers.,To investigate the effect of biotechnology-generated crops on improved food availability for smalljholder farmers,To analyse the effect of biotechnology-genrated crops on the growing and utilization of indigenous crops,To assess the adoption process of biotechnology generated crops among smallholder farmers in cnetral Uganda,Investigate the effect of biotechnology-genrated crops on social and economic justice of smallholder farmers in central Uganda,
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:22:43 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Brenda Ainomugisha
ID: UNCST-2021-R013462
EFFECT OF POINT-OF-CARE CONTRACEPTIVE PROVISION ON MODERN METHODS UPTAKE AMONG WOMEN DELIVERING BY CESAREAN SECTION AT MBARARA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
REFNo: HS4718ES

MAIN OBJECTIVE
To describe patterns of immediate postpartum contraceptive uptake, evaluate the effect of point-of-care
provision on uptake, and identify factors influencing uptake among women delivering by cesarean
section at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the prevalence of immediate postpartum modern contraception uptake among women
delivering by cesarean section at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
2. To determine the factors associated with immediate postpartum modern contraception uptake among
women delivering by cesarean section at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
3. To evaluate the effect of point-of-care contraceptive provision intervention on immediate postpartum
modern contraceptive uptake among women delivering by cesarean section at Mbarara Regional
Referral Hospital
4. To explore the barriers and facilitators of point-of-care contraceptive provision on immediate
postpartum modern contraceptive uptake among women delivering by cesarean section at Mbarara
Regional Referral Hospital
5. To describe postpartum modern contraceptive uptake among women who experienced the point of care
provision of contraceptive methods up to one year of follow-up
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:18:20 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Alex Muheesi Gerald
ID: UNCST-2024-R002585
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SERVICE DELIVERY
REFNo: SS3520ES

General objective
To examine the effect of procurement management practices on service delivery by Ugandan Cities
Specific objectives
i. To examine the effect of procurement planning on service delivery
ii. To assess the effect of transparency and accountability on service delivery
iii. To evaluate the effect of competitive bidding on service delivery
iv. To examine the effect of contract management on service delivery
v. To assess the role of leadership and politics on service delivery

Uganda 2025-03-14 18:15:15 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Musa Sekamatte
ID: UNCST-2024-R016555
Understanding Multisectoral Collaboration for Strengthening Antimicrobial Resistance Interventions in Uganda.
REFNo: HS5641ES

1. To examine how MSC for strengthening AMR interventions occurs
2. To determine the barriers for facilitators for strengthening MSC of AMR interventions
3. To describe features of a desirable MSC model for strengthening AMR interventions

Uganda 2025-03-14 18:11:39 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Jessica Lambert Elisabeth
ID: UNCST-2024-R003524
Tracing the Pathways
REFNo: SS3347ES

 To identify barriers and enablers to successful program implementation, To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the interventions, To compare the outcomes of different interventions and identify key factors contributing to well-being and self-reliance., To evaluate the current mental health status and self-reliance of former beneficiaries of TPO_Uganda’s programming,
USA 2025-03-14 18:07:03 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Innocent kemigisha
ID: UNCST-2024-R003156
EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR TRAINERS IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN UGANDA
REFNo: SIR423ES

iv. Determine professional development needs of TVET trainers in Uganda.,iii. Ascertain the challenges that were met when implementing these programs.,ii. Determine the impact of CPD on TVET trainers in Uganda.,i. Find out the features of the CPD programs that have been conducted for TVET trainers in Uganda.,The research will analyze continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for TVET trainers in Uganda to determine their effectiveness,
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:05:40 2028-03-14 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Richard MIGISHA
ID: UNCST-2024-R002154
Enhancing Zoonotic One Health Engagement and Communication (ZOHEC) and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) intervention in selected districts of Southwestern Uganda
REFNo: HS5420ES

To enhance the prevention, detection, and control of zoonotic diseases, diabetes and hypertension by strengthening risk communication, community engagement, surveillance systems, and the capacity of health workers, while fostering collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors,
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:02:18 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Steven Bulega Elijah
ID: UNCST-2024-R003520
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IMMEDIATE ADVERSE MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES OF OBSTRUCTED LABOR AT KAYUNGA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN UGANDA
REFNo: HS5564ES

1. To identify the prevalence of obstructed labor at KRRH among women that delivered there from January to December 2023
2. To assess the factors associated with the immediate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes of obstructed labor at KRRH among women that delivered there from January 2023 to December 2023
3. To explore the immediate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes of obstructed labor at KRRH among women that delivered there from January 2023 to December 2023
Uganda 2025-03-14 18:00:07 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Lynn Atuyambe Atuyambe
ID: UNCST-2021-R012602
Exploring the facilitators and barriers of coverage, access, and use of HPV vaccination services among girls aged 10-14 years in Uganda
REFNo: SS3473ES

4. Determine the overall national performance of HPV vaccination in Uganda,3. Describe Uganda’s overall context of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in cancer prevention and adolescent health,2. To document the challenges facing the least performing 12 districts, the interventions applied through the World Bank Group grant-funded activities,1. To explore the facilitators and barriers of coverage, access, and use of HPV first and second dose (full dose vaccination) services among girls aged 10-14 years in Uganda ,
Uganda 2025-03-14 17:53:23 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Felix Oyania
ID: UNCST-2021-R013492
Impact of an outreach program on reduction of pediatric surgical disease in a refugee population
REFNo: HS5568ES

Aim 1: Evaluate the impact of an outreach program on reduction of pediatric surgical disease and averted disability (a) in comparison to a historical cohort (b). Aim 2: Assess acquisition of knowledge and behavior change of refugee settlement healthcare providers in identifying and referring pediatric patients with surgically treatable disease.
Uganda 2025-03-14 17:50:38 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Wilber Sabiiti
ID: UNCST-2024-R016293
Field clinical evaluation of the NG-Test Point of Care lateral flow device (LFD) for monkeypox diagnosis in Uganda
REFNo: HS5602ES

To evaluate detection performance and clinical agreement of Rapid Point of Care (POC) antigen assay for diagnosis of mpox among clinically suspected patients in healthcare facilities in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, and Nakasongola districts in Uganda.

Specific objective 1
To determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, & predictive values of the Rapid NG-Test antigen
assay in comparison to PCR and sequencing among patients with mpox
Specific objective 2
To identify MPXV clade (s) circulating among patients with mpox through virologic metagenomic
sequencing

Uganda 2025-03-14 17:48:15 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
JOLLY KAKKAYI NYESIGIRE
ID: UNCST-2024-R004296
TALENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS3682ES

The objectives of this study are:
1. To examine the influence of talent attractiveness on employees performance in Public Universities;
2. To investigate the effect of talent motivation on employees performance in Public Universities;
3. To explore the effect of talent development on the performance of employees in Public Universities;
4. To establish the relationship between talent retention and employees performance in Public Universities.
5. To examine the moderation effect of employee commitment on the relationship between talent management practices and employee performance.

Uganda 2025-03-14 17:45:15 2028-03-14 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Victor Musiime
ID: UNCST-2021-R013794
A global phase 3, randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of etavopivat in adolescents and adults with sickle cell disease
REFNo: HS5637ES

1. To demonstrate superiority of
treatment with etavopivat
versus placebo in adolescents
and adults with SCD.
2. To evaluate clinical efficacy
measures of etavopivat treatment
versus placebo in adolescents
and adults with SCD
3. To assess clinically meaningful
improvement in fatigue and
functional exercise capacity
and QOL measures of
adolescents and adults with
SCD taking etavopivat
treatment compared to placebo
Uganda 2025-03-14 17:26:26 2028-03-14 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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