AGP Executive Report

Opposition Under Pressure: Detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in court in Kampala during his treason trial, with party officials saying an ambulance took him away and his lawyers continue to fight for proper representation. Ebola Update: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after its last patient was discharged, as DR Congo’s outbreak keeps surging with thousands of cases and a new post-exposure preventive treatment trial underway. Health and Access: Researchers report that switching children with severe pneumonia from IV antibiotics to pills can help them leave hospital earlier without higher risk of readmission or death. HIV Prevention Push: Uganda’s QCIL secured an early manufacturing licence for an experimental once-monthly HIV prevention pill, aiming to speed access through local production. Finance and Business: NCBA Bank Uganda launched new digital platforms, while Kenya Re’s ratings were affirmed by GCR/Moody’s, signaling stability in the insurance sector. Regional Politics: Uganda presented Olara Otunnu as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, and the EAC reiterated its single-currency goal for 2031. US Visa Shake-up: The US will stop routine visa services at its Abuja mission and 24 other African posts from August 1, shifting processing to regional hubs.

Ebola Update: Uganda declared itself officially Ebola-free after completing the 42-day surveillance period with no new infections, even as DR Congo’s outbreak keeps surging past 3,200 cases and 1,400 deaths. Media Freedom & Operations: Nation Media Group Uganda resumed broadcasting and printing after President Museveni authorised the reopening, while staff will keep working remotely until offices are assessed. Anti-Corruption Fallout: EACC rejected calls for a fresh probe into the Sh1bn Finland/Canada scholarship scam, telling victims to pursue court action. Fertility Services Gap: Makerere’s fertility bank can only store sperm so far; egg banking has stalled due to lack of funds. Trade & Business Readiness: A spotlight on how African SME exports fail not because of trade deals, but because businesses lack consistent quality, compliant labels, and proper digital records. Youth & Innovation: Makerere hosts the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo with a strong focus on scaling innovations in the coffee value chain. Sports: Uganda’s netball team lost 58-50 to New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games; Uganda also faces tough moments in the wider Games action.

Ebola Update: Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after completing the WHO-required monitoring period, with the last patient discharged in mid-June, while DR Congo’s outbreak keeps surging to over 3,200 cases and more than 1,400 deaths. Media Freedom & Courts: Uganda’s High Court ruled that social media posts are protected by copyright, in a case involving NTV Uganda/Monitor Publications and an advocate’s X posts. Local Politics: In Arua City, a boda boda rider, Swadik Abiriga, defeated incumbent NRM LC1 candidate Jane Japyem to win Ezoova Cell. Social Protection: Minister Jacqueline Mbabazi highlighted expanded support for older women and men under Uganda’s Senior Citizens Grant, stressing dignity and reduced dependence. Business & Jobs: Nation Media Group is set to resume operations in Uganda after President Museveni’s clearance, ending a month-plus suspension. Health & Policy: Uganda also faces wider regional pressure as UNAIDS warns HIV progress is fragile amid funding cuts.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Merck has granted generic makers permission to start producing a once-monthly HIV prevention pill (alimatravir/MK-8527) before final trial results finish, with licences including manufacturers in Uganda—a move that could speed access if regulators approve. Ebola Response & Health Systems: Africa CDC is pushing for evidence-based outbreak control and more local vaccine and medicine manufacturing, as DRC’s Ebola figures keep climbing. Civic Space Under Pressure: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act is condemned as a major threat to human rights defenders and civil society, with calls for repeal. Anti-Corruption Court Moves: Parliament office supervisor Stella Itute has been issued an arrest warrant after failing to appear over alleged embezzlement linked to Shs 27bn. Regional Integration: EAC central bank officials reaffirm the push for a single currency by 2031, urging faster reforms and better policy coordination. Local Elections: Uganda heads into LC1 chairperson elections on July 28 after funding delays.

