UGR-PAGRA

Pan-African Cardiometabolic Genomics


Overview

UGR-PAGRA (Phase III) is part of an ambitious, Roche-funded Pan-African genomics initiative within the African Network of Genomic Centres of Excellence (GenCoE). The collaboration brings together African researchers, governments, non-profit organisations, multilateral institutions and private-sector partners to advance genomic research and strengthen research capacity across the continent.

Despite Africa's unparalleled genetic diversity, African populations remain underrepresented in global genomic datasets, limiting our understanding of the genetic determinants of disease and the translation of genomic discoveries into improved healthcare. The broader PAGRA initiative aims to address this gap by generating high-quality genomic and phenotypic data from 25,000 individuals across Africa.

As part of this initiative, UGR-PAGRA contributes 3,000 well-characterised Ugandan samples with detailed cardiometabolic phenotyping. The resource supports investigations into African genetic diversity, the genetic architecture of cardiometabolic diseases and the development of more representative genomic research datasets.


Cohort Information

  • Project identifier: UGR-PAGRA (Phase III)
  • Established: 2026
  • Participants: 3,000
  • Population: Ugandan participants
  • Research focus: Cardiometabolic genomics and African genetic diversity
  • Broader initiative: Pan-African genomic and phenotypic data generation involving 25,000 individuals
  • Research partnership: Roche-funded GenCoE/PAGRA initiative

Genomic, Molecular and Phenotypic Data

  • Cardiometabolic phenotyping: Detailed measurements of cardiometabolic traits and associated risk factors
  • Biological samples: 3,000 well-characterised Ugandan samples contributing to the wider PAGRA initiative
  • Genomic profiling: Genomic data generation to support genetic discovery and population genomic investigations
  • Multi-omics integration: Opportunities for molecular profiling and integrated investigations of cardiometabolic health and disease
  • Pan-African research integration: Contribution to a collaborative genomic resource representing diverse African populations

Research Applications

UGR-PAGRA supports research into the genetic architecture of cardiometabolic diseases, African genomic diversity, population-specific genetic variation and the molecular determinants of cardiometabolic health.

Through its integration with the broader PAGRA initiative, the resource provides opportunities for cross-population genomic investigations, genetic association studies, biomarker discovery and the evaluation of genetic risk prediction approaches in African populations.

By contributing well-characterised Ugandan samples to a large-scale Pan-African genomic initiative, UGR-PAGRA aims to strengthen the representation of African populations in genomic research and support the translation of genetic discoveries into improved understanding, prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases.


Research initiative: Roche-funded Pan-African collaboration within the African Network of Genomic Centres of Excellence (GenCoE).

Cohort relationship: UGR-PAGRA comprises 3,000 participants who do not overlap with UGR-Core (Phase I) or UGR-NEXUS (Phase II).