AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has become the largest on record, crossing 1,400+ cases and 400+ deaths, with Uganda reporting 20 cases as response and diagnostics expand. Health in Uganda’s Districts: State House health monitoring flagged gaps behind rising maternal deaths in Bududa, citing poor infrastructure, low staffing, weak housing for health workers, and limited specialists. Legal Battle Over Deportation: Martha Karua has sued Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over her deportation, arguing it blocked her constitutional right to represent Besigye and Lutale in court. Cross-Border Security: Uganda evacuated 424 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence; Muhoozi’s remarks drew controversy, but officials urged caution over claims of any order to South Africans to leave Uganda. Media Under Pressure: Commentary and reporting continue to swirl around Uganda’s media crackdown and NTV/NMG shutdown fallout, with calls for accountability and press freedom. AFCON Hosting Process: CAF opened bids for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, with Uganda set to co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania. Agriculture Support: MAAIF handed climate-smart agriculture vehicles to 69 districts, aiming to improve supervision and technical support for farmers.

Somalia Peace Mission Funding: The US has told the African Union it will block UN funding for the AU’s Somalia mission support office (UNSOS) after AUSSOM’s mandate ends on Dec. 31, 2026—raising fresh concerns for logistics and operations, with Uganda among troop-contributing countries. Ebola Escalation in DRC/Uganda: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the largest on record, with 1,406 cases and 438 deaths, while it also reports a new Marburg case in Uganda; WHO highlights improved follow-up but warns violence and mistrust keep response efforts under pressure. Health Screening Moves: Uganda’s Health Ministry issued an Ebola travel advisory and strengthened border screening as regional countries tighten entry checks. Xenophobic Violence Repatriations: Uganda began repatriating nationals from South Africa amid anti-immigrant unrest; the first group of 273 arrived at Entebbe, with more flights expected. Kyambogo University Rumours: Kyambogo University dismissed social media claims that it will be shut down and converted into a military facility, saying operations are normal. Legal Defence Pressure: Besigye and Lutale told court they will not accept alternative lawyers after alleged moves to disrupt their preferred legal team.

Transport & Accountability: Motor dealers marched to the Ministry of Works and Transport demanding the government cancel a 10-year Russian ITMS contract, saying digital number plates shortages and delays at fitting centres have crippled their businesses. Health Emergencies: Uganda reported a confirmed Marburg death in Kyegewa, while WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing; in parallel, DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak passed 400 deaths as it spreads to new areas. Media Freedom Under Pressure: CPJ urged Uganda to release veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira, detained over alleged operation of digital outlets without licences, amid wider scrutiny of Uganda’s media shutdowns. Regional Politics & Security: The US said it will block UN funding for AU’s Somalia mission, a move that could affect troop logistics where Uganda is among contributing forces. Citizens Abroad: Uganda began voluntary repatriation from South Africa, bringing home the first 273 nationals as xenophobic violence continues.

Ebola Response & Cross-Border Health: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, as DR Congo’s Ebola toll climbed past 400 deaths with cases spreading further; Uganda also reported a Marburg case and health authorities are under pressure to share timely details while regional preparedness ramps up. Public Service Pensions: Uganda will shift from a non-contributory pension to a funded Public Service Pension Fund from 2027, with public officers contributing 5% and government adding 10%. Anti-Corruption Court: Parliament staff including Chris Obore were remanded to Luzira Prison over alleged embezzlement, money laundering and financial loss running into tens of billions of shillings. Media Freedom Under Strain: Uganda’s army chief shut down Nation Media Group outlets, triggering local and international scrutiny and calls for reopening. Regional Integration for AFCON 2027: President Museveni backed a single East African entry visa to ease travel across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for the tournament. Agribusiness Exports: Ranchers Finest shipped Uganda’s first processed beef consignment to Ethiopia, signaling a push for value-added livestock exports.

