AGP Executive Report

Ebola & Travel Curbs: Uganda says flight restrictions and added airline limits don’t match the improved health situation after Ebola hotspots were contained, and wants a scientific review of the measures. Ebola Vaccine Push: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine with Oxford and CEPI, as Uganda and DR Congo face rising cases and no approved vaccine for the strain. HIV Prevention Shortage: Uganda’s Lenacapavir twice-yearly HIV prevention injection is in short supply, with demand surging—especially among men—while a delayed “loading dose” tablet affects rollout. Health & Maternal Care: Uganda marks World Blood Donor Day with calls to strengthen the blood supply chain to prevent postpartum hemorrhage deaths. Education & Tech: Safal Uganda Baati in Tororo receives 30 computers to boost digital learning and job readiness. Sports & Community: Nile Breweries’ “Cheers to Bars” campaign brings World Cup watch parties to local bars across Uganda. Governance & Accountability: Parliament approves a new Shs730bn loan for a solar irrigation and water project after critics flagged failures in the first phase.

Budget Watch: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi unveiled Uganda’s Shs84.4trn 2026/27 budget framework, projecting 10.2% growth, with oil, infrastructure, agriculture and industry driving the push. Sports Funding: The sports budget is set at Shs460.78bn for AFCON 2027 and other preparations. Health & Community Care: Kabaka’s Tubeere Balamu health camp in Kyaggwe County delivered free services to thousands, with calls for stronger health insurance. Ebola Response & Travel Fallout: Uganda condemned “unfair” Ebola travel curbs as cases rise in DR Congo and Uganda; Israel also announced restrictions affecting travellers linked to Uganda and other countries. Ebola Vaccine Push: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine with Oxford and CEPI support. HIV Prevention Demand: Uganda’s Lenacapavir injection rollout faces supply strain as demand—especially among men—outpaces available doses. Malaria Update: A new anti-malaria drug is set to be introduced to tackle rising resistance to current treatments. Finance & Consumer Protection: A Kenyan court slammed Mogo for “exploitative” 86% interest charges, a warning for high-cost lending. Transport Costs: Fuel price hikes are pushing up taxi and bus fares across Kampala and beyond. Education Oversight: Authorities are cracking down on unregistered refugee-run schools in the greater Kampala area. Politics: UPC leaders renewed calls for unity ahead of stronger internal restructuring.

Ebola Response Clash: Uganda has condemned “unfair” Ebola travel curbs, saying they lack scientific backing and could hurt trade and tourism, as WHO warns blanket bans can derail outbreak control. Ebola Surge in Congo: The DR Congo outbreak keeps expanding, with reports of Ebola deaths in displacement camps and fears of rapid spread in overcrowded sites. US Funding Boost: The US says it has committed over $200m for Ebola work in DRC and Uganda, including airport and border detection, while adding $50m more for Bundibugyo countermeasures. Uganda to Send Medics: Uganda plans to deploy 160 medics to help DRC fight Ebola, arguing it’s better to tackle the outbreak at source than rely only on border screening. Education Digital Divide: UNICEF finds only 2 in 10 secondary schools are ICT-ready, with most lacking computers, internet, electricity, or trained ICT teachers. Budget Debate: After Uganda’s 84.4trn shilling budget, economists and civil society question taxes and rising debt, even as supporters cite opportunities for growth. UN Africa Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appoints Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa. Agriculture Finance: Pearl Bank says it’s financing the full agricultural value chain to advance the ATMS agenda and commercial farming. HIV Prevention Shortage: Uganda reports demand for the Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection is outstripping available doses, with more supplies expected later.

Ebola Crisis in DRC and Uganda: The WHO warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is expanding in eastern DR Congo, with cases rising to about 676 and deaths to 136, as new hotspots and health zones are identified amid conflict and high population movement; Uganda reports at least 19 cases. US and Global Funding Boost: The US says it will add $50m to CEPI for Ebola medical countermeasures, bringing direct Ebola response funding to $270m, while UNHCR confirms the first Ebola-related deaths in a displacement camp in Congo. Uganda’s Response and Supplies: Gilead announces a rapid donation of remdesivir vials to Uganda to support treatment efforts as health authorities push precautions. Aviation Deal for Uganda Airlines: Uganda Airlines signs with Boeing for 10 aircraft, including 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX jets, aiming to grow Uganda’s regional aviation hub role. Health Workers’ Allowances Fight: Uganda Medical Association rejects a government proposal to give interns only lunch after allowance cuts, saying interns need full support. Extractives Watch: Civil society warns Uganda’s gold export boom is not translating into enough government revenue.

