Background/ A brief history of JCRC /why were we set up?

The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) is an autonomous organization that was established in 1991 as a limited liability not-for-profit joint venture between the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Defence and Makerere University Medical School (now Makerere College of Health Sciences). The Centre was established to respond to the HIV/AIDS challenge which was at the peak by that time. At its inception, the centre was supported by a grant from the Ugandan Government that was used to renovate the initial building that housed the JCRC offices at Bulange, Mengo and provided the basic equipment to start work.

JCRC pioneered the use of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa as early as 1992 through a research project to determine the lowest effective dose of Zidovudine. Thereafter, JCRC set up a network model to increase access to ART treatment in the country. This was a case study for the PEPFAR program culminating into the Centre becoming the first recipient of a 7-year USAID/PEPFAR grant to expand access to ART in Uganda. The Centre has undertaken several landmark research trials that have shaped HIV/AIDS policies/treatment guidelines worldwide.

Over the years, JCRC has continued to expand her services both in terms of services offered and geographical presence across Uganda.
Where we are we located?

The JCRC headquarters are located off Entebbe Road at Lubowa in Wakiso district, approximately 10 kilometres from the capital city Kampala. JCRC currently has 6 Regional Centers of Excellence (RCEs) established in Mbale in the East, Fort Portal in the West, Mbarara in the Southwest, Gulu in the North and field offices in Lira and Kigezi region.

JCRC’s Strategic direction continues to constitute her vision, mission, values and strategic objectives, highlighted below;

Our Vision

A vibrant self-sustaining Centre of Excellence in Medical Research, Training and Healthcare Services.

Our Mission

To conduct Quality Medical Research and Training, provide equitable and sustainable HIV/AIDS care and other health care services in Uganda and Internationally.

Our Values

• Integrity, Confidentiality,
• Compassion,
• Mutual Respect,
• Ownership,
• Team work,
• Accountability,
• Continuous Learning,
• Innovation,
• Excellence.

Institutional Framework

At leadership level JCRC has a full established Board that provides the strategic leadership and the senior management team that oversees the daily operations of the organization.

The Board is a composed of an able, highly experienced and multi-disciplinary teams of professionals that consists of three (3) representatives from the founding mother institutions, and other members of seasoned professionals from different walks of life.

The JCRC is structured along four directorates which in essence are the pillars of the organization. The directorates are: Research, Clinical Services, Laboratory Services, and Finance and Administration. Training is fundamental and is incorporated into each of the Directorates.