Internal Affairs Vetting: President Museveni has sent gold dealer Juma Witonze Kisekka’s name to Parliament for vetting as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, filling the slot left after Dr Lawrence Muganga’s failed approval. Parliament & Governance: Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth faces political hurdles as he superintends the 12th Parliament, with lingering loyalty networks tied to former Speaker Anita Among. Security & Courts: A brother of Ofwono Opondo, Ofwono Dem Gaster, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over alleged unlawful disclosure of Dr Tanga Odoi’s personal data after a social media post. Refugee Crisis: Nakivale camp is grappling with a severe drinking-water shortage, forcing refugees to travel long distances and buy water at steep prices. Public Safety: Uganda Police says most recovered stolen phones are iPhones because theft networks target specific brands, not because police prefer one type. Regional Integration: EAC central bank governors reaffirm the single currency push for 2031, urging faster reforms to meet convergence targets. Health Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,200 cases with over 1,400 deaths, while Oxford begins a Bundibugyo vaccine trial.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Uganda’s Calypso Girls were hammered 80-36 by Trinidad and Tobago, while Uganda’s Nuhu Batte advanced in boxing after a comeback win over Aditya Pratap Yadav. Ebola Watch: WHO rolled out a validated Ebola test and launched a treatment trial as DR Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak keeps expanding; Uganda’s case count stayed at 20 confirmed cases with two deaths. Diplomacy: Ugandan veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu has entered the race to become the next UN secretary-general. Health & Aid: A survey ahead of AIDS 2026 says PEPFAR disruptions closed 1,700 HIV service sites and cut treatment for 77,163 children in 21 countries, including Uganda. Transport & Economy: Uganda’s inaugural mandatory monthly National Cleaning Day disrupted Kampala transport and banking, with road closures and checkpoint delays. Business & Tourism: Uganda Airlines announced its first direct Boeing order, backing tourism growth and new US connectivity.

UN Leadership Race: Uganda has nominated veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General, pitching reforms, conflict-ending priorities, and a UN body to oversee AI. Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is surging, with health partners warning that lab kit shortages and weak contact tracing are hampering containment as deaths climb past 1,300. Employment Rules: Uganda’s Industrial Court dismissed a lecturer’s bid to overturn dismissal over holding two full-time jobs, saying the conflict of time and devotion makes dual employment unfair. Border Revenue Push: A high-level economic reform team has moved to Nimule to assess operations and tackle malpractice to boost border revenue collection. Regional Trade & Ports: Kisumu Port’s revival is highlighted as cargo volumes jumped sharply over recent years, strengthening Lake Victoria trade routes. Commonwealth Games: Idi Amin’s grandson is in Glasgow boxing action, aiming for the medal rounds. National Cleaning Day: Uganda’s monthly Umuganda/cleaning drive is drawing backlash and legal challenges over claims of coercion.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Uganda’s netball team is set to face Trinidad & Tobago in a key match on Sunday, after Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls thrashed Trinidad & Tobago 81-22 in the opening Pool B game. Sports (CWG): India’s Mirabai Chanu leads the Sunday weightlifting charge, while para powerlifting bronze for Jhandu Kumar has put India on the medals board. Uganda Digital Economy: Uganda is seeing faster AI adoption—from farmers using mobile tools to health workers and entrepreneurs—fuelled by global platforms, as the country targets one million AI-centred jobs by 2030. National Cleaning Day: Kampala and major towns saw transport and banking disruptions as Uganda enforced its inaugural monthly National Cleaning Day, with checkpoints and travel pauses. Public Health & Safety: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with rising cases and deaths, while Canada tightens entry rules for travellers from the DRC. Governance & Justice: The DPP asked court to deny bail to opposition leader Erias Lukwago, citing flight risk and possible witness interference.

