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  
Grace Ahimbisibwe Miriam
ID: UNCST-2021-R012129
 Establishing Surveillance for Serious Neonatal Infections in sub-Saharan Africa (SNIP-Africa) Version 2.0 dated 15 Aug 2024
REFNo: HS5614ES

General Objective
To establish capacity and methods to conduct surveillance of neonatal BSI, pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, AMR colonisation prevalence (patient and hospital environment) and antibiotic prescribing trends among hospitalised neonates (?28 days) in sSA neonatal units.


Specific Objectives
i. To set up a surveillance network and define methods to support continuous epidemiological evaluation of neonates with suspected sepsis in participating sSA neonatal units.
ii. To create a streamlined, translatable data capture approach for use across a range of healthcare facilities.
iii. To determine the personnel and physical resources required for ongoing surveillance in different settings.
iv. To develop a real time data dashboard driving quality improvement through surveillance at the level of participating sites.
v. To describe AMR burden and patterns and identify trends in resistant bacterial invasive and carriage isolates in participating units and participants.
vi. To pilot assessment of colonization pressure and the relationship between invasive blood culture isolates, faecal carriage, the hospital environment and antimicrobial usage.
vii. To develop tools to detect and monitor outbreaks within participating neonatal units.
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:17:57 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Edgar Mulogo Mugema
ID: UNCST-2023-R008170
 HIV-Associated Viral Acute Respiratory Tract Illness (HAVARTI): The burden and severity of vaccine-preventable respiratory infection in people living with HIV in rural Uganda.
REFNo: HS5676ES

Primary Objective

The overarching goal of this study is to define the incidence and relative frequency of, and severity of illness from, influenza and two other vaccine-preventable viral respiratory infections, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, among people living with HIV (PLWH) in rural Uganda.


Specific Aims

1. Determine the incidence of ARI in a cohort of individuals living with HIV in rural Uganda and the proportion and incidence of those ARI episodes caused by vaccine-preventable viral respiratory infections (influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2). We will enroll adolescents and adults infected with HIV who receive care at the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Bugoye Health Centre (BHC), a rural peripheral health facility in western Uganda. Participants will self-collect a mid-turbinate nasal swab at the onset of every episode of ARI during the study follow-up period. Samples will be tested for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours of collection using a molecular assay.

2. Estimate the morbidity and mortality from influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in this same population of PLWH. Study staff will conduct home visits 14 days after the onset of each episode of ARI to assess outcomes. Specifically, they will record any antibiotic or other treatment taken and its source (e.g., purchased at drug shop or prescribed by a healthcare provider); missed days of work (e.g., in the field for subsistence farmers); care-seeking including outpatient visits and inpatient admissions; and vital status.

3. Explore risk factors for severe disease from influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 among PLWH. As an exploratory aim, we will collect information on demographics, household and socioeconomic factors, cooking methods, past medical history including presence of underlying lung disease, smoking status, and history of pneumonia or tuberculosis, nadir and last CD4 count, most recent HIV viral load (VL) and VL at diagnosis, and ART history.

Uganda 2025-04-11 14:15:22 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Ouma Simple
ID: UNCST-2021-R012820
 Harnessing Parental Social Networks to Increase HIV Testing Uptake Among Children of At-Risk Parents in Uganda: A Parallel-Group, Two-Arm Quasi-Experimental Implementation Science Protocol
REFNo: HS5741ES

Objectives:

Main Objective

To Adapt, implement and evaluate maternal SNS to improve access to HIV testing services among children of FSW.

Specific Objectives

1. To adapt SNS that harnesses maternal SN for HIV testing in children of female sex workers
2. To implement the adapted HASHTAG intervention targeting CARP in Gulu City
3. To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation science outcomes of the HASHTAG project
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:13:08 2028-04-11 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Davis Hafashimana Simon
ID: UNCST-2025-R018006
 An investigation into the variability of Hemileia vastatrix on Robusta coffee in Uganda
REFNo: A591ES

Objectives 1. To assess the genetic diversity of Hemileia vastatrix on Robusta coffee in Uganda 2. To make a linkage of any observed diversity to disease distribution in Uganda
Uganda 2025-04-11 14:11:00 2028-04-11 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Venantius Bbaale Kirwana Bbaale
ID: UNCST-2024-R002370
 RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN UGANDA’S ISLANDS, AN ANALYSIS OF SEXUALITY INFORMATION SOURCES AND COMPLETENESS.
REFNo: SS3785ES

