AGP Executive Report

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.

Succession Politics: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has declared he will contest the 2031 presidency and predicts a 90% win, putting the country’s political succession back in the spotlight. Family & Power Tensions: In a separate controversy, Muhoozi says he will “reclaim” his sister from an alleged “hooligan,” reigniting public scrutiny of his feud with Patience Museveni Rwabwogo’s husband, Odrek Rwabwogo. Anti-Corruption Push: President Museveni defended Local Government ministers Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere over surprise corruption inspections, arguing the campaign is based on real complaints. Justice & Rights: TikToker “Pressure 24/7” Ibrahim Musana was granted mandatory bail after five months on remand, with the court citing delays in bringing his case to trial. Health Security: Uganda is declared Ebola-free as Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak keeps rising, while Uganda, DRC, CAR, Congo and South Sudan also agreed to strengthen cross-border preparedness. Agriculture Regulation: Government tabled the FARA Bill to create a single regulator for agrochemicals, veterinary products and food standards. Business & Finance: Stanbic Bank Uganda and NMG Uganda renewed a partnership to expand financial education and access to banking services.

Succession Politics: Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has declared he will run for president in 2031, saying he expects 90% support with President Museveni’s backing, reigniting debate over succession and the military’s role. Anti-Corruption & Governance: Museveni backed Youth ministers Balaam Barugahara and Phiona Nameere’s field inspections, arguing their “baraza” style approach is a return to NRM grassroots methods. Transport & Safety: Police eased a crackdown on DMC taxis after chaos, but warned they will still impound vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition; meanwhile heavy rains wrecked northern Uganda roads, doubling fares and disrupting access to markets and healthcare. Justice Update: Former Speaker Anita Among confirmed she is free from house arrest and says charges will not proceed, thanking Museveni and Gen Muhoozi. Health: A multi-country hospital intervention linked better maternity care to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths in Uganda and other countries. Oil & Environment: A methane control warning says Uganda needs stronger rules and monitoring before first oil. Business & Trade: Uganda and DRC held a Butembo business forum to deepen trade linkages, attracting dozens of Ugandan firms. Finance & Business: Centenary Bank backed a Nsambya waste management unit to improve healthcare waste handling.

Sports & Youth Games: Kenya’s junior stars started strong at the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi, with tennis player Mark Murage winning both singles matches and the 3x3 teams posting mixed results as they chase early medals. Volleyball: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers began their 2026 African title defence with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Zambia, setting up a key pool clash against Mali. AFCON 2027 Planning: Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations got a fresh push for unity and patriotism, with officials urged to avoid politics and explore innovative financing. Uganda Economy & Jobs: Uganda Development Bank says it expanded lending, approving Shs518.4bn for 120 projects and reporting job creation and production gains from supported firms. Roads & Accountability: Parliament wants the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll contract cancelled over alleged revenue leakages and financial mismanagement. Climate & Governance: Uganda is moving to finalise NDC 3.0 by end of September, while the Archbishop of Kampala raised concerns about detainees whose cases haven’t been heard. Education Reform: NCHE has started assessing about 700 university programmes for the competence-based system, and primary curriculum changes are set for rollout in 2028.

Industrialisation Push: President Museveni inaugurated Phase IV Level 2 of Roofings Group’s rolling mill in Namanve, praising the firm’s local value addition and urging a stronger market for Ugandan producers. Justice & Cross-Border Crime: The DPP has filed extradition proceedings against a 39-year-old Chinese national, Chen Guang (alias Alex), wanted in Uganda over alleged UGX 4.53bn fraud tied to weighbridge bills and payment vouchers, after his arrest in Kenya. Health & Funding Reality: WHO says Africa is making progress on key health targets despite deep cuts to global financing, highlighting Uganda’s TB treatment coverage and continued delivery of essential medicines. Public Service & Governance: Uganda Airlines’ procurement reporting lines and qualifications are under scrutiny as MPs and oversight bodies question leadership and audit queries. Transport Shock: Kampala taxi fares have risen after a crackdown on DMC taxis, leaving passengers stranded and operators scrambling as more vehicles are taken off the roads. Energy & Jobs: Uganda is set to hit its 5% ethanol blending target within three months, driven largely by private investment in blending infrastructure. Regional Tensions: A new East African refinery plan linked to Dangote and Lamu is reigniting old disputes over who hosts and controls energy infrastructure. Police Milestone: Katumba Wamala hailed Police Cadet Intake 2001 for producing top officers as they marked 25 years of service.

