AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy & Reform: Uganda’s UN secretary-general candidate Olara Otunnu warned the UN is “at grave risk” without fundamental reform, urging priority focus on conflicts including Ukraine, Sudan and the Horn. Transport Safety: Government launched a 100-day crackdown on unroadworthy taxis in Greater Kampala, with impounding of dangerous commuter vehicles under Operation Gaganyaganya. Media Accountability: Daily Express journalist Remmy Asiteza was charged with “fake” news and remanded to Luzira over alleged unlicensed broadcasting. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Lenacapavir PrEP results reported zero new HIV infections over a year in a study involving female adolescents and women, with Uganda’s Makerere University scientist commenting on the findings. South Sudan Truck Crisis: South Sudan’s army denied abducting Ugandan drivers, saying armed civilians were responsible for truck seizures in Bor. Energy Access: Uganda advanced the push for 1 million new power connections after 270,000 prepaid electricity metres passed quality testing before deployment. Governance & Elections: The Electoral Commission halted swearing-in of new village chairpersons in 365 disputed villages, leaving them in political limbo. Education: State House warned schools against illegal UPE/USE charges, saying children should not be sent home or asked to pay for government-covered services. Youth Skills Push: Parliament Speaker Oboth-Oboth backed the Sh13bn Ghetto Kids skilling centre plan, pledging to take the proposal to President Museveni.

Disability Rights: A South Sudanese disability activist says Uganda Airlines forced passengers with disabilities off a Juba–Entebbe flight despite check-in, citing an internal cap on such travellers and drawing accusations of discrimination. Health & Safety: WHO warns the DRC’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak is still far from control, with cases now above 5,000 and deaths over 2,300, as insecurity and displacement fuel spread. Court & Politics: In Besigye’s treason trial, a private security investigator told court he used a camera hidden in a power bank to record alleged plans to acquire weapons and train paramilitaries, including discussions of routes via Kenya and the DRC. Economy & Trade: Kenyan fish exporters demand Shs22b compensation from Uganda after fish trucks were impounded and destroyed in 2021, warning of border disruptions if unpaid. Sports & Youth: Work starts on the UGX 17bn Sir Tito Winyi Sports Academy in Hoima, while Uganda is set to send athletes to the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi. Infrastructure: UPDF marine unit shifts anti-illegal fishing focus to financiers and gear suppliers behind the trade on Lake Victoria.

Ebola Crisis: WHO chief Tedros warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from under control,” with nearly 5,000 infections and over 2,300 deaths as insecurity, displacement and missed infection chains hamper response. Data Privacy Crackdown: Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office says over 35,000 entities still aren’t registered, exposing citizens to identity theft and fraud, with non-compliance flagged as a criminal offence. Local Government Anti-Corruption: Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara pushes tougher accountability, including a plan to amend the Local Government Act to empower local disciplinary action against corrupt officials. URSB Leadership Shake-up: Justice Minister Norbert Mao backs URSB’s performance while investigations continue; acting Registrar General Mustapher Ntale takes over after Mercy Kainobwisho is sent on forced leave. Cross-Border Payments: Standard Bank and UnionPay expand secure e-commerce acceptance to nine markets including Uganda, boosting merchants’ reach to travellers and cross-border shoppers. Sports & Community: Betika pledges Shs100m to Ntugasaze FC for its Uganda Premier League debut; Bugweri edge Busiki 1-0 in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup opener. Wildlife Crime: Police in Nakaseke arrest 22 suspected poachers with hunting gear and suspected wild meat, horns and quills.

