On May 14, Lisa Chesney, the British high commissioner to Uganda, formally presented the award of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) to Prof PONTIANO KALEEBU, the executive director of Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
The award acknowledges Prof Kaleebu’s distinguished service to education and public health for the last more than 30 years, including 10 years as director and co-founder of UVRI’s partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, 14 years as director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine research unit (LSHTM).
Incidentally, King Charles of United Kingdom recognised Prof Kaleebu’s contributions about a year ago but the award presentation ceremony was not performed due to the transitions at the British High Commission. This is the latest milestones in Prof Kaleebu’s career and in many ways, it is an inspiration to other Ugandan public health researchers.
On May 14, Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, a towering figure in African medical research and education, was formally honored with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney.
The award, one of the UK’s highest civilian accolades, recognizes Prof Kaleebu’s 30-year legacy of groundbreaking contributions to public health and education, which have left an indelible mark on Uganda and the global scientific community.
Prof Kaleebu, currently the executive director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s response to infectious diseases, particularly HIV/Aids.
“This award isn’t just for me—it’s for every Ugandan and international scientists we collaborate with working tirelessly despite challenges,” Prof Kaleebu said during his acceptance speech.
“Our journey shows that with commitment; Africa can lead in solving its health crises.”
His work spans pivotal roles, including co-founding and directing UVRI’s partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) for over a decade, and leading the UVRI/Medical Research Council (MRC) and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) research unit in Uganda for 14 years.
With over 430 publications in international journals and book chapters, his research has advanced understanding of HIV/Aids immunology, viral diversity and vaccine development. So, Prof Kaleebu becomes the first Ugandan to win the prestigious award and what makes it even so special is that he merited it on grounds of his research and leadership. In other words, he becomes the first Ugandan technocrat to be honoured.
High Commissioner Chesney, during the ceremony at the British High Commission in Kampala, praised Prof Kaleebu as a beacon of excellence whose work transcends borders.
“His dedication to combating HIV/Aids and nurturing future scientists embodies the values of the OBE. This honor is not just a British recognition but a global endorsement of his impact.”
For context, Uganda’s HIV/Aids crisis, which saw prevalence rates peak at 18% in the 1990s in some population groups, demanded local scientific leadership. Prof Kaleebu’s UVRI-IAVI partnership became a cornerstone of Africa-led HIV/Aids vaccine research, attracting international funding and collaboration.
Today, Uganda’s HIV/Aids prevalence is at 5.4 per cent. So, Prof Kaleebu’s work has saved countless lives. His research provided the evidence base for our national HIV policies, and UVRI’s labs have been critical in diagnosing emerging threats, from Ebola to Covid-19.
During his leadership at MRC/ UVRI & LSHTM, he also strengthened Uganda’s capacity in epidemiology and clinical trials.
“He built bridges between Ugandan scientists and global institutions, ensuring our voices shape global health agendas,” says Prof Robert Kalyesubula, a kidney and hypertension specialist.
“I am also very grateful to Prof Kaleebu, MRC/UKRI, LSHTM and GSK for giving me an opportunity to do my PhD!”
MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION
Beyond the lab, Prof Kaleebu has solidified his legacy through commitment to education. For instance, he has co-supervised over 25 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers on top of being the driving force in cultivating a scientific workforce.
For Dr Sabrina Kitaka, a senior lecturer at Makerere University and expert in paediatrics, infectious diseases and adolescent healthcare, Prof Kaleebu is an inspiration and getting an OBE means a lot to the medical fraternity.
“He deserves it and has worked so hard and is an exemplary person of serving above self while being humble. It is his humility that overrides everything else,” she says.
“Prof Kaleebu exemplifies how academia and public service can merge to transform a nation. His mentorship has enriched Uganda’s intellectual capital.”
LOOKING AHEAD
At 64, Prof Kaleebu remains active, steering UVRI’s pandemic preparedness initiatives and advocating for vaccine equity. He remains engaged in the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM research and a Professor at the LSHTM As Uganda battles new health threats and brain drain, Prof Kaleebu’s achievements offer a blueprint to invest in local talent to have rewards resonate worldwide.
His OBE is a reminder that Uganda’s scientists are and can be among the world’s best.
UNIQUE FIELD
The OBE is the third in the order of British honours after Knighthood. The orders are, GBE which stands for Knight or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; then Knight Commander and Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE/DBE).
Those with these honours get the title of Sir or Dame. During the colonial days, some Ugan- dans were awarded by the Queen at the highest level of Knighthood. They include Sir Edward Mutesa, Omukama Sir Tito Winyi IV, the Kyabazinga, Sir Wilberforce Nadiope and Omugabe Sir Charles Gasyonga II.
Then following in this order is Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), an honour whose only Ugandan recipient is former president, Prof Yusuf Kironde Lule.
Following the pecking order is the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Prof Kaleebu is the first Ugandan to get the award.
Below it is the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), which was bestowed upon Ugandan-born stage actress Sheila Atim in 2019. In 2022, President Museveni also recognised Prof Kaleebu with the Uganda Independence Anniversary medal.
PROF KALEEBU’S MAJOR AWARDS/HONOURS
1989: Overseas Research Student Award (ORS) by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of UK
1999: Joint Third World Academy of Science/ Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (TWAS/UNCST) prize for Best Young Scientists in Uganda
2003: Award from Rotary International for scientific achievements
2005: Presidential Science Award Nominee 2010: Fellowship of Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine
2020: Recognition of Excellence in the fight against Covid-19 and other viruses by the ministry of Science Technology and Innovation
2020: Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences-FMedSci, UK
2021: Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS)
2022: Uganda Independence Anniversary Medal from HE The President of Uganda
2022: Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS)
2022: Recognition of Excellence in leadership and dedication to fight COVID-19 and other viruses by SMACK Old Boys Association
2023: Vocational Excellence Award for the year 2023 by the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands
2024: Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Well done Prof. Kaleebu. Your excellent achievements have put Uganda on the world map