Uganda Marks 90 Years of Scientific Excellence as UVRI Launches Regional Centre of Excellence

Entebbe, Uganda - The Government of Uganda today celebrated 90 years of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, a milestone marked by the unveiling of the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology and a new polio laboratory at the Institute’s campus in Entebbe.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, represented H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the celebrations. 

In his message delivered by the Prime Minister, President Museveni congratulated UVRI’s scientists and staff for propelling the Institute onto the global stage through decades of impactful discoveries. He reaffirmed the NRM Government’s commitment to increasing funding for research and innovation “as long as resources are available.”

“This is a testament to science in service of humanity,” the President’s message noted. “For 90 years, UVRI has protected Ugandans and the region from infectious disease threats.

”The event was attended by the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, development partners, scientists, and other dignitaries.

The newly launched EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology positions UVRI as a hub for advanced virology research, training, and outbreak response for the East African region. The new polio laboratory will further strengthen Uganda’s disease surveillance and public health security.Founded in 1936 as the Yellow Fever Research Institute, UVRI has grown into one of Africa’s premier research institutions, credited with key discoveries including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and pioneering work on HIV, Ebola, Marburg, and Rift Valley Fever.

As UVRI enters its 10th decade, the Government of Uganda and partners pledged continued investment to ensure the Institute remains at the forefront of science, innovation, and regional health security.