AGP Executive Report

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.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with confirmed cases now reported around 2,973 and deaths about 1,309, as health teams struggle with weak contact tracing and shortages of testing kits—Uganda has already discharged its last hospitalized patient. Uganda’s Health Funding Shock: A new survey ahead of AIDS 2026 says disruption to PEPFAR led to 1,700 HIV service sites closing and 77,000 fewer children receiving treatment in 2025, with Uganda among countries seeing sharp declines. Cross-Border Security: South Sudan’s border tensions with Uganda continue to displace families; Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil visited Kajo-Keji displaced people and pushed for renewed joint security talks. National Cleaning Day Disruptions: Kampala and major towns saw transport and banking delays during Uganda’s first mandatory monthly clean-up, with road checkpoints stopping vehicles and leaving many travellers stranded. Sports—Commonwealth Games: Uganda’s netball team beat Trinidad and Tobago 80-38, while Uganda’s boxer Nuhu Batte advanced after a tough bout against India’s Aditya Pratap Yadav. Tourism & Aviation: Uganda Airlines’ Boeing order boosts hopes for stronger US links and tourism growth. Culture & Football: MTN Uganda sponsors the Busoga Kingdom Masaza Tournament with Shs 550m for the August 15 kickoff.

UN Secretary-General Race: Uganda has nominated veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu for UN boss, formally submitting his candidature as the race to succeed António Guterres enters a decisive phase. Regional Diplomacy: VP Jessica Alupo praised the Kenya-Uganda bond during the consecration of an Anglican bishop, urging deeper East African integration. Economic Reform at Borders: A high-level economic reform committee is in Nimule to review operations and push better border revenue collection under a presidential move to cancel non-statutory tax exemptions. Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO and Africa CDC warn that Ebola tracking is faltering as contact tracing drops and labs run out of testing kits; deaths and cases keep climbing, with an experimental vaccine trial underway. Public Health vs Rights: Uganda’s monthly National Cleaning Day faces legal challenges after reports of heavy-handed policing and forced street sweeping. Business Disruption at Busia: At the Uganda-Kenya border, markets and truck movement were halted for hours as police enforced the cleaning directive. Sports Spotlight: Commonwealth Games action continues in Glasgow, with Uganda’s para-sport inclusivity praised and Team Uganda eyeing medals.

Commonwealth Games setback: Nigeria’s boxing medal hopes took a hit as David Akintola was knocked out in the men’s 80kg Round of 32 at Glasgow 2026, losing 4-1 to Tanzania’s Yusef Lucasi Changalewa; it was Nigeria’s second straight first-round boxing exit. Interfaith violence in Uganda: A pastor in Butebo District was killed hours after a Christian-Muslim debate in Mbale, with an imam named among prime suspects after alleged threats following the event. National Cleaning Day disruption: Uganda’s first mandatory monthly National Cleaning Day caused road standstills, checkpoint delays and rescheduled bus travel across Kampala and highways, with many travellers caught off guard. Ebola crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak continues to surge, with confirmed cases rising to 2,973 and deaths to 1,309, while contact tracing remains below needed levels. Public safety on travel portals: Uganda-linked advisories warn travellers about fraudulent “Air Suvidha 2.0” websites, stressing the service is free and only the official portal should be used. Culture and sport funding: MTN Uganda pledged Shs 550m to sponsor the Busoga Kingdom Masaza Tournament, set to start August 15. Digital push: Uganda is accelerating AI adoption for jobs and skills, with experts pointing to partnerships and local innovation as key to meeting national AI targets. Local youth leadership: Kisozi High School student Nyanzi Martin Luther urged schools to form Interact Clubs to build leadership, service and teamwork. Conservation move: Rangers began relocating 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls to Ajai Wildlife Reserve to reduce pressure from oil drilling and other threats. Anti-corruption process: Engineers’ body UIPE warned that anti-corruption arrests of district engineers must follow due process and technical scrutiny, not public spectacle.