Transport & Infrastructure: The Kampala–Entebbe Expressway has collected over Shs192b in toll revenue in four years, with traffic averaging about 27,000 vehicle passages a day, though officials say collections still sit below loan projections. Public Safety: Police impounded 178 commuter taxis and other PSVs on day one of a crackdown on dangerous mechanical conditions in Kampala, triggering short-term transport disruption in the CBD. Parliament & Accountability: COSASE has summoned Uganda Airlines’ top managers after they failed to appear over Auditor General queries, with summons to be served by police. Identity & Services: MPs raised alarms over QR code verification failures on Uganda’s new national IDs, saying citizens are being blocked from banking and SIM services. Housing & Tax: Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba linked affordable housing to higher tax compliance and pushed for mortgage refinancing to ease high mortgage rates. Extractives & Transparency: Uganda’s EITI report is set to highlight gaps in extractive sector revenue reporting ahead of the 23 September release. Business & Finance: MTN Group approved a $375m share buyback after profit growth, while MTN fintech continues expanding across Africa. Mining: A new gold processing unit in Yumbe targets 20kg of gold per week. Politics & Courts: In Besigye’s treason trial, state witness Andrew Wilson defended unclear video and audio evidence, promising better-quality clips.

Gaza Peacekeeping Talks: Uganda and Burundi officials met in Israel to discuss contributing troops to a U.S.-backed Gaza international security force; Uganda is finalising details after parliament approved about 1,200 personnel, while Burundi is still considering its role. Security & Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister held talks with a U.S. advisor on de-escalation in Sudan, Libya and the Horn of Africa, stressing humanitarian access and respect for sovereignty. EAC Jobs & Payments: The EAC lifted its recruitment freeze and approved 69 priority posts, while also starting work on a masterplan to speed up cross-border payments. Oil & Regional Tensions: East Africa’s refinery plans remain a flashpoint, with Uganda and Tanzania pushing a regional energy hub in Tanga amid shifting refinery locations. Finance & Telecom: UBA inducted 374 young professionals across eight countries, and MTN reported strong H1 growth plus a cloud upgrade for MoMo in Uganda and other markets. Oil, Crime Risks: Uganda’s FIA warned Bunyoro’s oil-driven boom could fuel illicit finance through land deals, cross-border trade and local corruption. Health: DRC Ebola response is being hampered by attacks on healthcare workers and ambulances, as the outbreak continues to surge. Connectivity: Paratus Uganda became the first ISP to launch Starlink service, targeting enterprise connectivity in remote areas. Sports: CAF confirmed 48 nations for the U-23 qualifiers, with Uganda among the teams set for the draw.

Gaza Security Talks: Uganda and Burundi military officials met Israel to discuss contributing troops to a proposed international Gaza force tied to a fragile ceasefire. Transport Crackdown: Uganda Taxi Operators Federation warns commuter taxis in dangerous mechanical condition to park ahead of a police and Works ministry operation starting today in Greater Kampala. Education Reform: NCDC says the new Competency-Based Curriculum could limit lower primary children to a maximum of three hours of structured learning a day, with lighter schedules for younger kids. Energy Accountability: Parliament issued an ultimatum for investigators to wrap up a probe into three senior energy officials accused of fuel stock manipulation and inflated emergency procurement. Climate & Farming Push: Government finalises NDC 3.0 and targets 1.5 million hectares under irrigation by 2040 to protect farmers from worsening rainfall shocks. Health & Maternal Care: MTN Uganda ends its Y’ello Care campaign with support for maternal and newborn services in remote Amudat, including equipment, solar, and training for Village Health Teams. Business & Skills: UBA inducted 374 young professionals across Africa into its Graduate Management Accelerator Programme, highlighting service as its key differentiator. Opposition Court Concerns: A medical report says detained Besigye’s inability to speak or write may limit his ability to meaningfully participate in his defence.