Ebola Crisis: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” warning it’s spreading faster than any previous epidemic as deaths pass 2,300 and cases near 5,000, driven by insecurity, displacement and heavy movement along roads, rivers and mining routes. Court & Politics: In Kampala, High Court begins hearing Kizza Besigye’s treason case in his absence as prosecution calls its first witness, while Erias Lukwago makes a third bail bid citing 60 days in detention without trial. Health & Labour: Cabinet resolves to pay medical interns a Shs1m monthly stipend from August to December after a standoff over allowances and working conditions. Tax & Accountability: MPs question a proposed Shs30.4bn tax and arrears relief package for Fresh Cuts, New Plan and Kilembe Mines, amid Auditor General concerns over revenue leakages and past waiver irregularities. Local Economy: Equity Bank and Tian Tang team up to bankroll Mbale Industrial Park firms, and Kabale District Council approves peat extraction to create jobs and royalties. Governance & Services: Uganda commits to upgrade and complete FUFA Kadiba Stadium ahead of next year’s AFCON, and prepaid electricity metres for new connections are undergoing quality testing before deployment.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: Africa CDC says Bundibugyo Ebola has surged past 5,000 cases with 2,320 deaths, while WHO warns the outbreak is “far from under control” and that the response is still “playing catch-up.” Anti-Corruption at URSB: Uganda’s IGG has ordered the interdiction of URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials over alleged embezzlement, abuse of office, mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration, with interim steps to keep URSB running. Health & Education: Cabinet has lifted the suspension of facilitation for medical interns, confirming Shs1m each for deployed interns from August to December; in Arua, a disability-inclusive education programme (COPED) launched to train teachers in sign language and support learners with disabilities. Kampala Clean-Up: KCCA’s Weyonje campaign introduces new garbage collection fees and tighter waste rules ahead of National Cleaning Day on August 28. Energy & Infrastructure Watch: UEDCL faces scrutiny over recurring failures in its prepaid electricity vending system supplied by Indra, raising fears of customer service and revenue losses. Sports & Community: Invictus Games 2027 welcomes Uganda as a new team; Rotary Uganda seeks Shs5bn to complete Nsambya cancer centre.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: The outbreak has become the deadliest in DR Congo’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945 as the fatality rate climbs to 46%, while WHO warns transmission is intensifying and neighbours remain on high alert. Kiteezi Landfill Rehab: Kampala’s Kiteezi dumpsite rehabilitation is now nearly half complete, with the first phase handed to KCCA after a 2024 collapse that killed 46 people, backed by a Japan-funded UN-Habitat effort. Internet Shutdown in Eastern DRC: CPJ says mobile and internet services have been cut in Fizi Territory for over a month, disrupting communication and journalism amid ongoing conflict. Transport & Justice: The Kiboga prison murder trial was adjourned due to lack of funds, while a TikToker accused of false Shs7b theft claims was granted Shs1m bail. Energy Oversight: Parliament questioned UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses. Local Economy & Business: Customs clearing agents warn foreign firms are taking over the sector, and Euro Gold Refinery’s Benard Feni was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Sports & Tourism: Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Golf Series earned OWGR status, boosting hopes for more international attention.

Ebola Crisis (DRC): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases as the UN warns the virus is killing about one person every 30 minutes. Anti-Corruption (URA): Uganda Revenue Authority detectives arrested URA customs manager Geoffrey Ssozi over an alleged Shs220m bribe to suppress a tax audit, with a second suspect also held. Education Funding (USE schools): Head teachers say government-aided schools are struggling after a directive to stop collecting school dues, leaving unpaid staff and stalled boarding operations. Business & Courts (Mediation drive): High Court’s Principal Judge Jane Abodo urged traders to use mediation to clear commercial disputes, launching a drive targeting 520 cases and Shs325bn tied up in litigation. Refugees (Sudan): About 150 Sudanese refugees have voluntarily repatriated from Uganda as security improves, with more returns planned. Energy & Investment (Uganda oil): Uganda’s first-oil timeline is again slipping, with the mid-2026 target reportedly pushed further. Health Research (Malaria): Scientists studying Uganda samples found genetic changes in malaria parasites linked to reduced susceptibility to some drugs. Sports & Society (Disability sport): A UK wheelchair rugby team returned from Uganda after training and donating equipment, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945, as the UN warns “speed, scale, and solidarity” are needed before the virus spreads further. Cross-Border Health: Congo officials say Uganda’s border closure is pushing people to use illegal routes, making Ebola surveillance harder, and urge easing restrictions while improving coordination. Uganda-DRC Links: WHO reports the outbreak has surged to 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths, spreading across six provinces—raising fears for the region. Digital & Skills: Uganda is pushing an inclusive, safe digital economy, with calls for more cyber skills and better online safety as Uganda Internet Governance Week debates AI and regulation. Youth & Economy: Uganda’s mining growth target faces a skills shortage, while a Jinja forensic sciences campus seeks to turn Uganda into a regional hub for training in forensics and cyber security. Business & Industry: A bamboo innovation push aims to cut paper imports, and a Rotary Cancer Run targets Shs5b to expand radiotherapy capacity at St Francis Hospital Nsambya.

