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  
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 SMART (Smallpox vaccine for Mpox Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial)
REFNo: HS4726ES

Co-Primary objectives Co-primary: 1) To assess the effectiveness of the Smallpox vaccine in preventing RT-PCR confirmed Mpox infection among contacts of confirmed Mpox infection 2) To assess the effectiveness of the Smallpox vaccine in reducing the severity of symptoms; measured as symptom severity score, based on 12 symptom items (16) each assigned a score of 0 to 5 for a total measure of 0 to 60. These co-primary objectives will be evaluated during the first 28 days after randomization.
 Uganda 2024-09-27 14:06:23 2027-09-27 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 AIR QUALITY AND FOOD PREPARATION IN LOW -INCOME COMMUNITY IN KAMPALA-UGANDA: ACOMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO COOKING STOVES
REFNo: HS5085ES

The overall purpose of the study is to determine if the novel samuchit steam cookers use a different amount of fuel, generate lower levels of PM, and have reduced cooking times compared to the traditional sigiri charcoal stoves,
 Uganda 2024-10-31 17:14:55 2027-10-31 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 Exploring gendered pathways to strengthen the involvement of TB survivors in the Uganda TB response: A Photovoice Study
REFNo: HS5241ES

General objective The aim of this study is to identify gendered pathways for strengthening the involvement of TB survivors, including from key populations1, in the TB response by documenting opportunities, challenges, and preferences to meaningful engagement from the perspective of female and male TB survivors in urban Central Uganda region. Specific objectives The specific objectives of this study are: Objective 1: To use photovoice as a platform for female and male TB survivors to visualise/document their contributions towards ending TB in their families and communities in urban Central Uganda (Q1). Objective 2: To engage female and male TB survivors in photovoice to explore the challenges they face in their efforts to end TB in their families and communities in urban Central Uganda (Q2). Objective 3: To use photovoice as a vehicle for female and male TB survivors to document their preferences for their meaningful involvement in the TB response in urban Central Uganda (Q3-4). Objective 4: To facilitate dialogue between photovoice participants and TB survivors on the photo stories to identify steps towards creating a gender-responsive supportive environment for TB survivors’ actions towards ending TB in Central Uganda (Q5-6). Objective 5: To assess the benefits and challenges of applying photovoice methodology to identify and promote gendered pathways for the meaningful involvement of TB survivors (Q7).
 Uganda 2025-02-14 15:34:56 2028-02-14 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 THE SECOND UGANDA TB PREVALENCE SURVEY (TBPS2)
REFNo: HS5269ES

Estimating the sizes of key and vulnerable TB populations as defined in the national gender and key and vulnerable populations assessment report nationally and sub nationally,Evaluating factors associated with TB including HIV, diabetes, undernutrition, tobacco smoking, alcohol ab use, and socio-economic status,,Updating population-based estimates of TB burden using results from the prevalence survey ,Assessing healthcare-seeking behaviors and understand where individuals with TB symptoms seek medical care,The secondary objectives of TBPS2 in Uganda encompass: The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and determining radiological abnormalities among individuals aged ≥15 years, ,The primary objective is to determine the national and subnational prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB among the general population aged ≥15 years,The goal of the survey is to enable the country (MOH/NTLP and partners) to gain a better understanding of the current burden of TB, health-seeking behavior and health system response in order to identify ways of improving TB programming towards ending TB in the country.,
 Uganda 2025-02-07 18:27:07 2028-02-07 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 Optimizing the Implementation and Scale-Up of the WHO Treatment-Decision Algorithms for Children with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa (OPTIC-TB)
REFNo: HS5246ES

1) To compare the effectiveness of TDA versus the Standard of Care strategies in routine non-research programmatic conditions.
2) To identify processes and contextual factors that influence the effectiveness and fidelity in the implementation of TDA.
3) To compare the costs, cost-effectiveness, and population-level impact of the TDA strategies on the burden of TB.
4. To estimate/validate the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values) of the TDAs for TB in children under 10 years old in various healthcare system settings and in various clinical contexts (i.e, such as HIV, malnourished children, facility level, gender, rural, urban etc.

Uganda 2024-12-10 14:06:31 2027-12-10 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-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
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 A Prospective, Clinical Trial Examining the Immune Response of Participants Receiving Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) Vaccine in Africa,”-Mpox Vax Africa
REFNo: HS5575ES

To determine:

the development of MVA-BN-specific antibodies at week 6 post-first vaccination with MVA-BN in
a population recruited in Africa, and compare to a population recruited in Europe.

