Knowledge and Skills for Service
Request for Proposals · FY 2026/2027
Competitive Research Grants Scheme & Evidence-Based Research and Innovation Fund
Kyambogo University invites full-time academic staff to submit research and innovation proposals that align with the University’s Research Agenda, National Development Plan IV, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Date Released
25th July 2026
Submission Deadline
28th August 2026
Research Webinars
31st July and 7th August 2026
About the Scheme
Strengthening research capacity and evidence-based innovation at Kyambogo University.
The Competitive Research Grants Scheme (CRGS) supports early- and mid-career researchers to develop independent research projects, increasing the volume and quality of research, enhancing capacity to supervise graduate students, and building successful grant-writing capacity.
Additionally, Government funds secured for FY2026/27 support the Evidence-Based Research and Innovation Fund (KyU-RIF) – increasing research-based innovation outputs, promoting knowledge transfer through commercialization, publications and patents, and generating scalable models that create decent jobs.
Funding Streams
Two streams, five categories. Multi-year projects budget for one financial year at a time.
Stream 1 - Competitive Research Grants Scheme
UGX 25M (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences) · UGX 40M (Science-based)
- One-time award for early – and mid-career researchers.
- Up to UGX 5M extra for small equipment (on justification; remains University property).
Stream 2 - Evidence-Based Research & Innovation
Up to UGX 240M · multi-disciplinary
- Early Innovation & Proof of Concept — UGX 50M–80M
- Evidence Generation & Validation — UGX 80M–120M
- Position for Scale-Up & Systems Impact — UGX 120M–240M
Thematic Areas
Proposals must fall under one of these priority themes and a specific sub-theme.
Theme 1: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems and Bioeconomy
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Food systems transformation
- Agricultural mechanization
- Agricultural value addition
- Circular bioeconomy
Theme 2: Inclusive Education, Human Capital Development and Lifelong Learning
- Education policy
- Inclusive education
- Digital learning
- TVET transformation
- Lifelong learning
Theme 3: Governance, Public Policy, Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Transformation
- Public sector transformation
- Entrepreneurship
- Digital economy
- Industrial competitiveness
- Labour markets
Theme 4: Environment, Climate Change, Water, Energy and Natural Resource Sustainability
- Climate adaptation
- Water resources
- Environmental health
- Renewable energy
- Biodiversity
Theme 5: Peace, Security, Justice and Community Resilience
- Peacebuilding
- Justice systems
- Cybersecurity
- Disaster risk management
- Community safety
Theme 6: Regional Integration, Global Partnerships and International Development
- Regional trade
- Migration
- Diplomacy
- Global health
Theme 7: Creative Arts, Culture Heritage and Creative Economy
- Cultural heritage
- Creative industries
- Cultural entrepreneurship
- Arts for development
Theme 8: Sustainable Cities, Communities and Infrastructure Development
- Smart cities
- Transport
- Housing
- Sanitation
- Infrastructure resilience
Theme 9: Science, Technology, Engineering, Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Digital technologies
- Health technologies
- Innovation ecosystems
Theme 10: Public Health, Mental Health, and Health Systems Strengthening
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing
- Public Health
- Infectious and Non-Communicable Diseases
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health
- Health Systems Research
- Digital Health
- Disability and Rehabilitation
- Community Health
Eligibility:
Who can apply
- The Principal Investigator must be a full-time academic staff member of Kyambogo University.
- The PI must hold a PhD and be actively in service (not on study or sabbatical leave).
- A researcher may be PI on only one application, and a team member on up to three.
- Evidence-based grants are multi-disciplinary - solo applicants are not allowed.
- Prior grantees may apply, but awards depend on completed projects and cleared accountabilities.
- Female academic staff are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online only
Register on the grants portal and create your account.
Complete the online application form for your chosen funding category.
Attach your detailed budget (MS Excel), CVs and letters of support.
Submit before 28 August 2026, 11:59 pm EAT.
Ready to apply?
Create an account or log in to start your FY2026/2027 proposal.