The institute unveiled the “90 Trees at 90” campaign, through which 90 trees were planted as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and preserve UVRI’s natural heritage for future generations.
Speaking at the launch, UVRI Director Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu said the initiative reflects the institute’s commitment to advancing scientific research, protecting human health and supporting environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Established in 1936, UVRI has grown into one of Africa’s leading medical research institutions, contributing to disease surveillance, virus discovery, outbreak preparedness, laboratory science and public health research in Uganda, the region and globally.
“For nearly nine decades, the iconic trees across the UVRI campus have stood as silent witnesses to scientific breakthroughs, dedicated service and the institute’s remarkable journey,” Prof. Kaleebu said.
He noted that many of the historic trees at the institute are ageing, making the “90 Trees at 90” campaign an important step towards restoring and preserving UVRI’s green legacy.
“The tree-planting exercise therefore serves not only as a celebration of the institute’s remarkable legacy but also as a living symbol of growth, resilience, hope and our continued commitment to protecting both people and the planet,” he added.
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rulinda, represented by Senfuka Tamuzadde, described the initiative as a reminder that investments in environmental conservation benefit generations beyond the present.
“Today’s tree-planting ceremony also reminds us that human health, animal health and environmental health are deeply interconnected,” Rulinda said.
He commended UVRI for its contribution to medical science, saying the institute’s research, disease surveillance efforts and scientific innovations have helped protect millions of lives while strengthening Uganda’s position in global health research.
Entebbe Municipality Member of Parliament Steven Shyaka Gashaija also applauded UVRI for nine decades of scientific contribution and disease prevention.
“Discoveries made here can influence scientific knowledge across the world,” Gashaija said.
He said UVRI provides Uganda with the capacity to detect dangerous diseases and advise government on appropriate responses, reducing dependence on external laboratories during health emergencies.
“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,” he said.
Gashaija added that UVRI’s history goes beyond laboratories and buildings, highlighting the contribution of generations of Ugandan scientists who have dedicated their careers to protecting humanity through research and innovation.
He called for a broader vision to position Entebbe as a regional hub for science, technology, aviation, tourism and public health, saying the 90th anniversary should inspire further investment in the institute’s future.
As part of the anniversary activities, UVRI will host a scientific conference to reflect on the past, present and future of research ahead of the main celebrations scheduled for July 22.
The celebrations will also include the commissioning of a new regional polio laboratory, expected to strengthen UVRI’s ability to sequence polioviruses, improve disease surveillance and enhance outbreak response across the region.