Behind every study, training and partnership at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is a set of systems that most people never see. This month, those systems earned international recognition.

On 19 September 2026, IDI’s Finance and Administration, Human Resources, and Training and Capacity Building departments were certified by LMS Assessments Limited to ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems.

ISO, the International Organisation for Standardisation, sets globally recognised benchmarks for how organisations operate. The certificates confirm that these three departments run consistent, well-documented processes, continually improve them, and manage their environmental responsibilities deliberately.

The certifications add to a strong record. Last year, IDI attained Gold status for Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP ARS 1651), recognising excellence in grant management. Together, the standards give funders and partners clear, independent evidence that IDI’s operations and stewardship of resources meet global benchmarks.

Confidence for partners and communities

IDI Executive Director Dr Andrew Kambugu said the achievements reflect the Institute’s purpose.

“IDI is committed to strengthening health systems in Africa through research and capacity building. This certification reflects our commitment to excellence in delivering our institutional mandate. For our partners and the communities we serve, it comes down to one word: confidence. Confidence in the quality of our services, and in our commitment to being responsible custodians of our environment.”

He added that the milestones reflect the Institute’s core values. “We value excellence and hold ourselves to a high standard, and our culture is infused with caring. We care about the communities we serve, our teams and each other. The GFGP Gold status and the ISO certifications are a manifestation of these values.”

Care for our people

For Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources, the certification is about how IDI treats its staff.

“Care is our cornerstone value, and this certification is care in action. We envision a healthy Africa, free from the burden of infectious diseases. To get there, our people must be well supported, safe and able to grow. That means clear systems, a safe workplace and a responsible approach to the environment we share.”

He said the standards signal to prospective recruits that IDI is a place where they will be valued and held to high standards. Current staff strengthen a culture of continuous improvement. “When we invest in our people, we invest in the communities they serve. This achievement belongs to every IDI colleague who made it possible.”

A promise to health workers

Dr Paul Buyego, Head of Training, said the certifications speak directly to IDI’s capacity-building work.

“These certifications are more than credentials; they are a promise. Every training, mentorship, and capacity-building intervention that IDI delivers meets rigorous international standards for quality, effectiveness, and sustainability. For health workers, that means skills that transform practice. For communities, it means better care, stronger health systems and healthier lives.”

What comes next

The certificates remain valid subject to a surveillance audit on or before 18 September 2027, with recertification due on 18 September 2029. IDI intends to extend the same standard to the rest of the Institute.

Learn more about IDI’s work and partnerships at https://idi.mak.ac.ug/our-strategy/.