AGP Executive Report

Youth & Local Economy: Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga reiterated President Museveni’s plan to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO across five divisions, while also pushing higher PDM funding and urging youth entrepreneurship over idleness. Skills for Jobs: Uganda’s Presidential skilling drive in Kampala enrolled thousands of disadvantaged youth for free vocational training, as government also launched a Standard Chartered–Rotary Skills for Change cohort to train vulnerable young people in practical livelihoods. Public Health & Service Delivery: The Health Ministry seeks Shs40bn to buy 108 ambulances for constituencies lacking emergency vehicles, alongside a push for better medicine availability and accountability. Governance & Regulation: Uganda ordered bars and Malwa joints not to open before 3pm on working days, aiming to curb early-morning drinking and related social harm. Cybersecurity: Airtel Uganda and Roke Telkom called for a national cyber resilience framework and stronger collaboration to protect critical digital infrastructure. Regional Courts & Sovereignty: Civil society groups sued Uganda at the EAC court over the Protection of Sovereignty Act, arguing it conflicts with EAC Treaty obligations. Kampala Clean-Up: KCCA unveiled a new waste collection plan ahead of National Cleaning Day, including more private collectors and added funding for waste management capacity. Ebola Response: WHO recommended prioritising the Ervebo vaccine for a clinical trial in DRC as the outbreak continues to surge, with Uganda reporting cases. International Relations: Taiwan warned travellers after passport disputes at Entebbe tied to Uganda’s “one-China” policy.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response, with cases now reported across five provinces and spreading fast enough to threaten spillover into South Sudan; Moderna has also started a first human trial for a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, underscoring how urgent the search for tools is. Regional Security: President Museveni pledged to rally regional leaders to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), while Uganda’s defence officials pushed for tighter cooperation among chiefs of defence and security. Justice & Public Safety: Kampala High Court sentenced two men to death over the 2024 murder of Ndiga clan leader Eng Kakeedo Bbosa Lugya, citing planning and the gravity of the offence. Foreign Policy/Travel: Taiwan warned citizens to reconsider travel to Uganda after passport disputes tied to Uganda’s “One China” policy, with some travellers reportedly having passports withheld at Entebbe. Governance & Social Policy: Uganda banned alcohol sales before 3pm on weekdays and to anyone under 18, with local authorities told to enforce the rules. Humanitarian Pressure: Uganda’s Office of the Prime urged refugees to return home as humanitarian funding declines, citing budget shortfalls despite rising numbers.

Eastern Africa Security: President Museveni pledged to rally regional Heads of State to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), urging wider participation and a long-overdue EASF summit. Defence Cooperation: Uganda also reaffirmed commitment to EASF cooperation at a chiefs of defence and security meeting in Kampala, stressing interoperability and early threat anticipation. Youth Skills: 350 students enrolled for a six-month free vocational training at Subway Skilling Centre in Kampala under the Presidential Skilling initiative, with training in bakery, weaving, knitting and shoemaking. Development Finance: Government authorized the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to retain UGX 63bn from its 2025 profit and raised its authorized share capital to UGX 5tn, aiming for cheaper credit and lower interest rates. Ebola Crisis: WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is moving faster than response efforts and could become the deadliest on record; a study also points to a new animal-to-human transmission as the likely start. UPDF Recruitment: Koboko District missed UPDF recruitment targets due to credential mismatches, forgery and age-limit issues, with the Defence minister promising follow-up on a reported rejection case. Governance Oversight: ASAC engaged UBOS on audit oversight and internal controls, pushing for timely implementation of audit recommendations.

