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  
Maegan Hoffman Jennie
ID: UNCST-2025-R018963
 Behavioral impact of variable terrain across wild chimpanzee populations
REFNo: SS3973ES

Determine whether difference in terrain, primarily elevation and slope, are significant predictors of the observable differences in social behavior seen
between the Kanyawara and Budongo chimpanzees.

 USA 2025-07-22 16:56:59 2028-07-22 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Cynthia Agema Lysanne
ID: UNCST-2025-R018967
 Exploring the balance between social disappointment and inequity aversion in chimpanzees.
REFNo: NS979ES

The objective of this study is to gain deeper insight into the behavioural responses of chimpanzees to unequal reward distributions, and to examine whether these responses are primarily driven by social disappointment or by inequity aversion. We aim to better understand the cognitive and emotional processes underlying social evaluation in great apes. The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the evolutionary roots of fairness and social expectations, and offers practical value for improving animal welfare, especially in captive or sanctuary settings, by adapting care practices based on species-specific social sensitivity.
 Netherlands 2025-07-10 12:51:39 2028-07-10 Natural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Shevan Nyamwiza
ID: UNCST-2025-R019014
 NGO ACTIVITIES AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN RWAMWANJA REFUGEE SETTLEMENT, KAMWENGE DISTRICT, UGANDA
REFNo: SS4660ES

i.To assess the role of advocacy on Gender Based Violence in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District. ii.To examine the effect of humanitarian services on Gender Based Violence in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District. iii.To establish the influence of capacity building on Gender Based Violence in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District.
 Uganda 2025-12-18 17:42:15 2028-12-18 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Ibrahim Adabara
ID: UNCST-2025-R019039
 AGENTIC AI FOR CYBERSECURITY: A FRAMEWORK FOR THE DESIGN AND GOVERNANCE OF RESILIENT AUTONOMOUS DEFENSE SYSTEMS
REFNo: SIR547ES

1.3 Main Objective

The primary objective of this research is to construct a theoretically grounded and ethically aligned framework for conceptualizing, simulating, evaluating, and governing AAI systems in cybersecurity. The framework will serve as a strategic model for autonomous defensive agents, focusing on secure, transparent, and accountable operation in adversarial environments, in alignment with legal and normative expectations.

1.4 Specific Objectives

i. To develop a reference model for agentic AI systems integrating autonomy, ethical responsiveness, and adaptive reasoning by synthesizing existing literature and formalizing the framework within the first phase of the study.

ii. To design and implement a simulation-based methodology that models adversarial threat scenarios and tests agentic AI responses within a defined experimental period, using performance and ethical indicators as measurable outputs.

iii. To construct a multi-criteria evaluation framework that defines and measures agentic system performance in terms of transparency, latency, proportionality, and normative alignment, validated through simulated test cases in the second phase.

iv. To propose and validate a governance and ethical oversight model for agentic AI deployment, incorporating regulatory review, stakeholder auditability, and normative safeguards by the final phase of the project, following empirical evaluation.
 Nigeria 2025-09-17 11:18:20 2028-09-17 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Denis Collon Akwar
ID: UNCST-2025-R019046
 Student Success in Online Academic Programs: A Case of Higher Education Institutions in Uganda
REFNo: SS4612ES

The study is intended to explore students’ success in online programs at higher education institutions in Uganda. It will be guided by the following research questions:
1. What factors impact students' success in online academic programs?
2. What is the effect of different pedagogical techniques on student success in online academic programs?
3. What perceptions do students and course instructors have on student success in online academic programs?
 Uganda 2025-12-22 15:35:35 2028-12-22 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Doreen Kirungi
ID: UNCST-2025-R019078
 AN EXPLORATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL NOMADS AS A VIABLE MARKET SEGMENT FOR UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA
REFNo: SS4069ES

1. To profile digital nomads in South Western Uganda. 2. To assess the availability, quality, and accessibility of services and facilities offered in Southwestern Uganda. 3. To design a framework for creating awareness about digital nomads as a viable market segment in southwestern Uganda.
Uganda 2025-09-12 16:41:54 2028-09-12 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Mudarshiru Bbuye
ID: UNCST-2025-R019080
 EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AIR QUALITY AND THE BURDEN OF RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN KAMPALA, UGANDA
REFNo: HS6603ES

General objective To explore the impact of ambient air pollution on the incidence, prevalence, and severity of respiratory tract infections, and the extent of enforcement of air quality control policies and regulations in Kampala, Uganda, a low-resourced urban setting Specific Objectives 1.To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the association between ambient air pollution and respiratory tract infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 2. To characterise the spatial variation in ambient PM2.5 exposure and its correlation with respiratory tract infection health effect among sub-populations in Kampala, Uganda 3.To determine the effect of air quality policies and regulations on the long-term ambient PM2.5 levels and the respiratory tract infections health effects in Kampala, Uganda. 4. To explore the limitations of adaptation and enforcement of air pollution control policies and regulations to reduce the ambient air pollution health effects in Kampala, Uganda.
 Uganda 2025-10-24 17:34:12 2028-10-24 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Zerubabeeli Naturinda
ID: UNCST-2025-R019082
 Farmers’ knowledge and incentives for using tree species on Robusta coffee farms in Uganda
REFNo: A619ES

