UK Minister Visits Institute Ahead of 90th Anniversary Celebrations
Baroness Jenny Chapman, the UK's Minister of State for International Development and Africa, paid a visit to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) today, ahead of the institute's landmark 90th anniversary celebrations set for July 2026.
She was received by Uganda's Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, State Minister for Primary Health Care Dr. Charles Ayume, UVRI Director Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, and other dignitaries. The visit was jointly organised by the Medical Research Council, UVRI, and the British High Commission in Uganda, and included a guided tour of the institute's physical infrastructure.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Baryomunsi commended the strong bilateral cooperation between the UK and Ugandan governments, thanking the British people for their generosity, support, and continued collaboration. He urged African nations to draw lessons from the UK-Uganda partnership, stressing the need for greater cooperation among African countries to jointly tackle the continent's disease burden. "You cannot mop while you have a leaking roof," he said, drawing a parallel to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and reaffirming Uganda's commitment to supporting the DRC in the fight against the hemorrhagic virus.
Dr. Baryomunsi further noted that UVRI's scientific expertise, physical infrastructure, and strong track record have made it an attractive partner for international collaboration, commending the institute for its outstanding work.
In her remarks, Baroness Chapman praised Uganda as a longstanding, diligent, and transparent partner in advancing global health security, and reaffirmed the UK's continued commitment to supporting Uganda's health sector now and into the future.
