KAMPALA – JULY 24-26, 2025
TRACE concluded a three-day benchmarking visit to the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), aimed at learning from their pioneering experience in digital ethics and clinical trial oversight. Held from 24th –26th July 2025, the mission was led by Mr. Collins Mwesigwa from UNCST and Dr. Collins Mitambo representing TRACE. The discussions focused on how Uganda’s digital platform, first introduced in 2020, has transformed the management of clinical trial and research ethics submissions.
During the visit, UNCST shared insights on the functionality, workflow, and technical architecture of its digital system, as well as challenges and lessons learned during implementation. The TRACE team observed a live demonstration of the NRIMS platform, which enables online submissions, tracks application progress, and facilitates communication between regulators, ethics committees, and researchers. Integrated with the National Drug Authority (NDA), the system allows for joint reviews, reducing duplication and improving efficiency. According to UNCST, the platform has significantly reduced paperwork, shortened turnaround times, and strengthened accountability.
Researchers and regulators praised the platform’s user-friendly design and its ability to streamline workflows, though challenges remain. Limited integration of online payment systems, occasional server downtime, and the ongoing need for user training were identified as areas for continued improvement. Despite these hurdles, the platform’s sustainability is ensured by strong government ownership, internal technical capacity, and phased upgrades supported by national budget allocations and plans to integrate into broader e-government infrastructure.
LESSONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
The TRACE delegation commended UNCST for its leadership and expressed interest in exploring regional interoperability by aligning Uganda’s experience with initiatives such as AVAREF. The lessons learned from Uganda’s successful rollout will guide TRACE in designing similar systems across its partner countries.
