Health
EAC to launch regional virology centre in Uganda
“By investing in centres 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,” Malueth said.
The Centre will support EAC Partner States in preventing, detecting and responding to infectious diseases, including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging viral threats.
By: Rose Akello, Journalist @New Vision
The East African Community (EAC) will officially launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) in Entebbe, marking a significant step in strengthening the region’s preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks.
The designation positions UVRI as a regional hub for advanced virology research, specialised laboratory training, disease surveillance, diagnostics and knowledge sharing.
The Centre will support EAC Partner States in preventing, detecting and responding to infectious diseases, including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging viral threats.
Commitment to scientific excellence
Speaking ahead of the launch, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the designation reflects the Community’s commitment to building stronger regional health systems through collaboration, scientific excellence and investment in resilient laboratory infrastructure.
“By investing in centres 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,” Malueth said.
Ahead of the official launch, UVRI will also host a scientific symposium bringing together leading scientists, public health experts, policymakers and development partners to discuss emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, regional laboratory systems and collaborative approaches to pandemic preparedness and response.
The launch is expected to attract senior government officials and regional leaders, including Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, EAC Deputy Secretary General Aguer Ariik Malueth, and Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute.
“By investing in centres 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,” Malueth said.
Ahead of the official launch, UVRI will also host a scientific symposium bringing together leading scientists, public health experts, policymakers and development partners to discuss emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, regional laboratory systems and collaborative approaches to pandemic preparedness and response.
The launch is expected to attract senior government officials and regional leaders, including Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, EAC Deputy Secretary General Aguer Ariik Malueth, and Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Representatives from EAC Partner States, the Government of Germany, development partners, scientists, researchers and other stakeholders in the health sector are also expected to attend.
Building stronger regional health systems
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.
The initiative seeks to strengthen regional laboratory capacity for pandemic prevention and response in line with the One Health Approach.
The launch also 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 centres of excellence in specialised medical fields to strengthen health systems and enhance regional cooperation.
The event will coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, recognising the institute’s long-standing contribution to virology research, disease surveillance, laboratory science and public health across East Africa.
Building stronger regional health systems
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.
The initiative seeks to strengthen regional laboratory capacity for pandemic prevention and response in line with the One Health Approach.
The launch also 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 centres of excellence in specialised medical fields to strengthen health systems and enhance regional cooperation.
The event will coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, recognising the institute’s long-standing contribution to virology research, disease surveillance, laboratory science and public health across East Africa.