Parliament Corruption Probe: The Inspectorate of Government has arrested seven senior Parliament officials, including Chris Obore, over alleged embezzlement and money laundering, with charges expected at the Anti-Corruption Court. Press Freedom Under Pressure: International legal and civil society groups warn Uganda is violating rule-of-law norms after reports of unlawful detentions and the shutdown of licensed media operations, including Nation Media Group outlets. Ebola & Marburg Watch: Uganda is pushing back on Marburg outbreak claims, even as the DRC reports Ebola cases rising to 1,406 and 438 deaths, with insecurity and community resistance complicating response. South Africa Xenophobia Response: Uganda has set up evacuation centers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to repatriate nationals amid anti-migrant violence, with hundreds already processed. AFCON 2027 Logistics: President Museveni backs full government support for Uganda’s co-hosting of AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, including a proposed common entry visa. Tourism Incentives: Uganda announces a three-year income tax holiday for qualifying tourism start-ups to attract investment and jobs. Sports Administration: FUFA unveils club licensing core process and timelines for the 2026/27 season, tightening governance and compliance requirements.

Press Freedom Under Siege: Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered overnight shutdowns of Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, The East African and Daily Monitor, cutting electricity and triggering fresh local and international backlash. Opposition & Due Process: Former Ethics and Integrity minister Dr. Miria Matembe was granted Shs 3m cash bail (non-cash bond) in her sectarianism case, with court conditions to avoid sectarian statements. Health Alerts: Uganda confirmed an isolated Marburg virus case in Kyegegwa district (a 1½-year-old child who died); Africa CDC says no contacts developed symptoms and there’s no active Marburg case. Ebola Fallout: As DRC Ebola cases top 1,000, UNICEF warns 3 million children remain vulnerable, while UNDP says the outbreak could push nearly one million more into extreme poverty and wipe out jobs. Regional Politics & Power: Analysis argues Uganda’s constitutional order is under stress amid claims of a Muhoozi takeover, while noting formal institutions haven’t fully collapsed. Trade & Industry: Uganda’s sugar industry challenged Kenya’s 300%+ excise duty hike on imported sugar as a threat to EAC trade and export earnings.

Press Freedom Under Siege: Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, with the media calling it a “military siege” and rights groups urging security forces to leave NMG premises. Political Justice & Rights: Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe was remanded to Luzira Prison on sectarianism charges tied to alleged social media statements, reviving debate over a past Museveni promise she said she would “never be arrested.” Legal Pressure on Opposition: Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused sought court action after their lead lawyer Martha Karua was deported, arguing it undermines their treason defense. Public Health & Regional Impact: UNDP warns the DRC Ebola outbreak could push nearly one million more people into poverty and cost Africa up to $3.6bn, while Uganda reports Marburg and health alerts continue abroad after suspected Ebola cases test negative. Local Governance & Oversight: Parliament Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth says he redirected billions from his office to fund committees to strengthen oversight and curb corruption. Economy & Infrastructure: Uganda signed a €110.5m deal with Standard Chartered to finance a Karamoja road, while the government also unveiled a Sh1.081trn agri-food investment plan. Social Policy & Identity: Balaam Barugahara says 95% of DNA tests under his Gender Ministry found paternity mismatches, fueling renewed public debate.

Ebola Response & Regional Risk: A suspected Ebola patient in Glasgow, Scotland was tested at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and later confirmed negative, with Public Health Scotland saying there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Scotland and public risk remains low—though the wider outbreak continues in DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda. UN Development Impact: The UN warned the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and hundreds of thousands of jobs if it isn’t contained, with Uganda among the countries facing spillover fears. Uganda Court & Opposition Pressure: Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s treason-related court appearance was deferred to July 7 after he was too ill to attend, while the political crackdown continues amid concerns over shrinking space for dissent. Media Freedom Under Security Claims: Uganda’s government acknowledged the shutdown of Nation Media Group operations followed a presidentially sanctioned security inquiry, but gave no details on the concerns or timeline for reopening. Cybersecurity Cooperation: IGAD wrapped a regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa, with INSA’s deputy director-general urging cross-border cooperation as cyber threats increasingly target shared infrastructure and public trust.

