AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update: DR Congo reported 72 new Ebola cases in 24 hours, bringing confirmed infections to 782 and deaths to 181, as aid groups warn the real toll may be higher amid strained contact tracing and weak water and hygiene in epicentres like Ituri. Uganda Health Guidance: Uganda’s Ministry of Health says Ebola-free certificates are not required for outbound travel or visa applications, and urges the public to beware of fraudsters selling fake testing and certificates. Political Tension in Kampala: Opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago was detained by soldiers on orders linked to army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who vowed “hurt and pain,” escalating a dispute involving court action over alleged abduction of Kizza Besigye. Labour Migration Warning: A Ugandan rights group says 40+ migrant workers have died abroad since January 2026, with unclear circumstances in several cases and calls for better protection and documentation. Local Governance & Services: Cabinet ministers began a 10-day induction retreat at Kyankwanzi, pledging discipline and zero tolerance to corruption, while KCCA moves to digitally transform the Buyala waste facility to modernize waste management. Health & Social Needs: Nalufenya Children’s Hospital in Jinja reports 800 sickle cell cases monthly, with shortages of timely hydroxyurea cited as a cause of deaths. Environment & Livelihoods: Adjumani marked World Environment Day with a tree-planting drive under an ECOTRUST-supported World Bank-funded project, exceeding woodlot targets.

Ebola Update: DR Congo reported 72 new Ebola cases in 24 hours, bringing totals to 782 infections and 181 deaths, as surveillance improves but contact tracing coverage drops to 56% and the outbreak spreads further in Ituri and North Kivu. Travel Curbs: Israel removed Kenya and Rwanda from its Ebola-linked entry restrictions, but Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC remain on the list; meanwhile, the US is rerouting all flights from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan to four airports for enhanced Ebola screening. Opposition Crackdown: Uganda opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago was detained by security forces after preparing to serve court summons on army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, triggering outrage from Bobi Wine and rights groups over alleged political repression. Road Safety Push: Government moves to reduce road accidents with new measures targeting reckless driving and accountability. Uganda Budget: Museveni unveiled the 2026/27 budget of Shs84.4tn, betting on oil revenues and a Ten-Fold Growth Strategy anchored on ATMS. Aviation Deal: Uganda Airlines signed a major Boeing order worth about Shs3.7tn to expand capacity for regional and international routes. Finance & Tech: Mogo says it has financed 500,000 smartphones across East Africa, with Uganda driving more than half of the figures.

Budget & Growth: Uganda unveiled a record Shs84.4trn budget for 2026/27, aiming to turn the economy into a $500bn target by 2040 through the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, with spending heavily tilted to agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals-based industry and science/tech. Ebola Watch: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola tally rose to 782 cases and 181 deaths, with contact tracing coverage reported at 56%, while Uganda’s risk remains under close monitoring as the outbreak spreads across eastern areas. Travel Restrictions Row: Uganda’s foreign affairs PS Abraham Sing’Oei protested Israel’s decision to include Kenya and Uganda on a new Ebola-linked travel ban list, arguing Kenya has strong surveillance and no confirmed cases. Governance & Integrity: A fake Facebook document claims Museveni requested citizenship checks on four ministerial appointees; meanwhile, IGG/CID investigations continue to dog high-profile figures including Anita Among after a reported meeting with Museveni. Infrastructure: Kabalega International Airport Phase I is 98% complete, with handover expected by July 31, as government also fast-tracks other priority airports ahead of AFCON 2027. Finance & ESG: Bank of Uganda will introduce mandatory ESG reporting for financial institutions from January 2027, following an East Africa ESG summit focused on turning commitments into delivery. Sports: FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series 2026 lands in Orléans June 19-20 with Uganda seeded eighth. Community & Health Systems: World Blood Donor Day spotlighted Uganda’s blood supply gaps for postpartum hemorrhage deaths, stressing the need for a reliable “donor to delivery” chain.

Ebola Update: Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 782 with 181 deaths, as contact tracing coverage drops to 56% and the outbreak keeps spreading across eastern provinces and into Uganda. Uganda Response & Travel: Kampala says it has improved surveillance and urges a review of flight restrictions after Ebola recedes, while US funding tops $200m for screening and border detection. Vaccine Push: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, while researchers also report a first-in-humans AI-designed coronavirus vaccine concept. Public Finance: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget targets Shs84.4trn growth plans alongside tighter expenditure controls, with calls to protect inclusion as procurement reforms roll out. Health & Society: Demand for Uganda’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection (Lenacapavir) outstrips supplies, and World Blood Donor Day spotlights safer blood availability for postpartum hemorrhage. Sports & Culture: Nile Breweries launches Cheers to Bars for World Cup viewing in Ugandan bars; Uganda’s Olympic marathon star Stephen Kiprotich urges athletes to save and invest for life after sport.