Diplomacy & Appointments: China’s newly appointed Ambassador Wu Guangrong arrived in Uganda to assume office, with both sides reaffirming the China-Uganda strategic partnership. Foreign Affairs: Uganda’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, formally took over at the Ministry, succeeding Acting Minister Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune. Health & Labour: The Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi warned medical interns to report to duty stations by 15 August or risk losing placements, amid a dispute over internship facilitation payments. Digital Government: Government says it will integrate over 700 ICT systems to cut duplication and improve service delivery, as part of a wider digital transformation push. Industry & Jobs: Minister David Bahati toured local factories, highlighting value addition and import substitution, while flagging financial stress at one herbal products firm. Ebola Preparedness: WHO and CDC report the DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating past 2,000 deaths, with new travel monitoring rules and talks advancing on a clinical trial for an Ebola vaccine. Public Safety & Regulation: Uganda ordered bars and betting shops to stay closed until 3pm on working days, aiming to curb early-morning drinking and related social harm. Immigration Enforcement: A Ugandan woman was deported from Hyderabad after overstaying and allegedly linking with drug peddlers.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with deaths now above 2,000 and cases over 4,400 as the virus spreads faster than response efforts can keep up; a new study links the outbreak to a fresh animal-to-human transmission and confirms Uganda-linked cases. Public Finance: The IMF warns Uganda’s debt and budget discipline risks worsening, projecting public debt rising to 55.5% of GDP as the deficit widens. Transport Governance: MPs question Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll collection after a bus was charged Shs5,000 instead of Shs15,000, raising fears of revenue leakage and manual interference. Security Cooperation: Uganda pledges search and air rescue capability to the Eastern Africa Standby Force, citing readiness checks and lessons from regional operations. Local Regulation: Uganda orders bars and alcohol-selling joints to stay closed until 3pm on working days, targeting early-morning drinking and related social problems. UPDF Personnel: UPDF begins retiring another batch of junior officers and militants, continuing a major retirement exercise.

Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 2,000 deaths, with 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths reported across five provinces, as WHO warns the virus is “outrunning” response efforts amid conflict, delayed detection, and strained health services; sequencing suggests spread began months earlier than the May 15 declaration, and the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or treatments. Uganda’s Dual Citizenship Push: President Museveni swore in three ministers after citizenship disputes, stressing public officials must be clear on where their loyalty lies, as the dual-citizenship debate returns to the spotlight. Besigye Trial Legal Setback: Uganda’s High Court dismissed a bid by Dr Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale challenging the deportation of lawyer Martha Karua and the arrest of Erias Lukwago, ruling they failed to show deliberate interference with their right to legal representation. National ID Rollout Problems: Ugandans report NIRA renewal chaos—long queues, confusing collection points, and cases where new cards can’t be read by systems used by a World Bank-funded agriculture project. Finance/Power Accountability: Parliament’s PAC questioned inconsistencies in Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project counterpart funding, with figures on compensation payments and records not matching. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Uganda continues to engage on regional stability, including moves tied to the Gaza stabilization force and ongoing regional cooperation discussions.

Energy Accountability: Uganda’s Energy Ministry faced sharp scrutiny at Parliament’s PAC over alleged inconsistencies in how Sh17.3bn counterpart funding was handled under the Uganda Rural Electrification Access Project (UREAP), with officials struggling to reconcile Auditor General figures on compensation to Project Affected Persons and ministry records. Kampala Sanitation & Land: Gen. Salim Saleh, NWSC MD Dr. Silver Mugisha and stakeholders met in Kapeeka to push a land-ownership and coordination approach to fix Kampala’s solid waste crisis, arguing the problem is more about organization than trucks. Ebola Cross-Border Crisis: DR Congo reported Ebola deaths hitting 2,011 and confirmed cases rising to 4,381, as WHO warns the outbreak is outpacing response; Uganda is among neighbouring countries affected. Human Rights Leadership: UHRC chair Mariam Wangadya told COSASE that President Museveni rejected her resignation, keeping her in office, as debate continues over her earlier resignation notice. Legal Challenge in Besigye Case: Kampala High Court dismissed a bid by Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Hajji Obeid to restore access for Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago to defence representation in the ongoing treason-related case. Women MPs Leadership: Lira’s Auma Linda Agnes was elected UWOPA chairperson, ending months of leadership uncertainty and installing a new executive team. Data & Buildings: UBOS and the National Building Review Board launched Uganda’s first Baseline Survey of Buildings to map ownership, occupancy, compliance and structural conditions nationwide. Cybersecurity Warning: Bank of Uganda governor Michael Ating-Ego urged institutions to harden against cyberattacks, warning a major incident could quickly spill into financial instability. Tourism Support: Uganda Development Bank sponsored the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon with UGX 20m, linking support to tourism growth and staff participation. Trade Disputes: Uganda’s Judiciary urged businesses to use Alternative Dispute Resolution to cut delays and costs in commercial cases.