UNBS Probe: Parliament’s Tourism, Trade and Industry committee has reopened its inquiry into Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), targeting alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification, and governance failures blamed for counterfeit goods and frustrations among SMEs. Cybercrime & Trafficking: Uganda’s Internal Affairs Ministry warns that foreign-linked cyber scam syndicates have moved operations into Uganda, using fake job ads to lure victims into forced online fraud and confiscating passports. UIRI Debt Fallout: Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) boss Prof. Charles Kwesiga faces a fresh threat as a financial institution moves to auction his Kabale building over unpaid debts. Zakat Update: Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) sets the 2026 Zakat Nisab at UGX 2.4 million, with eligible Muslims paying 2.5% for qualifying wealth held for one lunar year. Media Crisis: Daily Monitor’s closure is deepening Uganda’s print media slump, with readers reportedly abandoning newspapers instead of switching to alternatives. Wildlife Conservation: Uganda Wildlife Authority translocated 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve to reduce pressure from oil drilling and habitat threats. Ebola Watch: Canada has tightened entry rules for foreign nationals who recently visited the DRC, citing the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: India’s para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won bronze in men’s heavyweight para powerlifting in Glasgow, dedicating the medal to his struggle—driving an e-rickshaw and selling vegetables—before edging Nigeria’s and England’s lifts in a tight finish. Uganda in Global Culture: Kampala’s Ghetto Kids say their World Cup final halftime performance with Burna Boy and Shakira was “very, very, very, very, very good,” balancing fame with school and inspiring fans worldwide. Ebola Response: Uganda has entered the final stage of its Bundibugyo Ebola response after discharging the last confirmed patient and starting a mandatory 42-day countdown; meanwhile, Oxford began the first human trial dose of a Bundibugyo vaccine in the UK. Public Health Research: A major study on severe childhood pneumonia in hospitals across Uganda and other countries is testing whether oral antibiotics can safely shorten hospital stays. Energy & Services: Kampala’s planned power cuts continue as the Greater Kampala transmission upgrade hits 90.57% completion, with UETCL/UEDCL promising fewer outages after the works. Youth & Rights: The Netherlands pledged over $16m to UNFPA’s SAY Plus+ programme to boost adolescent health, prevent gender-based violence, and expand youth opportunities in Uganda. Sports & Community: EACOP and the Buganda Kingdom broke ground on the Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium Buddu in Masaka, targeting youth empowerment through sport.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,000 deaths, with officials reporting 2,536 cases and 1,033 fatalities—now spreading far faster than the 2014-2016 epidemic as attacks and mistrust disrupt care. Vaccine Push: Oxford University has started a UK trial with the first volunteer receiving an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, as researchers race to move treatments into human testing. Border Talks: Uganda and South Sudan wrapped up their 6th joint border meeting in Arua, agreeing to reactivate security committees and resume technical work to re-mark their shared border by 2027. Fuel and Inflation Pressure: Uganda’s fuel-driven price swings are keeping inflation on an upward path, with energy and fuel inflation jumping sharply by June. Electricity Upgrade: UETCL and UEDCL inspected a Greater Kampala transmission project now 90.57% complete, aimed at boosting reliability. Conservation vs Oil: Rangers began translocating 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls to Ajai Wildlife Reserve amid ongoing oil drilling concerns. Skilling Hub Accountability: State House warned Teso leaders against favouritism and corruption in selecting beneficiaries for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub.

Ebola Crisis in Congo and Uganda: WHO warns the eastern DR Congo Ebola outbreak could be among the worst on record, with the Bundibugyo strain and delayed detection complicating response; Uganda has reported cases while health systems brace for more spread. Uganda’s Ebola Countdown: A new report highlights how Uganda is preparing as the outbreak accelerates across the region. Regional Health Boost: The EAC launched the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) as a regional virology centre in Entebbe to strengthen surveillance, lab training and diagnostics for Ebola and other outbreaks. Uganda Politics Under Pressure: A court-ordered probe continues after opposition deputy president Muwanga Kivumbi was forcibly taken in an enforced disappearance, with his family demanding answers. Security and Public Fear in Kampala: Kiseka Market reopened after gunfire halted business, reigniting debate over the use of plain-clothed security operatives in crowded areas. Agro-Industrial Push: Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo toured the China-Uganda agro-industrial park in Luwero, praising agro-processing for export growth. Commonwealth Games Glasgow: Uganda teams complete final preparations as the Games open, with regional sports attention shifting to medal chases.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has now killed about 1,033 people and confirmed 2,536 cases, with Uganda recording two deaths and no new cases for weeks, as health teams push surveillance and contact tracing amid weak monitoring and no approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain. Northern Uganda Food Worry: Farmers in Acholi have been advised to delay second-season planting after the first harvest failed, with meteorologists warning dry conditions may persist until late August. Cross-Border Cooperation: Uganda and South Sudan have started joint border bilateral meetings in Arua to tackle trade frictions, security coordination, and customs/immigration procedures. Governance & Rights in Court: Detained opposition figure Kizza Besigye has asked court to allow him to personally serve summons on Gen. Muhoozi, turning a routine legal step into a high-stakes rights dispute. Banking & Growth: Absa is moving toward a Tanzania expansion deal that could also boost its push in Uganda, while Watu Uganda marked its one-million-device financing milestone.

