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For 90 years, UVRI has contributed to scientific discovery and public health, helping Uganda and the global community better understand, detect and respond to infectious diseases. The Institute's work has strengthened national preparedness and informed public health action both within and beyond Uganda's borders.
Speaking on behalf of H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during the celebrations, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, commended UVRI for the nine decades of scientific excellence that have helped to put Uganda on the global map.
“This is a celebration of 90 years of science in service to humanity. The discoveries made at UVRI have saved lives in Uganda, East Africa and all over the world," noted the Rt. Hon Prime Minister.
Advancing health security
Over the years, UVRI has made important contributions to Uganda's health security architecture, particularly in disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and outbreak response. The Institute has supported the detection and confirmation of major disease outbreaks, including Ebola virus disease and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Its expertise and laboratory capacity have helped ensure rapid public health action during emergencies, saving lives and reducing the spread of disease.
Celebrating partnership
The anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate decades of collaboration between WHO and UVRI. For more than 70 years, WHO and UVRI have worked together in research, disease control, immunization initiatives, laboratory strengthening and outbreak response.
“WHO is proud of its longstanding collaboration with UVRI in strengthening laboratory systems, immunization programmes, outbreak preparedness and disease surveillance,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General “Together, we have helped protect millions of people and contributed to major public health successes.”
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, the WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, congratulated the Government of Uganda and UVRI on reaching the important milestone and expressed WHO’s continued commitment to supporting Uganda’s efforts to leverage science to promote, prevent and protect health.
“UVRI's 90-year journey is a powerful testament to the role of science in advancing health and saving lives. WHO joins the Government of Uganda in celebrating this extraordinary achievement and remains committed to supporting research, surveillance and health security efforts that will protect future generations,” she added.
Looking forward to the next 90 years and beyond
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the handover of a new WHO-accredited polio sequencing laboratory, further strengthening Uganda's disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity.
As new and evolving health threats continue to emerge, WHO remains committed to supporting Uganda's efforts to strengthen surveillance systems, laboratory networks, emergency preparedness and scientific research.
While celebrating UVRI's achievements over the last nine decades, partners also underscored the need to invest boldly in its future. Investment that strengthens laboratory and surveillance systems, nurtures scientific talent, and expand research and innovation will be critical to ensuring that Uganda and Africa continue to contribute knowledge, leadership and solutions to global health challenges.
By building on its rich legacy of scientific excellence, UVRI is well positioned to help shape a safer, healthier future for generations to come.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
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