AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: WFP says it is scaling up food assistance, logistics and telecom support in conflict-hit eastern DRC as hunger worsens compliance with health measures; it is supporting over 1.2 million people, while Africa CDC warns nearly 300 Ebola-positive people in the region are unaccounted for. Cross-Border Spread Fears: WHO-linked modelling puts the outbreak at about a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan, and DRC has ordered 21-day quarantine rules for travellers returning from Ebola-affected areas after France confirmed an imported case. Uganda Economy & Health: Uganda reports 20 confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths, with authorities urging continued vigilance as tourism fears linger; meanwhile, the shilling has rebounded against the dollar. Local Culture & Agriculture: Bugisu cultural leaders step up preparations for the 2026 Imbalu season, and Kitgum farmers report heavy losses from an invasive pawpaw mealybug. Business & Finance: Uganda launches its first national coffee brand, while Equity and Stanbic/Prudential expand financial and health insurance products for wider access. Governance & Rights: Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was barred from entering Uganda and deported, sparking regional legal and rights backlash.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC says funding needs for the Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak have tripled to $1.4bn, warning only 13% of pledged funds has been released and treatment centres are near capacity as deaths rise. Travel & Screening: DR Congo tightens movement with a 21-day quarantine for travellers from Ebola-hit areas after France confirmed its first imported case; Uganda also reports a steady rise in cases. Uganda Health & Services: West Nile faces a surge in eye complications as specialized care has been missing for decades, pushing patients to travel long distances for cataract surgery. Government Policy: Uganda plans a more punitive immunisation law to tackle low coverage in urban areas. Justice & Rights: ICC judges including Ugandan judge Solomy Bossa sue the Trump administration over sanctions they call unlawful. Local Economy & Society: Absa Uganda wins NEMA’s Green Financial Institution award; NCBA Bank partners with MAT Abacus to train SMEs; and DNA tests confirm only 4 of 25 people claiming to be Paul Job Kafeero’s children are biologically his.

AfCFTA Push: Uganda has launched an AfCFTA National Implementation Committee to coordinate how the country taps Africa’s single market, with plans to expand exports and jobs beyond traditional partners. Politics—Kalangala Seat: NRM’s Idah Nabayiga won the Kalangala Woman MP by-election with 12,642 votes, beating rivals after the seat fell vacant following Hellen Nakimuli’s death. Ebola—Regional Spillover: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the DRC outbreak, while Uganda also reported a new infection; WHO says the outbreak is still outpacing response efforts. Security & Procurement: UPDF procurement is under a fresh crackdown after the CDF ordered audits into alleged rogue suppliers and fraudulent defence contracts. Economy—PAYE Changes: Uganda’s new PAYE tax adjustments start next month, raising the tax-free threshold to 335,000 shillings and easing rates for a middle-income band. Infrastructure—Cement Plant: PM Robinah Nabbanja ordered contractors to fast-track works at the Moroto clinker factory to cut Uganda’s clinker import bill. Governance—Foreign Affairs: Museveni appointed Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo as Acting Foreign Affairs Minister pending a substantive appointment. Culture & Society: British Council opened a new round of Cultural Protection Fund grants (up to £500k) aimed at safeguarding heritage at risk.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still outpacing response, with 1,094 confirmed cases and 277 deaths, while Uganda reports 20 confirmed cases and two deaths; WHO also flags risky conditions for health workers and growing distrust, as France confirms its first Ebola case linked to a doctor returning from Congo and a clinical trial is set to test remdesivir and MBP-134 next week. Uganda Politics: President Museveni appoints Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo as acting Foreign Affairs minister, filling a temporary leadership gap after scrutiny over a prior nominee’s citizenship. Humanitarian & Economy: A report titled “Hiding in Plain Sight” estimates Africa’s displaced people generate about $27bn annually, urging better access to credit and services for host communities. Justice & Rights: ICC judges Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda) and two others sue the US over sanctions, calling them illegal and a “financial death penalty.” Security & Civil Liberties: Security operatives raid Miria Matembe’s home in Luzira, raising fears of an attempted abduction. Digital Finance: MTN Uganda rolls out cashless school transport and digital money initiatives, while quick commerce growth is tested by weak infrastructure and retail readiness.