To contribute to enhancing climate-resilient and sustainable Robusta coffee production systems by generating evidence on farmers' knowledge of tree species use and the key factors influencing their integration on Robusta coffee farms within the Lake Victoria Crescent and Western Savannah Grasslands agroecological zones of Uganda. Specifically, the study will; (i) assess farmers’ knowledge and knowledge processes about tree species integration on Robusta coffee farms, (ii) determine the drivers for farmers’ decisions to integrate tree species on Robusta coffee farms, and (iii) determine the contribution of integrating tree species on Robusta coffee farms in adapting to climate variability.
Uganda 2025-11-04 16:42:56 2028-11-04 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Godfrey Kasozi Lubega
ID: UNCST-2025-R019087
 The Professional Efficacy of Teachers in Catholic Founded Secondary Schools in Uganda
REFNo: SS4737ES

1 To establish the relationship between organizational justice and professional efficacy 2 To determine the relationship between organizational justice and career motivation 3 To establish the relationship between career motivation and professional efficacy 4 To examine the relationship between perceived life satisfaction and professional efficacy 5 To establish the relationship between perceived life satisfaction and career motivation 6 To ascertain the extent to which career motivation mediates in the relationship between organizational justice and professional efficacy 7 To ascertain the extent to which career motivation mediates in the relationship between perceived life satisfaction and professional efficacy
 Uganda 2026-01-30 16:54:42 2029-01-30 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Dreck Ayebare
ID: UNCST-2025-R019088
 Delivery and use of poultry vaccines in Uganda: A systems mapping and field-level study
REFNo: A655ES

Overall Aim To map and analyse the poultry vaccine supply system in Uganda, examining both upstream supply chain structures and downstream use behaviours, in order to identify institutional, logistical, and behavioural barriers to effective, equitable, and sustainable vaccine-based disease prevention. Specific Objectives Part A: Systems mapping 1. To map the structural and logistical flow of poultry vaccines in Uganda, from importation through distribution to the point of administration. 2. To examine institutional roles, interdependencies, and governance arrangements that influence vaccine regulation, quality control, and coordination. 3. To assess inequities in vaccine availability, cold chain access, pricing, and service delivery across geographic regions, institutional levels, and actor groups. 4. To co-develop stakeholder-informed recommendations for improving supply chain efficiency, regulatory coordination, and equitable vaccine access. Part B: Field-level practices 1. To identify the most used poultry vaccines and their sourcing patterns at the farm level. 2. To evaluate compliance with recommended vaccine handling and administration practices among farmers, veterinary workers, and agro vets. 3. To explore behavioural drivers—including knowledge, perceptions, motivations, and decision-making—that influence vaccine uptake and misuse. 4. To assess the role of agro-vet shop interactions, veterinary advice, packaging/labelling, and social norms in shaping field-level behaviours. To quantify key knowledge gaps, operational challenges, and access barriers that limit effective poultry vaccine use at the farm level.
Uganda 2025-10-17 19:09:27 2028-10-17 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Abdullah Wailagala
ID: UNCST-2025-R019096
 Anticipatory Action for Health Service Resilience and Detection (AHEAD) Discovery and Design Study
REFNo: HS6471ES

2) To understand the current and ideal approaches, practices, and perceptions of health workers regarding using risk data and/or information to trigger anticipatory actions.3) To collaboratively co-design, tools and frameworks for anticipatory epidemic risk monitoring and response, drawing on healthcare worker insights, existing workflows, and routine data systems at the primary health care level. 1) To assess the effectiveness and perceived impact of the cIDSR Ebola module released in response to the most recent Ebola outbreak in January 2025 in enhancing health facility readiness and response.
Uganda 2025-09-24 16:38:20 2028-09-24 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Patrick Okema
ID: UNCST-2025-R019099
 Insulin storage in low resource settings, impact on the glycated hemoglobin.
REFNo: HS6078ES

To determine the modalities of insulin storage in children and adolescents with T1D in low resource settings and the effects on their Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) in northern Uganda
 Uganda 2025-09-26 18:07:55 2028-09-26 Medical and Health Sciences Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
Justus Turamyomwe
ID: UNCST-2025-R019115
 A Morphosyntactic Analysis of Runyankore-Rukiga Associative Nominals
REFNo: SS3955ES

1. To examine how associative nominals are marked in Runyankore-Rukiga
2. To Explicate how Runyankore-Rukiga nominals are derived.
3.To establish the specific functions of associative modifiers in Runyankore-Rukiga associative constructions.
 Uganda 2025-06-20 19:00:22 2028-06-20 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Ssemanda Ronald
ID: UNCST-2025-R019141
 Tax Type Dynamics, Filler's Perceptions, and Filing Compliance: An Empirical Study of Uganda's Public Sector
REFNo: SS4032ES

