AGP Executive Report

Health Financing: Uganda and the US signed a $1.7b (about Shs6.4tn) five-year health deal for 2026–2030, with more funds flowing through Ugandan systems to strengthen health planning, workforce capacity and supply chains. Anti-Corruption: State House ordered reinstatement of Finance officials interdicted over a Shs60b cyber fraud case at Bank of Uganda, even as court proceedings continue. Oil & Trade: Uganda named its crude blend “Pearl Sweet” as first oil nears, while Uganda–Nigeria talks target export deals including 2,000 Ankole cows. Education: Govt says schools reopen for Third Term on September 14, rejecting social media claims of a shift. Justice & Rights: A Wakiso SGBV coalition petitioned police and district leaders over extortion and barriers to justice for survivors. Digital Infrastructure: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access fibre and data centres. Regional Crisis: Africa CDC says it’s too early to declare DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak under control; deaths have surpassed 3,000. Business/Transport: Uber shut down ride-hailing in Nigeria and Uganda, citing a business review, while launching AI robotaxis in London.

Uber Exit and Job Cuts: Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, ending about a decade in Kampala, while also cutting roughly 10% of its global workforce (about 3,300 jobs) to “simplify” operations and push investment toward robotaxis. Parliament Delivery Pressure: Speaker Jacob Oboth has given ROKO Construction a strict 10-month deadline to finish new Parliament chambers, setting June 30, 2027 as the final completion date. Health Funding Boost: Uganda secured a $1.7bn (Shs6.42tn) US health financing package for 2026-2030, shifting more support directly to government systems. Digital ID Gap: The World Bank warns 2.8bn people remain excluded from digital ID, with new gender gaps and low real-world usage even where IDs exist. Child Safety Online: UNICEF says 20 million children a year face online sexual abuse or exploitation, with most abuse happening on social media and very few cases reported to authorities. Weather Watch: Uganda braces for intensified El Niño rains into 2027, with flood, landslide and storm risks flagged for several regions. EAC Governance Call: EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana urged EAC states to align democratic systems to speed up regional transformation. Local Economy: Eastern Uganda moves to revive cotton farming as production drops about 40% over the past decade. Business and Connectivity: MTN Uganda pledges Shs500m for community projects, while Starlink partners with Roke and Paratus to target Uganda businesses needing reliable high-speed internet.

Oil & Industry: President Museveni has christened Uganda’s crude oil “Pearl Sweet Petroleum,” saying it is “sweet” because of low sulphur and urging that future oil money builds long-term national assets, not luxury imports, as Uganda heads toward first commercial production. Transport & Jobs: Ride-hailing giant Uber is shutting down in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2 and cutting about 10% of its global workforce, while Bolt vows to stay in Nigeria. Politics & Parties: Uganda’s UPC has started disciplinary proceedings against Denis Adim Enap and others over alleged breaches of party rules, including claims of forging party stamps and letters. Humanitarian Leadership: Naphtal Baguma has been appointed Secretary General/CEO of the Uganda Red Cross Society, effective March 1, 2027. Parliament & Revenue: MPs are investigating delays in issuing digital number plates, saying the bottlenecks are costing Uganda over Shs4b weekly. Culture & Identity: Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga says culture is the bedrock of society and can drive unity and development. Health: Researchers warn men using Viagra must disclose it to clinicians before taking Lenacapavir for HIV prevention due to possible drug interactions. Sports: Kenya’s Harambee Stars provisional AFCON 2027 squad faces scrutiny over omissions as Olunga and Okumu return.

Oil & Industry: Uganda has named its crude oil blend “Pearl Sweet,” a low-sulphur grade unveiled by President Yoweri Museveni ahead of commercial production later this year, with UNOC set to market it alongside Vitol. Water & Infrastructure: NWSC says its Package 2B expansion—new mains, reservoirs and booster stations across north and west Kampala—will tackle Greater Kampala’s water shortages and keep pace with demand through 2040. Governance & Accountability: A presidential monitoring team will inspect PDM, Emyooga and cattle restocking in Teso and Lango, checking beneficiary selection, SACCO governance, fund access, loan recovery and possible diversion. Health: Bududa District says blood shortages are forcing over 150 patients to be referred to Mbale each year, as a 24-hour blood transfusion service is launched to bring care closer. Humanitarian: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach life-saving brain surgery in Uganda. Jobs & Business: Uber plans to lay off about 10% of staff globally and has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Sept. 2, shifting focus to other growth areas. Local Services: Rwampara District warns it is operating with only 46% of required staff, hitting health service delivery.

