Uganda Virus Research Institute becomes East African Community’s Center of Excellence in virology
As the East African Community (EAC) Centre of Excellence in Virology, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) will serve as a regional hub for advanced virology research, specialized laboratory training, disease surveillance, diagnostics and knowledge sharing.
Black News 
The East African Community is launching the Uganda Virus Research Institute as the Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology.
Officially sailing on the 22nd of July 2026, the development is described to be a major milestone in strengthening regional preparedness and response to pandemics and other public health emergencies.
As the East African Community (EAC) Centre of Excellence in Virology, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) will serve as a regional hub for advanced virology research, specialized laboratory training, disease surveillance, diagnostics and knowledge sharing.
It will be enhancing the capacity of EAC Partner States to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the designation of UVRI as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology reflects the Community’s commitment to strengthening regional health security through enhanced collaboration, scientific excellence and investment in resilient laboratory systems.
“By investing in centers of excellence, we are building a stronger, more coordinated regional health system that can better prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks for the benefit of all East Africans,” said Hon. Malueth.
Meanwhile the UVRI convenes a scientific symposium with leading scientists, public health experts, policymakers and development partners to deliberate on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, regional laboratory systems and collaborative approaches to pandemic preparedness and response.
On the other hand, gracing the launching event Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Uganda; Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs of Uganda; Aguer Ariik Malueth, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors as well as Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute; and other regional leaders, development partners and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The event will also bring together a high-level delegation from the EAC Secretariat, representatives from EAC Partner States, the Federal Republic of Germany, development partners, scientists, researchers and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
The designation of UVRI as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology is a key milestone under Phase III of the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases Project, supported by the Government of Germany, which seeks to strengthen regional laboratory capacities for pandemic prevention and response in line with the One Health Approach.
The launch follows the endorsement of the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework by the 19th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, which approved the establishment of regional centers of excellence in specialized medical fields to strengthen health systems and enhance regional cooperation.
The event will coincide with the 90th Anniversary of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, recognizing the Institute’s distinguished legacy in virology research, disease surveillance, laboratory science and public health across East Africa.
