AGP Executive Report

Uber Exit Fallout: Uganda and Nigeria lost Uber’s ride-hailing service after 12 years, and the FCCPC has started probing the “manner of exit,” especially unfulfilled customer services, as Bolt and inDrive move to fill the gap. Public Health & Safety: Uganda marked Ebola’s end after rapid containment—no cases since the last patient was discharged—while UNICEF warns about the scale of online sexual abuse of children. Cancer Trends: Uganda Cancer Institute reports a 10% rise in cases from 2024 to 2025, with females leading and cervical, breast and prostate cancers among the most common. Tooro Kingdom Mourning: Vice President Jessica Alupo and Princess Bagaya urged calm and prayer as mourners continue paying tribute to the late Omukama Oyo. Language & Knowledge Access: Wikimedia Uganda says the Runyankole Wikipedia domain is awaiting approval to go live, pushing more Ugandan languages onto the world’s biggest encyclopedia. Youth, Families & Learning: Parents in Mukono are urged to talk openly about sex and relationships as teenage pregnancy and abuse concerns grow; meanwhile, IAPB says early eye tests and glasses could more than double a child’s lifetime earnings. Governance & Data: Government has set up research task forces to guide policy and spending, and UBOS wants kingdoms to strengthen birth, death and migration registration for better future censuses. Business & Tech: MySpace Real Estate has entered Uganda’s market, and Uganda’s diaspora outreach in Korea urged investment and technology transfer ahead of a trade meeting.

Electric Mobility in West Nile: Spiro’s electric motorbike boom in Arua is hitting a wall as only two battery-swapping points (Euata and Odianyadri) serve hundreds of would-be riders, with 250 bikes sold and over 700 applications waiting. Press Freedom Under Strain: Kenya’s media watchdogs say journalists are facing rising hostility after Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by masked men, later found safe—prompting calls for a swift, independent probe. Community Data Push: Uganda’s UBOS signed MoUs with cultural institutions Samia Bugwe and Tieng Adhola to improve how community records are collected, managed and used, with focus on births and deaths. Tourism Boost: Uganda Wildlife Authority launches three days of free entry to key national parks and reserves from Sept 25–27 to drive domestic travel ahead of World Tourism Day. Health Watch: Reports warn malaria parasites in northern Uganda are showing reduced sensitivity to key drugs, raising concerns about treatment effectiveness. Regional Trade & Climate Finance: IFAD and Equity Group unveiled a $200m climate adaptation finance mechanism for East African smallholders, including Uganda. Migration Rights Clash: Amnesty International condemns EU plans for “return hubs” in Uganda and Rwanda, warning of detention and abuse risks. Security & Politics: Armed men seized political analyst Charles Rwomushana during a live Radio Simba show, with police and UPDF yet to explain why. Royal Developments: King Oyo’s remains returned to Uganda, with burial set for Sept 12 and health ministry restrictions on mourners from eastern DRC.

Uber Exit: Ride-hailing giant Uber abruptly shut down in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept 2, saying the move is limited to the two markets, while also cutting about 10% of its global workforce. Roads in Busoga: Parliament approved Shs842.6b to tarmac the 127-km Ambercourt–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road, ending a 25-year wait since Museveni’s 2001 pledge. EACOP Milestone: Tanzania’s EACOP team says the 1,443-km pipeline is 87.8% complete and oil transport is targeted to start Jan 15, 2027. Climate Finance for Farmers: IFAD and Equity Group launched a $200m climate adaptation mechanism (ARCAFIM) for Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, aiming to reach about 260,000 smallholders. Health Strategy: Uganda is finalising a 10-year health financing plan to cut donor dependence and protect households from catastrophic costs. Tooro Burial & Security: Uganda’s Ministry of Health barred mourners from eastern DRC from King Oyo’s burial amid Ebola concerns. Media Crackdown: Armed men seized political analyst Charles Rwomushana during a live Radio Simba show; police/UPDF have not publicly explained why. EU “Return Hubs” Debate: Amnesty warns EU plans to send rejected migrants to hubs in Uganda and Rwanda could become “cruel black holes” for human rights.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda received the body of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at Entebbe, with President Museveni among mourners, as the nine-day mourning period begins ahead of a September 12 burial and a widening succession dispute. Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s Kingfisher oil project is mechanically complete and moving into commissioning, with hopes for commercial production by year-end and an expected $500m annually at first output. Road Works: KCCA has started the Mbuya–Kinawataka road construction in Nakawa, targeting reduced traffic on the Jinja Highway ahead of the 2025 AFCON. Health & Safety: Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola outbreak is not yet under control, with transmission still active in many health zones. Digital & Tourism: Uganda is pushing AI to grow tourism earnings, aiming to boost marketing, visitor experiences and data-driven decisions. Education Policy: The education ministry warns headteachers against sending learners home over school fees, saying it violates USE/UPE goals. Sports: In athletics, Faith Cherotich overtook Winfred Yavi to win the Diamond League steeplechase in Brussels, with Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai finishing fifth.

Tooro Kingdom: Uganda received the body of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV at Entebbe, with President Museveni leading a formal welcome ahead of a September 12 burial; the border with DRC was closed during the procession as Ebola risk remains. Energy & Business: Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank signed a partnership to expand access to affordable, reliable clean power for SMEs and corporates via financed solar systems. Tourism Push: Uganda plans to use AI and digital tools to boost tourism earnings beyond wildlife parks, with World Tourism Day celebrations set for September 27 in Mbale. Oil Sector Leadership: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda named Otonga Michael Ochan as Acting Executive Director after Ernest Rubondo’s term ended, while a substantive successor is being processed. Health Watch: WHO says DRC’s Ebola outbreak still has unknown transmission chains, with deaths continuing in communities; Uganda’s earlier Ebola response is contrasted with the ongoing crisis. Migration Politics: EU countries move toward “return hubs” outside the bloc for rejected asylum seekers, with Uganda and Rwanda mentioned as possible locations. Justice for Survivors: A coalition petitioned Parliament and police over resourcing gaps that block SGBV survivors from getting justice. Trade & Transport: Trucks queued at Busia after a cargo scanner broke down, delaying goods bound for the DRC. Digital Economy: Uber’s exit from Nigeria and Uganda is sparking debate about platform dependence and the future of local ride-hailing options.

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.