Pension Reform Push: Uganda’s Finance ministry backs changes to pay retirees “replacement income” instead of lump sums, aiming to protect retirees and deepen capital markets. Capital Markets & Growth: Stakeholders say Uganda can’t fund its tenfold economy goal with bank loans alone, so more long-term money is needed via capital markets and new financing models. EACOP Protest Crackdown: Ten youths were remanded to Luzira after anti-EACOP demonstrations in Kampala, with charges of causing nuisance on a public road. Sugar Sector Overhaul: Government warns millers and growers as it moves to enforce the amended Sugar Act and digitize tracking to curb data gaps and price manipulation. Halal Economy Drive: Uganda seeks to expand exports into the global halal market by improving certification, skills, labs and processing standards. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 6,000 cases and 2,911 deaths, with UN urging faster response as Uganda’s earlier containment is cited as a model. Local Life & Safety: Luuka mourns an Arsenal fan who collapsed while watching a match; police say an autopsy will determine the cause.

Somalia Conflict: Somali forces say they’re still fighting al-Shabaab at Basra, a settlement near Mogadishu, with reports of Turkish F-16 strikes as the battle stretches into its sixth day. Regional Politics: Activists accuse Kenya of playing a role in the “illegal rendition” of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, calling for accountability and protests in Nairobi. Digital & Finance: EU commits Shs29bn to Uganda’s green enterprises under UGEFA Phase II, while WIOCC secures $300m from AFC and Vision Invest to expand open-access digital infrastructure across Africa. Mining Policy: Uganda imposes a one-month moratorium on new mineral licences to reset oversight and curb speculative claims. Health & Justice: Rotary Cancer Run raises over Shs5bn toward Nsambya’s cancer centre, and the Court of Appeal holds its first session in Soroti to hear 35 appeals. Governance & Economy: Cabinet approves using the NIN as the default Tax Identification Number to improve compliance and revenue data. Culture: Tooro Kingdom begins preparations for King Oyo’s return and burial, with royal protocols and security deployments underway.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 cases and is nearing 3,000 deaths, with health zones expanding across six provinces as insecurity and shortages hamper containment. Public Health (Uganda): A new report highlights how Uganda’s iKnowFarm app is helping bridge the agricultural extension gap with weather, market prices and direct support for smallholders. Justice & Anti-Corruption: The DPP has been ordered to disclose exhibits in a Shs60 billion payment fraud case involving Finance Ministry and Bank of Uganda officials, after defence complained of delays. Business & Banking: Nedbank’s planned acquisition of a controlling stake in Kenya’s NCBA has cleared a key Central Bank of Kenya hurdle, bringing the R13.9bn deal closer to completion. Energy & Transport (Kampala): Vivo Energy Uganda launched the Shell Advance AX7 campaign aimed at cutting boda boda running costs through longer oil-change intervals and better fuel economy. Politics & Protest: Police arrested 10 anti-oil activists after Kampala marches to Parliament and TotalEnergies offices, demanding a shift away from oil investment. King Oyo’s Funeral Arrangements: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom burial programme for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is set to begin with his remains expected to arrive from Nairobi and nine days of mourning to follow.

EACOP Protest Crackdown: Police arrested 10 anti-EACOP activists in Kampala after marches to Parliament and RR Pearl Tower, with charges of public nuisance as demonstrators demanded changes to Uganda’s oil policies. Prison Health & Opposition: Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago were evacuated again from Luzira Prison to JCRC for medical care, with authorities saying both are stable. Cancer Centres Pressure: FDC urged government to fulfil its long-promised regional cancer centres, arguing patients still face costly, long trips to Kampala after King Oyo’s death reignited health concerns. Trade & Customs Upgrade: UNBS launched an ePortal linked to ASYCUDA World to speed clearance of imported goods, add a review layer for inspections, and let traders track consignments online. Inflation Watch: UBOS reported Kampala’s high-income households saw the highest annual inflation at 4.9% in August, driven by information/communication costs and alcohol, tobacco and narcotics. Clean Energy Push in Schools: Reports show some schools and prisons are moving off firewood toward cleaner energy like LPG to cut costs and reduce environmental harm. Ebola Update (DRC): DRC confirmed Ebola cases have crossed 6,000 with deaths at 2,911 as the outbreak continues to spread. Digital Skills for Jobs: MTN Uganda graduated 503 youths from its ACE programme, highlighting the gap between internet access and practical skills for work and business. Agriculture Inputs: Government launched distribution of 173,913 fertiliser bags to coffee, tea and cocoa farmers via ITRACOM to boost soil fertility and productivity.

