The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) under the headship of UNHRO is an institution which engages in health research related to human infections and disease processes associated with or linked to viral aetiology. The institution has made a significant contribution to research in viral diseases since 1936. The institute further provides expert advice, forges partnerships and serves as a centre for training and education.

UVRI is also an agency for environmental health and protection and is constantly involved in emergency preparedness. In addition, UVRI hosts various national and international reference and specialized testing laboratories aimed at disease prevention and control.

UVRI departments include; arbovirology, emerging and re-emerging infections, general virology, clinic research unit, ecology and zoology, entomology, epidemiology, data management and biostatistics, immunisable diseases unit, research ethics and immunology.

UVRI specialized units/divisions are; epidemiology, immunisable diseases unit, clinical unit for research and the quality assurance division.

For more information about UVRI visit the website http://www.uvri.go.ug/

The Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute was created by the Uganda National Health Research Organisation (UNHRO) Statute of 2011. The humble beginning of the NCRI was from a research laboratory (named the Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Laboratory –NCRL) the under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 1964. The laboratory was mandated to undertake research in Natural Products (plants, animal and mineral substances) used by traditional medicine practitioners in Uganda with the view of justifying therapeutic claims of efficacy and safety.

Since then the laboratory gathered and accumulated information and data that were used to influence policies and regulations such as the National Drug Authority policy and statute (1993) that provided for herbal medicines regulation. Information from the NCRI laboratory activities influenced the development of the Public Private Partnership for Health Policy (2012) that provides for promotion and regulation of authentic, acceptable, safe and ethical traditional and complementary medicine practice etc.

The NCRI undertakes research and development as a critical tool for evidence based policy and decision making for proper interventions in natural product services and products. It is further envisaged that research in natural products and traditional medicine will contribute to poverty alleviation by enhancing household income base through promotion, conservation, cultivation, harvesting and trade in medicinal plants, products and services. Research is also undertaken with the view to regulate and promote traditional medicine while protecting indigenous knowledge and intellectual property rights.

Staff of NCRI, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda.

NCRI Mission and Vision
NCRI Mission:
"Research, develop and promote quality natural products and services for improved Health Care and Economic Development by applying Indigenous and Modern Technologies through Collaborative Efforts."
NCRI Vision:
"Transformation and Sustainable Utilization of Herbal Medicine contributing towards its integration into the Health Care Delivery System."