The Parliamentary Committee on Health is deeply concerned about the Uganda Virus Research Institute’s (UVRI) research dissemination, funding sustainability, and commercialization strategies.
On Monday, March 31, 2025, UVRI presented their ministerial policy statement and budget estimates for fiscal year 2025/2026 to the MPs.
Legislators demanded clarity on how the Institute’s research is transformed into tangible policies and revenue streams.
George Bhoka Didi, Obongi County MP, questioned UVRI’s limited efforts to ensure that its research reaches decision-makers and the public.
“There is inadequate dissemination and utilisation of your research products, yet this should be your core business. Who is responsible for marketing your research publications?” he asked.
Didi also questioned the institute’s limited strategic partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry. “How much of your research has been converted into patented products for pharmaceutical sales?” He asked.
He believes that the patented products could be a significant source of UVRI Non-Tax Revenue.
Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, Kole North MP and deputy chairperson of the health committee, has urged UVRI to expand its scope beyond research to include development and commercialisation.
“The institute should capitalise on its research by developing and commercialising it. National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is developing crop varieties and commercialising them through their research, you should pick up their strategy,” Dr Opio said.
The committee’s chairperson, Joseph Ruyonga, emphasised the importance of financial self-reliance and urged the institute to look beyond donor dependence.
“What strategy do you have to secure funding from other donors for your work? It is high time you started generating your own funding, to cushion against such shocks,” said Ruyonga.
Dr. Deogratias Ssemwanga, the institute’s Assistant Director for Research, acknowledged that the institute faces visibility challenges but assured MPs that improvements are underway.
“We disseminate our research findings through publications and press briefings but they are not as publicised as they should be. We commit to improve on that front,” Ssemwanga said.
Additionally, he emphasized UVRI’s contribution to the development of regional vaccines and diagnostic tools, specifically for SARS and Mpox.
“We have generated data that pharmaceutical companies have used to create medicines, demonstrating that our research is innovative and has an impact on society,” he added.
Ssemwanga informed the MPs that UVRI resource allocations totaling more than shs3 billion had been canceled due to USAID’s exit from Uganda.
However, he revealed that the European Union had allocated shs1.04 billion to the institute for the current fiscal year.
Additional notes were extracted from the Ugandan Parliament website.
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