Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, a towering figure in African medical research and education, was formally honoured with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney, the British high commissioner to Uganda, on 14 May 2025. 

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 has left an indelible mark on Uganda and the global scientific community. 

Prof Kaleebu, a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) and 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 scientist 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. Prof Kaleebu becomes the first Ugandan to receive the prestigious award. 

High Commissioner Lisa 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 honour is not just a British recognition but a global endorsement of his impact.” 

Prof Kaleebu’s remarkable reputation is reflected in his membership to various academies like the Royal College of Physicians-Edinburgh, the Imperial College London, the Academy of Medical Sciences of United Kingdom, the African Academy of Sciences and the Uganda National Academy of Sciences. 

Mentoring The Next Generation 

Beyond the lab, Prof Kaleebu has solidified his legacy through commitment to education. He has co-supervised over 25 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers on top of being the driving force in cultivating a scientific workforce. 

He is a role model for African scientists directing successful multi-disciplinary research centres, winning competitive international funding and training the next generation of African scientists and clinical investigators. 

Original article written by David Lumu and published in The Observer.