Parliament Oversight: Uganda’s Parliament has intensified its probe into UNBS, with MPs scrutinising alleged poor governance, delayed certification, weak enforcement and complaints that the regulator’s processes are stifling business and worsening counterfeit goods. Corruption Crackdown: Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara says his “Expose the Corrupt” drive is uncovering payroll fraud and ghost workers, including a Mbale health centre case where salaries were paid for 19 staff but only three reported for duty. Zakat Update: The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council set the 2026 Zakat Nisab at UGX 2.4m, requiring eligible Muslims to pay 2.5% for wealth held for one lunar year. Cyber Trafficking Warning: Uganda’s Internal Affairs Ministry warns that foreign-linked cyber scam syndicates have moved operations into Uganda, using fake job ads to trap victims and confiscate passports. Wildlife Conservation: Uganda Wildlife Authority began relocating 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve to reduce pressure from oil drilling and habitat loss. Ebola Watch (DRC): DR Congo’s Ebola figures rose to 2,905 cases and 1,269 deaths, with health officials citing database updates and ongoing transmission challenges. Court Update: The DPP asked the High Court to deny bail to Erias Lukwago, arguing his influence could jeopardise the trial and witnesses. Community Clean-Up: Government-backed National Cleaning Day is being pushed, including a manufacturers’ launch urging Ugandans to take shared responsibility for cleaner communities.

Ebola Response: Uganda has discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient and has entered the final 42-day countdown to declare the Bundibugyo outbreak over, after the Ministry of Health and WHO confirmed the milestone at Mulago. Public Health & Safety: Police have warned motorists, cyclists and water transport operators to avoid roads and waterways during Uganda’s mandatory National Cleaning Day, with movement restrictions set for 7:00am–10:00am and only essential/emergency services exempt. Local Politics & Justice: The DPP has opposed People’s Front for Freedom president Erias Lukwago’s bail, arguing he poses a flight risk and could interfere with prosecution witnesses. Regional Cooperation: Uganda and South Sudan have resumed joint border peace and security talks in Arua, agreeing to reactivate border security committees and push for re-marking of their shared boundary by 2027. Conservation & Economy: Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers have begun translocating 12 Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls to Ajai Wildlife Reserve amid concerns over oil drilling impacts. Youth & Rights: The Netherlands has committed over $16m to UNFPA’s SAY Plus+ programme to strengthen adolescent and youth health and rights in Uganda.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 deaths and 2,500 cases in just over two months, with the Bundibugyo strain driving the fastest fatal rise on record and spreading risk toward Uganda. Wildlife & Oil: Uganda has started translocating 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls to Ajai Wildlife Reserve as oil drilling activity continues in the park. Health & Inclusion Through Sport: A minister says sport will be used to promote health and social inclusion. Tax & Economy: URA recorded its first monthly fiscal surplus in six months, helped by stronger tax collections and lower spending. Skilling Hub Integrity: Teso leaders were warned against favouritism and corruption in selecting beneficiaries for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub. Infrastructure Power Upgrade: UETCL and UEDCL inspected the Greater Kampala transmission project, now 90.57% complete. Road Scandal Probe: Investigators widen the Busega–Mpigi Expressway probe, scrutinising decisions by a senior roads official. National Cleaning Day: Government declared the last Saturday of every month a mandatory community clean-up day. Business & Finance: Standard Bank Group pledged support for Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, while Centenary Bank deepened ties with Chinese clients. Sports: CAF opened bidding for AFCON commercial rights for 2028–2036.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 1,033 people, with confirmed cases rising to 2,536, as response teams report recovery numbers and continued pressure on treatment capacity. Human Rights & Politics: Uganda’s opposition deputy president Muwanga Kivumbi has been held in enforced disappearance since July 10, after a court bail decision, with a habeas corpus bid rejected and authorities ordered to explain his whereabouts. Digital Rights: A new report warns Uganda faces “digital colonialism” as the U.S. presses for access to Africans’ health data in exchange for major funding. Security in Kampala: Kiseka Market was thrown into panic after a nearly one-hour shooting spree linked to a disputed arrest attempt by plain-clothed operatives in a “drone” minibus. Agro-Industrial Push: Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo toured China-backed agro-processing facilities in Luwero, saying the park is boosting export-ready value chains. Commonwealth Games: Uganda teams continue preparations in Glasgow, with boxing among the first disciplines to start competition.