AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): The WHO says the northeastern DRC Ebola outbreak is expanding into new areas, with 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, plus 119 suspected cases; officials warn isolation beds are far below what’s needed and that local community spread is now appearing. Displacement Camp Risk: UNHCR confirms the first Ebola-related deaths in the Kpangba displacement camp in eastern Congo (30,000 people), raising fears of rapid spread in overcrowded sites. Women & Girls Hit Harder: UN Women reports women and girls make up 53.4% of lab-confirmed Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda, reflecting how caregiving and burial practices increase exposure. Uganda Response & Support: The US pledges over $200m for Ebola response across DRC and Uganda, including airport and border detection support, while Gilead donates remdesivir vials to Uganda to back treatment efforts. Local Justice: Kampala City Hall Court remands four men to Luzira Prison over the killing of Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo. Health Workers’ Pay Dispute: Uganda Medical Association rejects a government idea to offer interns only lunch after allowance cuts, saying interns need full support. Parliament Works: New Parliament chambers enter final steel and roofing phase, with Irish firm Kelly Steel supplying bent steel frames.

Ebola & Travel Impact: Uganda’s hospitality sector says recent Ebola-related travel advisories are driving cancellations and losses, blaming misinformation and harsh restrictions that have also disrupted airline operations and quarantine rules for travellers from Uganda/DRC. HIV Funding Crunch: UNAIDS warns aid cuts and tighter rights restrictions are triggering the “biggest storm” for HIV since the response began, with sharp drops in prevention services—PrEP access down and testing falling in high-burden countries including Uganda—raising fears of a new surge. Ebola in the Region: Reports from Kenya detail a protest death linked to the US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, while WHO and partners continue pushing for stronger preparedness as the DRC outbreak worsens. Uganda Budget & Jobs: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi’s 2026/27 budget boosts education, skills and sports, including a 25% salary enhancement for primary and arts teachers, alongside plans tied to oil revenues and growth. Labour Migration Tracking: Government plans a digital tracking system for Ugandans sent abroad for work to improve monitoring and consular support. Conservation & Culture: ECOTRUST launches the ACBA Biodiversity Academy to share African-led solutions, while Uganda’s bark cloth tradition continues to gain attention for its cultural and economic value.

Ebola Update: Africa CDC says DRC’s Ebola tally has hit 635 cases and 127 deaths, with Uganda recording 19 linked cases and two deaths; the agency warns contact tracing is lagging, raising fears of sustained community spread. Budget Security & Governance: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget sets aside Shs10.21tn for security and rule of law, including UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, CCTV and cybersecurity. Oil-Driven Growth Outlook: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi projects 10.2% growth in 2026/27, pointing to first commercial oil production and rising investment confidence. Education Pay Boost: Government allocates over Shs6.66tn for education, with plans to raise minimum teacher salaries (including a 25% jump for primary teachers). Energy Push: Shs2.07tn goes to power development—Kiba hydro, solar projects, transmission upgrades and preparatory work for nuclear. Transport & Aviation: Shs8.79tn targets roads, rail, airports and Uganda Airlines expansion. Local Economy & Safety: Kampala residents, including South Sudanese students, demand stronger patrols after a viral robbery incident at Nsambya traffic lights. Sports & Culture: Centenary Bank backs the 22nd Masaza Cup with Sh200m, while Uganda also highlights tourism and creative exports in the wider budget push.

Ebola Watch: Uganda remains at very high risk as WHO flags continued spread in the DRC and notes Uganda has recorded imported cases; the WHO also warns cross-border transmission risk stays high, while the US pushes Europe for tougher travel curbs ahead of the World Cup. Parliament & Governance: Uganda’s 12th Parliament is battling severe space congestion, with MPs reportedly forced to sit on the floor as seating shortages worsen; Speaker Oboth-Oboth has allowed lawmakers to sit on either side to ease pressure. Budget & Finance: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget is set at sh84.3trn, with oil and gas revenue projections (including first oil expectations) highlighted as a major shift for public finances. Energy & Agriculture: Parliament approved a €168.9m loan for Phase II of solar-powered irrigation to boost coffee production and climate resilience. Business & Tech: SHIPU hosted investors and Huawei Uganda to strengthen Uganda’s investment climate and digital transformation. Sports: Zanzibar Heroes vs Uganda Cranes friendly postponed; Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and others are set for the Naivasha LOOP Safari Gravel Series qualifier. Mob Justice: MPs demanded action after rugby star Sydney Gongodyo’s death, directing Internal Affairs to report on mob justice.

