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  
Emmanuel Kiiza Mwesiga Kiiza
ID: UNCST-2019-R001588
A link between diet and cognitive function in Ugandan first-episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using nutrimetabolomics
REFNo: HS6783ES

3.To determine the effect of FES-specific DIBs generated from nine specific food groups on cognitive function.,2.To examine the modifying effect of non-genetic regulatory factors on dietary intake biomarkers generated in FES patients and healthy controls.,1.To compare dietary intake biomarkers generated from nine food groups in FES patients and healthy controls.,To utilize nutrimetabolomics to examine the link between diet and cognitive function in Ugandan first-episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.,
Uganda 2025-12-18 19:57:34 2028-12-18 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Emmanuel Kiiza Mwesiga Kiiza
ID: UNCST-2019-R001588
Evaluating the test-taking experience, feasibility, and acceptability of the FLI-11 in preparation for Uganda’s first nationwide mental health survey
REFNo: HS7016ES

3. To identify barriers and facilitators to the successful implementation of the FLII-11 as a nationwide population-based survey for mental disorders in the Ugandan health and research settings.,2. To gain insights and perspectives from healthcare workers, mental health experts, policymakers and lived experts on implementing a nationwide population-based survey for mental disorders in Uganda using the FLI-11 tool,1. To evaluate the administration experience, feasibility and acceptability (cultural appropriateness, comfort, content, language, length, relevance and willingness to use) of administering the FLII-11 tool in routine diagnostic assessments among patients, their caregivers and healthcare workers in Uganda.,To evaluate the test-taking, administration experience, feasibility and acceptability of the FLII-11 for diagnostic assessments in Uganda.,
Uganda 2026-03-19 14:32:27 2029-03-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Christine Sekaggya-Wiltshire Magdalena Susan
ID:
VIROLOGICAL & CLINICAL OUTCOME OF ADULTS WITH PRETREATMENT OR ACQUIRED HIV DRUG RESISTANCE
REFNo: HS33ES

To describe \r\n• The virological and clinical outcome one year after detection of virological failure and/or HIV drug resistance within the RHINOS study (RHINOS = Resistance in HIV-infected Individuals in North and South).\r\n\r\nFor RHINOS ART experienced with virological failure +/- resistance mutations:\r\n• Proportion of patients switched and not-switched\r\n• Proportion of patients with virological failure switched and not-switched \r\n• Type and frequency of newly diagnosed resistance mutations in patients switched and not switched \r\n\r\nFor RHINOS ART naïve with pre-treatment resistance mutations:\r\n• Proportion of patients initiated on ART \r\n• Proportion of patients started on any drug to which previous HIVDR was detected \r\n• Proportion of patients with virological failure after ART initiation\r\n
Uganda 2017-02-21 2020-02-21 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Laura Bogart
ID:
Game Changers: A Pilot Intervention to Empower HIV Clients as Prevention Advocates in Uganda
REFNo: HS32ES

1) Use qualitative focus group research to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an HIV prevention advocacy intervention with PLHA in HIV care, who will be trained to be advocates of HIV protective behaviours within their social networks.\r\n2) Develop an intervention based on the focus group data and community advisory board and IDI staff input. \r\n\r\nNote: the pilot intervention will be tested in a small randomized controlled trial after it is developed. An amended IRB application will be submitted for the pilot intervention test.\r\n
USA 2017-02-21 2020-02-21 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Laura Bogart
ID:
GAME CHANGERS: A PILOT INTERVENTION TO EMPOWER HIV CLIENTS AS PREVENTION ADVOCATES IN UGANDA (PHASE 2)
REFNo: SS166ES

Primary objectives include: Assessing preliminary intervention effects on: a) protective behavior of the HIV-positive clients (condom use, partner concurrency/number of partners, engagement in HIV care, ART adherence) b) diffusion of prevention messages across the network, as assessed by the content and extent of communication with network members about protective behaviors (condom use, partner concurrency/number of partners, HIV testing, engagement in HIV care, circumcision), HIV disclosure, and HIV stigma
USA 2018-04-11 2021-04-11 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Karolina Werner
ID:
From Statebuilding to Localized Governance: Exploring African governance structures
REFNo: SS56ES

The project focuses on understanding the legal integration of informal/traditional authorities into the governance of states in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective is to better understand the unique systems of governance present on the continent, providing a comparative study of four countries (Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana) with varying degrees of integration.
Canada 2018-02-13 2021-02-13 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Anne Odele
ID:
The meaning, uses and outcomes of functional adult literacy in Uganda
REFNo: SS52ES