Durability of MVA-BN-specific antibodies at week 24 post-first vaccination with MVA-BN.
● Factors associated with MVA-BN-specific antibody responses at week 48 post-first
vaccination with MVA-BN.
● Durability of MVA-BN-specific antibodies at week 48 post-first vaccination between a
population recruited in Africa and a population recruited in Europe.
● Durability of MVA-BN-specific antibodies at week 48 post-first vaccination with MVA-BN in
understudied populations (women and PLWH).
● Prevalence of asymptomatic seroconversion to mpox by week 48 post-first vaccination
 Uganda 2025-02-08 13:35:10 2028-02-08 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 Safety, preliminary efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of Herbal/Natural/ Traditional therapeutic products for the management of Diabetes Mellitus in Uganda.
REFNo: HS6530ES

Main Objective
1. To evaluate the safety, effectiveness and pharmacokinetics of 3 selected NDA- notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products in Uganda, designated IMP1, IMP2, and IMP3.
2. To explore the experiences of innovators, researchers, implementers, and participants involved in this study on the innovation and scientific evaluation of natural therapeutics in Uganda.

Specific Objectives
1. To determine the efficacy of selected NDA-notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products (IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3) used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adult patients in Uganda
2. 2. To assess the effect of the selected NDA-notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products (IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3) on specific cardio-metabolic characteristics of adult patients with DM in Uganda.
3. To assess clinical and laboratory adverse events associated with selected NDA- notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products, specifically IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3 in adult patients with DM in Uganda.
4. To investigate the pharmacokinetic profile(s) of NDA-notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products (IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3) used in the management of DM.
5. To explore the experiences of innovators, researchers, implementers, and participants involved in this study on the innovation and scientific evaluation of herbal/natural/traditional therapeutics in Uganda.e the pharmacokinetic profile(s) of NDA-notified herbal/natural/traditional therapeutic products (IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3) used in the management of DM.

Uganda 2025-12-01 14:19:22 2028-12-01 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Bruce Kirenga J
ID: UNCST-2019-R001460
 Assessment of Nasal Microbiome, Inflammatory Markers, and Infectious Agents among individuals with Biomass Fuel COPD in Uganda ACRONYM: ASCENT–NASAL Study
REFNo: HS6748ES

Aim 1: Characterize the nasal microbiome composition among individuals with and without COPD who
have different levels of air pollution exposure.

Aim 2: Assess nasal inflammatory marker differences among individuals with and without COPD who
are exposed to different levels of air pollution.

Aim 3: Determine the prevalence of viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens among individuals with
and without COPD and their association with PM2.5 exposure.
 Uganda 2025-12-01 14:33:20 2028-12-01 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Jimmy Forry Ben
ID:
Prevalence of mental disorders and associated factors among prisoners in Mbarara Municipality
REFNo: HS68ES

To determine the prevalence of mental disorders among prisoners incarcerated in the high and low Security Prisons in Mbarara Municipality. To identify factors associated with mental illness among prison-inmates and prisoners’ accessibility to mental health services during their confinement. To establish the association between category of crime and type of mental disorder. To assess the association between the number of incarcerations and category of mental disorder.
 Uganda 2017-05-30 2020-05-30 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Steven Ndugwa Kabwama
ID:
Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults in a District with a High Prevalence of Schistosomiasis
REFNo: HS1289ES

1. To estimate the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs such as alcohol intake, tobacco use, fruit and vegetable intake, obesity and physical activity among adults in Buyende District.
2. To determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis infection among adults in Buyende District.
3. To assess the factors associated with the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (alcohol use, tobacco use, fruit and vegetable intake, obesity) among persons presenting with or without schistosomiasis infection.