Media Crackdown: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, saying he “does not believe in a free press,” triggering protests, court and regulator concerns, and a push for talks to reopen. Opposition Under Pressure: Kizza Besigye’s treason case is set to resume in Kampala as his lawyer Erias Lukwago faces separate proceedings, amid warnings of intimidation and tighter control by the president’s son. US Scrutiny: U.S. Senator Jim Risch called for a review of US-Uganda security ties after the media closures, warning the crackdown could undermine regional security cooperation. Public Finance Watch: The World Bank cautioned Uganda on fiscal management and urged a major shift toward human capital spending, while noting large losses from poor planning and delays. Procurement Integrity: Uganda’s PPDA suspended three firms from government contracts over ethical breaches, as a defence-sector “rogue suppliers” crackdown gathers pace. Ebola Cost Warning: The UN warned the DRC’s Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten jobs, with Uganda also reporting cases. Regional Shock—South Africa Xenophobia: South Africa braced for anti-migrant protests tied to a 30 June ultimatum, with police deployed and thousands seeking evacuation; Uganda announced plans to evacuate citizens.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, with rights groups and regional press bodies warning of a dangerous crackdown on expression. Courtroom Fight in Regulation: Uganda’s High Court blocked the Insurance Regulatory Authority from appointing a substantive CEO until a challenge by former CEO Ibrahim Lubega Kaddunabbi is heard. Xenophobia Fallout & Evacuation: Kampala says President Museveni has directed preparations to evacuate 746 Ugandans from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic violence, with charter flights and safety assembly centres planned. Ebola Escalation in the Region: Africa CDC reports DRC Ebola cases rising to 1,274 with 96 health workers infected; DRC also banned mass gatherings in Kinshasa and three provinces to curb spread. Regional Health Coordination: Uganda hosted the launch of a continental Ebola incident management support team with Africa CDC and WHO to strengthen cross-border response. Politics & Governance: Museveni chaired his first Cabinet meeting for the 2026–2031 term, following a Cabinet induction retreat.

Press Freedom Crackdown: Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, including Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, saying he “does not believe in a free press” and that the stations will not reopen without his permission; reports say soldiers surrounded NMG offices in Kampala and staff were blocked from entering or leaving, sparking renewed concerns about shrinking space for dissent. Xenophobia Response: Uganda announced plans to evacuate 746 nationals from South Africa as xenophobic violence escalates ahead of a June 30 deadline, with Uganda Airlines set to run special charter flights and the government to handle registration, safe assembly points, and emergency travel documents; officials also confirmed one Ugandan was killed in KwaZulu-Natal and repatriation arrangements are underway. Ebola Emergency Coordination: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team at Makerere University to strengthen cross-border Ebola preparedness and response, supporting the ongoing Bundibugyo outbreak; Uganda is also reporting confirmed cases as the regional situation worsens. Oil-Era Planning: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi launched World Bank-backed frameworks outlining Uganda’s 10-year development financing priorities as the country moves into its oil decade, focusing on wealth creation, jobs, governance, human capital and infrastructure. Regional Trade Tension: Uganda protested Kenya’s sharp rise in sugar import excise duty, warning it could hit Ugandan exporters and jobs and disrupt EAC trade integration.

Media Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered soldiers to shut down Nation Media Group outlets, forcing NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM and Dembe FM off air after midnight, with reports of sealed premises and electricity cutoffs; the closures have sparked sharp condemnation over press freedom and due process. Detentions of Rights Advocates: Security agencies arrested civil society leaders and lawyers Sarah Bireete and Eunice Musiime, detaining them for hours before release, amid broader crackdowns linked to searches for Miria Matembe. South Africa Evacuation: President Museveni directed an evacuation of Ugandans from South Africa over xenophobic violence; 746 nationals have registered for return, with special charter flights expected to start within days. Foreign Policy Signals: Gen. Muhoozi also said Turkish nationals should leave Uganda within 30 days, adding to tensions as the media crackdown unfolds. Security Drill: Entebbe airport ran a full-scale hijack response exercise to test coordination among aviation, security and health teams. Regional Health Response: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a joint incident management support team at Makerere University to strengthen Ebola emergency coordination across at-risk countries.