Kapchorwa By-Election Calm Call: Sebei religious leaders and elders urged peace ahead of the Kapchorwa by-election, warning residents against partisan rhetoric that could fracture community unity across Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo. Climate & Farming Push: Government is finalising NDC 3.0 to cut emissions and strengthen farmer resilience, while also targeting 1.5 million hectares under irrigation by 2040 using more small irrigation systems. Women Lead Climate Scholarships: Africa Climate Collaborative cohort two saw 68% of selected Master’s and PhD scholars being female, with support spanning Makerere and other partner universities. Industrial Land Move: Energy minister directed UIA to secure land for Roofings to process iron ore into high-grade steel ahead of President Museveni’s visit. Education & Child Time: NCDC says lower primary learners may spend up to three hours a day in structured learning under the CBC rollout planned for 2028. Karamoja Girls Dropout Fix: Absa and World Vision backed WASH and changing facilities at Kanu Primary School after sanitation and menstrual hygiene gaps drove girls out of school. Ebola Research Boost: Glasgow scientists are set to study whether antibodies from existing Ebola vaccines can also protect against Bundibugyo virus as the DRC outbreak intensifies. Governance & Money Woes: Auditor General reports flagged huge unpaid obligations in Works and Transport, plus a deepening MSC/LEGS microfinance crisis marked by questionable loan disbursements and rising defaults. Uganda Airlines Ownership Row: URN revisits debate after Auditor General findings, saying Uganda Airlines is 100% government-owned with shares split between two ministries. Film Festival Returns: Uganda Film Festival screenings resume nationwide with public voting for the Viewers’ Choice award.

Parliament Accountability: MPs have raised alarm over Uganda’s new national IDs after QR-code verification failures blocked some citizens from banks and telecom services, with NIRA admitting the feature was not integrated as promised. Public Finance Discipline: Government has introduced a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter with automatic administrative sanctions for accounting officers who breach rules on commitments, supplementary spending and arrears. Local Government Scrutiny: The LEGS rural growth programme faces fresh accountability questions, including contested land issues, unaccounted funds and loan irregularities under the Ministry of Local Government. Human Rights Oversight: COSASE ordered police protection for former UHRC accounting officer Margaret Lucy Ejang as she prepares to testify, citing safety fears and past “humiliation” while serving. Health & Services: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital says it records about 160 preterm births monthly, while Luuka’s Kiyunga Health Centre IV struggles with bed, power and diagnostic shortages. Economy & Business: Equity Group reports a 32% jump in half-year profit to KSh45.5bn, driven by stronger income and deposits. Regional & Trade: Uganda and Egypt explore joint tourism programmes to boost visitor flows. Sports: Makerere Business Institute urged graduates to focus on skills and enterprise as it marked its graduation ceremony.

Banking Results: Equity Group says Profit After Tax rose 32% to KSh45.5bn in H1 2026, with total income up 25% to KSh124.9bn as non-funded income climbed 36% and deposits and loans expanded. Local Government Accountability: The LEGS rural growth programme faces land disputes, unaccounted-for funds and alleged loan irregularities under the Ministry of Local Government, raising fresh accountability questions. Skills Body Audit Shock: UVTAB is under fire for liabilities and procurement/asset management problems, including undisclosed payables of about UGX19.49bn and domestic arrears of UGX2.13bn linked to the former DIT merger. Public Finance Discipline: Government has introduced a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter, with automatic administrative sanctions for budget breaches, including “No Budget, No Commitment” rules. Health & Services: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital reports at least 160 preterm births monthly, while Luuka’s Kiyunga Health Centre IV is strained by bed, power and diagnostic shortages. Education & Jobs: Parliament Speaker Oboth-Oboth tells MBI graduands to create jobs using skills and integrity, not just certificates. Ebola Response: A regional intervention targets Ebola spread along DRC trade and migration corridors, while aid workers warn quarantines are hampering response efforts. Tourism & Trade: Uganda and Egypt explore joint tourism programmes to boost visitor flows, as Uganda pushes to grow IT/ITES exports and deepen regional integration.