The study seeks to describe: \r\n(1) how former literacy participants use the learning from the FAL program in the domains of a) reading, writing and numeracy; and b) their daily livelihoods, and why\r\n(2) the perceived outcomes of applying these practices\r\n(3) the meanings that literacy holds for the participants\r\n
Uganda 2017-06-27 2020-06-27 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
China Scherz Rose
ID:
Investigating the Role of Spiritual Experience and Social Support in Processes of Personal Change: Alcohol Abuse and Therapeutic Pathways in Uganda
REFNo: SS65ES

RESEARCH QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY THIS PROPOSAL 1) How do spiritual experiences influence people’s efforts to change health-related behaviors? 2) How does social support influence people’s efforts to change their health-related behaviors? 3) How are these two factors interrelated?
USA 2017-06-13 2020-06-13 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Carissa  Western Strum
ID:
Emergent Empowerment: Assessing the Impacts of Conflict on Gendered Relations, Identities and Opportunities in Acholiland
REFNo: SS58ES

The research project will seek to explore changes in gender roles and dynamics brought about by conflict in Acholiland, Northern Uganda, and to understand how these changes have affected cultural/traditional ideas about masculinity and femininity and the positions/situation of Acholi women and men in post-conflict society. While research has indicated both local level economic gains, and changes in women’s political participation and representation at the national level, this research will seek to explore, holistically, how changes brought about by conflict impact, both positively and negatively, all aspects of Acholi women (and men’s) lives. The project will therefore prioritize Acholi women and men’s own interpretation of their conflict experiences, and of the impact of conflict-triggered changes on their roles and status within their families and communities. Given the significant role played by NGOs/INGOs in implementing Northern Uganda’s peacebuilding and development agenda, the project will also seek to understand how organizations/stakeholders working in this context are addressing and responding to changing gender norms and dynamics, and whether such approaches are in line with women and men’s own interpretation of their experiences and needs.
Kenya 2017-07-13 2020-07-13 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Allan Ochieng
ID:
Understanding the need for inoculation of common in Uganda
REFNo: A12ES

Objective 1: Determine the abundance and diversity of indigenous rhizobia nodulating common bean in Uganda and the factors influencing them. This will be achieved by establishing if uninoculated soil from different Agroecological zones (AEZ) differ in the ability to support effective nitrogen fixation and if this difference is related to the abundance and composition of the native rhizobial population.\r\n\r\nSpecific objective 1.1: Estimate the population density of indigenous rhizobia in different soils and determine the effect of the soil properties on the rhizobial population.\r\n\r\nSpecific objective 1.2: Determine the rhizobial composition in different soils and factors that influence it.\r\n\r\nSpecific objective 1.3: Determine the effectiveness of nitrogen fixation of rhizobial populations derived from different soils and factors that influence it.\r\n\r\nObjective 2: Determine the competitiveness of indigenous rhizobial populations from different soils with respect to current strains used for bean inoculation.\r\n\r\nSpecific objective 3: Test effectiveness, adaptability and competitiveness of the identified superior indigenous rhizobia under greenhouse conditions.\r\n\r\nSpecific objective 4: Test effectiveness, adaptability and competitiveness
Uganda 2017-01-17 2020-01-17 Agricultural Sciences Degree Award
Erisa Mwaka Sabakaki
ID: UNCST-2019-R001625
Engaging Young People in the Development of Digital Mental Health Innovation in Africa
REFNo: SS795ES

To build a network of experts and stakeholders to develop a framework for responsible and relevant digital mental health interventions for young people in African countries
Uganda 2021-05-10 2024-05-10 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Erisa Mwaka Sabakaki
ID: UNCST-2019-R001625
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A LUMBAR MODIFIED SPINAL BRACE
REFNo: HS1558ES

Our main objective is to design, fabricate and test a modified fit-for-purpose lumbar orthosis through use of locally available raw materials whose design can be adopted by different orthopaedic workshops in low income countries. This will be achieved through the following sub aims;
1. Conduct a needs assessment to determine the needs and requirements of people with low back pain and derive specifications for a modified brace well suited for use by people in LICs.
2. Test and assess the functionality of the modified brace using simulations.
3. Fabricate a sturdy brace with locally sourced components that suits the specifications derived from the simulations so as to make it suitable for use in low income countries.

