AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Power: MPs grilled UEDCL over delayed grid connections and persistent blackouts after the Umeme buyout, with lawmakers citing a backlog of hundreds of thousands of customers who already paid connection fees. Ebola Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the largest ever recorded in the country, with cases and deaths climbing fast across multiple provinces. Sport Funding: Minister Gayton McKenzie pushed back on claims of denied support, clarifying that federation funding is fixed by Parliament and handled under public finance rules. Oil & Institutions: Governor Atingi-Ego urged strong institutions as Uganda prepares for the petroleum era, stressing integrity, transparency and fair benefit-sharing. UN Diplomacy: President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s backing for Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s bid to lead the UN as Secretary-General. Migration Policy: Italy plans EU-funded migrant repatriation hubs modeled on Albania, with Uganda listed among possible host countries. Media & Rights: CPJ and partners warned of “severe restrictions” on civil society and journalists ahead of Uganda’s UN human rights review. Visa Rules: The US made visa security bonds permanent for applicants from about 50 countries, including Uganda, with deposits up to $20,000. Youth Leadership: Uganda’s Reagan Muyinda was appointed new YouLead Project Coordinator for Africa’s youth leadership agenda.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest on record, with cases rising to 3,674 and deaths to 1,621 across 49 health zones. Security & Politics: Uganda’s Museveni urges Banyankole to cut excessive bride price demands and costly weddings, warning they push young couples into debt. Business Climate: KACITA warns traders fear formalising businesses because they expect immediate tax pursuit, arguing enforcement is outpacing incentives. Kampala Waste: KCCA plans a designated garbage collection point in every village after National Cleaning Day exposed gaps, aiming to speed up future cleanups. Energy Markets: Umeme shares have crashed about 85% since its distribution concession ended, with the firm pointing to an ongoing arbitration dispute. Diaspora & Finance: Equity Bank Uganda hosts a diaspora webinar urging Ugandans abroad to turn remittances into investment, with a possible diaspora bond discussed. Regional Trade/Industry: State Minister David Bahati inspects Najjera Industrial Hub, promising stronger support for local manufacturers and value addition. International Travel Policy: The US makes a refundable visa security bond permanent for nationals of 50 countries, including Uganda, with deposits up to $20,000. Culture & Sports: Uganda unveils a statue honouring Yonatan Netanyahu at Entebbe, while Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda is set to officiate a WAFCON quarter-final.

US Visa Bonds: Nigeria and other African travellers face a permanent U.S. visa bond rule starting today, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas—refundable if conditions are met, forfeited if overstays happen—prompting calls for reciprocal action from Nigerian experts. Entebbe 50 Years On: Uganda unveiled a statue of Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at Entebbe Airport, honouring the Israeli commander killed during the 1976 hostage rescue, as officials link the memorial to renewed Uganda–Israel security ties. Ebola Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading at an “exceptional pace,” now the country’s largest on record, with thousands of cases and deaths reported across multiple provinces, while Uganda is mentioned among countries with cumulative totals. Local Governance & Polls: EC dismissed 13 officials in Busia over alleged tampering with LC I voters’ registers, ordering repeat elections in affected villages and citing losses and violence. Power Theft Probe: Police hunt former Umeme employees over alleged vandalism and theft of electricity wires in the Savannah region, after recoveries and arrests tied to a suspected network. Creative Economy: Bombo Investments partners with the Africa Monologue Challenge to push intra-African trade through the creative sector and AfCFTA-aligned action.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional pace,” now spread across five provinces and 49 health zones, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths reported as of July 30. Local Impact: Uganda’s health response is being highlighted as “preparedness” helped keep its earlier cases low, even as the virus threatens to spread across the region. AUSSOM Politics: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud clashed with Uganda over communique wording at the AU troop summit, pushing back on calls for dialogue with his opposition; Museveni ordered the language softened to focus on unity and reconciliation. US Visa Rules: The US confirmed a permanent visa bond programme for travellers from 50 countries, including Uganda, with refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas. Elections: EC dismissed 13 Busia election officials over alleged tampering with LC I voters’ registers, with some villages ordered to repeat polls. Public Health & Safety: A family of six died after lightning struck their home in Maracha District, West Nile. City Life: Kampala suburbs still face uncollected garbage nearly a week after National Cleaning Day, raising health concerns.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: The WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths (44% fatality rate) as it “intensifies at exceptional pace,” spreading across five provinces and recording the highest weekly figures so far. Uganda’s Preparedness Contrast: Uganda’s health officials point to earlier lessons and preparedness, noting Uganda recorded only 20 cases and two deaths during its past Ebola episodes. Human Rights Pressure: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warns Uganda’s crackdown on dissent is deepening restrictions on fundamental freedoms, with reports of arrests, disappearances and military involvement in civilian institutions. US Visa Bond Policy: The US State Department is making permanent a visa bond programme for selected countries, with bonds up to $20,000 for business and tourist visas—Uganda is listed among affected nations. Governance Watchdog: Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council faces scrutiny after an Auditor General report flagged licensing and contract management weaknesses despite strong revenue collection. Infrastructure Probe: IGG investigations into the Busega–Mpigi Expressway raise fresh questions over a compensation and cost escalation saga. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Uganda discuss trade, Nile cooperation and regional security, including coordination around Somalia’s AUSSOM mission. Culture & Society: Uganda unveils a Yoni Netanyahu memorial at Entebbe Airport marking 50 years since the 1976 rescue operation. Local Life: Kampala suburbs still struggle with uncollected garbage a week after National Cleaning Day, raising public health fears.

