Bugema University Research Ethics Committee (BU-REC)
Welcome !
On behalf of the Bugema University Research Ethics Committee (REC), I warmly welcome you to our platform. At Bugema University, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all aspects of research. Our Committee is committed to fostering an environment where innovation and inquiry thrive within a framework of ethical responsibility. The REC serves as a guardian of ethical research conduct—ensuring that all studies involving human participants and sensitive data are guided by respect for dignity, rights, and welfare. We work collaboratively with researchers, students, and partners to ensure that every project conducted under the auspices of Bugema University meets both national and international ethical standards.
We believe that ethical research is not just a requirement but a cornerstone of academic excellence and social relevance. Through continuous guidance, education, and review, the REC seeks to empower researchers to pursue truth with compassion, transparency, and integrity. As you explore this site, we invite you to learn more about our processes, guidelines, and commitment to ethical research practice. Together, let us continue to advance knowledge that transforms lives and makes meaningful contributions to our communities and the world at large.
BU-REC Values
“Good Science Breeds Better Ethics”
At Bugema University, we believe that ethical integrity is the lifeblood of true scholarship. The BU-REC was accredited and started its official duties on the 06th of July 2023. The BU-REC was found to satisfactorily meet the national requirements to function as a Research Ethics Committee for the protection of the rights and welfare of human research participants in Uganda and thus was accredited by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) Accreditation Committee (UNAC). The Bugema University Research Ethics Committee (BU-REC) upholds values that mirror the University’s mission, affirming that sound science and strong ethics are inseparable. Every responsible discovery and credible finding must flow from honesty, respect, and accountability.
Core Values
Integrity: We promote sincerity and transparency at every stage of research, ensuring that each study honours God and contributes meaningfully to human knowledge.
Excellence: In harmony with Bugema University’s pursuit of academic and spiritual excellence, we emphasise rigorous, high-quality, and credible research practices.
Stewardship & Accountability: BU-REC safeguards the dignity and welfare of research participants, ensuring responsible use of resources and adherence to institutional and ethical standards.
Respect for Human Dignity: Every person bears inherent worth as created in God’s image. Our processes ensure fairness, compassion, and justice for all participants.
Service & Faith: Research should serve humanity and glorify God. We encourage studies that transform lives and reflect biblical values of truth, justice, and care for creation.
BU-REC stands as a beacon of integrity—reminding all researchers that good science and good ethics are one and the same. Through mentorship and ethical review, we nurture research that honours both God and humanity
GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION!
Dear Researchers,
Welcome to the Bugema University Research Ethics Committee (BU-REC) portal. We appreciate your commitment to conducting research that upholds the highest ethical standards and makes a positive contribution to knowledge, innovation, and community transformation. The BU-REC operates under the guidance of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and is mandated to review, approve, and monitor all research activities involving human participants and sensitive data conducted under the auspices of Bugema University or by its affiliates.
This document provides comprehensive guidance on the procedural requirements and application process for obtaining ethical clearance from BU-REC. It outlines the necessary documentation, submission timelines, review categories, and applicable fees to help you prepare a complete and compliant application. Researchers are reminded that no data collection or field activity should begin before receiving formal ethical approval from the Committee. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that research is conducted responsibly, safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of all participants while maintaining academic integrity. We encourage all applicants—undergraduate, postgraduate, faculty, and external collaborators—to carefully read and follow these procedures. For additional assistance, templates, or clarification, please contact the BU-REC office via email: burec@bugemauniv.ac.ug or visit our office at the Bugema University Kampala Campus.
Together, let us continue to build a culture of ethical excellence and responsible research that reflects the values and mission of Bugema University.
Steps to ethical approval BU-REC review
- Create an account on the National Research Information Management System (NRIMS) portal: https://nrims.uncst.go.ug
- Upload your original receipt from the institution of origin as payment proof
- Upload all required documents as guided
- Once submitted, the uploaded documents will be received in BU-REC for completeness check and forwarded to reviewers
- Protocol review and feedback is done within 14 working days for expedited review and within 3 months, depending on the sitting of the full board meeting, for regular review.
On Application, Completeness check of protocol can be either accepted (as approved to have all minimum review requirements) or rejected (as missing some parts of minimum review requirements) to re-upload as new protocol
Expedited review: All research that may involve Minimum Risk to human participants
Regular review: Includes High Risk involved, Undergraduate and/or PhD level protocols
Fast Track review: All procedures that may involve High Risk to human participants and are reviewed in the shortest time possible by a Full ethics review Board meeting
