“Over the years, the Unit’s research has changed how we understand and control diseases in the region. From shaping HIV treatment protocols to driving innovation in emerging fields like genomics and non-communicable disease research, the Unit is consistently turning science into solutions that not only inform national health strategies but have also position Uganda as a leader in research excellence on the continent.” ProfessorMoffat Nyirenda, Director, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

A high-level delegation from the UK and Ugandan governments visited the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, reaffirming their shared commitment to research collaboration, innovation and stronger health systems.

The visit was led by Lord Ray Collins of Highbury, the UK Deputy Leader of the House of Lords andParliamentary Under Secretary of State for Africa; Dr. David Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health in Uganda; Her Excellency Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda and Her Excellency Tiffany Kirlew the deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on a 3 decades-long partnership that continues to deliver impact in Uganda and across the region. 

With over 35 years of UK investment and collaboration, the Unit has grown into a regional hub for public health research. It leads significant work in HIV prevention and treatment, (IMPALA and MOBILE MEN studies) and runs globally influential vaccine trials (VAnguard and POPVAC ) and responds swiftly to public health emergencies, such as COVID-19 and Ebola.

Its advanced laboratories, genomic sequencing and immunology platforms, long-term population based cohorts (EMaBS and General Population Cohort) , integrated social aspects of science, and sophisticated data systems have played a vital role in disease surveillance, outbreak response and health policy development.

Beyond research findings, through long-term capacity strengthening, it has nurtured a generation of Ugandan scientists, (Dr. Simon G. Kimuda and Margaret Nampiija) many of whom now lead national and regional health programmes.

The Unit also supports cross-sector collaboration, bringing together scientists, health professionals, policy makers and communities to reflect on strategies to ensure that research effectively addresses global health needs.

As the burden of non-communicable diseases rises and infectious threats evolve, the Unit’s role has never been more important. The visit positioned it as a key partner in delivering evidence-based insights to improve health systems in Uganda and beyond.

Learn more about the Unit