Ebola Regional Shock: France confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a humanitarian doctor returned from eastern DR Congo, with the patient isolated and contacts traced as the outbreak in Congo and Uganda keeps surging past 1,000 cases. Ebola Uganda Update: Uganda also recorded a new Ebola case, bringing confirmed totals to 20, with 15 recoveries and two deaths reported by the Ministry of Health. Outbreak Pressure on Congo: WHO says the DRC outbreak has hit 1,094 cases and 277 deaths, warning that insecurity, displacement, and weak services are making containment harder—especially in crowded displacement camps. Political Tension at Home: Makerere non-teaching staff protested over what they call selective salary harmonisation, while the wider justice and due-process debate continues after the detention and charges involving opposition-linked lawyers. Digital Jobs & Payments: Uganda’s platform work is set for new rules after Uganda returned from the ILO’s International Labour Conference, and Centenary Bank launched GonzaPay to push cashless payments. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Government announced a 14.24bn shilling Hoima water project ahead of AFCON 2027, and Uganda’s oil local-content firms warn of $9.7m unpaid claims threatening the sector’s local supply promises.

Ebola Update (Uganda): Uganda registered a new Ebola case almost three weeks after its last confirmed infection, bringing total cases to 20. Health authorities say the patient is linked to a Congolese national, with four people admitted and nine contacts under follow-up; 817 contacts have completed monitoring and were cleared, while over 600 community alerts were investigated and found negative. Ebola Surge (DRC): In the wider region, the DRC outbreak has topped 1,000 cases with 254 deaths, and UNICEF warns millions of children and adolescents face rising risks amid misinformation and service breakdowns. Court Drama (Erias Lukwago): Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, citing risk of interference with ongoing investigations. Politics at Entebbe (Martha Karua): Opposition lawyer Martha Karua was deported after detention at Entebbe; Muhoozi Kainerugaba later claimed he initiated the deportation. Digital Finance (Centenary Bank): Centenary Bank launched GonzaPay, a digital wallet for sending money and accessing services for customers and non-customers, as electronic payments keep growing. Tourism Push: Uganda is taking its tourism campaign to Paris with branded buses running through key routes, targeting French visitors. Human Rights (Myanmar scam centres): A rights group says over 5,300 people remain trapped in online scam centres near the Myanmar-Thai border, including victims from Uganda and Kenya.

Ebola Surge and Peace Link: Eastern DRC’s Ebola fight is being squeezed by conflict, mistrust and closed borders, with experts warning that peace efforts are vital to reopen access and slow transmission as cases in DRC top 1,000 and deaths near 254, while Uganda reports 19 cases. Local Elections Roadmap: Uganda’s Electoral Commission has unveiled a nationwide timetable for LC I, LC II and Women Councils elections, starting with registration and verification from July 6, after government released funding. Martha Karua Deportation Fallout: Senior counsel Martha Karua says she was cleared then detained and confined at Entebbe before being deported as “persona non grata,” drawing condemnation from regional legal bodies. Women’s Council Eligibility Row: EC chair Simon Byabakama Mugenyi says only “biological women” qualify to vote or stand in women’s elections, triggering debate ahead of the grassroots polls. Local Business Push: Uganda Development Bank reopens prequalification for UGX 150bn local contractors financing to expand indigenous firms’ access to project delivery. Rural Energy Change: In Kapchorwa, biogas biodigesters are cutting firewood burdens and smoke as households convert cow dung into cleaner cooking fuel. Coffee Farmers Organise: Tooro coffee growers form a cooperative union to improve bargaining power, inputs access and market reach. Security Concern: Police warn that weak kidnapping investigation capacity is fuelling public fear as high-profile abductions and ransom-linked killings continue.

