Busitema University · Faculty of Science and Education

Research Ethics Committee (BUFSE-REC)

Information for researchers on ethics review, protocol submission, applicable fees and required documentation.

Submit a Protocol ↗View Requirements

About BUFSE-REC

The Busitema University Faculty of Science and Education Research Ethics Committee (BUFSE-REC) is one of the Research Ethics Committees accredited by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). The committee handles research proposals submitted by staff, students and partners.

BUFSE-REC reviews the ethics of health-related studies, humanities studies and business-related studies involving interaction with human respondents during field data collection.

Online submissions

UNCST NRIMS Portal

All protocol submissions, reviews and approvals are conducted online through the National Research Information Management System.

Access NRIMS ↗

Before submitting

Prepare Your Documentation

Principal Investigators must pay the relevant review fee and attach evidence of payment during online protocol submission.

See the submission checklist →

Research Ethics Review Fees

The following fee schedules are reproduced from the BUFSE-REC information document. All amounts below are stated in United States dollars (USD).

Non-Academic Research

Review categoryIndustry-sponsored research & clinical trialsInvestigator-led clinical trialsNon-industry research & non-clinical trials
Initial / Regular reviewUSD 600USD 500USD 400
Expedited review (minimal-risk studies)N/AN/AUSD 300
Fast-track / Express reviewUSD 900USD 750USD 600
AmendmentsUSD 200USD 200USD 200
Annual renewalsUSD 100USD 100USD 100

Academic Research (Students)

Review categoryInternational students (PhD and Master's research)Ugandan & EAC students (PhD research)Ugandan & EAC students (Master's research)
Initial / Regular reviewUSD 400USD 300USD 28
Expedited review (minimal-risk studies)USD 300USD 300N/A
Fast-track / Express reviewUSD 600USD 450USD 42
AmendmentsUSD 200USD 200N/A

Payment Information

Official Bank Details

Account name
Busitema University Central Administration

Account number
3100043846

Bank
Centenary Bank

Payment Instructions

The account is denominated in Uganda Shillings (UGX). Applicants must pay the UGX equivalent of the applicable fee stated in USD.

Attach evidence of payment when submitting your protocol through NRIMS.

Protocol Submission Requirements

Before starting your submission at nrims.uncst.go.ug, prepare the following documents for attachment, where applicable.

  1. An electronic copy of the research protocol, fully signed by the supervisor (for students).
  2. An introduction letter from the Head of Department, Chair of the Higher Degrees Committee or Faculty Dean, addressed to the Chairperson, BUFSE-REC, requesting research ethics review.
  3. A letter to the Chairperson, BUFSE-REC, requesting waiver of informed consent, for applicable studies involving archived human samples or review of records, including patient records.
  4. A health management plan, such as a COVID-19, Ebola or Marburg risk management plan, if applicable.
  5. English and translated versions of the informed consent document, taking account of participants’ literacy levels and languages.
  6. English and translated versions of assent forms for studies involving children aged 8–17 years.
  7. English and translated consent/assent forms for future storage of specimens or samples, where applicable.
  8. Copies of screening tools, if applicable.
  9. English and translated copies of data collection tools, such as questionnaires, interview guides and data extraction forms, where applicable.
  10. Copies of recruitment materials and other relevant documents, where applicable.
  11. Evidence of payment of the REC review fees.

Review Process & Important Notices

  1. Prepare the protocol and all required supporting documents.
  2. Pay the applicable review fee and retain evidence of payment.
  3. Submit the application and attachments through NRIMS.
  4. After submission, await feedback from BUFSE-REC.
  5. If revisions are requested, address all review comments before resubmitting.
Regular review submission deadline: Depending on workload, the committee meets monthly or quarterly. Complete applications should be submitted before the 15th day of each month.

Contact BUFSE-REC

Committee Administrator

Oscar Wabuya

For more information about ethics review and protocol submission, contact the BUFSE-REC administrator.

Telephone: +256 780 672 664