Background Research regulation shapes how studies are conducted during public health emergencies, ensuring adherence to ethical, safety, and legal standards. However, gaps in the practical implementation of regulation remain evident during crises. Uganda is particularly vulnerable to public health emergencies due to its proximity to epidemic hotspots, location within multiple disease belts, rapid population growth, and refugee influx. This vulnerability underscores the need for robust systems to support ethical research conduct. This study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected research regulation and ethical oversight in Uganda. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions involving 56 participants across seven districts (Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Wakiso, Mukono, and Kampala). Participants included Research Ethics Committee (REC) chairpersons, REC administrators, researchers involved in COVID-19 studies, and representatives from national regulatory bodies. Purposive, criterion-based sampling was used. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted research conduct and regulation but also prompted key adaptations. Facilitators included the development of research guidelines, implementation of risk management strategies, prioritization of COVID-19 studies, and adoption of digital submission and review systems. Barriers included suspension of studies due to travel restrictions, delays in protocol approvals, increased financial costs, unclear communication, technological challenges, and poor internet connectivity. Regulatory processes were reshaped through expedited reviews, new policies, and increased reliance on online systems. Conclusion The pandemic revealed both challenges and opportunities within Uganda’s research ecosystem. While disruptions hindered ethical research conduct, adaptations demonstrated potential for more efficient and resilient systems. Strengthening communication, digital infrastructure, and sustainable funding mechanisms is critical to ensuring research continuity during future public health emergencies.
Ddamulira et al. (Wed,) studied this question.