Ebola Update: DR Congo confirmed 710 Ebola cases and 149 deaths, while authorities denied lockdown rumours and said surveillance, vaccination and contact tracing are ramping up; Uganda Response: Kampala says travel restrictions and flight limits are no longer matching the improved health situation and wants a scientific review, as WHO warns the outbreak is expanding across DRC and Uganda; HIV Prevention: Uganda’s demand for Lenacapavir (twice-yearly HIV prevention) has outstripped supplies, with the next consignment delayed to October after a shortage of the loading tablets; Governance & Accountability: An editorial questions a “Shadow Attorney General” style appointment, as well as concerns over nepotism in legal advisory roles; Local Services & Health: World Blood Donor Day spotlights the need to strengthen Uganda’s blood supply chain to cut maternal deaths; Corruption Probe: OPM moves to terminate the Lango Palace contractor after abandonment and stalled work; Community & Culture: Uganda’s art scene celebrates Katesi Kalange winning the Cassirer Welz Art Award, and Uganda plans to use the Africa Nations Cup UK to market tourism to the diaspora.

Ebola Watch: WHO says Bundibugyo Ebola is rapidly expanding across DR Congo and Uganda, with cases now at 695 and deaths at 138, as transmission spreads to more health zones and response systems face mounting pressure. Health & Policy: President Museveni urged pastors to avoid close contact during prayers as Uganda records 19 cases, while WHO and partners push for stronger detection, isolation and support. Travel & Tourism: Uganda’s hospitality sector warns Ebola-related travel advisories are driving cancellations and losses, with tourists from Europe and North America hesitating. Local Accountability: Parliament approved a fresh Sh730bn loan for the Solar Powered Irrigation and Water Supply project after probe findings of failures in the first phase, renewing calls for accountability. Corruption Probe: OPM moves to terminate the Lango Palace contractor CMD Investment Ltd after alleged abandonment following a Sh900m down payment. Public Safety: Police in Mubende rescued 48 dogs and seized carcasses allegedly sold as “goat meat” on the Mityana–Mubende road. Culture & Pride: Uganda’s Katesi Kalange wins the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a residency and solo exhibition. Sports: Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is still in the running as an alternative/training venue for Afcon 2027.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola toll climbed to 689 cases and 139 deaths, with WHO warning the outbreak is expanding into new areas and facing gaps in treatment capacity, infection control supplies and alert reporting—while UNHCR confirmed the first Ebola-related deaths in a displacement camp in eastern Congo. Uganda Response: Uganda is set to deploy medics to help fight Ebola in DRC, as the US pledged over $200m for response efforts across borders, including airport and border screening support. Digital Governance: Uganda launched UGGov Agent, an AI platform letting citizens access services, track public projects and engage institutions in 16 local languages via WhatsApp and SMS. Education Tech Gap: UNICEF found only 20% of Uganda’s secondary schools are ICT-ready, with 39% fully unplugged and 41% semi-connected. Local Economy & Agriculture: Pearl Bank says it is financing the full agricultural value chain to support government’s ATMS agenda, while economists dissected Uganda’s 84.4trn budget for opportunities and debt/tax concerns. Sports & Business: MTN returned to UPGA with the MTN Pro Tees Series, and MMFL shareholders approved the first dividend under its merged structure.

Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): The WHO says the northeastern DRC Ebola outbreak is expanding into new areas, with 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, plus 119 suspected cases; officials warn isolation beds are far below what’s needed and that local community spread is now appearing. Displacement Camp Risk: UNHCR confirms the first Ebola-related deaths in the Kpangba displacement camp in eastern Congo (30,000 people), raising fears of rapid spread in overcrowded sites. Women & Girls Hit Harder: UN Women reports women and girls make up 53.4% of lab-confirmed Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda, reflecting how caregiving and burial practices increase exposure. Uganda Response & Support: The US pledges over $200m for Ebola response across DRC and Uganda, including airport and border detection support, while Gilead donates remdesivir vials to Uganda to back treatment efforts. Local Justice: Kampala City Hall Court remands four men to Luzira Prison over the killing of Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo. Health Workers’ Pay Dispute: Uganda Medical Association rejects a government idea to offer interns only lunch after allowance cuts, saying interns need full support. Parliament Works: New Parliament chambers enter final steel and roofing phase, with Irish firm Kelly Steel supplying bent steel frames.