Public Finance: Uganda’s 2025/26 financial year ends with mixed results as agriculture, oil and tourism posted gains, but revenue shortfalls and rising public debt continue to bite—URA missed its mid-year target by over Shs1 trillion. Debt Burden: Government has earmarked about UGX 33.4 trillion for debt servicing in 2026/27, with interest alone taking UGX 12.4 trillion. Ebola & Borders: WHO says three Ebola testing labs in DR Congo have run out of supplies, while Uganda faces linked cases; Uganda also faces travel and border pressure as health authorities urge caution and governments debate travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup. Air Transport Deal: President Museveni witnessed Uganda Airlines sign a Shs3.7 trillion Boeing deal for 10 aircraft, including Dreamliners and freighters, to expand long-haul and cargo routes. Digital Payments: Bank of Uganda sets new over-the-counter cash withdrawal limits from Jan 1, 2027, as electronic payments keep dominating transactions. Clean Cooking: Detra Energy’s eco-stoves are helping households cut charcoal costs, with users saying one sack now lasts up to three months. Trade & Industry: Eastern Region UMA trade fair opens in Mbale, spotlighting local manufacturers and skills. Governance & Rights: NUP challenges a new law restoring military tribunals to try civilians, warning of threats to civil liberties. Environment: dfcu Foundation and UTGA mark World Environment Day with tree planting and grower training in Mukono.

Ebola Crisis in the Region: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 600 confirmed cases with over 100 deaths, as insecurity, shortages of protective gear and weak contact tracing slow response; Uganda is also affected, with fears of cross-border spread and calls for stronger surveillance around Lake Victoria trade routes. Uganda’s Health Leadership: Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Diana Atwine, is profiled as the face of repeated epidemic response, coordinating surveillance and district teams as public anger and movement restrictions return. Education Reform: Uganda’s Ministry of Education plans to merge UNEB and NCDC under a single institution to cut duplication and improve efficiency, while keeping curriculum and assessment functions intact. World Bank Financing: The World Bank will lend Uganda about $6bn (Shs 23 trillion) over 10 years to drive private-sector growth and jobs. Local Economy Watch: Uganda’s digital betting boom is highlighted as a major revenue earner, with regulators warning about the costs that come with rapid growth. Police Update: Uganda Police arrest two more suspects in the mob killing case of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, bringing detainees to ten. Labour Mobility: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment, banning several African countries including Uganda, while allowing hiring from only 10 approved sources.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says Congo’s Ebola contact tracing has improved to 62% reached, but still below the 90–95% target, as mistrust and attacks on health workers slow progress; latest figures put the outbreak at about 550 confirmed cases and 101 deaths, with Uganda also reporting confirmed cases linked to DRC transmission. Uganda’s Frontline Role: WHO chief Tedros visited Uganda’s Mulago isolation unit as aid agencies intensify containment efforts, while Uganda’s readiness and regional cooperation remain central to preventing spread. Regional Tensions: In Kenya, protests against a US-backed Ebola quarantine centre in Nanyuki turned violent again, with police firing tear gas and a protester reportedly shot dead; the facility is meant for Americans exposed in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Funding and Preparedness Moves: Nigeria approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and released N10bn for emergency response, while the EU pledged fresh support to Africa CDC and DRC surveillance. Sports Tragedy Update: Police arrested a boda boda rider accused of striking Uganda rugby star Sydney Gongodyo with a log, bringing suspects in custody to nine.