Maternal Health & Youth: At an International Postpartum Haemorrhage conference in Nairobi, experts warned that progress in cutting maternal deaths can stall unless countries tackle teenage pregnancy, with Uganda still facing a high teen pregnancy rate. Public Finance Accountability: Uganda says accounting officers will face personal liability for unauthorised spending and poor service, as government tightens rules on recruitment and demands costed designs and feasibility studies before projects enter the Public Investment Plan. Health Continuity: Uganda has institutionalised adolescent healthcare by embedding District Committees on Adolescent Health (DICAH) into the Prime Minister’s performance checks to protect gains as donor funding declines. Water & Sanitation Pressure: NWSC is seeking about Shs650bn to save 50 towns from shortages, while National Cleaning Day enforcement sparks calls for persuasion over force after a fatal shooting during sanitation operations. Crime & Justice: Detectives in a cross-border operation arrested three more suspects linked to the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso, including a police constable, in Nairobi-Kampala raids. HIV Prevention Push: Marie Stopes Uganda slashed Lifeguard condom prices from Shs2,000 to Shs700 to curb rising new HIV infections, rolling out the “Guard Your Game” campaign. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government approved about Shs244bn to procure four PET scan machines for regional referral hospitals, aiming to reduce costly medical travel. Sports (Regional): Uganda’s women’s volleyball and cricket youth teams face tough qualifiers and tournaments as regional rivals advance.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda mourns King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world’s youngest reigning monarch, who died at 34 after treatment in the US; his death has reignited calls for the long-delayed Shs11b King Oyo stadium. Crime & Justice: Detectives in a Nairobi–Kampala operation arrested three more suspects in the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso, including a serving police constable, as investigators link them to surveillance and the execution team. Public Health: Uganda declared Ebola-free after 42 days without new cases, while the US delivered an experimental antibody treatment to strengthen preparedness against possible cross-border spread from DRC. Health & Economy: NWSC seeks Shs650b to expand water supply to 50 towns; government also approved Shs244b for PET scan machines at regional referral hospitals to cut costly medical travel. Governance & Social Policy: DICAH adolescent health units are now in the Prime Minister’s performance assessments to protect services as donor funding declines; SDA and NRM leaders urge persuasion over force during National Cleaning Day after a fatal enforcement shooting. Business & Rights: NSSF faces scrutiny over alleged weak oversight and unsecured loans; MTN graduated 503 youths in digital skills, and Marie Stopes slashed Lifeguard condoms to Shs700 to curb rising HIV infections.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda mourns the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world’s youngest reigning monarch who ascended the throne at 3 and died at 34 after weeks of critical illness in the US; Museveni says the king battled aggressive cancer. Courtroom & Business: Uganda’s Court of Appeal has halted enforcement of a Shs 1.27bn debt recovery order against businessman Abid Alam and Casements (Africa) Limited in a glass supply dispute, pending their appeal. Transport & City Life: E-Bus Express launches new electric bus routes in Kira, with free rides for a week and fares from Shs800, using MTN MoMo cashless payments as Kampala seeks to ease congestion. Health & Safety: Uganda’s Ebola response gets a boost as the country went 42 days without a new case, formally ending its outbreak, while Congo’s outbreak continues to threaten the region. Public Service: The Public Service Commission admits it may miss the Aug 30 deadline to establish functional service commissions for districts and cities, citing expired contracts and an unconstituted commission. Sports: Uganda’s Lady Volleyball Cranes beat DR Congo 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals, while Kenya’s Malkia Strikers also advanced after sweeping Nigeria. Energy & Environment: Government moves to regulate sand mining via a Building Substances Bill, after a temporary pause on new mineral rights and licences. Health Watch: Malaria experts warn of rising emerging cases and drug-resistant strains, urging early testing and treatment, especially for schoolchildren. Business & Trade: Uganda invites Pakistani investors with a proposed October business forum and farm visits, pushing agriculture, minerals, energy and tourism. Community & Governance: National Cleaning Day enforcement exposed uneven participation, with police and UPDF compelling residents and businesses to join.