 Uganda 2021-05-18 2024-05-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Mael Leroux
ID:
Dual articulation in the communication system of chimpanzees
REFNo: NS47ES

The emergence of combinatoriality (phonology and syntax) in human language represents one of the key evolutionary transitions in life (Maynard Smith & Szathmary 1995). Despite its significance, we know very little regarding how unique this capacity is to humans or the evolutionary progression of this trait. By searching for core features of language, such as its combinatoriality, in the communication systems of closely related species to humans, particularly the primates, it is possible to shed light on whether the components of language are de novo evolved traits in humans or whether they have their origins rooted in the primate lineage. With this project, I aim to shed light on how unique combinatorics is to human language through empirically investigating the presence of linguistic forms of phonology and syntax in our closest living relative, the chimpanzee.
France 2018-04-20 2021-04-20 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Sylvester Onzivua
ID:
Postmortem study on patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations of unknown etiology, nodding syndrome, and other forms of epilepsy who died in Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo and Pader
REFNo: HS64ES

• Use postmortem examination to determine cause of death in a selected study population. • Use histopathology to describe the post-mortem findings of individuals who die of neuropsychiatric manifestations of unknown origin, NS and other forms of epilepsy in villages with high epilepsy prevalence in Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo and Pader. • Use histopathology to investigate whether Ov microfilariae are able to penetrate the brain by evaluating histologic tissue for the products of Ov microfilariae
Uganda 2017-10-03 2020-10-03 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Irene Andia Biraro Rebecca
ID: UNCST-2019-R001475
 The Link Between Tuberculosis Infection and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Contribution of Innate Lymphoid Cells
REFNo: HS66ES

Primary objective: To investigate the exposure prevalence of latent and active tuberculosis among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH)-Kiruddu, compared to healthy non diabetic community controls in Kampala, Uganda Nested Secondary objective: To assess the frequency of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), T-helper (Th)17, Th1 cells, and immune responses among T2DM patients.
Uganda 2017-09-26 2020-09-26 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Irene Andia Biraro Rebecca
ID: UNCST-2019-R001475
 Machine Learning and Secondary Data Analyses of the RASHOTS Database to Guide Clinical Decision Making and Predict Patient Prognosis at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Uganda
REFNo: HS745ES

The primary project objectives are:
1. To utilise ML methods to estimate the risk of mortality on the ID wards at Kiruddu National Referral Hospitals using the RASHOTS medical database
2. To develop prognosis prediction scores for survival on the ID wards using ML methods on the RASHOTS medical database based on clinical prognostic factors

The secondary project objectives are:
1. To estimate the prevalence of major mortality drivers such as tuberculosis, tetanus using the RASHOTS medical database
2. To create a prognosis prediction protocol for risk of tuberculosis related mortality as a computer application for use by clinicians on ID wards
3. To use the RASHOTS database for quality improvement in clinical care and practice in the department of Internal Medicine

Uganda 2020-11-18 2023-11-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Irene Andia Biraro Rebecca
ID: UNCST-2019-R001475
 The Trends in Clinical Presentation and Management of Diseases among Adults attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala: Review of Medical Records.
REFNo: HS1030ES

General objective
To analyse medical records for trends in presentation and management of disease conditions in the in-patient department (IPD) and out-patient department (OPD) at KNRH from 2019 to date.
Specific objectives
I. To describe trends of respiratory disease presentation and clinical management among adult patients presenting to the IPD, medical and general OPD at KNRH during the study period (January to July 2020) compared to the baseline period (January to July 2019)
II. To explore for any collateral effects of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on chronic disease presentation and management at KNRH during the same study period.

 Uganda 2020-11-18 2023-11-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Irene Andia Biraro Rebecca
ID: UNCST-2019-R001475
 A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Rifapentine and Isoniazid for Prevention of Tuberculosis in People with Diabetes.
REFNo: HS1112ES

Primary objective:
To assess the efficacy of preventive therapy with a 12-week course of rifapentine and isoniazid (3HP) against the development of probable or definite TB disease over 24 months in people with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) who are latent TB infection (LTBI) test positive.
Secondary objectives:
• To assess the efficacy of 3HP against the development of possible, probable or definite TB disease over 24-40 months in people with DM who are latent tuberculosis infection test positive
• To compare the proportions who complete treatment between arms
• To compare the occurrence of adverse events between arms
• To compare the rate of TB or death between arms
• To compare the overall mortality rate between arms
• To explore the efficacy of 3HP against development of probable or definite TB in those who are LTBI test positive, across the following sub-groups, separately: study site (n=3); age groups; duration of DM; level of glycaemic control (baseline HbA1C) and body mass index (BMI).
• To assess the efficacy of 3HP against development of probable or definite TB, in two restricted analyses: TST positive and IGRA positive participants.
• To carry out sub-studies including i) an economic modelling and cost effectiveness study, ii) a cohort study of those who are IGRA and TST negative a baseline, iii) a cross-sectional study of HIV and TB prevalence and DM phenotype, (iv) evaluation of point-of care (POC) testing for LTBI, and computer-assisted X-ray, (v) a public health study of patient management, and v) future genetic studies.