Ebola Update: WHO says DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now in intense transmission, with cases rising across six provinces to 4,665 confirmed and 2,184 deaths, as insecurity and cross-border movement complicate response. Digital Rights & AI: Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026 calls for an inclusive, safe, and AI-ready internet, stressing digital skills, online safety, and responsible AI use beyond just expanding connectivity. Public Finance & State Firms: Uganda Railways Corporation remains loss-making, with Auditor General reporting Shs32.8bn loss in 2024/25 amid weak revenue collection, idle assets, missing wagons, and unresolved land issues. Regional Trade: Uganda joins Kenya in challenging Rwanda’s suspension of alcoholic drinks, arguing affected products are certified under harmonised EAC standards and Rwanda failed to give scientific justification or proper notice. Arts & Culture: Veteran playwright and actor Alex Mukulu (72) has died, with government now involved in plans for an official send-off and mourning at the National Theatre. Education & Tech: IICO’s Al-Lahib Primary School in Uganda gains global accreditation under Canva Education, boosting access to digital teaching tools. Business & Media: Apex Media Services rebrands to Block Media Services Ltd with a new CEO, Aloysious Ssekanjako. Health & Justice: Winnie Byanyima urges release of jailed Dr Kizza Besigye for urgent specialised treatment in Geneva.

Ebola Emergency: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one and is on track to be the deadliest on record, with cases already detected in neighbouring Uganda and health systems “playing catch-up.” Opposition Health Rights: Winnie Byanyima renewed calls for the release of jailed Kizza Besigye for specialised treatment in Geneva, saying he is too weak to feed himself after collapsing in court. Arts & Culture: Veteran playwright, actor and musician Alex Mukulu died at 72, remembered for protest theatre including “30 Years of Bananas.” Power & Data Governance: Govt flagged off construction of a new Statistics House Entebbe block to host the East African Statistics Bureau, while MPs demanded answers on how UEDCL is using a US$50m loan amid concerns about power losses and slow investment. Health Workers Pay Protest: Eight medical interns and health workers were remanded over a protest on Parliamentary Avenue demanding payment. Regional Trade Tension: Uganda joined Kenya in challenging Rwanda’s alcohol ban, with UNBS saying affected brands have valid EAC certification and Rwanda acted without formal notification. Clean Cooking Push: UECCC urged stronger action to expand access to clean cooking energy to cut health risks and deforestation. Sports & Society: SC Villa captain David Owori died after an attack near his home, renewing calls to tackle violent robberies. Business & Media: Equity Bank Uganda highlighted growth ties with Modern Group, while Apex Media Services rebranded to Block Media Services Ltd with a new CEO.

Ebola Update: The UN warns Ebola in DR Congo is spreading faster than the international response, with more than 2,000 deaths and donors scrambling to scale up burials and treatment capacity. Opposition Under Pressure: Winnie Byanyima, wife of jailed opposition leader Kizza Besigye, says anyone who challenges President Museveni faces the full force of the state and urges his release for medical care. Parliament Watchdog: MPs on the Natural Resources Committee demand a clear breakdown of how UEDCL is using a US$50m loan, after concerns about weak investment and rising power losses. Health Workers’ Pay Protest: Eight medical interns and health workers were remanded after a protest over unpaid allowances, with court hearing set after they denied nuisance charges. Prison Security Breach: Unknown attackers tried to break into Kyegegwa Government Prison, injuring three officers and stealing two loaded firearms. Livestock Boost: NAGRC&DB launches a five-year plan to expand subsidised dairy, pigs and poultry breeding stock for PDM farmers. Maternal Care Support: MTN’s Y’ello Care backs Maddu Health Centre IV with equipment, digital services and community health outreach. Music & Culture: Alicios reimagines “Nideke” with Congolese star Ninita, while Ritah Dancehall explains why she stopped dancing to focus on her music career. Sports/Regional: FIBA Africa runs a coach developer program in Côte d’Ivoire including Uganda, aiming to strengthen local coaching education. Arts & Society: A viral birthday “cake” made from stacked sliced bread and matchstick candles keeps spreading online.

Refugees & Humanitarian Pressure: Uganda’s Relief minister Sam Engola says refugee numbers have surged to over 1.25 million, with funding shortfalls forcing calls for voluntary returns as Uganda hosts more than two million people. Local Governance & Environment: Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation nears completion as UN-Habitat and KCCA hand over nearly half of the rehabilitated dumpsite after Japan-funded emergency works following the 2024 collapse. Youth & Jobs: Senior presidential adviser Moses Byaruhanga reiterates plans to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO, while government also pushes more PDM funding for parish beneficiaries. Finance & Development Banking: Government authorises Uganda Development Bank to retain Shs63bn from 2025 profit to boost lending capacity, citing job creation from UDB financing. Cybersecurity: Airtel Uganda and Roke Telkom urge a national cyber resilience framework and stronger collaboration to protect critical services. Regional Courts: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act faces a challenge at the East African Court of Justice over claims it undermines EAC obligations. Sports: Uganda’s Kesogon and Chesamisi shine at the East Africa games in Morogoro, starting with strong wins. Education & Culture: Standard Chartered and Rotary launch the Skills for Change cohort in Muyenga to train vulnerable youth, mainly young women, in practical livelihoods.