UPDF & Regional Security: UPDF Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba urged Eastern Africa to strengthen regional security institutions and cooperation as threats evolve, warning that peace needs capable mechanisms to anticipate “tomorrow’s challenges.” Road Safety: The Ministry of Works and Transport announced tougher bus driver rules to curb fatigue, including limits on how far a driver can go on long-distance routes and mandatory replacement for return journeys. Gaza Deployment: Uganda’s Parliament approved UPDF deployment to Gaza under a proposed international stabilization force, though some MPs raised concerns about risk assessment and how the motion was introduced. Ebola Update (DR Congo): WHO says the current eastern Congo Ebola outbreak began in February, months before the May declaration, with cases now at about 4,200 and deaths over 1,900 as responders struggle with conflict, misinformation, and health worker shortages. Public Health & Travel: The US tightened Ebola travel restrictions for people arriving from DR Congo, while Uganda’s own measures include suspending flights and adding entry controls via designated airports. International Diplomacy: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu is in the UN secretary-general race, traveling to New York for meetings—assisted by visa support due to US Ebola-related entry limits. Climate Resilience: Uganda launched a three-year initiative to strengthen climate resilience in livestock, land and insurance systems, partnering with UN agencies and IGAD. Youth & Peacebuilding: African youth meeting in Kampala called for more investment in peacebuilding, skills and inclusive opportunities to tackle unemployment and insecurity.

UPDF Deployment to Gaza: Uganda’s Parliament approved sending UPDF troops to Gaza under a US-backed international stabilization force, with Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka saying the contingent will stay neutral and follow humanitarian law, though MPs raised concerns over how the motion was introduced and whether risk assessment was adequate. Anti-Corruption in Parliament: Indicted former Parliament officials, led by communications/public affairs director Chris Ariko Obore, were committed to the High Court Anti-Corruption Division over alleged embezzlement of Shs 26.8bn tied to donations and CSR activities. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO says DR Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak likely began months before it was declared, with cases now above 4,000 and responders struggling with access, misinformation, and health worker shortages. Road Safety for Learners: Government agencies launched efforts to curb school-bus and learner road crashes after a Kapchorwa tragedy that killed 20 learners, calling for stronger inspections and coordinated enforcement. Climate Resilience Push: Uganda launched a three-year initiative to strengthen climate resilience in livestock, land and insurance systems, partnering with UN and regional bodies. Digital Economy Moves: URA expanded EFRIS guidance, easing requirements for the smallest businesses, while MTN Uganda launched MTNTV and reported strong profit growth driven by data and mobile money. Regional Energy Deal: Tanzania and Uganda signed plans with Vitol to develop Tanga Port into a regional energy hub. Public Health Travel Controls: The US tightened Ebola travel restrictions for people arriving from DR Congo, while Uganda’s additional measures were noted.

