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Name Title Nationality Approval Date Expiry Date Field of Science/Classification Trial Type Research Type  
Catherine Hobaiter
ID: UNCST-2019-R001480
 Social structure and territory use in the chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
REFNo: NS56ES

East African chimpanzee society is characterised by a fission-fusion structure. The traditional view holds that all of the males within a chimpanzee community will range together and form close social bonds, whilst the females disperse, with less affiliation among non-kin (Wrangham, 1979; Goodall, 1968; Gibly and Wrangham, 2008). Much recent work focuses on understanding the nuances of, and variation within, chimpanzee social structure (see Aureli et al., 2008). We plan to investigate how population constraints, sex ratios, and territorial ranging interact with the chimpanzee communities’ social structures in the Budongo Forest. In particular we will explore how population characteristics and instability in the social structure might influence ranging decisions and social grouping over time. In the Budongo forest there are two habituated communities of chimpanzees: Waibira with around 120 individuals, in which habituation started in 2011, and Sonso with around 65 individuals, in which habituation started in 1990. These two neighbouring groups present a unique opportunity to explore the impact of social and environmental factors on chimpanzee territorial behaviour. Within the chimpanzee fission-fusion social system, members of a larger group form numerous subgroups that merge and split in response to social and ecological factors like food availability, predation pressure, and the presence of receptive females. While communities typically consist of 50-70 individuals with around 10-15 adult males, abnormally large communities exist in Ngogo (over 200 individuals) and Waibira (estimated 120 individuals), where over 30 adult males have been recorded. However, little is known about differences in social structure and associated consequences in these communities. One study has indicated clear subgrouping in the males of Ngogo, who range in two distinct ‘neighbourhoods’ rather than as a single unit (Mitani & Amsler, 2003). The result begs the question of whether this social structure is related to the unusual demographic size or is a consequence of other factors in Ngogo. Is there similar evidence of subgrouping amongst male chimpanzees in Waibira? If so, this may be an indication of the need to manage male-male social interactions when part of an abnormally large community. Indeed, Lehmann and Boesch (2004) reported that subgrouping patterns in chimpanzees of the Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire were dependent on total community size and number of males, with smaller communities exhibiting higher cohesiveness and a reduction in fluidity of the fission-fusion system. In addition to the number of individual males influencing subgrouping within a community, the presence of individual differences may also impact the male social structure. For example alpha male chimpanzees are known to exhibit different dominance styles that may be more cooperative or agonistic during their tenure as alpha (Foster et al., 2009). Furthermore, the fate of usurped males after they lose their alphaship may be related to their dominance style (Uehara et al., 2004). Changes in the rank of individual male chimpanzees may also impact the social behaviour of their relatives. While other male chimpanzees, even when closely related, represent possible competitors, female relatives such as mothers, or sisters who remain resident in their natal community, may adjust their social behaviour depending on the rank of their sons and brothers. One external environmental factor that may influence male chimpanzee subgrouping is the presence of human researchers. As we have long-term data available for the Waibira community we can compare the variation in territory use and in male subgrouping over the course of habituation, allowing us to explore the impact of habituation on chimpanzee behaviour. In addition to variation in the number and personality of males within a community, the use of territory and male sub-grouping may be impacted by the behaviour of neighboring communities. Chimpanzee intercommunity disputes are agonistic, and may include lethal aggression, particularly where a single male or small party encounters a larger number of males from the other community. As such they represent a significant pressure on chimpanzee use of territory. The number of males in a chimpanzee community influences how large the territory is, and when food availability is stable and abundant, it is thought that more energy is directed at territory utilisation and defense (Herbinger et al., 2001). Previous work from Kibale has also shown that on a given day, higher numbers of males in a party of chimpanzees will increase their tendency to patrol borders (Mitani and Watts, 2005). As periods of social uncertainty surrounding alpha changes can affect associative patterns and grooming behaviour, especially between males (see Koyama et al., 2017), it raises the question of how social instability impacts male territory usage. We will explore the almost 30-year data set of the Sonso chimpanzees in order to test whether or not the number of independent males, and/or the presence of individual males, impacts the size of the communities’ territory and their use of the areas within it. We will also investigate peripheral territory ranging in relation to alpha male transitions. Understanding the social grouping and ranging patterns over time will shed light on the function and motivation of chimpanzee territoriality. Understanding the ways that population characteristics, social relationships, and territory usage interact has implications for both ecological theory and for conservation management. Research Questions 1. Male subgrouping within communities (lead researcher Ms Bodden) ● Is there evidence of subgrouping or ‘neighbourhoods’ among male chimpanzees in the Waibira community? If so, how does this structure affect cohesion and stability? ● How does the Waibira community structure compare to that of the males in Sonso and how have subgroups changed over time? ● What effect have alpha male transitions had on subgrouping structure in the Waibira males? 2. Male use of territory in the Sonso community (lead researcher Ms Shearer) ● How does the number of independent males, and the leadership of individual alpha males influence the size and use of the Sonso territory? ● What social factors predict Sonso chimpanzees’ peripheral territory usage across seasons? We will explore the number of independent males, the identity of the alpha male, and the proximity to alpha male transitions. 3. Female association and subgrouping patterns (lead researcher Mr Chapoy) ● Do females who migrate from the same community preferentially associate with each other? We will explore the behaviour of the four confirmed immigrants from the Sonso community to the Waibira community. ● Do female relatives of independent males vary their use of the territory with variation in their male relatives ranks? We will explore the physical and social centrality of females who are closely related to males who move into or out of the top three rank positions.
 UK 2018-07-13 2021-07-13 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Catherine Hobaiter
ID: UNCST-2019-R001480
 Behavioural Syntactics: the emergence of chimpanzee gestural capacities through adaptations for locomotion, sleep, and social co-ordination.
REFNo: NS735ES

