The Uganda Virus Research Institute is to receive over two hundred thousand dollars ($245,000) from the US Government under the Ambassador’s Fund for Culture Preservation to put a Museum to preserve Uganda’s scientific heritage.
The museum will preserve & show case groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed global health, including research on yellow fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19.
The Museum will feature both physical exhibitions at UVRI’s Entebbe campus and virtual exhibitions accessible globally through 360-degree tours and an augmented reality mobile app.
The Museum will offer programs for students, teacher training, and public events celebrating scientific achievements, reaching thousands of young Ugandans annually.
The U.S will provide security systems, climate control equipment and archival-quality storage materials while UVRI maintains the facility and provide trained security personnel.
Together, we’ll ensure the Museum meets intentional standards for protecting irreplaceable scientific heritage.
The initiative reflects America’s enduring commitment to strengthening Uganda’s scientific institutions, preserving shared cultural heritage, and advancing global health security.
The four-year museum project coincides with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, celebrating shared values of innovation, partnership, and commitment to human progress.
Much of UVRI exceptional scientific and historical legacy remains dispersed across international archives, personal collections, and inadequate storage facilities, says US Gov’t report.
Some of the historical records face permanent loss due to age and deteriorating storage conditions including the original Rockefeller foundation documents, correspondence between America and Uganda scientists, laboratory equipment, scientific specimens, and more.
For 90years, America and Uganda scientists have worked side by side to confront some of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Preserving this history is about more than safeguarding artifacts, it honors a partnership that has saved lives, advanced scientific discovery, and strengthened global health security.
The Museum will ensure future generations understand how collaboration between Uganda and the United States has benefited both nations and the World
The project will establish a museum to preserve, interpret, and exhibit UVRI’s irreplaceable scientific heritage.
Established in 1936 by the American Rockefeller Foundation as the Yellow Fever Research Institute, UVRI represents nearly 100years of sustained American and Ugandan Scientific collaboration.
This partnership has produced groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped global public health including discovery of global significant pathogens, critical HIV/AIDS research, first confirmation that a virus can cause cancer plus others.
UVRI has partnered with leading U.S. institutions for decades including the Rockefeller foundation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH),Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University and U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief( PEPFAR).
Over the years, the United States Government has contributed nearly $100 million to support HIV programs, strengthen laboratory systems, expand surveillance, and improved Uganda’s health security.
Ninety years is not merely an anniversary, it is a testament to science in service of humanity and the generation of scientists, technicians, and staff whose work has made UVRI a global leader in public health, said report U.S Ambassador to Uganda.
Today, I am pleased to mark this anniversary with concrete demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to UVRI and to Uganda’s health security.
First, the U.S. Department of War is transferring a fully equipped mobile laboratory and two vehicles, valued at over $930,000 to strengthen outbreak detection and emergency response.
This mobile laboratory will enhance UVRI’s ability to respond rapidly to disease outbreak wherever they occur, bringing sophisticated diagnostics capabilities directly to affected communities.
As you know, last December, the United States and Uganda signed a five-year $2.3 billion health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to save live and build a resilient and durable health system Uganda can sustain for itself.
The agreement reflects a fundamental principle of America foreign assistance.
The East African Community Center of Excellence being launched today reflects exactly what effective U.S. foreign assistance aims to achieve: capable, self reliant institutions that protect their own people and strengthen regional stability.
UVRI is not just a Ugandan institution-it’s a regional asset and a global partner in fight against infectious diseases.
Today, UVRI stands as Africa’s premier research center and model of international scientific collaborations.
Meanwhile the UVRI 90years of virology excellence day celebrations where attended by the Uganda Prime Minister Rosemary Nabajja, Hon Rebecca Kadaga, Minister Chris Baryomunsi,Prof Omaswa,Prof Pontiano Kaleebu & several other high profiled personalities(By PEACOCK KAWEESA)