To thoroughly examine tax filing compliance in Uganda's public sector, this study will aim to achieve the following Specific Objectives:
1. To examine the effect of Income Tax on filing compliance within Uganda’s public sector.
2. To assess the effect of Value Added Tax (VAT) on filing compliance within Uganda’s public sector.
3. To analyze the effect of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) on filing compliance within Uganda’s public sector.
4. To evaluate the effect of Withholding Tax (WHT) on filing compliance within Uganda’s public sector.
5. To develop a model to enhance tax compliance in public organizations by addressing tax filers' perceptions across various tax types.
 Uganda 2025-07-08 11:24:40 2028-07-08 Social Science and Humanities Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Mary Kaakyo
ID: UNCST-2025-R019146
 Impact of Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) Approaches on Viral Suppression and Retention in Care among Adolescents Aged 10-19 Living with HIV in Masaka Region, Uganda
REFNo: HS6682ES

1.Determine the impact of the DSD approaches on viral suppression and retention in care among adolescents aged 10-19 living with HIV in the Masaka region. 2.Explore mechanisms and pathways through which DSD approaches have impacted (or not) viral suppression and retention in care among adolescents aged 10-19 years living with HIV in the Masaka region and the contextual factors that influence these pathways. 3.Estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of DSD approaches on viral suppression and retention in care among adolescents aged 10-19 years living with HIV in Masaka region.
 Uganda 2025-11-13 17:13:46 2028-11-13 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Nakayiki Lilian Nyanzi
ID: UNCST-2025-R019152
 Determinants of Indigenous Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Adults in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda
REFNo: HS6387ES

Main Objective The study aims to assess the determinants (enablers and barriers) of indigenous fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in the Rwenzori region of Uganda. Specific Objectives include; 1. To assess the availability and diversity of Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables in food markets within the Rwenzori region. 2. To determine the total intake of fruit and vegetables (and other foods consumed) by adults (18 years and above) in the Rwenzori region. 3. To develop and validate a quantitative questionnaire for assessing the determinants (barriers and enablers) of indigenous fruit and vegetable consumption among adults. 4. To assess the barriers and enablers of indigenous fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in selected communities within the Rwenzori region using the questionnaire in objective 3.
Uganda 2025-09-23 11:07:15 2028-09-23 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Victoria Rutter N/A
ID: UNCST-2025-R019210
 Alignment of Fleming Fund’s Organisational Structure and Strategic Approach to Sustainable, Country-Led AMR Programme Delivery
REFNo: HS6774ES

Aim: To assess whether Fleming Fund’s current organisational structure and strategies effectively support sustainable, country-led AMR interventions. Specific objectives: 1. Evaluate how FF’s organisational structure aligns with its increasing focus on supporting sustainable, country-led AMR initiatives. 2. Examine the alignment of the Fleming Fund’s approach to national health priorities. 3. Assess factors affecting the sustainability of Fleming Fund-funded AMR programmes
UK 2026-02-12 13:40:57 2029-02-12 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Irene Mbabazi
ID: UNCST-2025-R019213
 Transitioning of Care from Pediatric to Adult Sickle Cell Clinics in Uganda: Assessing the health system and patient-level barriers and facilitators
REFNo: HS6802ES

This study aims to explore (1) the health system-level barriers and facilitators influencing the transition from pediatric to adult SCD care at Mulago National Referral Hospital, and (2) the patient- and caregiver-level experiences, behaviors, and preparedness affecting this transition process.
 Uganda 2026-01-19 17:05:12 2029-01-19 Medical and Health Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Non-degree Award
INNOCENT BWENGYE
ID: UNCST-2025-R019226
 OPTIMIZATION OF FEW-SHOT LEARNING MODELS FOR CLASSIFICATION AND RANKING OF BIOMATERIALS FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING
REFNo: SIR592ES

The general objective of this study is to improve the process of selecting biomaterials for bone tissue engineering by developing a few-shot learning model that leverages Bayesian optimization to identify optimal hyperparameters, addressing data scarcity challenges and enhancing model accuracy, generalizability, and computational efficiency.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
I. To critically evaluate existing few-shot learning techniques, analyzing their architectures, strengths, and limitations, with a specific focus on their applicability to biomaterial classification and ranking in bone tissue engineering.
ii.To design and implement a Bayesian-optimized few-shot learning model that effectively learns from limited data and provides robust uncertainty quantification in predictions for BTE applications.
iii.To integrate transfer learning techniques into the Bayesian-optimized few-shot learning framework to enhance its performance and adaptability to biomaterial datasets with diverse mechanical properties.
iv.To evaluate the performance of the proposed model on classification and ranking tasks specific to bone tissue engineering

 Uganda 2025-12-10 19:58:41 2028-12-10 Engineering and Technology Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
Ezra Mwesigwa
ID: UNCST-2025-R019242
 Modeling Coffee Agroforestry Systems and Robusta Coffee farming household Income in Uganda
REFNo: A700ES

a)To estimate the current living income gap of Robusta coffee farmers in Uganda. b)To assess the contribution of agroforestry systems on Robusta coffee farmers’ living income in Uganda. c)To model locally adoptable coffee agroforestry system scenarios that can improve future incomes of Robusta coffee farming households.
 Uganda 2026-01-19 16:11:19 2029-01-19 Agricultural Sciences Non-Clinical Trial Degree Award
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