Hypothesis 1: climbing and nest building shaped chimpanzees’ bodies and minds in ways that were later exapted for their unique gestural communication.
Prediction 1a) The rapid expansion in the great ape gestural repertoire was founded on a greater range of available movement selected for in climbing/nest building.
a. If so, then we should see the use of specific hand/arm movements in climbing and nest building that are available to great apes, but not small apes and other primates
b. If so, then we should see those movements present in great ape gestures
Prediction 1b) The basic ability to plan a sequence of actions, with hierarchically structured sections, emerged in the (relatively) simple behaviour of climbing and nest building, and was subsequently exapted/refined for food processing and then communication.
a. If so, then nest building and climbing should show sequences of motor actions that are planned from start to finish with recurred/recursive sections within them
b. If so, then we would see flexible programs of motor actions adapted to the task from the outset.

Hypothesis 2: rhythmic patterning and co-ordination of social behaviour provides a mechanism for social cohesion in chimpanzees.
Prediction 2a) The rhythm and patterning of social touch in chimpanzee grooming will show overlap with the stroke patterns that promote oxytocin release in human social touch.
Prediction 2b) Chimpanzees will show increased co-ordination in locomotory activities (e.g., walking and climbing) when engaged in activities where social cohesion is beneficial (e.g., patrolling).
 UK 2024-04-12 7:07:57 2027-04-12 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Heather Brown
ID:
Epidemiology of Traumatic Injuries in Masindi, Uganda
REFNo: HS115ES

The purpose of this study is to characterize the incidence, patterns, and severity of injury among patients presenting to MKMC.
USA 2017-11-20 2020-11-20 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Heather Brown
ID:
Evaluating the Impact of a Layperson EMS System on Morbidity and Mortality of Injured Patients in Masindi, Uganda
REFNo: HS414ES

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot layperson EMS system for commercial boda drivers and the feasibility of using a pre-existing trauma registry to evaluate the outcomes of these patients.

Primary Objective:

Evaluate the impact of a boda driver EMS system on time to presentation for ill and injured patients.