ID Cards & Services: MPs say the new national IDs’ QR codes are failing verification, blocking access to banking, SIM registration and other e-services, with NIRA urged to explain the glitch. Ebola in DRC: The outbreak in eastern Congo has surged past 2,500 deaths and 5,290 cases, with WHO warning it’s far from under control as cross-border risks grow. Regional Health Security: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push at 33 DRC border entry points, including Uganda, using digital surveillance and faster lab transport. Maternal Health Funding: Stanbic commits Shs200m annually for 10 years to maternal and child health, linking survival to Uganda’s future workforce. Finance Performance: Equity Group reports a 32% jump in Profit After Tax to KSh45.5b for H1 2026, driven by stronger income and lending growth. Energy & Industry: MMP Industrial Park expansion in Buikwe is slowed by unreliable power, delays in tax exemptions and poor access roads. Transport & Safety: Govt makes life jackets mandatory on water and warns of prosecution for non-compliance during the monsoon season. Aviation: Jambojet will resume daily Nairobi–Entebbe flights from October 1, adding competition on the corridor. Business/Trade: Dangote offers East African countries a combined 30% stake in a planned Kenya refinery, with Kenya eyeing 10%.

MoMo Upgrade: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech complete Mobile Money Evolved Migration across key markets including Uganda, aiming for faster service and a stronger base for wider digital finance. UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council holds another straw poll for secretary-general contenders, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among the names. Education Accountability: An Anglican priest in Wakiso/Nansana condemns the arrest and public humiliation of head teachers over school lunch fee disputes, warning it could erode respect for education leadership. Disability Support: UNAB appeals for help for over 90% of visually impaired Ugandans who cannot afford white canes. Industrial Park Bottlenecks: MMP Industrial Park expansion in Buikwe is slowed by unreliable electricity, delays in tax exemptions, and poor access roads. Cross-Border Tension: South Sudan releases Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor, after diplomatic pressure, while SSPDF denies soldiers were behind the seizure. Public Services Glitch: MPs raise alarm over new national ID cards failing QR verification, blocking access to banking and SIM registration. Health Crisis: UN warns DR Congo Ebola is spreading “exponentially,” with 2,500 deaths and a liquidity crisis hampering response. Business & Jobs: NCBA flags off a year-long SME enterprise development programme to boost business skills and growth.

Aviation & Trade: Jambojet will resume daily Nairobi–Entebbe flights from October 1, ending a six-year absence and boosting travel, tourism and cargo links between Uganda and Kenya. Public Finance Discipline: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi urged planners, accountants and procurement officers to shift from spending-focused budgeting to results that Ugandans can feel. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Uganda’s Auditor General says an ongoing purge has already sent four auditors home and is investigating at least 23 more over alleged corruption deals. Transport Digital Push: Union Transport Alliance launched Union Online Duuka, a Rukapay-powered marketplace offering shopping and flexible financing for Uganda’s transport ecosystem. Health & Research: A study reports daily zinc supplements cut infections by nearly 40% in Ugandan children under five with sickle cell anemia. Ebola Watch (Regional): Gavi pledged $13m more to support DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola response, including shipment of 70,000 Ervebo doses. UN Leadership Race: Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki presented their visions as the UN secretary-general selection process moves forward.

Health & Vaccines: Gavi has approved extra funding for the Bundibugyo virus (BVD) outbreak, including US$7m for 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses via the global stockpile and US$6m to protect routine immunisation in high-risk areas. Public Safety: Uganda launched a 100-day crackdown on unroadworthy taxis in Greater Kampala, with authorities warning that dangerous vehicles will be impounded. Crime & Families: In Kalungu Bunga, Ggaba, police are investigating the stabbing of five children—two dead and three critically injured—after a housemaid and neighbours say a bitter marital dispute may have been triggered by the husband’s alleged second marriage. Environment & Water: Mbarara’s River Rwizi restoration push is turning to a marathon-style campaign as authorities say over 60% of the catchment is degraded. HIV Prevention: New study findings presented in Rio report zero HIV infections over a year among female adolescents and women using long-acting lenacapavir PrEP. Politics & UN Bid: Ugandan UN Secretary-General candidate Olara Otunnu renewed calls for UN reform and prioritising conflicts including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, the Horn and the Sahel. Economy & Debt: Uganda is seeking up to €207.7m from Citibank to upgrade the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road, as debt concerns grow. Innovation & Jobs: Standard Chartered unveiled 20 women-led, tech-enabled startups for the Women in Tech Uganda Accelerator Programme.