Located in Masaka City, this station has played a historic and evolving role in Uganda’s clinical research journey. Once an epicentre of the HIV epidemic, Masaka became one of the first sites for large-scale HIV clinical trials in Uganda, building a reputation for excellence in trial coordination, community engagement, and long-term participant follow-up.
Today, the Masaka station remains at the forefront of clinical research, especially in studies involving HIV prevention, co-morbidities, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It hosts a dynamic team of clinical researchers, and maintains strong partnerships with Masaka Regional Referral Hospital and surrounding health facilities.
- What Happens Here?
Clinical Research Excellence
Masaka was the site of the first large-scale HIV trials in Uganda, chosen due to its high burden and strategic importance. Over time, the research portfolio has evolved to include trials that address the changing health needs of people living with HIV, including ageing, cardiometabolic risk, and integrated chronic care.
Key Populations: Then and Now
The site has long worked with key populations, including fishing communities, who experience disproportionately high HIV prevalence. Many studies here have specifically engaged men, youth, and mobile workers, including through behavioural health trials.
As survival with HIV has improved, the research focus has shifted toward understanding sexual health in older adults among others.
Study Highlights
Masaka has hosted or currently supports:
- The biggest HIV Vaccine trial in Africa, .
- Long-Acting PrEP Trials, evaluating next-generation HIV prevention tools for sustained protection in mobile male populations.
- Tuberculosis Meningitis Vaccine Studies, studying new vaccine candidates to prevent TB meningitis.
- Pediatric Vaccine Regimen Trials, testing the safety and effectiveness of vaccine combinations in children.
- Cryptococcal Meningitis Studies, investigating improved treatment and prevention strategies for this life-threatening fungal infection.
Our Role in the Research Ecosystem
We are:
- An urban hub for high-volume trials
- A trusted clinical partner of Masaka Regional Referral Hospital
- A trial readiness site for industry and collaborative studies
- A mentorship site for early-mid career researchers
- A leader in community-driven research, ensuring trial design and retention are shaped by local voices
- Facilities & Resources
Infrastructure
- Dedicated clinical and laboratory spaces designed specifically for trial implementation
- On-site sample processing and real-time data entry to support efficient study workflows
- Proximity to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for seamless referrals and specialist support
- Well-equipped pharmacy services, including robust cold chain infrastructure
- Purpose-built spaces for participant education, engagement, and community dialogue
- Masaka Station Timeline
Early 1990s
Site of Uganda’s first large-scale HIV trials
Masaka emerges as a priority location for research due to high prevalence and strong support for research from the government and local communities.2000s
Focus on key populations
Increased studies involving fishing communities, sex workers and special interest groups further build on the Unit's research.2010²õâ€Ñï°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù
Integration of other infectious diseases
As the HIV epidemic matures, prevention research evolves to studies in injectable PrEP and other emerging and reemerging infections such as COVID-19, Ebola, Tuberculosis, among others.