Uganda 2021-06-18 2024-06-18 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Irene Andia Biraro Rebecca
ID: UNCST-2019-R001475
 Pregnancy Associated Tuberculosis: Immunological and Clinical Outcomes of Exposed Infants.
REFNo: HS1396ES

4. To determine TB treatment outcomes of mothers with pregnancy associated tuberculosis.,3. To determine the prevalence of maternal comorbidities such as hyperglycaemia, malaria, HIV, syphilis and anaemia.,2. To explore the concept of congenital TB (defined as TB acquired during the intrauterine period or during the normal birth process) among infants born to women with active TB.,Secondary objectives 1. To estimate the prevalence of active TB among pregnant and postpartum mothers seeking care from antenatal clinics and TB treatment units.,3. To describe the clinical outcomes of the women with pregnancy associated TB (defined as a diagnosis of TB during pregnancy or within six months of the postpartum period) and their exposed infants at the different time points. ,2. To explore, in a subset of infants, T cell, B cell and NK cell responses following stimulation with TB antigens.,Primary objectives 1. To compare antibody vaccine responses to BCG, measles, tetanus among children born of mothers diagnosed with TB infection or disease during pregnancy or mothers on TB treatment within a six months’ postpartum period.,To compare antibody vaccine responses in children born of mothers diagnosed with diagnosed with TB infection or disease during pregnancy or mothers on TB treatment within a six months’ postpartum period.,
 Uganda 2021-07-28 2024-07-28 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
ARCHILEO KAAYA NATIGO
ID: UNCST-2019-R001477
 Development and evaluation of simplified dietary assessment tools in rural/semi-rural women in Uganda
REFNo: HS63ES

Aims and Objectives The aim of this study is to design and test simplified dietary assessment tools appropriate for use in rural/ areas of Uganda (and comparable countries) that provide adequate quantitative data at population level (i.e., not individual level) on nutrient intake amounts, their relative adequacy compared to requirements, and their food sources. These methods and tools are intended to be comparable in utility to the multiple pass 24-hour recall, currently considered as the reference method, but with lower labor and resource requirements. Among women residing in a selected study population in Uganda, the objectives of the study are to: Objective 1: Design and field test simplified methods and tools for collecting and summarizing 'input data' or information on: (i) the various foods and recipes consumed, (ii) the distribution of usual portion sizes for foods consumed, and (iii) the variation in ingredients and proportion of ingredients in recipes consumed. Sub-objective 1.1: Compare the results of the two simplified input data collection tools to standard methods described in the multiple pass 24-hour recall for listing of foods consumed, estimation of portion sizes of consumed foods, and calculation of standard recipes. Sub-objective 1.2: Estimate the time and resource requirements for collection of these input data using the simplified input data collection tools. Objective 2: Design and field test two simplified dietary data collection methods and tools using (i) a 24-hour dietary recall format and (ii) a semi-quantitative food frequency format. Sub-objective 2.1: Compare key results of each of the two simplified dietary assessment methods with results from a standard multiple-pass 24-hour recall method conducted in the same study population: (i) mean intake of energy and 13 nutrients; (ii) nutrients for which mean intake is 5% of the Estimated Average Requirement for 13 nutrients. Sub-objective 2.2: Using data collected by the standard 24-hour dietary recall method, compare the key results (noted in 2.1 above) when food composition data for individual food items is applied to the data vs when food composition data aggregated by food sub-group is applied to the data. Sub-objective 2.3: Determine and compare the time and resource requirements for implementing each of the simplified survey methods and the standard 24-hour recall method.
Uganda 2017-05-17 2020-05-17 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Catherine Hobaiter
ID: UNCST-2019-R001480
 Gestural communication in wild mountain gorillas
REFNo: NS23ES

All great apes use gesture to communicate; however, to date, there remains no study of gestural communication in mountain gorillas - an iconic and highly endangered species. Here I hope to establish the first one. My research group has published the repertoire of gestures for wild chimpanzees and wild bonobos; here we aim to establish the repertoire of gestures for wild mountain gorillas and compare and contrast these systems of communication. I will balance data collection across age-sex groups and across behavioural contexts to describe the types of gestures used and the goals for which they are used in mountain gorillas.
 UK 2017-07-13 2020-07-13 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
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