Secondary Objectives:

1. Evaluate the purpose and rate of utilization for a lay person EMS system in Masindi, Uganda.

2. Evaluate the impact of a lay person EMS system on patient morbidity and mortality at MKMC.

USA 2019-09-19 2022-09-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Santorino Data
ID: UNCST-2019-R001487
 MamaOpe Pneumonia Diagnostic device: A feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness evaluation in Uganda
REFNo: HS2533ES

We aim to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable device by frontline health workers in the chest examination Determine the accuracy of the wearable pneumonia diagnostic device in measuring the respiratory rate, determination and interpretation of lung sounds using an algorithm to inform the likely presence or absence of pneumonia. ,
 Uganda 2022-12-06 16:21:06 2025-12-06 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
CATHERINE ABBO
ID:
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION: MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN UGANDA
REFNo: HS65ES

1) To determine the prevalence and associated factors of emotional and behavioural disorders in adolescents in selected secondary schools in Uganda. 2) To identify and describe the current intervention practices of adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders in secondary schools in Uganda. 3) To determine whether the current intervention match the mental health needs
Uganda 2017-05-23 2020-05-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
CATHERINE ABBO
ID:
Incorporating mental health and psychosocial support in the Ugandan Police Child and Family Protection Department toll free line to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) complaints.
REFNo: HS791ES

1. To explore the understanding of TFLOs regarding MHPSS needs of complainants of SGBV. 2. To develop and implement a mental health and psychosocial support training for 20 TFLOs working in Kampala and Wakiso Districts. 3. To conduct an evaluation of the training programme among the TFLOs.
Uganda 2020-08-24 2023-08-24 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
CATHERINE ABBO
ID:
Implementing the MHPSS Minimum Service Package for infectious disease outbreaks in Uganda – an evaluation study
REFNo: HS3915ES

. To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity and uptake of a set of MHPSS interventions in outbreak response in Uganda (through live implementation or SimEx), ,. To develop an implementation plan that includes capacity strengthening activities necessary to implement a set of MHPSS interventions for outbreaks in Uganda successfully ,1. To conduct a gap analysis and prioritization, using MSP, to successfully identify a contextualized set of interventions for outbreak response in Uganda ,To develop, implement and evaluate a suite of tailored MHPSS interventions supporting outbreak preparedness and response in Uganda using the Minimum Service Package. ,
 Uganda 2024-05-23 10:29:39 2027-05-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Julia Modern Keri
ID:
The disability rights movement in Bunyoro, Uganda: human rights, value, and negotiations of belonging
REFNo: SS68ES

Through an ethnographic study of a Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) in Masindi District, Bunyoro, Uganda, to investigate the relationship between human rights and questions about personhood, value and dependence. The research will focus on the way that various actors in the disability movement conceptualise and speak about the types of change that are being created in disabled people’s lives through the movement, and how this affects the changes that actually occur in practice.
 UK 2017-06-20 2020-06-20 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Godfrey Zari Rukundo Zari
ID: UNCST-2019-R001500
 Implementation and Adaptation of a Web-Based Clinical Education Program for Mental Health Providers in Uganda
REFNo: HS59ES

The objective of the study is to assess the acceptability and utility a of western-developed online CBT course in advancing knowledge of cognitive-behavioral interventions among staff and graduate students in the department of psychiatry at Mbarara University/Mbarara Hospital in southwestern Uganda. Because this is the first time the course is being offered in this manner in Uganda, it is necessary to first pilot and adapt the training modules to our local setting.
 Uganda 2018-02-13 2021-02-13 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Godfrey Zari Rukundo Zari
ID: UNCST-2019-R001500
 Burden of neuro-cognitive disorders and associated factors in persons aged 50 years or older with a history of Traumatic Brain Injury in Southwestern Uganda
REFNo: HS2257ES

General objective
To determine the burden of neurocognitive disorders and associated factors in patients with a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in selected communities of southwestern Uganda.

Specific objectives
1. To determine the prevalence of neurocognitive disorders in patients with a history of TBI in selected communities in south-western Uganda.
2. To determine the factors associated with the development of neurocognitive disorders in patients with a history of TBI in selected communities in south-western Uganda.