4-Evaluate the level of completeness of sexuality information from various sources to young people in Uganda\'s island communities,3-Compare current and preferred sources of sexuality information sources among young people in the Uganda Island communities,2-Assess the barriers young people in island communities face in accessing sexuality information from different sources.,1-Explore young people’s perceptions of risky sexual behavior in the Uganda Island communities.,Examine young people’s perceptions of risky sexual behavior and how sexuality information sources and completeness influence sexual behavior, in Uganda Island communities.,
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:09:55 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Javan Tindyebwa
ID: UNCST-2025-R017192
 ETHICAL LEADERSHIP, LEADER ACCOUNTABILITY, STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION, AND EDUCATION SERVICE QUALITY AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS3802ES

To examine the extent to which Stakeholder Participation mediates the relationship between Ethical Leadership and Education Service Quality in MUK in Uganda.,To establish the effect of Ethical Leadership on Education Service Quality in MUK in Uganda. ,To establish the effect of Stakeholder Participation on Education Service Quality in MUK in Uganda., To establish the effect of Leadership Accountability on Education Service Quality in MUK in Uganda,To examine the relationship between ethical leadership and leader accountability, and service quality and how these relationships are mediated by stakeholders at Makerere University.,
 Uganda 2025-04-11 14:04:32 2028-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
EDIMOND SERWANGA
ID: UNCST-2025-R017659
 ASSESSING THE SITUATION OF TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN UGANDA
REFNo: SS3797ES

General objective To assess the teaching and learning situation of primary and secondary school teachers in both refugee and non-refugee settings across Uganda's West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions. 1.2.2. Specific objectives The study aims to address the following specific objectives: (i) To explore how teachers create, promote and utilise a supportive teaching environment that enhances their professional growth and well-being. (ii) To establish school and community practices that enhance child protection, well-being, and inclusion. (iii) To assess teachers’ practices on classroom management, instruction and assessment. (iv) To establish teachers’ understanding of the curriculum and how it informs teachers’ practices. (v) To establish language support strategies used by teachers to promote learning in schools.
Uganda 2025-04-09 17:19:38 2028-04-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Lolem Lucy Chegem
ID: UNCST-2024-R004656
 Nature and Degree of Karamojong Pastoral Community Participation and Integration in Wildlife Conservation Interventions in Kidepo Valley National Park, North Eastern Uganda
REFNo: SS3755ES

1. To conduct a policy review towards the establishment of national (Uganda) wildlife conservation policies and guidelines on community participation and integration of Indigenous peoples' social and cultural practices
2. To examine the Karamojong Indigenous and traditional wildlife conservation values, practices, and livelihood needs associated with KVNP
3. To explore the nature of the Karamojong participation in wildlife conservation practices in the management of KVNP
4. To determine the degree of the Karamojong participation in wildlife conservation activities in KVNP
5. To explore the nature of the Karamojong integration in wildlife conservation practices in the management of KVNP
6. To determine the degree of the Karamojong integration in wildlife conservation activities in KVNP

 Uganda 2025-04-09 17:01:55 2028-04-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
REBECCA NANTANDA
ID: UNCST-2019-R001533
 Optimization and testing of ALRITE, a clinical decision support tool for management of respiratory illnesses in young children in primary care health facilities in Uganda
REFNo: HS5721ES

To pilot test ALRITE in 4 Ugandan health facilities after an optimization phase of iterative testing and ALRITE improvement.

1. To optimize ALRITE for health worker use through multiple cycles of reversal single-case experiments29,30* with 6-8 health workers per cycle.
2. Pilot-test study feasibility and the effectiveness of the optimized ALRITE tool on the diagnosis and management of wheezing illness and pneumonia in young children using interrupted time series (ITS) design.
3. Assess outcomes of implementation following ALRITE deployment and determinants of successful adoption using a sequential quant-> QUAL mixed methods design.
 Uganda 2025-04-09 16:40:46 2028-04-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Peter Olds
ID: UNCST-2023-R006240
 Evaluation of NT-proBNP in outpatient heart failure care in southwestern Uganda
REFNo: HS5796ES

Main Objective 1. Create and evaluate an algorithm for nurses using a point-of-care biomarker of heart failure (N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP) to support heart failure management in Uganda. Specific Objectives 1. Identify an average baseline NT-proBNP for patients with HFrEF in the MRRH outpatient cardiology clinic. 2. Develop and compare the use of an algorithm for diuresis based on the NT-proBNP with standard of care diuretic plans for patients with HFrEF in the MRRH outpatient cardiology clinic 3. Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an NT-proBNP based algorithm for heart failure care in Uganda
 USA 2025-04-09 16:31:41 2028-04-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Jennifer Serwanga
ID: UNCST-2024-R002056
 VacICoP: Chimpanzee Adenovirus Type 3-Vectored Marburg Glycoprotein (GP)-Expressing Vaccine (ChAd3-MARV)-Induced Correlates of Protection
REFNo: HS5469ES