Press Freedom Under Military Pressure: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets in Uganda, with soldiers sealing NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and the Daily Monitor in Kampala; Muhoozi says he “does not believe in a free press” and claims he has authority to close any media house, while the National Association of Broadcasters warns of damage to the media ecosystem. Opposition & Civil Society Crackdown Claims: Opposition leader Bobi Wine alleges the military abducted two prominent civil society leaders and lawyers, adding to fears of a widening crackdown on dissent. Budget & Cost of Living: As FY2026/27 begins, Uganda’s new tax measures include higher excise duties (including on fuel and spirits) and new charges affecting plastics and motorcycles—raising concerns about higher prices for households and businesses. Energy Access Warning: A global energy report flags that hundreds of millions in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack electricity, urging Uganda to make power more affordable and expand rural electrification. Ebola Cross-Border Risk Measures: With Ebola spreading in the region, Saudi Arabia announced travel restrictions affecting Uganda and other countries, while international coverage highlights preparedness concerns during major events.

Ebola Response Escalates: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged to 1,203 confirmed cases and 321 deaths, with 48 new cases and 17 more deaths reported in 24 hours; Uganda is also affected (20 cases, 2 deaths in Kampala), while the US CDC has raised its response to its highest emergency level and warned spread risk remains high without stronger contact tracing. State House Leadership & Integrity: Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng urged State House staff to uphold integrity and patriotism after completing a five-day leadership and ideological orientation course for managers and finance officers tied to the Presidential Industrial Hubs and SACCOs. Oil Milestone: Uganda is set to begin crude oil exports in October 2026 as the Kingfisher project nears first oil, with key facilities and production wells progressing. Budget & Tax Moves: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi outlined National Budget 2026/27 revenue plans, including excise duty changes ahead of the new fiscal year. Refugee Funding Strain: UNHCR warns Uganda’s refugee self-reliance model is under severe pressure as funding drops, food rations are scaled down, and tensions rise in settlements. Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: President Museveni opened Uganda’s inaugural Cultural and Tourism Festival in Munich, promoting indigenous music and cultural memory. Local Infrastructure Watch: Lira’s Akii-Bua Stadium project secured Shs 236bn insurance cover, while Mbarara airport plans drew mixed reactions. Health Screening for Travellers: India’s Air Suvidha 2.0 requires international passengers to submit Ebola-related health declarations before arrival. Governance & Rights Concern: Family and allies of veteran politician Dr Miria Matembe say she has been missing since a security raid on her Luzira home, raising fears and calls for her release.

Ebola Response & Travel Rules: India launched the upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 contactless health self-declaration for international arrivals, requiring travellers to submit a 21-day travel history and exposure/symptom details up to 24 hours before arrival, with data shared with airport health and immigration systems as the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Regional Health Pressure: The Africa CDC says funding needs for the Ebola response have tripled to $1.4bn as cases and deaths in the DRC keep rising, while WHO warns a rare Ebola strain could spread further toward South Sudan. Uganda Politics: President Museveni endorsed NRM flag bearer Jane Frances Acilo for the Oyam District Woman MP seat ahead of 2026 elections. Kampala Court & Accountability: KCCA denied holding alleged offenders at City Hall, while separate reports say 93 female suspects escaped a City Hall holding facility before pleas were taken. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Parliament Speaker Jacob Oboth urged Bukedi communities to embrace coffee and cocoa to tackle household poverty.

Ebola Response Escalates: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has passed 300, with 304 deaths reported from 1,115 confirmed infections since May 15, as health workers warn the outbreak may take up to a year to contain. CDC Raises Alarm: The U.S. CDC moved its Ebola response to its highest level, citing rapid spread across Congo and Uganda and expecting confirmed cases and deaths to rise. Uganda’s Border Health Measures: India launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for mandatory Ebola health self-declarations for international arrivals, and Uganda-linked coverage highlights how such systems are being used to flag at-risk travellers before immigration clearance. Police Under Pressure on Kidnappings: Security experts say Uganda’s police tactics are falling short as kidnap-for-ransom cases rise, including recent abductions in Kampala Metropolitan Police’s area. Police Integrity Push: President Museveni urged newly passed-out probationer police and immigration officers to reject corruption and protect their health. Local Governance & Culture: Jago Obbo inaugurated the Dhopadhola Language Board, pushing schools to popularise and preserve the language. Agriculture Watch: Uganda set the Season A vanilla harvest window for June 29–September 29, warning against premature picking and enforcement by agricultural police. Land & Justice: A court case involving title processing fraud against lawyer Ernest Rukundo is flagged as a warning for landowners and buyers.