The Minister of Public Service Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa has visited Uganda Virus Research Institute to acquaint himself with the ongoing research work and human resource issues at the Institute.
UVRI Director Prof Pontiano Kaleebu presented to him current research work in Immunology, Virology, infectious diseases and also highlighted current human resource challenges.
Dr Kaleebu stressed that the institute lacks a legal status to operate to its full potential. He also highlighted several challenges including the current human resource structure which he said is constrained and cannot handle the existing load of work.
He also noted the lack of attraction and retention of qualified and senior skilled researchers as a result of inadequate funding for the Institute.
Hon Muruli urged the Institute leadership to make a justification for the legal status and present it to government for consideration.
He also emphasised that his visit to the institute helped him appreciate some of the service delivery challenges and also provided him a platform to discuss possible solutions.