This study aims to identify the immune correlates of protection (ICoPs) against Marburg virus disease (MVD) through comprehensive analyses of humoral and cellular responses in both vaccinated and infected individuals. ICoPs will be identified by studying human and non-human
primates (NHPs) that have either survived infection, succumbed to it, or been successfully immunised. The research aims to expedite regulatory approval and licensure by identifying the most effective and durable ICoPs against MVD.
Key objectives and deliverables include:
1. Identifying the MVD ICoPs
2. Detailed humoral and cellular immune profiles distinguishing protective from nonprotective anti-MARV immunity
3. Reference reagents and scalable high-throughput screening assays
4. Predictive statistical models for forecasting vaccination effectiveness
5. Integrated clinical, immunological, and demographic datasets
6. Regulatory guidance for new vaccines approval
7. Global collaborative data exchange framework
 Uganda 2025-04-09 16:29:46 2028-04-09 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Erisa Mwaka Sabakaki
ID: UNCST-2019-R001625
 Stakeholder perceptions and ethical considerations in gene therapy clinical trials for sickle cell disease in Uganda
REFNo: SS3570ES

Aim 1: To determine stakeholder perceptions of somatic gene therapy for SCD. We shall engage patient support and advocacy groups to ascertain knowledge gaps, expectations, and preferences regarding gene therapy. This will facilitate patient education and smooth implementation of research and development of affordable and accessible gene therapy in LMICs.

Aim 2: To examine the ethical, legal, and social considerations in somatic gene therapy clinical trials for SCD in a resource-limited setting. We shall use deliberative focus group discussions and key informant interviews to explore the ethical and social considerations in somatic gene therapy research in low-resource settings.

 Uganda 2025-04-09 16:28:31 2028-04-09 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Willbroad Byamukama
ID: UNCST-2022-R010646
 RURAL LANDLESSNESS AND FOOD INSECURITY IN UGANDA; A CASE OF KIGEZI SUB-REGION (KABALE, RUBANDA, RUKIGA, AND KISORO DISTRICTS)
REFNo: A561ES

iii. To establish workable strategies to address food insecurity in Kigezi sub-region (Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, and Kisoro).,ii. To examine the effect of rural landlessness on food insecurity in Kigezi region (Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, and Kisoro).,i. To examine the causes of rural landlessness in Kigezi sub-region (Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, and Kisoro).,The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of rural landlessness and food insecurity in, Uganda case of Kigezi region and come up with strategies to increase food security in Kigezi sub region with the rural landlessness.,
 Uganda 2025-04-09 16:09:36 2028-04-09 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
DICKSON NIWASASIRA
ID: UNCST-2024-R003949
 The Effectiveness of Electronic Media on Utilization of Health Services in a Rural Setting
REFNo: SS3705ES

I. Establish the electronic media channels used by different demographic segments of the rural population to access health information.
II. Determine the impact of electronic media on overall utilization of facility- based Health services in a rural setting.
III. Establish the effectiveness of different electronic media channels on utilization of facility-based health services among different demographic segments of the rural population.

 Uganda 2025-04-08 7:35:22 2028-04-08 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Glenn Ogolah
ID: UNCST-2025-R017145
 Asset Financing and Micro Leasing in Agriculture
REFNo: SS3726ES

1. Examining barriers and opportunities in asset financing and micro-leasing
adoption for smallholder farmers and microenterprises:
a. Identifying and analyzing the barriers and opportunities affecting the access of
asset financing solution amongst smallholder farmers
b. Examine gender differences in barriers to accessing asset financing for
smallholder farmers
c. Explore interactions among key stakeholders, including farmers,
microenterprises, SACCOs, and MFIs, to assess their roles and influences in
the asset financing landscape
2. Examining the role of clean energy assets in meeting farmers most urgent needs:
a. Identifying and analyzing the barriers and opportunities affecting the adoption
of clean energy assets by farmers
b. Exploring available productive assets in the market and their distribution
channels for rural farmers

 Kenya 2025-04-07 7:58:51 2028-04-07 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Josephine  BIRUNGI
ID: UNCST-2024-R003480
 A Roadmap towards the successful deployment of a fixed dose combination of Artemether-Lumefantrine+Amodiaquine (FDC ALAQ) in Uganda (DeTACT Study)
REFNo: SS3706ES

Main Objective: to identify and address obstacles in implementation and deployment of FDC ALAQ at an early stage, and contribute to the smooth introduction of FDC ALAQ in Uganda.
Specific Objectives:
To identify and engage with key national stakeholders involved in Malaria control and introducing new antimalarials in Uganda;
ii. To obtain understanding into relevant policy, regulatory and implementation procedures of new antimalarials and to identify areas that require strategic attention before any new antimalarials are introduced in Uganda;
iii. To develop a practical roadmap that can be used for the effective introduction and deployment of FDC ALAQ in Uganda aiming to control and contain artemisinin resistance in Uganda.