Uganda Airlines & Boeing: Uganda’s national carrier has committed to 10 Boeing aircraft—four 787 Dreamliners, four 737 MAX 8s and two converted freighters—in a deal officials value at about Shs3.7 trillion, with an expected Shs460bn deposit to kick off production planning. Ebola in the region: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with Africa CDC saying cases and deaths have climbed to 676 and 136, while misinformation and insecurity in Ituri are slowing response; Uganda has recorded 19 cases. HIV prevention hit by aid cuts: UNAIDS reports 38% fewer people received PrEP in 2025, with major drops in other prevention tools, warning of a coming rise in infections. Uganda budget focus: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi presented a Shs84.4tn 2026/27 budget, including oil revenue projections and a 25% salary boost for primary and arts teachers. Education & digital push: UCC leadership says Uganda is accelerating digital access, while the EU and Equity Bank-linked programmes aim to expand quality education pathways. Environment & energy: A report warns EACOP threatens wetlands and wildlife corridors, while KCB highlights green financing growth across East Africa. Business & tech: Tyms AI launches a human-first AI platform for enterprise operations.

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 600 cases, with WHO warning that three labs in North and South Kivu have run out of testing supplies, risking delays in isolation and contact tracing. Health Response: Africa CDC says contact tracing and funding gaps could worsen spread, as Uganda reports confirmed cases and deaths. Emergency Funding: Binance has pledged US$250,000 split between Uganda Red Cross and MSF to boost treatment, contact tracing, community prevention and protection for health workers. Uganda Budget: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi presented the 2026/27 budget of Shs84.4 trillion, projecting 10.2% growth as oil production begins, with major allocations to security, energy, education and agro-industrialisation. Education Pay: Government increased education, skills and sports funding and raised minimum teacher salaries in the new budget. Security Spending: Shs10.21 trillion is earmarked for UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, CCTV and cybersecurity. Energy Push: Shs2.07 trillion goes to power generation and transmission, including Kiba hydro and solar projects. Green Finance: KCB says it disbursed about Sh48.8b in green loans and screened Sh587.9b for environmental and social due diligence across East Africa. Sports & Culture: Centenary Bank sponsors the 22nd Masaza Cup with UGX 200m, backing youth and HIV/AIDS prevention through football.

Ebola Watch (Uganda): Uganda says Ebola prevention is working, with no new cases for five days and 19 confirmed cases total, after President Museveni urged the public to stay serious; the Health Ministry has suspended mass gatherings and tightened guidance for districts bordering eastern DR Congo. Ebola Crisis (DRC): In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bundibugyo outbreak is worsening amid conflict, with reports of 101 deaths and 550 confirmed cases, as contact tracing and testing capacity struggle to keep up. US–Europe Pressure: The US is urging Europe to tighten travel restrictions on arrivals from Ebola-affected African nations ahead of the World Cup, warning weaker rules could trigger broader US curbs. Uganda Budget & Oil Revenue: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget is set at about Sh84.3 trillion, with projections of 1.44 trillion shillings from oil and gas—marking the start of direct oil revenue expectations. Solar Irrigation Loan: Parliament approved a €168.9m loan for phase II of solar-powered irrigation to boost coffee production and climate resilience. Parliament Congestion: Uganda’s MPs face severe seating shortages, with some forced to sit on the floor as the long-delayed chambers project remains incomplete. Digital & Payments: Yuno and Onafriq plan to expand cross-border payments across Africa, connecting merchants to 43 markets and nearly 1 billion mobile wallets. Business & Investment Climate: SHIPU hosted investors and Huawei Uganda to discuss bridging policy and production to strengthen Uganda’s investment environment.

Uganda Budget Watch: Uganda’s 2025/26 financial year ends with mixed results, as rising public debt and missed revenue targets bite, while agriculture, oil and tourism hold up. Debt & Spending: Government earmarks about UGX 33.4tn for debt servicing in the 2026/27 budget, with interest alone taking UGX 12.4tn. New Budget Launch: Finance Minister Musasizi is set to unveil the FY2026/27 budget pegged at Shs84.4tn, with big allocations to human capital, infrastructure, security and debt. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO says three Ebola testing labs in DR Congo have run out of testing supplies, slowing backlogged samples, as cases and deaths climb and Uganda records linked infections. Health Policy Clash: Government says it will review a controversial education-for-health policy move that could remove medical interns’ allowances, after opposition warnings that it may disrupt staffing. Digital Payments Push: Bank of Uganda sets higher over-the-counter cash withdrawal limits from Jan 1, 2027, as it drives Uganda further into e-payments. Business & Trade: Uganda Airlines signs a Shs3.7tn Boeing deal for 10 aircraft, and Eastern region UMA trade fair opens in Mbale to back regional entrepreneurs. Sports & Travel Snag: Uganda’s darts team withdraws from the World Cup of Darts after visa denials by Germany.