Ebola Update: WHO says risk is very high for DR Congo and high for Uganda as the Bundibugyo outbreak surges to 550 cases and 101 deaths, with conflict and attacks on health workers slowing response. Uganda Response: WHO’s Tedros toured Mulago’s isolation centre, arguing travel restrictions on Uganda are unnecessary and mainly hurt the economy. Regional Plan: Africa CDC and WHO launched a unified six-month Ebola preparedness and response plan, targeting $518m to strengthen surveillance, labs, care and cross-border coordination. Kenya Protests: Police fired tear gas in Nanyuki as residents protested a US-backed 50-bed Ebola quarantine centre for Americans, despite court orders. Finance & Infrastructure: Uganda secured a €270m Afreximbank loan to fund roads, rail, ports, energy, oil and gas, export zones and industrial parks, with an Afreximbank East Africa office set to open in Kampala. Innovation Spotlight: Makerere student David Kaleebu unveiled Pee-Gal, a disposable female urination device aimed at improving hygiene in public toilets. Cyber Privacy: Ugandan socialite Kirabo Kisitu apologised after private images/videos circulated online, reigniting debate on consent and digital harassment.

Ebola Update: WHO says confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have climbed above 500, with the outbreak now extending into Uganda; Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, as health teams push back against insecurity, misinformation, and limited treatment capacity. WHO Visit: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Uganda, praised Uganda’s border screening and response, and urged stronger cross-border coordination with the DRC. Regional Cooperation: President Museveni met Tedros and called for tighter regional collaboration to contain the outbreak, stressing Uganda’s readiness and ongoing talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. Aid and Response Support: Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical supplies to support Ebola response in the DRC, while UNICEF scaled up emergency shipments including PPE, medicines, and WASH materials. Cabinet Swearing-In: President Museveni presided over the swearing-in of the new Cabinet, with four ministers missing the oath due to citizenship-related issues. Sports & Health Watch: As World Cup 2026 approaches, experts warn mass gatherings can spread infections, even as Ebola remains a low-probability risk for most travelers.

Ebola Response in Uganda: Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola infections, bringing the outbreak total to 19, with health officials saying the new patients were contacts already under institutional quarantine; one more death was also reported, raising fatalities to two. Regional Health Emergency: The WHO says the DRC outbreak is an international health emergency, with cases and deaths rising fast as health workers expand testing in Ituri; the EU also warned that a ceasefire is now a health emergency, after delivering humanitarian aid to hard-to-reach areas. Frontline Strain in Congo: Reports from the epicentre in Mongbwalu highlight how low pay and fatigue are wearing down health workers even as community transmission accelerates. Clean Energy Push: Equity Bank Uganda says it is scaling green financing—through green loans and results-based funding—to help households and businesses adopt solar and clean cooking as electricity costs bite. Sports & Nutrition: BIRDC and the Uganda Olympic Committee pledged over Shs 2.5bn for a “Nutrition for Sports” initiative, linking banana processing plans with athlete performance and youth health. Governance & Delivery: In his 2026 SONA, President Museveni urged disciplined leadership and better service delivery, warning corruption and inefficiency remain major hurdles.

Ebola Response Escalates: The EU says a DRC ceasefire is now a “health emergency” as it airlifts 100 tonnes of aid to Ituri, where Ebola continues to surge; WHO and Africa CDC have also launched a $518m, six-month “One Response” plan to help Congo and Uganda detect, treat and contain the Bundibugyo strain. Uganda Health Watch: Uganda’s Ebola situation remains under close monitoring, with reports of new cases and ongoing preparedness, while Uganda also urged stronger safeguards along Lake Victoria and warned against misinformation. Travel Curbs Over Ebola: The UAE has halted new visas and entry from Uganda, DRC and South Sudan, with limited exceptions, as regional health alarms rise. Local Governance & Integrity: Uganda’s Office of the President warns the public against fraudsters selling “RDC jobs,” stressing there are no vacant posts and no money should be paid. Sports: Vipers SC and Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert part ways after his contract expiry following a league title defense. Education Access: Moroto schools report low turnout as term 2 enters its third week, blamed on hunger and domestic work.

