The MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS has been recognized as a leader in HIV & AIDS Research at the inaugural HIV/AIDS Leadership Awards. The Awards were organized by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) together with HIV/AIDS Implementing partners, AIDS development Partners (ADPs), Civil Society, People living with HIV (PLHIV) and Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments to celebrate and honor the contribution made by individuals and Organizations for their outstanding commitment and support to fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

The Awards event was presided over by the Hon. Minister of State for Ethics, Fr. Simon Lokodo, who represented the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Rukahana Rugunda, at the 8th Joint AIDS Review conference that was held at Hotel African on 22nd September 2015 under the theme, “Sustainable Financing; An Engine For Getting To Zero”. The JAR Conference is a high level forum through which various HIV & AIDS stakeholders assess their performance and participate in planning and discussion of major issues emerging from the epidemic in regard to the response.

The Unit emerged first Runner up in the HIV & AIDS Leader of the Year- Research category, which was won by Rakai Health Services and Makerere University- John Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MU-JHU) as second Runner-up. Speaking about the Award, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Unit Director noted that the Award was a great achievement for the Unit. “Considering the number of research organizations in Uganda, it is a great achievement and encouragement for our contribution to the fight against HIV & AIDS to be among those that were recognized today”.

Other Award recipients included; HIV & AIDS Leader of the Year Individual category- Winner- Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli; first Runner up- Dr. Addy Kekitiinwa, second Runner Up- Dr. Noerine Kaleeba; National NGO category- Baylor College of Children’s Medicine Uganda; Community Based Organization– Buteesa CBO from Mayuge district and Corporate institution- Nile Breweries.

The Awards will be held annually. Members of the public were invited to nominate individuals and Organizations for the Award and a Technical Review Committee composed of individuals familiar with HIV/AIDS evaluated all the nominations and selected the winners.