Ebola Response in Focus: Uganda’s Ministry of Health is under heavy pressure as Ebola spreads in DR Congo, with leaders calling for stronger Lake Victoria surveillance, screening and emergency preparedness to stop cross-border transmission. Education Reforms: Government plans to merge UNEB and NCDC into one institution to cut duplication and improve efficiency, while keeping curriculum and assessment functions intact under separate directorates. World Bank Funding: The World Bank says it will lend Uganda about Shs 23 trillion over 10 years to boost private-sector-led transformation and job creation for young people. Digital Economy & Jobs: Uganda’s betting boom is driving record tax collections, while analysts urge the country to turn outsourcing and digital services growth into wider employment at scale. Business & Finance: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to expand East Africa value chains (coffee, leather and creative economy), and MTN partners with China’s Ant to build a fintech super app. Health Science: A Cambridge team’s AI-designed vaccine has entered human testing, adding momentum to next-generation pandemic preparedness. Governance & Civic Space: Uganda Freedom Front launches as a non-electoral political pressure group in Wakiso, focusing on civic education and accountability.

Ebola Response in Uganda and DRC: WHO reports 515 Ebola cases and 91 deaths in DR Congo, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases, two deaths and one probable fatal case as cross-border spread continues. Funding Pressure: WHO and Africa CDC warn a widening funding gap could weaken the response, even as medics in Congo struggle with shortages of basic protective gear. New Vaccine Push: Gavi and CEPI launch a fast-track plan to speed a trial-ready Bundibugyo vaccine, while WHO and Africa CDC roll out a $518m unified strategy. Regional Tensions: The U.S. urges Europe to tighten travel restrictions over Ebola ahead of the World Cup, as Kenya faces violent protests over a planned U.S. quarantine centre in Nanyuki. Uganda Politics: A new Uganda Freedom Front pressure group launches in Wakiso, pledging civic education and youth empowerment without fielding candidates. Public Finance Debate: Uganda’s government suspends funding for public holiday celebrations, sparking calls to ensure savings reach priority services.

Ebola Response in Uganda: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s Ebola containment work in Kampala, saying the country’s case handling is “steady” and urging continued vigilance as Uganda prepares more treatment and lab capacity for the DRC. Ebola Crisis in Congo: The DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak surged to 550 cases and 101 deaths, with attacks on health workers and armed conflict slowing response in Ituri and beyond. Travel Restrictions Debate: Tedros also said travel restrictions on Uganda are unnecessary and mainly hurt the economy, while Africa CDC and WHO push a unified $518m six-month plan to strengthen surveillance, labs, and cross-border coordination. Uganda Economy & Infrastructure: Uganda secured a €270m Afreximbank loan to fund roads, rail, ports, energy, industrial parks, and agricultural value addition, with an Afreximbank East Africa trade office set to open in Kampala. Innovation & Health: A Makerere student showcased “Pee-Gal,” a disposable female urination device aimed at improving hygiene and reducing contact with unsanitary toilet surfaces. Governance & Rights: Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale filed a fresh High Court application challenging their treason case over alleged unlawful abduction and detention. Heroes’ Day: Uganda marks 37th Heroes’ Day with a scaled-down State House ceremony as government austerity cuts public spending.