Uganda 2022-09-16 12:17:44 2025-09-16 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Godfrey Zari Rukundo Zari
ID: UNCST-2019-R001500
 WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention across the lifespan in rural Uganda (WLLDC-SP)
REFNo: HS4371ES

To build an ecosystem for community engagement and training in suicide prevention in rural Uganda.,To evaluate the feasibility of an implementation strategy consisting of WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention across the lifespan in rural Uganda,To co-design an implementation strategy manual for the WHO LIVE LIFE guide with the District Health Management Team as Champions for suicide prevention across the lifespan in rural Uganda. ,To co-design and evaluate the feasibility of a contextually tailored implementation strategy to identify and prepare members of the District Health Management Team (DHMT) as champions: the “WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention across the lifespan in rural Uganda,
 Uganda 2025-10-17 18:59:00 2028-10-17 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Sarah Bridge
ID:
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Meningitis Registry
REFNo: HS61ES

Our primary goal is to collect clinical, laboratory, demographic, geographic and economic data in real-time on Ugandan meningitis patients and to compile this information into a meningitis registry. Our central hypothesis is that data extracted from this registry can be used to guide meningitis treatment and prevention, improve resource allocation, facilitate treatment distribution networks, improve global data on meningitis and inform health care policy in Uganda and other similar countries in the meningitis belt. Aim 1: To use the FilmArray ME assay and GenExpert Ultra assays, in conjunction with existing CSF testing, to diagnose etiologies of meningitis in children and adults at MRRH. -We hypothesize that the use of FilmArray ME and GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra assays at MRRH will allow better characterization of meningitis epidemiology in Uganda and streamline care decisions through the creation of a diagnostic algorithm for meningitis patients. Aim 2: To gather population-based epidemiologic data on meningitis in Mbarara, Uganda, in a centralized meningitis registry. -We hypothesize that creation of a meningitis registry will guide meningitis treatment and prevention, improve resource allocation, facilitate treatment distribution networks, improve global data on meningitis and inform health care policy in Uganda. Aim 3: To gather population based data on the economic impact of meningitis and its complications through cost questionnaires to better characterize the financial burden of meningitis to patients in resource-limited settings. -We hypothesize that the cost burden to patients with meningitis is significant and that a cost-effective analysis will lead to informed recommendations to guide health policy in Uganda.
USA 2017-06-13 2020-06-13 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Lina Waru Zedriga
ID:
Inclusive Mechanisms Targeting Youth for Countering Violent Extremism in the IGAD Region
REFNo: SS72ES

This study seeks to inform policy debates and practices in CVE interventions within the IGAD region in order to engage and empower youth, both male and female.
Uganda 2017-05-02 2020-05-02 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Jennifer Moodley
ID:
Improving timely diagnosis of symptomatic breast and cervical cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
REFNo: HS60ES

1. Develop and validate a tool to measure community breast and cervical cancer symptom awareness, knowledge and beliefs in Africa; 2. Describe and compare breast and cervical cancer symptom beliefs, knowledge and awareness in rural and urban settings in two countries in SSA-Uganda and SA; 3. Assess the degree to which symptom overlap between breast and cervical cancer and common infectious diseases influence symptom assessment and help-seeking behavior; 4. Explore primary care level provider interpretation and management of breast and cervical cancer signs and symptoms.
South Africa 2017-06-30 2020-06-30 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Robert Borst Adriaan Johannes
ID:
Exploring the impact of governing community health workers through a community health entrepreneurship model: protocol for a mixed-method research project
REFNo: HS58ES

Aim: To evaluate the impact of organising community health services through a social franchise model. Research objectives: To assess the association between exposure of inhabitants to the Healthy Entrepreneurs social franchising model and several health related factor and 2) To explore the performance and motivation of the community health workers enrolled in the Healthy Entrepreneurs model.
 Netherlands 2017-11-14 2020-11-14 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Amos Mwaka Deogratius
ID:
Understanding the roles of indigenous and complementary medicines and practices in breast and cervical cancer control and care in northern Uganda
REFNo: HS67ES

