Joint Clinical Research Centre

The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) is a leading medical research institution and healthcare provider headquartered in Kampala, Uganda. Established in 1991 as a joint venture between the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, and Makerere University, it was created to spearhead the country's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. JCRC is recognized globally for its pioneering role in introducing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa and for conducting landmark clinical trials that have shaped global treatment guidelines. The center provides a comprehensive range of services, including clinical trial management (CRO services), specialized laboratory diagnostics, and clinical care for infectious and non-communicable diseases. Its research portfolio has expanded beyond HIV to include tuberculosis, malaria, and advanced genomic research, such as gene therapy for sickle cell disease. JCRC collaborates with prestigious international partners, including the NIH, USAID, and major pharmaceutical companies, to advance global health through high-quality clinical research and training.