UN Diplomacy: Uganda’s UN Secretary-General hopeful Amb. Olara Otunnu has finally flown to New York for meetings with delegations after being picked by Kampala weeks earlier, as the Security Council’s straw-poll race tightens. Health & Regional Security: WHO and Africa CDC say DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outrunning the response, with cases and deaths now above 4,000 and contact tracing struggling to keep up. Environment & Oil Governance: New research warns Uganda’s oil build-out around Lake Victoria wetlands could be driving siltation, pollution and habitat damage, raising cross-border alarm for shared ecosystems. Public Service Oversight: President Museveni urged NRM MPs to fight corruption and absenteeism, including monitoring health facilities and tackling kickbacks in programmes like PDM. Healthcare Infrastructure: Smart Africa and Uganda’s health ministry unveiled plans for five modern diagnostic centres in Busoga to boost early detection of non-communicable diseases. Agriculture Budget: Stakeholders called for higher and better-implemented AgriFood funding for 2027, warning delays harm seasonal farming. Gaza Force Politics: Reports say the US and Israel are at odds over winding down fighting across Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, with Uganda-linked troop participation in a multinational force still in focus. Church Leadership: The Church of Uganda elected new provincial clergy and laity leaders at UCU. Accountability in Transport: An engineer linked to URC consultancy allegations denies receiving Shs 3.7bn, pushing back amid parliamentary scrutiny.

Gaza Deployment: Uganda’s Parliament has backed President Museveni’s plan to prepare a UPDF contingent for a Gaza “stabilisation force,” with a status-of-forces agreement still required—while Israel rejects the US-backed 15-point roadmap and pushes ahead with its “Green Rafah” infrastructure project that experts warn could further fragment Gaza. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Museveni told NRM MPs to tighten oversight and fight corruption and absenteeism, warning against kickbacks in the Parish Development Model and saying habitual absentee doctors may be dismissed. DRC Peace Process: Under the Doha Peace Process, the ICRC helped release 15 detainees from Beni to AFC/M23, with the handover travelling through Uganda—Qatar and Doha hailed it as confidence-building. Regional Security Politics: Amani Africa says the Kampala AUSSOM summit left troop contributors to plan individually after Washington signalled it would not support extending UNSOS logistics beyond December. Cross-border Documentation Scrutiny: Reports say Somalia’s deputy PM was turned back at JKIA over Kenyan documents, after President Mohamud ordered ministers to surrender Kenyan citizenship papers. Public Safety & Crime: Police arrested two suspects over the murder of SC Villa captain David Owori after tracing his stolen iPhone, recovering dozens of phones and other electronics. Humanitarian Disaster: Heavy floods in Alebtong displaced hundreds, submerging homes, a health centre and a primary school. Digital Education: KIU and Utrecht University launched a digital education and innovation summer programme in Kampala. Sports & Society: Uganda’s Charity Cherop won bronze in the 3,000m at the U20 World Championships; meanwhile, four Ugandan boxers reportedly vanished after Commonwealth Games in the UK.

Flood Response: Heavy rains have displaced hundreds in Alebtong District as River Moroto overflowed, destroying homes, crops and infrastructure and leaving families sheltering with neighbours. Digital Education: Uganda and the Netherlands launched a digital education partnership, aiming to boost youth digital skills and reduce barriers to access to the digital economy. Local Accountability: Bor County’s commissioner warned of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market after social media photos showed waste and unhygienic conditions, with a surprise inspection planned. Petroleum Climate Rules: As Uganda nears first oil, debate is growing over whether to create petroleum-specific methane regulations or use a broader framework for short-lived climate pollutants. Gaza Deployment (Policy): Uganda’s parliament has backed UPDF deployment to a Gaza stabilization/security force under a proposed international plan. Health & Rights: A report highlights improvements under Ghana’s SHARE project (Right to Play) for adolescent sexual and reproductive health, with Uganda included in the wider programme. Sports Governance: SAFA approved Pitso Mosimane as Bafana coach in principle, but salary and technical team details still need finalising.

Gaza Deployment: Uganda’s Parliament has approved sending UPDF troops to support a proposed international security force in Gaza, tied to a Trump-backed plan—though details like size, mandate, command and rules of engagement are still being worked out. Oil & Climate Policy: Uganda’s petroleum push is nearing first oil, with Tilenga reported at 74% and EACOP at 91% completion, while civil society and government debate how to regulate methane emissions before production ramps up. Local Accountability: Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech has warned of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market after social media photos showed waste and unhygienic conditions, promising a surprise inspection. Regional Politics & Rights: In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered a new commission to probe violence and rights violations around the 2025 election, including identifying instigators and financiers. Health & Detention Concerns: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye was reportedly transferred back to Luzira Prison despite being unable to walk, talk or feed himself, with his wife alleging the move undermines medical care. Engineering Regulation: Uganda’s engineers’ body is calling for stricter enforcement of the Engineers Registration Act to stop unqualified people from practising engineering and risking public safety.