Cybersecurity Push: Roke Telkom urges government, telecoms, banks and tech firms to team up as Uganda faces fast-evolving cyber threats, ahead of the UCC-led national cybersecurity conference. EAC Court Challenge: Four civil society groups have sued Uganda at the East African Court of Justice over the Protection of Sovereignty Act, arguing it clashes with EAC Treaty duties and could restrict cross-border civil society funding. Health Funding: Uganda’s Health Ministry seeks Shs40bn to buy 108 ambulances for constituencies still without emergency vehicles, while also flagging medicine supply gaps. Kampala Sanitation: KCCA unveils a new waste collection plan for National Cleaning Day, adding private collectors and trucks to curb illegal dumping. Alcohol Crackdown: Local leaders must enforce a rule stopping bars and Malwa joints from opening before 3pm on working days. Youth Skills: Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and Rotary launch the Skills for Change Cohort 2026 to train vulnerable youth in tailoring and entrepreneurship. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO warns the DRC outbreak is outpacing response, with cases and deaths rising sharply. Exports & Jobs: Uganda moves to operationalize the Entebbe Airport Free Zone to unlock export potential, including EU-backed packhouse support.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing the response and could become the deadliest on record, with cases now at about 4,449 and deaths above 2,000, as it spreads to a sixth province and raises fears of spillover toward South Sudan. New Vaccine Push: Moderna has started the first human trial of an mRNA vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain driving the Congo outbreak, where no approved vaccine exists. Uganda Health Measures: Uganda has banned alcohol sales before 3pm on weekdays and to anyone under 18, with local authorities and security tasked to enforce the rules. Refugee Pressure: Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister urged refugees to return home as humanitarian funding declines, citing budget shortfalls and rising numbers. Digital Security: Uganda is strengthening safeguards for mobile money and digital banking as cyber-enabled fraud grows, including SIM-swap checks and AI spam alerts. Regional Security: President Museveni pledged to rally EAC leaders to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF). Local Education Support: FAWE Uganda and Mastercard Foundation awarded over 800 bursaries under the Higher Education Access Programme to students from 65 districts.

Ebola Update: WHO warns DR Congo’s rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one and could become the deadliest ever, with over 4,400 cases and more than 2,000 deaths reported; Uganda has also confirmed cases and fatalities as health teams push community-led control. Transport & Energy: Kampala’s taxi unions plan to start rolling out electric taxis before end of 2026, but say battery-swapping and power infrastructure must be ready first. Oil Watch: Uganda’s First Oil remains on track for 2026 as well drilling hits 228 wells and key processing and pipeline works race toward pre-commissioning targets. Health & Jobs: Government says it will table medical interns’ grievances in Cabinet as Uganda Medical Association warns of possible industrial action over deployment, welfare and allowance delays. Business: Car & General’s H1 profit jumps 309% to KSh 2.6bn on stronger sales and a surge from associate Watu Credit; MTN Uganda also opens a new service centre in Bwaise. Youth & Society: Museveni urges youth to work, create wealth and use peace and government programmes to build businesses during International Youth Day celebrations. Trade & Policy: Uganda demands Chinese passports from Taiwanese travellers at Entebbe under the “One China” principle, after similar passport seizures and entry denials. Agriculture: Miraa farmers push to have khat declassified from narcotics rules to unlock value addition and new export markets, including the Middle East and Far East.

Ebola Alert: The U.S. CDC has started restricting entry for travellers recently in DR Congo as the outbreak accelerates, with more than 4,000 cases and about 2,000 deaths reported worldwide; the CDC says the situation has “no end in sight” and is running around-the-clock response and monitoring. DRC-Uganda Spillover: WHO warns the Congo outbreak could become the deadliest on record, noting it began months earlier than declared and is spreading fast across provinces, with cross-border movement raising concern for Uganda. Vaccine Shift: DR Congo has asked the global vaccine stockpile for emergency Ervebo doses for the Bundibugyo strain, reversing earlier WHO guidance and setting up a major test of cross-strain protection. Local Health Research: Uganda’s aquaculture push is gaining momentum as fisheries scientists at Kajjansi work on better fish seed, genetics and feeds to grow farmed fish and ease pressure on wild stocks. Business & Finance: IMF flags Uganda’s rising debt and urges tighter fiscal discipline, while Standard Chartered marks 114 years in Uganda and highlights its role in modernising banking. Culture & Society: Uganda’s youth mental-health advocates urge leaders to listen to young people, and a Uganda pastor was reportedly killed after radio preaching, underscoring rising tensions around religious conversion.