Ebola & Travel Impact: Uganda’s hospitality sector says recent Ebola-related travel advisories are driving cancellations and losses, blaming misinformation and harsh restrictions that have also disrupted airline operations and quarantine rules for travellers from Uganda/DRC. HIV Funding Crunch: UNAIDS warns aid cuts and tighter rights restrictions are triggering the “biggest storm” for HIV since the response began, with sharp drops in prevention services—PrEP access down and testing falling in high-burden countries including Uganda—raising fears of a new surge. Ebola in the Region: Reports from Kenya detail a protest death linked to the US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, while WHO and partners continue pushing for stronger preparedness as the DRC outbreak worsens. Uganda Budget & Jobs: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi’s 2026/27 budget boosts education, skills and sports, including a 25% salary enhancement for primary and arts teachers, alongside plans tied to oil revenues and growth. Labour Migration Tracking: Government plans a digital tracking system for Ugandans sent abroad for work to improve monitoring and consular support. Conservation & Culture: ECOTRUST launches the ACBA Biodiversity Academy to share African-led solutions, while Uganda’s bark cloth tradition continues to gain attention for its cultural and economic value.

Ebola Update: Africa CDC says DRC’s Ebola tally has hit 635 cases and 127 deaths, with Uganda recording 19 linked cases and two deaths; the agency warns contact tracing is lagging, raising fears of sustained community spread. Budget Security & Governance: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget sets aside Shs10.21tn for security and rule of law, including UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, CCTV and cybersecurity. Oil-Driven Growth Outlook: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi projects 10.2% growth in 2026/27, pointing to first commercial oil production and rising investment confidence. Education Pay Boost: Government allocates over Shs6.66tn for education, with plans to raise minimum teacher salaries (including a 25% jump for primary teachers). Energy Push: Shs2.07tn goes to power development—Kiba hydro, solar projects, transmission upgrades and preparatory work for nuclear. Transport & Aviation: Shs8.79tn targets roads, rail, airports and Uganda Airlines expansion. Local Economy & Safety: Kampala residents, including South Sudanese students, demand stronger patrols after a viral robbery incident at Nsambya traffic lights. Sports & Culture: Centenary Bank backs the 22nd Masaza Cup with Sh200m, while Uganda also highlights tourism and creative exports in the wider budget push.

Ebola Watch: Uganda remains at very high risk as WHO flags continued spread in the DRC and notes Uganda has recorded imported cases; the WHO also warns cross-border transmission risk stays high, while the US pushes Europe for tougher travel curbs ahead of the World Cup. Parliament & Governance: Uganda’s 12th Parliament is battling severe space congestion, with MPs reportedly forced to sit on the floor as seating shortages worsen; Speaker Oboth-Oboth has allowed lawmakers to sit on either side to ease pressure. Budget & Finance: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget is set at sh84.3trn, with oil and gas revenue projections (including first oil expectations) highlighted as a major shift for public finances. Energy & Agriculture: Parliament approved a €168.9m loan for Phase II of solar-powered irrigation to boost coffee production and climate resilience. Business & Tech: SHIPU hosted investors and Huawei Uganda to strengthen Uganda’s investment climate and digital transformation. Sports: Zanzibar Heroes vs Uganda Cranes friendly postponed; Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and others are set for the Naivasha LOOP Safari Gravel Series qualifier. Mob Justice: MPs demanded action after rugby star Sydney Gongodyo’s death, directing Internal Affairs to report on mob justice.

