The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit continues to invest in the next generation of scientific leaders through the ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition, a high stakes platform designed to sharpen grant-sourcing skills among early career researchers, equipping them to confidently secure competitive awards in the real world. Hosted by the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) research theme, this latest edition of Dragon’s Den brought together promising researchers for a fast-paced, high impact one-day event, where individuals and teams pitched their ideas for potential funding.

With £10,000 at stake, six scientists rose to the challenge, presenting innovative research ideas to find solutions to pressing issues in areas of the Unit’s NCD Research Theme, including cardiometabolic health, disability, violence, and mental health and genomics. The competition not only tested their ability to craft compelling research proposals but also enriched their collaborative skills in securing funding, an essential foundation for a successful research career.

A distinguished panel of judges evaluated every proposal on scientific excellence, feasibility and potential for real-world impact. The panel included Senior Cardiometabolic physician, Dr. Francis Xavier Kasujja, Neuropsychologist, Dr. Andrew Ssemata Ssentoogo, Psychiatric Geneticist, Dr. Allan Kalungi, Senior Social Scientist, Dr. Rehema Nagawa and Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr. Leticia Kyohangirwe.

Meet the winning innovators
Three standout projects emerged, each addressing critical gaps in NCD research:

Jane Nansamba (Mentor: Dr. Femke Bannink Mbazzi) – Improving Clean Intermittent Catheterization Practices in Schools
Jane’s research aims to enhance care for students with spina bifida by improving clean intermittent catheterization practices in schools. Through participatory workshops, transect walks, and in-depth interviews, her study will engage children, teachers, and stakeholders to develop practical solutions for better hygiene and health outcomes.

Abdmagidu Menya (Mentor: Dr. Andrew Ssemata Ssentoogo) – “Utility of the Disability awareness checklist to improve health care facility accessibility in Luuka District”
Focusing on Luuka District, Abdul’s study evaluates the effectiveness of a Disability Awareness Checklist in improving healthcare accessibility. Using transect walks, observational methods, and qualitative interviews with health workers and persons with disabilities, his research will assess the impact of the checklist before and after health facility audits.

Joseph Katongole (Mentor: Dr. Nambusi Kyegombe) – “Exploring the emotional and psychological challenges in social-behavioral health research in Uganda”
Joseph is set to explore the often-overlooked emotional and psychological toll on researchers conducting social and behavioral health studies. Through qualitative interviews and NVivo-aided thematic analysis, his work aims to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by researchers in this field.

Building a culture of research excellence
Reflecting on the event’s success, Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the Unit, remarked: 

"Dragon’s Den is not just about winning grants! By challenging young scientists to think big, collaborate, and pitch with confidence, we are shaping the next generation of research leaders who will drive positive change and make a difference in people’s lives”.

Learn more about NCD research at the Unit.