Ebola Surge in Congo: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have hit 1,003 with 254 deaths, as contact tracing coverage sits around 55% and officials warn the outbreak could grow far worse. UNICEF Warning: UNICEF reports nearly 3 million children and adolescents in eastern DRC are at rising risk as services break down and misinformation spreads. Uganda in the Mix: Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths linked to the same outbreak, with health authorities urging vigilance. Humanitarian Aid to Entebbe: Dubai Humanitarian delivered a third airlift to Entebbe with 76.2 tonnes of supplies for onward delivery to affected communities in DR Congo. Legal Tensions at Entebbe: Opposition lawyer Martha Karua says Ugandan authorities interfered with her defence access after she was denied entry and deported to Kenya, drawing condemnation from regional legal bodies and leaders. Court Update: Lukwago’s bail ruling was postponed, with delivery expected electronically within 24 hours. Economy & Trade: Uganda pushes auto manufacturing expansion and eyes value addition in coffee and avocados, while stakeholders call for a unified avocado strategy and quality standards.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 1,000 cases with at least 254 deaths, as officials warn the real number of infections may be higher and the peak is still ahead, with contact tracing struggling to keep up. Border & Rights: Senior Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry at Entebbe and ordered back to Kenya as Uganda’s legal community raises fresh concerns over how lawyers are treated in politically sensitive cases linked to Erias Lukwago and Kizza Besigye. Health Security Push: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged stronger African health systems and pandemic preparedness, warning Ebola shows diseases don’t respect borders and that health security protects jobs too. Vaccine Manufacturing Hope: India’s vaccine support for Africa’s Ebola response is highlighted as a lifeline, with attention on faster vaccine production capacity for the Bundibugyo strain. Energy & Finance: Uganda’s FY 2026/27 tax amendments are set to take effect from 1 July, with implications for the energy, oil and minerals sector, while the Islamic Development Bank approved a €650.7m loan for Uganda’s standard gauge railway. Agriculture & Business: Zimbabwe and Uganda deepened agricultural ties through a regional farmers exchange, and Spiro secured $55m from China’s NewTrails to expand its electric motorcycle battery-swapping network across East Africa. Culture & Society: Uganda’s film “Maama Wange” premiered in Kampala, spotlighting the struggles of single mothers in Namuwongo.

Ebola Watch: Uganda’s health ministry says Ebola risk remains low after a second DRC returnee showed symptoms and was hospitalized in isolation, as officials stress no confirmed cases in Israel and limited suspected ones. Health & HIV: The U.S. Embassy says Uganda will receive lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention drug, through PEPFAR in 2026 for high-burden communities. Transport & Trade: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €650.7m (R12.28bn) loan to Uganda for the 272km standard gauge railway linking to Kenya’s network and Mombasa port. Security & Governance: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county policing model stations, with 70 ready and more nearing completion, to boost grassroots visibility. Sports & Culture: Uganda’s runners gear up for the Tusker Lite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon after Comrades Marathon reflections, while MTN Pro Tees Golf Series continues at Entebbe Club. Business & Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Raff Military Textile plans meetings in Kampala (July 21–25) to explore defence-sector partnerships. Courts: A High Court showdown looms in a Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands leadership dispute over expulsions and disciplinary process.

Transport & Trade Finance: Uganda says the Islamic Development Bank has approved a €650.7m (R12.28bn) loan to fund the 272km standard gauge railway linking Uganda to Kenya’s rail network and Mombasa port, with construction by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi and Citibank tasked to mobilise financing. Security & Governance: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county policing model stations to boost grassroots visibility and accommodation, with 70 already ready, 70 nearing completion, and 60 still under construction. Health & Community Support: Stanbic partnerships are boosting maternal healthcare services in Karamoja, while a separate report highlights how hard-to-reach areas like Amudat still face high maternal mortality due to distance and referral challenges. Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda): Uganda and DRC officials are in talks on strengthening the Ar’u Ebola treatment centre as cases rise, with Africa CDC warning tracking and response gaps could worsen spread. Society & Human Stories: A two-part investigation follows how Ugandans and others were lured into Cambodia’s scam compounds, and freed trafficking victims now face a new crisis. Menstrual Health: Union transport leaders launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads in Kampala to improve access for girls and women in Uganda’s informal sector.

Ebola Crisis (DRC & Uganda): Ebola continues to surge across eastern Congo and is now threatening wider regional spread, with Africa CDC reporting Bundibugyo strain cases and deaths rising fast, including repeated reports of deaths in orphanage clusters and growing pressure on overstretched health teams. Cross-border Response (Uganda–DRC): Ugandan and DRC officials are holding high-level talks on boosting the Ebola treatment center in Ar’u to prevent spillover into West Nile and Uganda. Funding & Preparedness (Uganda-linked): UNHCR warns the outbreak is endangering more than two million displaced people in eastern DRC, while Uganda’s Ebola response also faces the challenge of keeping surveillance and safe-burial systems running amid conflict and misinformation. Local Development (Arua Airport): The AfDB has approved about Shs650bn (about €155.99m) to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard facility, aiming to boost regional connectivity for West Nile and neighbouring markets. Public Life & Governance: Uganda’s citizenship debate remains in focus after Parliament scrutiny of ministerial nominees, while leaders also push for faster, more citizen-centred public service delivery.

