Uganda Virus Research Institute launched as EAC Centre of Excellence in Virology

The East African Community (EAC) has officially launched the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) as its Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology. This development in Entebbe aims to bolster regional health security by creating a hub for advanced virology research, specialized training, and disease surveillance.

The center is designed to enhance the capacity of EAC Partner States to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Officials highlighted its crucial role in preparedness for threats such as Ebola and Marburg, as well as other emerging viral diseases. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, hailed the launch as a significant stride toward regional health security and scientific self-reliance, emphasizing increased funding for research.

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A nation that studies its own pathogens is a self-reliant nation. We commit to increasing funding for research.

EAC Chairperson of the Council of Ministers Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga noted the center's timely arrival, given the persistent challenges posed by infectious diseases across the region. She recalled the COVID-19 pandemic's demonstration of how outbreaks disregard national borders, underscoring the necessity for robust regional collaboration. The UVRI facility is one of seven such centers established under the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework 2018-2028, intended to provide advanced expertise and technical support.

This initiative builds upon existing regional networks, including the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories and the EAC Mobile Laboratory Network. These established networks have already significantly reduced laboratory test turnaround times. The new center further advances the EAC's One Health approach, fostering collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The launch also coincided with UVRI's 90th anniversary.

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Uganda's leadership in virology reflects UVRI's internationally recognised expertise and decades of contribution to virus research, disease surveillance and outbreak response.