Ebola Response: US senators Lisa Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release $608m in family-planning funds and distribute $1.7m in supplies for women and infants affected by Ebola in East Africa, warning stored items could be destroyed. Public Health & Safety: Kampala suburbs are still battling uncollected garbage a week after National Cleaning Day, with residents in areas like Bwaise and Lubaga reporting rotting waste, foul smells and pests. Justice Reform: Chief Justice Flavian Zeija launched Uganda’s Administration of Justice Programme strategy to cut case backlog, expand legal aid and improve court processes. Anti-Corruption: IGG ordered the interdiction of seven senior Parliament officials pending criminal proceedings over alleged embezzlement and causing financial loss. Regional Security: AU and troop-contributing leaders meeting in Kampala pushed for UN Security Council support to extend AUSSOM in Somalia for 18–24 months; Museveni said Africa will stand by Somalia even if donors pull out. Economy & Business: Pearl Bank says its rebrand from PostBank is driving deeper digital inclusion and enterprise support; New Vision warned of another annual loss amid weak sales and advertising. Culture & Media: iKON Film and Television Awards set December 12, aiming to grow into a continental meeting point for African creatives. Sports: Uganda’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues to draw attention, including Sinesipho Dambile’s 200m gold.

Human Rights Clampdown: The UN human rights office has condemned Uganda’s crackdown on opposition and dissent, saying fear is growing after the January 15 election, with reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and media closures. Opposition Health Crisis: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye remains in ICU at Mulago after collapsing during his treason trial, with his wife saying he is unconscious and unresponsive, as authorities have not given clear comment. Somalia Peace Talks in Kampala: African leaders meeting in Uganda pushed to extend AUSSOM, warning that security gains need political unity in Somalia and calling for predictable, sustainable funding as donor support—especially from the US—faces cuts. DR Congo Ebola Surge: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has hit about 3,532 cases and 1,556 deaths, making it the second-largest on record, with officials citing contact-tracing gaps and fast spread in conflict-hit eastern provinces. Parliament Appointments: MPs approved Juma Kisekka as State Minister for Internal Affairs, replacing a nominee rejected over citizenship concerns. Business & Courts: Uganda’s High Court dismissed Magoola’s bid to block an independent audit into disputed Equity Bank loan facilities tied to Dei Biopharma. EACOP Community Safety: EACOP launched a campaign to tackle gender-based violence and improve sexual and reproductive health support in five Ugandan districts along the pipeline route.

Ebola Watch: India says it screened 10,974 international arrivals from Ebola-affected countries since May 23, with no Ebola case reported so far; Uganda is among the countries covered, as surveillance at Points of Entry is tightened. HIV Prevention: Uganda AIDS Commission officials urge people who received the first twice-yearly Lenacapavir injection to return for the second dose on schedule, stressing it’s not a vaccine and protection depends on maintaining drug levels. US Visa Changes: The US announced a major overhaul moving routine visa processing to regional hubs from August 1, 2026, affecting countries including Nigeria and other African missions. DRC Ebola Surge: The DRC outbreak is now the second-largest on record, with cases and deaths passing 1,500, as conflict hampers response. Football Governance: Ugandan football officials back more FIFA funding options for Africa as Infantino’s plans face resistance from other confederations. Sports & Society: A UK wheelchair rugby captain heads to Kampala to help set up Uganda’s first wheelchair rugby tournament, while Uganda’s She-Cranes target the Africa title after securing Netball World Cup qualification. Energy & Business: Umeme warns of losses after its Uganda concession ended, and police in Luwero hunt former Umeme staff over alleged power wire vandalism. Regional Security: AU troop ministers in Kampala say Somalia’s political disputes, not just funding or military action, are the key obstacle to lasting peace.

