Welcome Message
It is my honor to welcome you to the MUST Research Ethics Committee (MUST-REC) section of the main MUST website. As the Chairman, I take pride in leading this international organization that is fundamentally tasked with the ethical and scientific oversight of interdisciplinary research. Our mission is to thoroughly evaluate all research proposals, ensuring that they adhere to the globally acknowledged ethical standards, including those outlined in the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki while remaining aligned with our international partners. Our well-defined purpose is to protect the rights, dignity, safety, and welfare of each research participant. We function with autonomy and expertise, encouraging research that carries genuine social value and reduces risk. This dedication to ethical practice has been the foundation of our notable accomplishments over the past five years.
Beginning in 2020, our adaptability was tested right away. As the global community responded to the abrupt emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, MUST-REC decisively implemented expedited review pathways for a significant number of urgent research proposals related to diagnostics, treatments, and public health strategies. This swift response allowed essential research aimed at tackling the virus to proceed quickly while maintaining the safety and rights of participants, a crucial highlight that showcased our ability to conduct thorough reviews under considerable pressure.
In 2021 and 2022, we built upon our pandemic experience to permanently improve our operational capabilities. We fully integrated virtual review and submission platforms, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our procedures and accessibility for international collaborators. Throughout this time, we concentrated on developing the capacity of our diverse committee members.
Over time, MUST-REC has broadened its purview to accommodate more intricate, multi-disciplinary research. This necessitated the creation of tailored ethical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to confront new risks and challenges. Importantly, we made substantial advancements in enhancing our community engagement and partnership strategies, making certain that the viewpoints and cultural contexts of research participants are thoroughly incorporated into the ethical review process, thereby honoring the principle of justice in research. Our ongoing efforts affirm that
MUST-REC is not just a regulatory body, but an engaged partner in promoting ethical, high-quality, and globally responsible research.
Research Ethics Committee
REC Documents
In response to the increasing number of research projects involving human subjects being conducted in Uganda, Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Ethics Committee (MUST-REC) was formed. The MUST-REC works in conformity to the internal rules described in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This is in accordance with the Guidelines for Health Research involving Human Subjects in Uganda (1997) and later the National Guidelines for research involving Humans as Research Participants (2007), and revised (2017).
The MUST-REC was formed in 2002 and accredited by the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST) on February 11, 2011, while it is certified and internationally recognized and registered by the Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) with a record Number FWA00007740. Current FWA registration will expire on September 6, 2028. It supports and reviews all categories of both national and international research protocols.
Purpose and Scope
The main purpose of the MUST-REC is to review the science and ethics of both national and international proposals/protocols submitted to the Committee, while safeguarding the rights, safety and welfare of the research participants involved.
The MUST- REC has the authority to modify the research proposals/protocols, approve, suspend or terminate any studies, which are found to violate the ethical guidelines and the status of the REC approval, and to oversee the approved studies thereafter.
It is also the duty of this Committee to provide confidential, independent, competent reviews and approvals. In all its activities, it is mandatory that the Committee keeps the UNCST posted on all the REC decisions – a requirement which MUST REC has followed since its inauguration.
Requirement for submission for initial review
1. Evidence of payment of review fee
2. MUST REC informed consent form
3. Protocol Summary Sheet or Memorandum
4. Signed Protocol and Protocol-Related Documents
5. Information for subjects
6. Case report forms (CRF)
7. Study budget
8. Updated timeframe
9. Investigator’s brochure
10. Letter from the Supervisors (in case of students)
11. MUST REC form for storage of Biological Materials (Where Applicable)
They are all submitted in twelve (12) copies to the MUST REC Office which is located at Mbarara University Campus, Faculty of Science building.
Timeline of Operations
Protocol Receipt: 16th day of the current month to the 15th day of the following month
Protocol Review: 2 weeks from the date protocols are assigned to reviewers
Feedback to Investigators: 1 week from the date of the review meeting
Expected feedback from Investigators: 4 weeks from the date of receipt of feedback from the Committee
Expected feedback from the reviewers after resubmitted comments: 2 weeks from the date of resubmission by the Investigator
Charge Structure
Amendment of the Protocol
The charges for Masters and PhD students registered at MUST will be as follows:
1. Master students 14 U.S. Dollars, or UGX.50,000
2. PhD students 150 U.S. Dollars, or UGX 555,000
Other researches are charged an initial review fee as attached structure here. The review fee is paid to the University and a receipt of payment attached to the online platform (nrims.uncst.go.ug) during the application process.
The following are the account Numbers of MUST REC.
A/C Name: MUST Institutional Ethics Review Committee
Account Numbers: 8702808043100 (Dollar account) swift code SCBLUGKA
Local Account: 0102808043100
Branch: Standard Chartered Bank Mbarara Branch
Requirement for Amendment of the Protocol
- Fill the MUST RECs protocol amendment form.
- A cover letter explaining the need for the amendment and rationale, and a description of the changes you want effected.
- Amended protocol, study instruments and consent forms with track changes should also be submitted.
The commiteee is composed of 11 members inclusive community representatives. It has two administrative staff.
