The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) will officially become the East African Community (EAC) Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology during a ceremony in Entebbe on July 22, 2026.
The designation strengthens regional efforts to prepare for and respond to pandemics and other public health emergencies across East Africa.
As the regional centre, UVRI will lead advanced virology research, laboratory training, disease surveillance, diagnostics and knowledge sharing. The institute will also help EAC partner states improve their ability to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola, Marburg and other emerging viral infections.
EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the appointment reflects the bloc's commitment to stronger regional health security through scientific collaboration, investment in laboratory systems and research.
He said regional centres of excellence will help build a coordinated health system that can detect and contain disease outbreaks more effectively for the benefit of East Africans.
Before the official launch, UVRI will host a scientific symposium bringing together scientists, public health experts, policymakers and development partners. Participants will discuss emerging infectious diseases, regional laboratory networks and joint strategies to improve pandemic preparedness.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is expected to preside over the launch. Other expected guests include First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who also chairs the EAC Council of Ministers, EAC Deputy Secretary General Aguer Ariik Malueth, and UVRI Director Prof Pontiano Kaleebu.
The ceremony will also attract delegates from the EAC Secretariat, partner states, Germany, development organisations, researchers and other health sector stakeholders.
UVRI's new role forms part of Phase III of the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases Project, which Germany supports. The programme seeks to strengthen laboratory systems across the region and improve preparedness for future disease outbreaks using the One Health approach.
The launch follows the approval of the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework by the 19th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State. The framework calls for specialised regional centres of excellence to strengthen healthcare systems and deepen cooperation among member states.
The event will also mark UVRI's 90th anniversary, celebrating its long contribution to virology research, disease surveillance, laboratory science and public health in East Africa.