Opposition Health Crisis: Detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to ICU at Mulago after collapsing during his treason trial in Kampala; his wife Winnie Byanyima says he is unconscious and unresponsive, renewing calls for his release amid claims of a wider crackdown on dissent. UN Rights Pressure: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned Uganda’s clampdown on opposition and civil society, citing arrests, disappearances, torture, and forced suspensions following Besigye’s hospitalisation. Commonwealth Boxing Row: Commonwealth Sport chief Donald Rukare rejected Aziz Abdul’s racism claims after his disqualification for headbutting at the Glasgow Games, saying the decision was a field-of-play ruling. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council held its first secret straw poll, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leading, as the search for António Guterres’s successor gathers pace. Ebola Update (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has passed 1,500 as cases surge, while Uganda has declared its latest Ebola outbreak over. Uganda Business/Industry: Uganda’s Namanve Industrial Park infrastructure project is reported at 80% completion, aimed at boosting industrialisation and investment. Agriculture Spotlight: Makerere researchers are rolling out improved soybean varieties and pushing value addition like soybean milk and yoghurt. Sports (Local Interest): Uganda’s Esther Chebet featured in the 5,000m Commonwealth Games final as Rose Davies won gold and Megan Keith took bronze.

Opposition Health Crisis: Detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in ICU at Mulago after collapsing in court, with his wife Winnie Byanyima saying he is unconscious and unresponsive, as his treason trial continues amid renewed calls to transfer him to private care. Courtroom Bail Setback: Kampala lawyer Erias Lukwago’s bail bid was dismissed by the High Court after judges said the application was overtaken by events following his committal for trial. Banking Shock: dfcu Bank posted a Shs15.8bn half-year loss, blaming costly Crane Bank-related court battles, triggering fresh investor anxiety over deeper internal troubles. Industrial Push: Roofings Group and UBOS team up to use credible statistics to guide investment and accelerate Uganda’s industrial transformation. Agribusiness Finance: Equity Bank Uganda urged farmers to stop treating farm profits as household cash, warning poor money discipline is sinking even profitable enterprises. Local Elections: Uganda’s EC ordered fresh LC1 polling in 1,135 villages after violence and register-related disputes disrupted the vote. Sports & Identity: Commonwealth Sport chief Donald Rukare rejected Aziz Abdul’s racism claims after the Idi Amin grandson was disqualified for a headbutt at the Commonwealth Games. Ebola Watch: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,500 deaths, while Uganda declared itself Ebola-free earlier this week.

Commonwealth Games Drama: Idi Amin’s grandson Aziz Abdul was disqualified for a headbutt in his super-heavyweight bout against England’s Damar Thomas, then accused officials of bias. Court Health Crisis: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in court and was admitted to Mulago ICU, with family alleging he was denied timely access to his doctor. Local Elections Reset: Uganda’s Electoral Commission rescheduled LC I polls in 1,135 villages after violence, damaged materials, and register disputes disrupted Tuesday’s voting. Anti-Corruption Push: PPDA says Kyambogo University paid about Shs 2bn for printing services not used, after a procurement probe found payments based on minimum volumes. Public Service Accountability: Ministers’ surprise inspections flagged payroll fraud, inflated enrolment, and faulty public works in districts, raising fresh concerns over weak supervision. HIV Stigma Study: Makerere and MoH report stigma still blocks many Ugandans from testing, disclosure, clinic visits, and consistent treatment. Ebola Update: Uganda declared its latest Ebola outbreak over, while DR Congo’s cases and deaths continue to rise. Regional Security: AUSSOM troop-contributing countries met in Kampala after US funding threats raised fears for Somalia’s stabilization mission.

Treason Trial Tension: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in court during his treason case, with proceedings postponed as guards attended to him; his camp says he lacks access to a doctor of his choice while bail has repeatedly been denied. Ebola Update: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after completing the 42-day monitoring period with no unexplained community transmission; meanwhile DR Congo’s outbreak keeps worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 3,360 and 1,487 deaths. UN Diplomacy: Uganda presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, pitching him on conflict prevention, human rights, and UN reforms. US Visa Shake-up: The US will discontinue routine visa services in Abuja and 24 other African diplomatic posts from Aug 1, shifting to regional hubs. Digital Banking Push: NCBA Bank Uganda launched new digital platforms—NCBA NOW for retail and NCBA ConnectPlus for corporates/SMEs—to expand secure, convenient access. Hunger Alarm: Drought-driven food insecurity is deepening in Karamoja and parts of the Horn, with emergency food distribution underway. HIV Prevention Manufacturing: Uganda’s QCIL secured an early licence linked to Merck’s once-monthly HIV prevention pill plans, aiming to widen access.