Ebola Update: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s Ebola response after visiting Mulago, saying border screening and surveillance are working, while urging Uganda to ease travel restrictions that he called unnecessary and harmful to the economy. Case Count: WHO reports Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda have pushed above 500, with the outbreak driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain and ongoing fears of wider spread amid insecurity and attacks on response sites. Regional Response: President Museveni assured WHO Uganda is ready to contain the outbreak and stressed cross-border collaboration with DRC. Aid Push: UNICEF is scaling up supplies to DRC, while Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical aid to support Ebola response. Governance: Museveni presided over the swearing-in of the new Cabinet, but four ministers missed the oath over dual citizenship issues. Business & Policy: FAO urged countries to keep trade open for agricultural inputs and use fertilizer efficiently as global food risks rise. Tech & Society: A Fulbright scholar will return to Uganda to study sensor networks for monitoring the Great Lakes.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The EU and WHO say the DRC ceasefire is now a public health necessity as fighting disrupts contact tracing and aid, with the Bundibugyo outbreak declared a global emergency and no licensed vaccine for this strain; the EU promises more funding, supplies and airlifts, including support reaching Uganda. Lake Victoria Trade Safeguards: MPs from Nyanza want strict controls to prevent Ebola spread through Lake Victoria commerce, citing trader links across islands and urging protection focused on Kenyans, not just foreign visitors. Frontline Strain in Congo: Health workers in the epicentre report exhausting conditions and low or unpaid allowances, as confirmed cases and deaths rise and testing expands. Uganda Football Boost: FUFA confirms four clubs—Black Power, Kigezi HomeBoyz, Ntugasaze and Kataka—have earned promotion to the Uganda Premier League, while FUFA also trained 68 academy coaches in youth development. Clean Energy Push: Equity Bank Uganda rolls out green financing to expand solar and clean cooking access for homes and businesses. Crime Alert: Police warn of rising fatal ransom kidnappings after a Kampala-area woman was abducted and killed, with suspects linked through phone demands.

Ebola Response Escalates: Africa CDC and WHO launched a $518m, six-month joint plan (June–November) to tackle the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and protect neighbouring Uganda, with a “one plan, one budget, one team” approach focused on surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Cross-Border Pressure on Uganda: DR Congo reported 488 confirmed cases and 86 deaths, while WHO says Uganda has recorded additional cases; the EU also flew 100 tonnes of aid to Ituri and urged a ceasefire, calling it now a health emergency. Public Health Measures at Home: Uganda’s Office of the President warned the public against fraudsters selling “RDC jobs,” as Ebola fears continue to disrupt movement and trade. Health Innovation: Africa CDC hailed approval of Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment made for newborns and infants under 5kg, trialed across countries including Uganda and set for rollout in weeks. Education Strain in Moroto: Schools in Moroto District are reporting low turnout as term 2 enters its third week, blamed on hunger and domestic work. Finance for Health: Stanbic Bank Uganda launched “Oli in Charge,” offering affordable medical insurance or borrowing for health needs to widen access.

Ebola Response Intensifies: WHO says the Central Africa Ebola outbreak may be broader and more entrenched than first thought, with spillovers into Uganda as surveillance gaps persist in conflict zones. Regional Health Measures: Africa CDC and WHO unveiled a $518m plan for June–November to strengthen surveillance, testing, treatment, and community engagement across affected countries. Uganda Border Pressure: Uganda has confirmed Ebola cases and deaths, and border closures and screening are disrupting trade, while neighbouring countries tighten entry rules. Travel Curbs Spread: Mauritius temporarily banned entry for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and the UAE imposed travel restrictions citing Ebola risk. Local Relief Updates: In India, a Ugandan tourist with Ebola-like symptoms tested negative, and in Hyderabad a second suspected Ebola patient also tested negative. Humanitarian Returns: 14 former LRA captives returned to Uganda for rehabilitation in Gulu after years in captivity. Business & Economy: Equity Bank Uganda pushes green financing for solar and clean cooking, while an EAC staffing crisis threatens regional operations amid funding shortfalls.

Ebola Response in Focus: The WHO and Africa CDC have launched a $518m joint plan to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, while the U.S. adds nearly $38m more to its Ebola support, pushing its direct contribution above $200m. Border and Travel Curbs: Uganda’s closure of the Congo border has left traders at Mpondwe facing rotting goods and heavy losses, as regional measures tighten; Mauritius has temporarily banned entry for foreigners coming from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and the UAE has imposed travel restrictions on travellers from the same countries. Health Updates: A U.S. doctor treated for Ebola in Germany has been discharged after recovering from the Bundibugyo strain, and Kenya reports 59 suspected cases all testing negative but warns risk remains high due to cross-border movement. Regional Economy and Energy: Equity Bank Uganda is pushing green financing to make solar and clean cookstoves more affordable, with longer repayment plans for households and SMEs. EAC Funding Strain: The EAC faces a staffing crisis as budget shortfalls leave key posts vacant and retirees missing pay. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: South Africa announced a major rollout funding push for Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, with trials including Uganda.