UPDF Gaza Move: Uganda’s parliament has approved deploying UPDF troops to join an international stabilisation force for Gaza under President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, with Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka saying it will protect civilians and expand humanitarian access. Ebola Crisis in the Region: Africa CDC and WHO say DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has entered a critical phase, surpassing 4,000 cases, and are urging stronger community-led response after a mission to Uganda and the DRC highlighted gaps in Ituri. Parliament & Oversight: Uganda’s Auditor General flags major failures in World Bank-funded road and biodiversity projects, citing delayed works, unspent funds, and sustainability risks. Road Safety Push: Uganda is tightening school transport rules after crashes involving learners, including stricter vehicle checks and safer driver requirements. Digital & Media: MTN Uganda launches MTNTV, a streaming platform bundling live TV, radio, movies and sports for Ugandans. Regional Trade & Climate: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners back a green freight programme to cut emissions and improve efficiency across the Mombasa–Uganda trade route. Security & Crime: Ugandan football captain David Owori dies after a brutal assault in Kampala, triggering calls for arrests and justice.

Gaza Deployment: Uganda’s Parliament has approved UPDF troop deployment to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Stabilization Force, following a US invitation and Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka’s defence of the move under Uganda’s constitutional and peacekeeping commitments. Security & Crime: Kampala mourns SC Villa captain David Owori, 27, after a suspected robbery/ambush left him fatally injured; authorities have yet to make arrests, and lawmakers and football bodies are calling for swift prosecution. Ebola Update: Uganda has been commended by WHO and Africa CDC for containing its latest Ebola outbreak, with emphasis on sustaining surveillance and cross-border coordination as DRC transmission continues. Public Health Response: Africa CDC warns Ebola could be mutating as cases surge in DRC, with calls for ramped-up response including active case search. Digital & Services: MTN Uganda launched MTNTV, bundling live TV, radio, movies and sports for a digital entertainment push. Regional Integration (Kiswahili): EAC Kiswahili Commission chief Dr Caroline Asiimwe urged member states to boost Kiswahili research, education and AI/digital development. Tech & Trade: Stanbic Bank Uganda launched China’s CIPS to enable direct renminbi settlement and reduce FX friction for bilateral trade. UPDF Retirement: Gen. Katumba Wamala is among 1,591 UPDF personnel set to retire this month, with ceremonies planned for August 12. Sports: Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei confirmed for the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.

Crime & Public Safety: Ugandans mourn SC Villa captain David Owori (27), killed after suspected robbers ambushed him near his Kampala home in Makindye, beating him with paving stones during a phone theft attempt; police say investigations are underway and his club demands arrests. Foreign Policy & Security: Parliament has approved Uganda’s UPDF deployment to the Gaza Strip under an International Stabilisation Force linked to US President Trump’s post-war plan, with Defence Minister Kirowa Kiwanuka saying Uganda is ready if the mission is established. Health & Regional Cooperation: Africa CDC and WHO urge community-led action as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak worsens, citing gaps in early detection and contact tracing; a high-level mission to Uganda and DRC reviewed response priorities. Energy & Regional Trade: Uganda and Tanzania signed an MoU to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, involving UNOC, TPDC and Vitol, aimed at boosting petroleum storage, logistics and cross-border trade. Governance & Justice in Prisons: Prisons Commissioner Johnson Byabashaija assured MPs that unconvicted inmates can access personal doctors and be referred to chosen facilities for specialised care. Sports & Society: Reports also say Commonwealth Games athletes, including Ugandan boxers, failed to return home after Glasgow, with UK police investigating. Football Governance: CAF reaffirmed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdrew and apologized over the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” proposal.