Ebola Crisis: The DR Congo and Uganda Ebola outbreak has now surpassed 1,000 deaths, with DR Congo reporting 2,473 confirmed cases and 999 deaths, while Uganda records 20 confirmed cases and two deaths—health officials warn the situation is worsening as mistrust keeps people away from clinics. Public Health Preparedness: A new report in The Lancet Infectious Diseases says the world is far better at developing Ebola vaccines than at getting diagnostics and treatments ready fast enough during outbreaks. Regional Trade Push: East African Community leaders renewed calls to remove trade barriers and speed up goods movement, urging partner states to fix administrative bottlenecks at one-stop border posts like Sirari-Isebania and Busia-Busia. Karamoja Skills Boost: President Museveni’s Karamoja Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub is transforming lives, with trainees like Denis Opio learning leather tanning and design despite disability. Digital Access: dfcu Foundation donated 100 computers to Uganda’s Ministry of ICT to expand digital learning and skills in schools. Sports & Business: CAF opened bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, while Uganda’s Uganda Airlines ordered Boeing aircraft for fleet expansion.

Ebola Update: Makerere scientists say genetic changes in the Bundibugyo Ebola virus could affect existing diagnostic tests, pushing for new test kits and shaping future vaccines and treatments. Health Access: Uganda’s e-transcripts and e-certificates go live, letting graduates get and verify academic documents online, while a free cancer screening camp in Buziga draws hundreds and exhausts medicines. Corruption & Infrastructure: President Museveni dismisses six senior officials over corruption and delays in Works and Transport, as IGG probes the Shs2tn Busega–Mpigi Expressway scandal and former UNRA boss Allen Kagina records a statement. Finance & Courts: A Kampala lawyer challenges a directive making ODPP staff join a SACCO, while UBA Uganda faces a High Court case over missing Shs1bn from a client’s account. Public Safety: Traders at Kiseka Market report a shooting spree by security operatives that shut the spare parts hub. Sports & Culture: AFCON expands to 28 teams from 2027, and Shakira’s World Cup final halftime show features Uganda’s Ghetto Kids. Politics & Rights: Charges are dropped against two women accused of kissing in public.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak hit 930 deaths after 37 more deaths in 24 hours, as WHO warns the spread is outpacing response and new trials begin enrolling patients. Uganda Health Security: Africa CDC urged the U.S. to lift Ebola travel restrictions on Uganda, saying the country has recorded no new cases for weeks and the last case was discharged on July 16. Aviation & Trade: Uganda Airlines signed its first direct Boeing deal at Farnborough—4 Boeing 737 MAX-8s and 4 787-9s—aimed at expanding Entebbe’s hub role; Uganda and Nigeria also moved to deepen trade and investment ties in Abuja. Digital Rights & Jobs: A Kampala survey finds only 29% of young entrepreneurs understand laws governing online business and digital rights, even as youth use tech to trade. Higher Education Funding: Mastercard Foundation launched the $500m AHEFT Prize, naming Uganda’s Muni University among inaugural winners to receive $3m. Sport Payments: betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus is paying instant match bonuses via mobile money across Uganda and other countries.