Research & Innovations

Generating evidence on GI disease in the East African context — partnering with Makerere University, Mulago Hospital, and international collaborators to improve outcomes for patients across Uganda.

Active research studies

Peer-reviewed publications

International collaborations

MakCHS

Primary academic partner

Active Studies & Clinical Trials

Recruiting

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Hepatitis B in Peri-urban Kampala

Cross-sectional study characterising HBV genotypes, viral load, and fibrosis stage in treatment-naïve patients attending MHK clinic.

PI: Dr. A. Namukasa · Makerere University & CDC Uganda · 320 participants enrolled

Active

H. pylori Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Kampala: Implications for Eradication Therapy

Culture-based study mapping clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance rates to optimise first-line treatment regimens.

PI: Dr. R. Mugisha · Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) · 180 participants enrolled

Enrolling

Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake and Barriers in Urban Uganda

Mixed-methods study exploring awareness, attitudes, and structural barriers to colonoscopy screening among adults aged 40–65 in Kampala.

PI: Dr. G. Nankya · Uganda Cancer Institute · 500 participants enrolled

Completed

FibroScan vs. Liver Biopsy for Staging Fibrosis in HBV-infected Ugandans

Diagnostic accuracy study comparing transient elastography with histology as the reference standard in a resource-limited setting.

PI: Dr. A. Namukasa · Mulago National Referral Hospital · 150 participants enrolled

Selected Publications

Journal of Hepatology · 2025

Outcomes of tenofovir therapy for chronic hepatitis B in Ugandan adults: a 3-year cohort

Namukasa A, Tumwesigye E, et al.

African Journal of Gastroenterology · 2025

Endoscopic findings in patients presenting with upper GI bleeding at Mulago Hospital

Mugisha R, Nankya G, et al.

Nutrients · 2024

Malnutrition and gut mucosal integrity in Ugandan children under five: a cross-sectional study

Nakato F, Wasswa C, et al.

Cancer Epidemiology · 2024

Awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms among adults in Kampala: a community survey

Nankya G, Mugisha R, et al.

Innovation at MHK Gastro Clinic

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Tele-gastroenterology

Remote consultation service extending specialist GI care to patients in rural Uganda and neighbouring countries via secure video link.

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Point-of-Care H. pylori Testing

Rapid urease and stool antigen testing available same-day, reducing the need for repeat visits and speeding up treatment.

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Digital Endoscopy Registry

Prospective database of all endoscopic procedures enabling quality benchmarking, complication tracking, and real-world research.

Collaborate With Us

We welcome research collaborations with Ugandan universities, regional health institutions, and international partners focused on GI and liver disease in sub-Saharan Africa.