General objective To examine the roles, from multiple perspectives, of traditional health practitioners and indigenous health practices regarding breast and cervical cancer control and care in northern Uganda. Specific Objectives 1. To assess the beliefs and knowledge of traditional health practitioners regarding what cancers are in general, and the risk factors, symptoms and treatment practices for specific cancers with particular reference to breast and cervical cancers. 2. To examine beliefs and knowledge of traditional health practitioners and cultural leaders on the traditional rituals used in the treatment of various chronic diseases including cancers, diabetes and hypertension in northern Uganda. 3. To examine beliefs of traditional health practitioners regarding their benefits and roles in referring patients suspected of having breast and cervical cancers to health facilities in northern Uganda. 4. To explore the reasons for visits to the traditional health practitioners from patients attending care with the healers and who perceive themselves and or perceived by THPs as having various cancers including breast and cervical cancers. 5. To explore beliefs of district leaders and technocrats in the Acholi sub region regarding the roles of THPs in breast and cervical cancer care and control.
Uganda 2017-11-08 2020-11-08 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Christine Namata
ID:
KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM VERSUS MORPHINE-MIDAZOLAM FOR CONTINOUS PATIENT SEDATION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS IN UGANDA. A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
REFNo: HS76ES

Specific objectives i. To compare duration of mechanical ventilation among patients sedated with ketamine-midazolam versus morphine-midazolam. ii. To compare incidence of hypotension necessitating vasopressor support among patients under ketamine-midazolam versus morphine-midazolam. iii. To compare incidence of delirium among patients under ketamine-midazolam versus morphine- midazolam.
 Uganda 2017-10-31 2020-10-31 Medical and Health Sciences Degree Award
Kelly Sambucci Marie
ID: UNCST-2019-R001513
 Parasite occurrence and genetic relatedness in overlapping populations of Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), livestock, and the Batwa community in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda
REFNo: NS22ES

1. To collect faecal samples for analysis, using light microscopy to identify intestinal helminth eggs and PCR for protozoan diagnosis. 2. Use targeted PCR and amplicon sequencing to confirm parasite identity and genotype those species detected, allowing for investigation into cross-host species transmission. 3. Focus on the occurrence and genetic diversity of Entamoeba species, comparing to existing data which defines the Entamoeba infecting mountain gorilla, livestock and humans in BINP in 2015, exploring changes in prevalence and diversity.
UK 2017-09-26 2020-09-26 Natural Sciences Degree Award
Isabel Larridon
ID:
C3 and C4 Cyperaceae of Uganda
REFNo: NS12ES

The fieldwork is organised in the context of a project looking at the differential impact of climate change of C3 and C4 plant lineages in Africa. C4 photosynthesis is an evolutionary response to climate change (including aridification). Multiple independent origins of the C4 pathway in Cyperaceae provide ideal opportunities to study the differential response of C3 and C4 lineages to climate change. The largest diversity of C4 Cyperaceae lineages occurs in Africa allowing us to investigate C4 evolution within the unique climatic and biogeographical history of the continent. Africa is undergoing aridification at a scale and level that is only comparable to Australia. Studying adaptation mechanisms in African flora may be key to decipher long-term evolutionary response to global warming in plants. In the overarching project, we aim to apply the novel HybSeq technique to acquire 350+ low-copy targets and high-copy genomic loci evolving across a range of rates, combined with access to newly available fossils providing further calibration dates, to obtain an accurately dated and robust Cyperaceae Tree-of-Life, resolve relationships in C4 Cyperaceae lineages and identify their closest sister C3 lineages. Together with model-based biogeographical methods and present-day and paleoclimatic ecological niche models informed by baseline data from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s vast collection of herbarium records, this data will provide key knowledge on how C3 and C4 Cyperaceae lineages have differentially responded to environmental pressures in Africa over the last c. 85 Ma. This will allow modelling how they will respond in future and inform conservation actions.
 Belgium 2017-04-25 2020-04-25 Natural Sciences Degree Award
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