Ebola Watch: WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 cases, with DRC at 452 confirmed infections and 82 deaths, while Uganda has 19 cases and 2 deaths—totaling 471 cases and 84 deaths as CDC warns the crisis could rival the 2014 scale if isolation and treatment don’t improve. Cross-border Measures: UAE has suspended new visas and barred travellers from Uganda, DRC and South Sudan to curb spread, while Uganda continues monitoring and border controls as suspected cases are tested. Regional Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m plan (June–November) to boost surveillance, testing, infection prevention, clinical care and community engagement under a “one response” approach. Local Human Interest: 14 former LRA captives returned to Gulu for rehabilitation after years in captivity in South Sudan. Sports & Pride: Uganda won the right to host the 2031 African Games, beating Nigeria, with venues including Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium. Health Tech: A Cambridge-led AI “super-antigen” vaccine technology has cleared a first human trial, aiming for broader protection against virus families.

Ebola Update: WHO says the Central Africa outbreak is nearing 500 cases, with 452 confirmed in DR Congo (82 deaths) and 19 in Uganda (2 deaths), warning it could rival the 2014 West Africa scale if action is not fast. Cross-Border Measures: Uganda closed the Congo border over contagion fears, leaving traders stuck and goods rotting at Mpondwe, while the UAE suspended new visas and barred travellers from Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan. Regional Response Funding: The US added nearly $38m to Ebola efforts, bringing its direct contribution to over $200m, as WHO and Africa CDC roll out a $518m plan. Local Sports: Uganda won the right to host the 2031 African Games, beating Nigeria, with a multi-city bid anchored by Hoima and Kampala venues. Health Relief Abroad: A US doctor who contracted Ebola in Congo was discharged from Berlin’s Charité hospital after recovery.

Ebola Surge in Congo: WHO says DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 452 with 82 deaths, warning the outbreak could become the largest on record unless fast action improves isolation and tracing. Uganda Updates: Uganda reports 3 new Ebola cases, bringing totals to 19, with health officials saying the new patients were contacts under quarantine. Funding Push: The US adds $38m to its Ebola response, while WHO and Africa CDC roll out a $518m six-month plan to strengthen surveillance, labs, clinical care and logistics across the region. Border and Trade Hit: Uganda’s closure of the Congo border over Ebola fears is leaving traders and cargo stuck at Mpondwe, with businesses warning of major losses. Regional Preparedness: Kenya steps up screening, reporting 80,000+ travellers checked and all 56 tested samples negative, as countries tighten entry rules and quarantine measures.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m, six-month plan (June–November) to contain the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and protect neighbouring Uganda, focusing on coordination, surveillance, lab testing, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Uganda Updates: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing totals to 19, with one additional death; officials say the new cases were close contacts under quarantine. DR Congo Spread: DR Congo warned of rapid community transmission as it reported a surge in confirmed cases and deaths, with Ituri province hardest hit amid insecurity and weak health systems. Community & Trust: Aid groups and church-linked partners are scaling up handwashing, PPE and community surveillance while tackling misinformation and mistrust that complicate response efforts. Education & Skills: MoBSE launched ECD teacher training to strengthen parent-teacher partnerships in Region Five, while a Mbale Skills Expo pushes practical skills-to-jobs pathways for young people. Infrastructure & Tourism: President Museveni launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga, targeting tourism, trade and investment in Karamoja. Sports: Uganda’s women’s volleyball team qualified for the Africa Nations Championships in Nairobi after beating South Sudan, and Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai is set to lead Uganda at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola cases rose to 363 with 62 deaths, while Uganda reported four recoveries as WHO said response is “catching up” after the outbreak had a “big head start.” Health Preparedness: Britain’s NHS warned staff to prepare for possible Ebola importation, urging isolation readiness and PPE stock checks. Vaccine Race: Scientists and partners are fast-tracking new Ebola vaccines for the rare strain, while Roche says it developed a rapid PCR test in six days to speed up lab confirmation. Security & Humanitarian Strain: ISIS-linked ADF militants killed 16 civilians in eastern Congo as Ebola intensifies, worsening access for care. Uganda Governance & Courts: A Mbale High Court ordered NIRA to release records in an MP citizenship dispute involving Metrine Nanzala. Disability Inclusion: Uganda pushed forward its disability inclusion journey, highlighting ongoing gaps in education, jobs and public services. Culture & Sports: Shakira invited Uganda’s Ghetto Kids for the World Cup halftime show; Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations were held with reduced attendance due to Ebola fears.