The Committee on Health is concerned about research dissemination, funding sustainability, and commercialisation strategies at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
In meeting held on Monday, 31 March 2025 on the ministerial policy statement and budget estimates for financial year 2025/2026, legislators demanded clarity on how research is being transformed into tangible policies and revenue streams at UVRI.
Hon. George Bhoka Didi (NRM, Obongi County) questioned UVRI’s limited efforts in ensuring 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.
He also challenged the institute on its limited strategic partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry.
“How much of your research has been converted into patented products for pharmaceutical sales? That could be a key source for your Non-Tax Revenue (NTR),” Bhoka added.
Hon. Samuel Opio (Indep., Kole North County) urged UVRI to broaden 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,” Opio said.
He also tasked UVRI to expound on the effects which the withdrawal of USAID funding has taken on its activities.
The Chairperson of the committee, Hon. 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 Assistant Director for Research said the institute has challenges in visibility but assured MPs of ongoing improvements.
“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.
He also highlighted UVRI’s role in developing local vaccines and diagnostic kits, particularly for Mpox and SARS.
“We have generated data that pharmaceutical companies have used to create medicines which indicates that our research is innovative and making an impact on society,” he added.
On external project funding, Ssemwanga revealed that UVRI resource allocation worth over Shs3 billion was cancelled due to USAID’s exit from Uganda.
He however, revealed that the institute was allocated Shs1.04 billion in the current financial year by the European Union.
Among the key unfunded and underfunded priorities in UVRI’s budget are compensation of squatters on land for research repurposing, malaria protection through Oxitec, a British biotechnology company and institutional development.
