Who
We Are
The only centre of its kind in East and Central Africa — dedicated exclusively to research on alcohol, substance use, and addictions.
One Centre.
One Mission.
The Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Research Centre (ADARC) at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is the only centre of its kind in East and Central Africa dedicated exclusively to research on alcohol, substance use, and addictions. Building on more than a decade of alcohol and drug research activity at MakSPH, ADARC was formally established to consolidate interdisciplinary expertise, drive high-quality scientific inquiry, and translate evidence into effective policy and practice.
The Centre draws its strength from five academic departments of MakSPH, enabling ADARC to address the complexity of substance use through multiple scientific lenses.
MakSPH is uniquely positioned to host ADARC. As one of the leading public health education and research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, MakSPH has a long history of collaborative research with international agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and leading universities worldwide. The school currently hosts over 75 active research projects and publishes an average of 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers per year.
Uganda and its neighbours carry a disproportionately high burden of substance use and its consequences. WHO has consistently ranked Uganda among the highest per capita alcohol consuming countries in the world, and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to alcohol and drug use in Uganda exceed one million annually. ADARC exists to close the research gap — building the evidence base that Uganda and the region urgently need.
A leading regional Centre of Excellence in alcohol, drugs, and addictions research, producing evidence that shapes policy and transforms lives across Uganda and Africa.
To conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research on alcohol, substance use, and addictions; build research capacity; and advocate for evidence-informed interventions that reduce the burden of substance use disorders in Uganda and the African region.
To reduce the burden of alcohol and drug-related harms in Uganda and beyond through high-quality interdisciplinary research, training, advocacy, and community engagement.
Core Values
Scientific Integrity
We conduct rigorous, ethical research adhering to the highest standards of transparency, honesty, and accountability in all our scientific activities.
Relevance
Our research agenda is driven by the needs of Ugandan communities, policymakers, and practitioners. We prioritise questions that matter and findings that can be applied.
Innovation
We embrace methodological innovation — from latent class analysis to mixed methods and implementation science — to advance the frontier of addictions research in Africa.
Collaboration
We recognise that no single institution can address the complexity of substance use disorders alone. We actively build partnerships across disciplines, sectors, and borders.
Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring our research addresses the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, youth, and marginalised communities disproportionately affected by substance use.
Capacity Building
We invest in the next generation of African addictions researchers — through mentorship, scholarships, training, and embedding research skills across our programmes.
Transparency
We share our findings openly with funders, communities, government, and the public, and we hold ourselves accountable for the responsible use of resources and data.
History & Background
Alcohol & Drugs Research Interest Group established at MakSPH. First published papers and Uganda's first addictions prevention pamphlet for university students.
Formal concept note developed proposing the Alcohol and Drug Research Unit (ADRU) — highlighting the absence of any comparable unit across East Africa's 160 million people.
Scope, partnerships, and team expanded. National and international collaborations established with multi-site studies launched.
Officially established as ADARC — the only centre of its kind in East and Central Africa — with engagement in INEBRIA's emerging Africa chapter.
"Uganda and its neighbours carry a disproportionately high burden of substance use. ADARC exists to close the research gap — building the evidence base that Uganda and the region urgently need."
"With active national and international collaborations, ongoing multi-site studies, and engagement with INEBRIA's emerging Africa chapter, ADARC is positioned to lead East Africa's addictions research landscape."