 Uganda 2025-04-03 16:55:55 2028-04-03 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Robinson Amanyiraho
ID: UNCST-2024-R016357
 Impact of the Growing Expertise in E-health Knowledge and Skills (GEEKS) Program in Reducing Immunization Defaulters and Enhancing Timely Reporting of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Cases in Uganda
REFNo: HS5737ES

Goal:
The goal of this study is to evaluate the contributions and sustainability of GEEKS Cohort 1 projects, while also providing actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of current and future implementations of the GEEKS program.
Specific Objectives
1.
To document and analyze the contributions of GEEKS Cohort 1 projects in strengthening Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance (VPDS) and routine immunization coverage.
2.
To assess the sustainability of GEEKS Cohort 1 projects and identify factors influencing their long-term impact.
3.
To provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening the design and implementation of current and future GEEKS program initiatives.
 Uganda 2025-04-02 9:37:17 2028-04-02 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Geofrey Musinguzi
ID: UNCST-2024-R015961
 HIV Prevention Program Outcomes: Measurement of accessibility, and utilization of key HIV prevention services and linkage to care among adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and people who inject drugs in Uganda – A Rapid Coverage Survey
REFNo: HS5730ES

Main objective
The survey’s main objective is to measure the HIV prevention program outcomes among key and priority populations, particularly the AGYW, FSWs, and PWIDs, to inform ongoing and future HIV prevention programs (among such populations) in Uganda.

Specific objectives
1. To assess access to key HIV prevention services and products among AGYW, FSWs, and PWIDs in Uganda.
2. To assess the utilization of key HIV prevention products and services among AGYW, FSWs, and PWIDs in Uganda.
3. To measure the proportion of HIV-positive AGYW, FSWs, and PWIDs linked to HIV/AIDS, STD care and desired health services.

 Uganda 2025-04-02 9:35:25 2028-04-02 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Stella Achen
ID: UNCST-2025-R016855
 PARTICIPATORY INTERVENTION RESEARCH TO ADDRESS CHILD EXPLOITATION IN KARAMOJA, UGANDA
REFNo: SS3733ES

i. Explore the main forms of exploitation and modern slavery in Napak and Moroto Districts;
ii. Assess interventions and program components that should be prioritized concerning child exploitation, bearing in mind the major intersecting issues such as gender discrimination, food security, and climate change;
iii. Explore the traditions, narratives, and cultural beliefs that could be mobilized as assets to the program; and lastly,
iv. Map out the key actors and influencers in the child exploitation debate.

 Uganda 2025-04-02 9:26:44 2028-04-02 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Sebastian Linnemayr
ID: UNCST-2021-R012696
 R01 Study “INcentives and ReMINDers to Improve Long-term Medication Adherence” (INMIND)
REFNo: SS3732ES

Main Objective
1. We propose to optimize an adaptive intervention using the INMIND approach in a Stage III efficacy randomized trial using a two-stage SMART design in Uganda. All clients (including the control group) will receive information about the importance of behavioral routines, as is part of the standard adherence counseling for treatment initiators and create personalized ART adherence anchoring strategies. We will first enroll patients into an Wisepill use only phase for one month. We will then randomize them to receive either usual care / information only or low-cost daily text messages. All clients will have the opportunity to select a new anchoring plan in the first two months, so that they then have another 4-month period during which to establish a routine. Those who if fail to take their ART pills very regularly, meaning at the same time for at least 80% of the days at the end of month three will be re-randomized to one of two more intensive interventions for the subsequent three months: monthly or monthly escalating prizes.

The Specific Aims are to:
SA1 (Primary): Test the first-stage main effect of Messages vs. Control on the maintenance of ART adherence (primary outcome) and viral suppression (secondary outcome).
SA2 (Secondary): Examine (a) the second-stage main effect of receiving monthly vs. monthly escalating incentives on the primary and secondary outcomes among first-stage non-responders, and (b) whether changing one’s anchoring plan at month two moderates the effect of monthly and monthly escalating incentives.
SA3. Synthesis Phase: Perform a cost-effectiveness analysis including a comparative analysis of the INMIND components among first-stage responders and non-responders and conduct information dissemination activities in Uganda after completion of the trial.

 USA 2025-04-02 9:23:18 2028-04-02 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
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