environment 20 July 2026 Nile Post

UVRI Marks 90 Years with "90 Trees at 90" Green Initiative

The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has officially launched its 90th anniversary celebrations by planting 90 trees at its Entebbe headquarters. This "90 Trees at 90" campaign underscores the institute's commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience, alongside its ongoing contributions to public health research. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357759/uvri-turns-90-commits-to-climate-action-through-tree-planting-drive

The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is celebrating a significant milestone: 90 years of service. To mark this occasion, the institute has initiated a “90 Trees at 90” campaign, symbolically planting 90 trees at its Entebbe campus. This initiative highlights UVRI’s dedication not only to advancing scientific research and protecting human health but also to environmental sustainability and preserving its historic green landscape for future generations.

UVRI Director, Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, stated that the tree-planting drive aligns with the institute’s core mission. “For nearly nine decades, the iconic trees across the UVRI campus have stood as silent witnesses to scientific breakthroughs,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to restore and preserve the campus’s natural heritage as many of its mature trees are aging.

The campaign serves as a living symbol of growth, resilience, and hope, reflecting UVRI’s continued commitment to planetary health. Local officials, including Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rulinda, commended the initiative, noting the deep interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Established in 1936, UVRI has evolved into a leading medical research institution in Africa, playing a crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and public health research at local and global levels. Representatives praised UVRI for its vital role in disease detection and research, which strengthens Uganda’s capacity and reduces reliance on external laboratories during health emergencies.

Looking ahead, UVRI will host a scientific conference to discuss its past, present, and future research directions. The anniversary celebrations will also feature the commissioning of a new regional polio laboratory, set to enhance disease surveillance and outbreak response throughout the region.

This pivotal moment in UVRI’s history is a testament to its enduring legacy and forward-looking vision for science, health, and environmental stewardship. The institute’s work continues to safeguard public health and contribute to global scientific knowledge.