UVRI named East African Community Centre of Excellence in Virology

What the report says

Nile Post reported that the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has been designated the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology, a status announced as the institute marked 90 years since its establishment. The announcement was made at UVRI’s headquarters in Entebbe during anniversary celebrations, with President Yoweri Museveni welcoming the development in a message delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

According to the report, the designation positions UVRI as a key regional institution for work on viral disease detection, research and outbreak response. Nile Post said the centre is expected to support collaboration across East Africa in virology research, surveillance, laboratory capacity and preparedness for infectious disease threats such as Ebola, Marburg and other emerging viruses.

Museveni, through Nabbanja, praised UVRI’s role in Uganda’s health sector and wider scientific research, while also urging scientists to expand innovation aimed at addressing public health challenges. The report also cited Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, who called on researchers to focus on practical responses to emerging health risks.

As part of the anniversary activities, UVRI opened a museum highlighting its scientific history and contributions to medical research over nine decades. Nile Post reported that senior officials, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, attended the event. The designation matters because it reinforces Uganda’s role in regional health security and could deepen coordinated efforts among EAC member states to detect and respond to viral outbreaks.