Public Finance: Uganda’s 2025/26 financial year ends with mixed results as agriculture, oil and tourism posted gains, but revenue shortfalls and rising public debt continue to bite—URA missed its mid-year target by over Shs1 trillion. Debt Burden: Government has earmarked about UGX 33.4 trillion for debt servicing in 2026/27, with interest alone taking UGX 12.4 trillion. Ebola & Borders: WHO says three Ebola testing labs in DR Congo have run out of supplies, while Uganda faces linked cases; Uganda also faces travel and border pressure as health authorities urge caution and governments debate travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup. Air Transport Deal: President Museveni witnessed Uganda Airlines sign a Shs3.7 trillion Boeing deal for 10 aircraft, including Dreamliners and freighters, to expand long-haul and cargo routes. Digital Payments: Bank of Uganda sets new over-the-counter cash withdrawal limits from Jan 1, 2027, as electronic payments keep dominating transactions. Clean Cooking: Detra Energy’s eco-stoves are helping households cut charcoal costs, with users saying one sack now lasts up to three months. Trade & Industry: Eastern Region UMA trade fair opens in Mbale, spotlighting local manufacturers and skills. Governance & Rights: NUP challenges a new law restoring military tribunals to try civilians, warning of threats to civil liberties. Environment: dfcu Foundation and UTGA mark World Environment Day with tree planting and grower training in Mukono.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 600 confirmed cases with over 100 deaths, as insecurity, shortages of protective gear and weak contact tracing slow response; Uganda is also affected, with fears of cross-border spread and calls for stronger surveillance around Lake Victoria trade routes. Uganda’s Health Leadership: Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Diana Atwine, is profiled as the face of repeated epidemic response, coordinating surveillance and district teams as public anger and movement restrictions return. Education Reform: Uganda’s Ministry of Education plans to merge UNEB and NCDC under a single institution to cut duplication and improve efficiency, while keeping curriculum and assessment functions intact. World Bank Financing: The World Bank will lend Uganda about $6bn (Shs 23 trillion) over 10 years to drive private-sector growth and jobs. Local Economy Watch: Uganda’s digital betting boom is highlighted as a major revenue earner, with regulators warning about the costs that come with rapid growth. Police Update: Uganda Police arrest two more suspects in the mob killing case of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, bringing detainees to ten. Labour Mobility: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment, banning several African countries including Uganda, while allowing hiring from only 10 approved sources.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says Congo’s Ebola contact tracing has improved to 62% reached, but still below the 90–95% target, as mistrust and attacks on health workers slow progress; latest figures put the outbreak at about 550 confirmed cases and 101 deaths, with Uganda also reporting confirmed cases linked to DRC transmission. Uganda’s Frontline Role: WHO chief Tedros visited Uganda’s Mulago isolation unit as aid agencies intensify containment efforts, while Uganda’s readiness and regional cooperation remain central to preventing spread. Regional Tensions: In Kenya, protests against a US-backed Ebola quarantine centre in Nanyuki turned violent again, with police firing tear gas and a protester reportedly shot dead; the facility is meant for Americans exposed in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Funding and Preparedness Moves: Nigeria approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and released N10bn for emergency response, while the EU pledged fresh support to Africa CDC and DRC surveillance. Sports Tragedy Update: Police arrested a boda boda rider accused of striking Uganda rugby star Sydney Gongodyo with a log, bringing suspects in custody to nine.

Ebola Update: WHO says risk is very high for DR Congo and high for Uganda as the Bundibugyo outbreak surges to 550 cases and 101 deaths, with conflict and attacks on health workers slowing response. Uganda Response: WHO’s Tedros toured Mulago’s isolation centre, arguing travel restrictions on Uganda are unnecessary and mainly hurt the economy. Regional Plan: Africa CDC and WHO launched a unified six-month Ebola preparedness and response plan, targeting $518m to strengthen surveillance, labs, care and cross-border coordination. Kenya Protests: Police fired tear gas in Nanyuki as residents protested a US-backed 50-bed Ebola quarantine centre for Americans, despite court orders. Finance & Infrastructure: Uganda secured a €270m Afreximbank loan to fund roads, rail, ports, energy, oil and gas, export zones and industrial parks, with an Afreximbank East Africa office set to open in Kampala. Innovation Spotlight: Makerere student David Kaleebu unveiled Pee-Gal, a disposable female urination device aimed at improving hygiene in public toilets. Cyber Privacy: Ugandan socialite Kirabo Kisitu apologised after private images/videos circulated online, reigniting debate on consent and digital harassment.

Ebola Update: WHO says confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have climbed above 500, with the outbreak now extending into Uganda; Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, as health teams push back against insecurity, misinformation, and limited treatment capacity. WHO Visit: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Uganda, praised Uganda’s border screening and response, and urged stronger cross-border coordination with the DRC. Regional Cooperation: President Museveni met Tedros and called for tighter regional collaboration to contain the outbreak, stressing Uganda’s readiness and ongoing talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. Aid and Response Support: Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical supplies to support Ebola response in the DRC, while UNICEF scaled up emergency shipments including PPE, medicines, and WASH materials. Cabinet Swearing-In: President Museveni presided over the swearing-in of the new Cabinet, with four ministers missing the oath due to citizenship-related issues. Sports & Health Watch: As World Cup 2026 approaches, experts warn mass gatherings can spread infections, even as Ebola remains a low-probability risk for most travelers.