About Us

Aligned with the vision of The Global Health Network (TGHN), “Equity in Health Research by improving methods, building careers & sharing knowledge,” the Ugandan Centre for TGHN is established as a national hub to strengthen research capacity development and promote collaborative science across Uganda. The Centre is tasked with implementing TGHN’s strategic goals, promoting access to global health research resources and training, and fostering partnerships to advance evidence-based public health and research across the country.

To be effective, the Ugandan Centre engages in activities that promote a deep understanding of the needs, opportunities, and challenges of health research in Uganda. It works closely with regional and global partners to build sustainable systems for research and knowledge exchange through:

I. Facilitating training initiatives and linking Ugandan researchers to TGHN’s global resource platform

II. Promoting mentorship and collaboration across research institutions

III. Supporting the dissemination and exchange of knowledge, tools, and expertise

Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)

The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is a leading biomedical research institution under the Ministry of Health. It plays a pivotal role in research on viral diseases, vector-borne infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), aligning with national and global health priorities. UVRI contributes to Uganda’s health system through scientific research, outbreak investigation, and laboratory-based surveillance to protect and improve population health.

UVRI conducts multidisciplinary research in infectious diseases such as HIV, viral hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola, Marburg), Yellow fever, Zika, influenza, and other emerging pathogens. The Institute’s work strengthens Uganda’s disease surveillance and outbreak response capacities, providing timely laboratory diagnostics and scientific evidence to guide policy and practice.

1. Vision

To be a regional and global leader in biomedical research that transforms health outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based science in Uganda and beyond.

2. Mission

To conduct high-quality biomedical research, provide reference diagnostic services, and build capacity to strengthen health systems, promote preparedness, and respond effectively to public health threats in Uganda and the region.

1. Completed Projects and Publications

Over the past decade, UVRI has led and collaborated on several groundbreaking studies that have informed global health practice and policy. Some key achievements include:

1. Insights into Marburg virus transmission dynamics during the 2017 outbreak in Eastern Uganda — Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2019.

2. Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of arboviruses among rural communities in Uganda — PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2021.

3. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Uganda: Implications for vaccine efficacy — Nature Communications, 2022.

4. Strengthening AMR surveillance through One Health integration in Uganda — BMJ Global Health, 2023.

2. Ongoing Projects

Current research projects focus on the One Health surveillance of zoonotic diseases such as Marburg and Rift Valley Fever, antimicrobial resistance in clinical and community settings, and the use of genomic sequencing for real-time outbreak tracking. Collaborations include the University of Oxford, WHO-AFRO, and Africa CDC, supporting regional health security and preparedness frameworks.

3. Infrastructure

UVRI hosts advanced laboratory infrastructure including Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) labs, molecular biology units, genomic sequencing platforms, and ELISA and PCR facilities. It also serves as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and a National Reference Laboratory for influenza and AMR surveillance.

1. Needs and Future Sustainability

To sustain progress, UVRI seeks continued investment in laboratory modernization, renewable energy systems for uninterrupted research, capacity building for early-career scientists, and strategic funding partnerships to expand AMR and One Health research initiatives.

5. Key Research Priorities

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and One Health integration

2. Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases

3. Genomic and molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases

4. Strengthening health systems and outbreak preparedness

5. Environmental health and the impact of agricultural practices on disease transmission

6. Media Recognition

1. Daily Monitor: Uganda leads genomic surveillance in East Africa

2. New Vision: UVRI’s role in fighting viral hemorrhagic fevers

3. The Global Health Network Africa: Building Uganda’s research capacity for the future

Knowledge mobilization and sharing 

The Guinea Centre works closely with TGHN Team to Identify & Share High-Value Research Resources for Local/Regional Groups in TGHN Africa/Asia/LAC Hub.

Early Career Researcher Capacity Building

The Centre Empowers Early Career Researchers: Hands-On Workshops, Webinars, Career Development, and Site Exchange Initiatives for Unlocking Potentials Through Education.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and One Health 

AMR is escalating in Guinea due to antibiotic misuse, poor infection control, and inadequate surveillance. Research and One Health training are crucial for effective solutions.

Grantsmanship and Collaboration

The Guinea centre equips early career researchers with resources to secure funding, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promote research advancement in Guinea.

Women in Global Health Research and Leadership 

As a key priority, the Guinea centre focuses also on Empowering Women in Evidence-Based Research for Guinea's Advancement and Inclusive Development.

The TGHN calendar

Events from across The Global Health Network which may be of interest