EAC Launches UVRI as Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology

What the report says

Nile Post reported that the East African Community has formally launched and operationalised the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology. The designation is intended to expand regional capacity in virology research, specialised laboratory training, diagnostics, disease surveillance and information-sharing among EAC Partner States.

According to the report, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched the centre on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni and linked it to regional health security and scientific self-reliance. EAC Council of Ministers Chairperson Rebecca Kadaga said the facility is being established at a time when cross-border infectious disease threats remain a major concern, with the COVID-19 pandemic cited as an example of why regional cooperation is necessary.

EAC Deputy Secretary General Ariik Aguer Malueth said UVRI is among seven Regional Medical Diagnostic Centres of Excellence under the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework 2018–2028. UVRI Director Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu said the institute already supports partner states by confirming laboratory samples and assisting rapid responses to outbreaks. The launch also coincided with UVRI’s 90th anniversary.

The centre is expected to support preparedness for viral threats including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging or re-emerging diseases, while advancing the EAC’s One Health approach across human, animal and environmental health sectors. Nile Post reported that Germany, through KfW, supported operationalisation, with technical assistance from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. Six container-based laboratories are also being procured to strengthen diagnostics and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.