East African Community unveils UVRI as new Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology
The Uganda Virus Research Institute will spearhead advanced virology research, specialised laboratory training, disease surveillance, and diagnostics.
TUESDAY July 21, 2026
By Patty Magubira
The Tranquillity News Reporter, Tanzania
The East African Community (EAC) is set to officially launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on Wednesday July 22, 2026, designating it as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology.
The landmark event, taking place in Entebbe, Uganda, coincides with UVRI’s 90th anniversary, celebrating nearly a century of contributions to virology research, disease surveillance, and public health across East Africa.
Bolstering regional health security
As the newly designated regional hub, the UVRI will spearhead advanced virology research, specialised laboratory training, disease surveillance, and diagnostics.
The initiative aims at significantly boosting the capacity of EAC partner states to prevent, detect, and swiftly respond to infectious disease outbreaks, including high-consequence pathogens like Ebola and Marburg.
Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, emphasised that the designation underscores the bloc’s dedication to robust public health 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,” the Deputy Secretary General is quoted as saying in a statement.
High-level attendance and scientific symposium
Ahead of the official inauguration, UVRI is convening a high-profile scientific symposium.
The gathering brings together leading scientists, public health experts, policymakers, and development partners to discuss collaborative approaches to pandemic preparedness, laboratory systems, and emerging viral threats.
The launch ceremony will feature prominent regional leaders, including Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business of the Republic of Uganda Robinah Nanbanja,
Others are Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, EAC Deputy Secretary General Aguer Malueth, and Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Delegations representing the EAC Secretariat, Partner States, and the Federal Republic of Germany are also in attendance.
Collaborative foundation
The establishment of the centre is a major milestone under Phase III of the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases Project.
Supported by the German government, the project champions the One Health Approach to strengthen cross-border pandemic prevention and response capabilities.
This move follows the endorsement of the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework by the 19th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, which greenlit specialised medical centres of excellence to drive regional integration and health systems strengthening.
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The Tranquility News Reporter/Sub Editor, Tanzania
Patty Magubira is an experienced environmental and business editor whose career started at the Tanzania's state-owned newspaper - The Daily News. He is a man of perfection. Aided by his extensive training as a community forestry expert before joining Tanzania School of Journalism. Magubira had successfully held various key posts in newsrooms, giving him an unmatched connections in media fraternity. Having worked as a bureau chief in Arusha and Mwanza, he managed to build a team work, boosting sales to the highest level ever. He was then promoted to a sub-editor after completing a training in Nairobi, Kenya. His incredible experience, critical thinking and exposure are critical to the quality of any media outlet.