Ebola Update: Africa CDC says the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak has surged to 894 confirmed cases and over 200 deaths, with fears that the real toll is higher as tracking lags amid conflict and misinformation; Uganda has reported 19 cases and two deaths. Humanitarian Response: The UAE says it is expanding humanitarian aid across disaster-hit countries and is supporting WHO efforts to contain Ebola in the DRC and Uganda with medical supplies and logistics. Health Policy Debate: US health experts warn that a hantavirus quarantine order used without solid scientific backing could set a dangerous precedent for future pathogen control. Infrastructure & Jobs: The AfDB approved about Shs650bn (€155.99m) to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard facility, boosting regional connectivity to West Nile, South Sudan and eastern DRC. Sports & Culture: Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa represented President Museveni at the inaugural Olympic Tooke Run in Bushenyi, linking sport with banana value addition. Youth & Society: Experts in East Africa warn that easier online betting is turning gambling into a growing mental health and financial risk for young people.

Ebola Crisis (DRC & Uganda): The Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to 894 confirmed cases and 232 deaths, with Ituri still the epicentre and only a small share of contacts traced—warning the situation could become the worst ever if response gaps aren’t closed fast. Frontline Strain: WHO reports 75 health workers infected in DRC, with 17 deaths, as medics battle shortages of protective gear and a weakened health system. Regional Mobilisation: Burundi’s AU chair Ndayishimiye-led emergency meeting mobilised US$910m in pledges for the DRC and Uganda response, while the US CDC announced $107m emergency funding. Uganda Response & Preparedness: Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases (including imported infections) and UNHCR is reinforcing surveillance and infection prevention in border and refugee areas to curb cross-border spread. Digital Governance: Uganda’s PPDA earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security certification, strengthening trust in procurement systems. Business & Policy: UCC proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to boost digital inclusion. Trade & Industry: Stanbic forum highlights calls for better financing and value addition for Uganda’s manufacturers to access regional markets. Infrastructure: AfDB approves Sh650bn for Arua airport upgrade to boost West Nile connectivity.

Ebola Response: The UN has released $4m from the CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola preparedness and response across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with support for health logistics, screening and community risk communication. Ebola Crisis in DRC: Africa CDC says the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak has surged to 894 confirmed cases and 232 deaths, with rapid spread across 32 health zones and warnings that the lack of a vaccine and delayed detection are worsening the situation. Refugee Support: WFP and the EU’s DG ECHO are funding EUR 3m for digital cash assistance to 336,000 refugees in Uganda, using mobile money and agency banking to reduce crowding and exposure during the outbreak. Digital Taxes: Uganda’s telecom regulator (UCC) proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to boost digital inclusion and investment. Sugar Industry: Sugarcane growers warn a proposed rise in excise duty from Ugx 100 to Ugx 200 per kg could squeeze farmers’ incomes, urging protective measures and review of factory deductions. Football Build-up: MTN and FUFA launch a fan contest to design the next Uganda Cranes jersey. Business & Tech: Ugandan startup Tyms AI rolls out a “human-first” AI platform to automate business operations.

Ebola Response Funding: The UN has released $4m from the CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola response across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with support for health and logistics, screening and surveillance at points of entry, community risk communication, and food assistance for patients and frontline workers. CDC Emergency Push: The US CDC also announced $107m in emergency funding for Ebola work in DR Congo and Uganda, including border health support and airport screening assessments, as cases rise in Congo and Uganda reports confirmed infections. Sports & Community: Uganda Cranes fans will compete to design the team’s 2027 AFCON finals jersey under the “Free Your Fayya” campaign, with a Sh50m prize. Governance & Rights: Exiled Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde has written to the DPP protesting what he calls politically motivated treason-related charges against lawyer Erias Lukwago. Business & Connectivity: dfcu Bank says it will deepen support for Uganda’s international schools sector, while Seacom launches a new high-capacity Nairobi–Kampala network route to boost regional digital connectivity. Aviation Expansion: Uganda Airlines has signed with Boeing for 10 aircraft, including converted freighters, to expand cargo and passenger capacity.