Uganda Virus Research Institute launches 90th anniversary celebrations
Since its establishment in 1936, UVRI has played a pivotal role in disease surveillance, virus discovery, outbreak preparedness, laboratory science and health research, whose impact extends far beyond Uganda's borders.
(L-R) Dr. Julius Lutwama, Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, Steven Shyaka Gashaija, Expedito Nsubuga and Charles Kiberu cutting a cake in celebration of 9o years of UVRI and 91 years of Expedito Nsubuga. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has kicked off celebrations to mark its 90th anniversary with a symbolic tree planting exercise at its Entebbe campus.
The institute launched its "90 trees at 90" campaign by planting 90 trees, an initiative aimed at promoting a healthier environment while preserving the institute's rich natural heritage for future generations.
At the launch on Friday, UVRI's director, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, said the campaign reflects the institute's commitment not only to advancing scientific research and protecting human health, but also to promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Since its establishment in 1936, UVRI has played a pivotal role in disease surveillance, virus discovery, outbreak preparedness, laboratory science and health research, whose impact extends far beyond Uganda's borders.
"For nearly nine decades, the iconic trees across the UVRI campus have stood as silent witnesses to the groundbreaking discoveries, scientific innovation and generations of researchers dedicated to improving human health," Kaleebu expressed.
He noted that as many of the historical trees continue to age, the "90 trees at 90" campaign seeks to replenish and preserve the institute's green legacy.
Entebbe municipality mayor Fabrice Rulinda, who was represented by Senfuka Tamuzadde, said planting 90 trees was a reminder that the greatest investments are those whose benefits are enjoyed by generations yet to come.
"Today's tree planting ceremony also reminds us that human, animal health and environmental health are deeply interconnected," Rulinda remarked.
Prof Pontiano Kaleebu (2nd right), Steven Shyaka (3rd right), Senfuka Tamuzadde (3rd left) with other guests planting a tree at the UVRI campus in Entebbe municipality on Friday. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
The municipality mayor expressed that through groundbreaking research, disease surveillance, scientific innovations and partnerships that span the globe, UVRI has protected millions of lives while placing Uganda among the world's respected contributors to medical science.
"The recent years have reminded the world that investments in science are investments in national security, economic stability and human survival. Institutions like UVRI are therefore not simply research centres. They are strategic national assets whose work benefits every Ugandan and contributes to global health," he stated.
Rulinda's remarks were echoed by Steven Shyaka Gashaija, the municipality member of parliament who was also the chief guest.
He noted that UVRI's story is not merely a history of buildings and laboratories but a history of Ugandan scientists who have devoted their lives to protecting humanity.
"UVRI gives Uganda the sovereign capacity to detect dangerous diseases and advise the government on appropriate responses. Without strong domestic laboratory capacity, Uganda would have to depend excessively on foreign laboratories, causing delays at the very moment when every hour matters," Shyaka expressed.
The centre's regional reference functions also enable it to support Uganda and neighbouring countries in testing, surveillance and laboratory quality assurance.
According to the area member of parliament, the ninety trees planted on Friday ought to serve as living monuments to ninety years of scientific excellence.
He envisaged the virus research institute to become part of the wider vision to establish Entebbe as a science, technology, aviation, tourism and public-health hub, saying the celebration of ninety years must not only look backwards but also produce a clear investment plan for UVRI's next generation.
Next week, the centre will host a conference to discuss the past, current and future of scientific research before the celebrations climax on July 22.
Other activities include the opening of a new regional polio laboratory, which will be used to sequence polio virus.