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Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences Review Article

From Outbreak to Output: Uganda’s COVID-19 Research Trajectory Through a Scientometric Lens

  1. Muneer Ahmad The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road
  2. Undie Felicia Nkatv The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road
  3. Gorrety Maria Juma The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road
  4. Sajid Saleem Department IT, SOMAC, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road
  5. Julirine Nakanwagi The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road
  6. Nicholas Kamoga The Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library, Kampala International University, Box 20000, Ggaba Road

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked an extraordinary global expansion in scientific research, with notable and growing contributions from low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda. This study presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of COVID-19 related research output from Uganda, aiming to examine publication trends, authorship patterns, collaboration networks, source impact, and thematic focus. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the PubMed database using an advanced search strategy: “(COVID-19) OR (SARS-CoV-2)) AND (Uganda)” for the period 2020–2025, yielding a total of 1,375 records. The dataset was analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in RStudio to generate descriptive and relational indicators. The results reveal a rapid increase in publications during the early pandemic years, peaking in 2022, followed by a gradual decline, reflecting the global transition of COVID-19 from an acute emergency to a managed public health challenge. Journal articles constituted the dominant document type, and the literature was widely dispersed across international, open-access journals. Authorship analysis indicates a highly collaborative research environment, with a high average number of co-authors per document and substantial international co-authorship, particularly with high-income countries. Keyword analysis highlights a strong emphasis on epidemiology, human populations, and demographic variables, underscoring the public health orientation of the research. Overall, this scientometric assessment demonstrates Uganda’s active integration into global COVID-19 research networks and provides valuable insights into the structure and evolution of pandemic-related research. The findings may inform research policy, funding priorities, and strategies to strengthen future epidemic preparedness and scholarly output in Uganda.

Keywords

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