Ebola Update: Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after completing the 42-day monitoring period with no new infections, but says the border with DR Congo will stay closed as cases surge there. Public Health & Research: Makerere University researchers presented new results on twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP, reporting no new HIV infections in one trial and just one in another, with high adherence and no new safety concerns. Food Security: Drought in West Pokot is pushing about 60,000 people toward hunger, with crop failure, drying water sources, and livestock at risk. Business & Youth: Makerere University is spotlighting coffee-focused youth innovations at the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo, aiming to move young people beyond low-paid farm roles. Media Freedom: Nation Media Group Uganda resumes operations after Museveni’s authorization, ending a month-long shutdown. Governance & Society: Uganda will host an AU summit on Somalia peace efforts, bringing together troop-contributing countries’ leaders. Sports: The Mt. Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese earns World Athletics Label status, putting Uganda on the global running map.

Ebola Update: Uganda’s health minister declared the country Ebola-free after the last patient was discharged in mid-June, with no new cases detected during the required monitoring period, as the outbreak continues to rage in neighbouring DR Congo. Local Elections & Security: Kampala’s Kyebando LCI voting was briefly disrupted when rival supporters clashed over access to the polling station, prompting a military deployment to restore order. Community & Governance: More than 800 LC I chairpersons were elected unopposed across Greater Masaka and Greater Luwero, giving the ruling NRM a head start ahead of village elections. Health Guidance: The US CDC issued practical guidance for travellers arriving from the Ebola-affected zone, focusing on what households and health departments should do after arrival. Sports: Red Arrows signed Congolese striker John Pweto Kanyembo on a three-year deal, boosting their attack for the Absa Cup and Super League push. Economy & Jobs: President Museveni backed the Nonda Coffee Park project in Nakaseke, aimed at scaling coffee value addition and processing capacity. Public Debate: Uganda’s first National Cleaning Day left many heaps of garbage behind, raising questions about whether civic clean-ups can work without stronger waste removal systems.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,200 confirmed cases with 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still the epicentre and new infections and deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Security in the Region: In Ituri’s Mambasa territory, attacks attributed to ADF fighters have killed at least 31 civilians, with locals describing extortion demands linked to mining and cocoa. Uganda’s Diplomacy: Uganda has nominated veteran diplomat Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the next UN Secretary-General, ahead of the end of António Guterres’ term. Governance & Accountability: An anti-corruption court issued an arrest warrant for parliament office supervisor Stella Itute after she failed to appear over alleged embezzlement and money laundering tied to Shs 27bn. Local Politics: LC1 chairperson elections are set for July 28 after postponements over funding, with commentators highlighting their role in land dispute mediation and village security. Health & Rights: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act is under renewed scrutiny as it tightens rules on foreign funding and civic activity. Community & Culture: A Ugandan children’s choir from Imani Milele is touring the US, sharing stories of orphaned and vulnerable children through music. Sports: Uganda’s women’s 3x3 team beat Cayman in Commonwealth Games action, while Uganda’s presence continues to grow across basketball events.

DR Congo Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has hit 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with transmission described as sustained and spreading across 48 health zones, while treatment capacity remains under pressure and health workers have staged walkouts over unpaid pay. Uganda Health Link: Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed Ebola infections, including two deaths, as officials expand surveillance, contact tracing, and border screening. South Sudan–Uganda Border Talks: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after cross-border peace and security talks in Kajo-Keji and Arua, agreeing on stronger border security, protection of civilians, and reactivating joint committees. Gaza Stabilisation Plan: Israel approved a limited entry of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza, reportedly including about 200 troops from “friendly countries” such as Uganda, with immunity granted and deployment tied to further approvals. Uganda Courts & Workplace Abuse: A Nile Basin Initiative staffer’s sexual harassment case heads to the Court of Appeal after the Industrial Court dismissed it, citing diplomatic immunity. Research Governance: NEMRA unveiled a new 2026–2029 board to strengthen research capacity across Africa. Cash-Lite Push: Bank of Uganda plans limits on over-the-counter cash withdrawals from January 1, 2027, aiming to speed up electronic payments.