Ebola Update: Uganda marked 42 days without a new Ebola case and formally ended its outbreak, even as Congo’s fast-moving Bundibugyo strain keeps schools and communities on edge. Public Health & Malaria: Health experts warn of rising malaria deaths among school children as parasites mutate, urging early testing and treatment. Water & Infrastructure: NWSC is seeking Shs650b to expand water production and supply in 50 towns, with a mix of a low-interest loan and grants. Transport & Cities: E-Bus Express launched new electric bus routes in Kira, with plans to expand to Kampala Central and add more buses. Mining Regulation: Government is drafting a Bill to regulate sand mining after pausing new mineral rights and licences for a month. Governance & Police Capacity: CID says detective-to-case load is too high (1:54) and calls for more staff and stronger digital investigation capacity. Traditional Leadership: Tooro Kingdom’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV died at 34, crowned at age 3. Sports: Uganda’s Lady Volleyball Cranes swept DR Congo to reach the African Championship quarterfinals.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda mourns the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world’s youngest reigning monarch, who died at 34 after decades on the throne that began when he was just three. Ebola Update: Uganda officially declared the end of its Ebola outbreak after 42 days without a new confirmed case, following discharge of the last patient and strengthened surveillance and response. Security & Foreign Policy: UPDF chief Gen. Muhoozi says Uganda accepted the Gaza mission because “everybody else was running away,” as reports point to plans to deploy about 1,200 troops in October. Water & Infrastructure Finance: NWSC seeks UGX 650bn to expand water production and supply in 50 towns, with a mix of concessionary loan and revenue grant. Regional Integration: EAC education leaders push for an implementation compact and scorecard to turn commitments into measurable results. Oversight & Accountability: COSASE rejects Microfinance Support Centre responses over lack of substantive evidence, after arrest warrants and summons. Business & Finance: Britam reports a 52% jump in profit before tax, while Jubilee maintains its interim dividend amid improved performance.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has died at 34, with the Tooro Prime Minister saying the “continuity of the Crown is assured” and that a prince heir will be named later; the cause of death was not disclosed, though reports had earlier pointed to serious illness and treatment abroad. Sports & Regional Games: East Africa is stepping up AFCON 2027 preparations as CAF inspects venues in Kenya, including Talanta Stadium and Kasarani, ahead of the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Business & Finance: Britam’s half-year net profit rose 53.3% to Sh2.66bn on improved underwriting, while Jubilee maintained an interim dividend of Sh2 per share as its half-year net profit climbed to Sh3.45bn. Education Regulation: Uganda’s National Planning Authority warns that overlapping mandates between higher education regulators and professional bodies could weaken quality, urging clearer roles for NCHE, TVET and professional bodies. Public Investment Oversight: Gambian officials are benchmarking Uganda’s public investment management, saying they found gaps in project conceptualisation, evaluation, implementation and monitoring. Health & Safety: Canada has extended Ebola-related border measures for another 30 days, keeping entry and quarantine rules for travellers from Ebola-affected countries, including Uganda, until Sept. 28.

Ebola Crisis: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is officially over after 42 days without a new confirmed case, but WHO and partners warn transmission is still active in DR Congo, where the Bundibugyo outbreak has killed about 2,700 and UN chief António Guterres says the response needs an urgent extra $1.1bn. Banking & Jobs: I&M Bank Group crossed Sh10bn half-year profit, with improving loan quality as gross non-performing loans fell and deposits rose, while rivals also reported stronger earnings. Politics & Succession: Uganda’s military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has declared he will run for president in 2031, predicting a landslide with Museveni’s backing—reigniting succession debate after decades of rule. Governance Clash: Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) is demanding government halt public financing to PACEID amid a dispute with Muhoozi over the committee’s legality and accountability. Royal Update: Tooro Kingdom confirmed King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is dead, ending his 31-year reign. Digital Economy: Meta begins charging businesses for WhatsApp customer-service messages from October 1, raising operating costs across the region.

Ebola Update: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak has officially ended after 42 straight days without a new confirmed case, with WHO and Africa CDC saying transmission was stopped following the discharge of the last patient. Education & Exams: UNEB has ordered schools and exam centres to display candidate registers from Aug 7 to Oct 7 so parents can verify biodata and avoid students being found unregistered at exam time. Health Threats: Experts warn that misunderstanding malaria treatment and misuse of antibiotics are worsening the fight—patients stopping drugs early or taking antibiotics when not needed can fuel resistance and treatment failure. Politics & Succession: Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba says he will contest Uganda’s 2031 presidency, claiming he will win with Museveni’s backing. Governance & Economy: Businesses and civil society are pushing for a fairer tax base as the 2027/28 budget process begins, warning taxes on a narrow group could hurt trade and revenue. Business & Connectivity: MTN Uganda partners with Starlink to extend satellite connectivity to remote enterprise customers, and Parliament injects Shs3bn into the cancer treatment centre at Nsambya.