Uganda 2021-07-30 2024-07-30 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
Erisa Mwaka Sabakaki
ID: UNCST-2019-R001625
Is Healthcare a Common Good? Philosophical Perspectives and Clinical Practices in Boston and Kampala
REFNo: SS4184ES

1. To develop a philosophical framework for conceptualizing healthcare as a
common good by drawing on African and North Atlantic philosophical traditions.
2. Explore clinicians’ conceptions of health, the common good, and professional
practice.
3. To analyze how differing conceptions of healthcare affect experiences of burnout and moral injury.
Uganda 2025-09-23 10:58:51 2028-09-23 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Xavier Medialdea Pedrol
ID:
Livestock diet quality and overgrazing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
REFNo: NS7ES

Understanding determinants of livestock movement on spatial and temporal dimensions and link it to the use of resources in an outside Queen Elizabeth National Park while the nutritional and healthy status of the animals is studied. This can be achieved by monitoring the diet quality and parasites of livestock and the forage availability through space and time in and near the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Spain 2017-02-28 2020-02-28 Natural Sciences Non-degree Award
Ulrich  Kropiunigg
ID:
Understanding the Preventative and Protective Potential of Fathers: Safeguarding Children from Extremist Influences
REFNo: SS50ES

1.Gain a deeper understanding of extremist mechanisms at the individual psychological/ emotional\r\nlevel from the perspective of fathers.\r\n2.Investigate how fathers can be employed in shielding their children from extremist influences.\r\n3.Develop an understanding of the skills that fathers require in order to effectively prevent and protect\r\ntheir children from extremist influences.
Austria 2017-02-21 2020-02-21 Social Science and Humanities Non-degree Award
Fred Bulamba
ID: UNCST-2019-R000026
Non-Physician Anaesthetists’ training and roles in sub-Saharan Africa
REFNo: HS30ES

This study aims to 1) characterise the training programmes currently available for NPAs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with respect to their structure, curricula and teaching methods, 2) characterise the output of NPA training programmes in terms of NPA roles and the proportion of total anaesthesia providers who are NPAs, and 3) explore the experience of key informants in selected locations with regard to NPA training and practice.\r\n
Uganda 2017-04-25 2020-04-25 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Fred Bulamba
ID: UNCST-2019-R000026
Mapping perioperative care pathways to support surgical treatment in Low-and-Middle Income Countries
REFNo: HS642ES

The aim of this project is to understand the context of perioperative health systems in Uganda, including the main barriers encountered in the delivery of care.

Objectives:
1. Develop a collaborative approach to perioperative care pathway mapping
2. Carry out a rapid appraisal to map 5 pathways (three “Bellwether procedures and two elective procedures) in Uganda.
3. Refine the process and extend to three low- and middle-income countries

Uganda 2020-09-28 2023-09-28 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
Phoebe Donnelly
ID:
Gendered Decisions and Dynamics in Eastern Africa
REFNo: SS109ES

This research is for my PhD dissertation and potentially a book or articles. My central research question asks how the attitudes and behavior of non-state armed organizations (NSAOs) towards women and girls relate to the NSAO’s broad strategy. My framework will examine four aspects of gendered strategy: 1) the role women and girls fill within NSAOs; 2) whether NSAOs use forced marriage or other regulations of relationships as a strategy; 3) how the treatment of civilian women and girls, specifically the use of gender-based violence (GBV), relates to the objectives of the NSAO; and 4) how these organizations discuss gender in their external communications. My two case studies are al-Shabaab formed in Somalia and the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda.
USA 2017-12-20 2020-12-20 Social Science and Humanities Degree Award
Imelda Namagembe
ID:
ETHICAL CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY RESEARCHERS AND INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD MEMBERS IN EMERGENCY OBSTETRICS –GYNAECOLOGY CARE RESEARCH: A CASE STUDY OF MAKERERE COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES/MULAGO HOSPITAL, UGANDA.
REFNo: HS31ES

General Objective:\r\nTo explore and document ethical challenges encountered in emergency obstetrics-gyneacology research by researchers and IRB members at Makerere College of Health Sciences/Mulago Hospital, Uganda".\r\nSpecific objectives\r\n1) To explore the ethical challenges encountered in emergency obstetrics-gynaecology research by researchers at Makerere College of Health Sciences and Mulago Hospital.\r\n2) To explore the ethical and operational challenges encountered by IRB members when reviewing / monitoring research in emergency obstetrics-gynecology. \r\n3) To document the strategies used by both researchers and IRB members to handle the ethical and operational challenges encountered in emergency obstetrics-gynecology research\r\n
Uganda 2017-01-31 2020-01-31 Medical and Health Sciences Non-degree Award
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