AGP Executive Report

Ebola Escalation: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a global health emergency as deaths and suspected cases surge—DR Congo health officials now cite 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, with new hotspots including Goma, Butembo, Mongbwalu and Nyakunde, while Uganda reports two confirmed cases and one death. Cross-Border Contagion Fears: Health workers say spread has been fuelled by funeral-linked transmission and delayed detection, prompting more treatment centres and tighter regional controls. US Travel Crackdown: The US has invoked Title 42 and imposed a 30-day entry ban for non-US citizens who recently travelled from DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, while the US Embassy in Kampala pauses visa services. Uganda Response & Services: Uganda urges vigilance and has strengthened public health measures as the outbreak grows. Energy & Telecom Moves (Side Developments): Uganda has licensed Starlink to operate, and President Museveni met Dangote to push a regional refinery—both amid the health shock.

Ebola Escalation: The CDC confirmed one American doctor tested positive for Ebola after exposure in eastern DR Congo, with symptoms starting over the weekend; the patient and six high-risk contacts are being moved to Germany for treatment and monitoring, while the CDC says the risk to the general U.S. public remains low. Cross-Border Controls: In response to the WHO-declared public health emergency of international concern, the U.S. imposed 30-day entry restrictions on non-citizens who were in Uganda, DR Congo or South Sudan in the past 21 days, and is boosting airport and port health screening. Uganda on Alert: Uganda has reported Ebola deaths and cases linked to travel from Congo, and Uganda postponed Martyrs’ Day celebrations over Ebola fears. Regional Shockwaves: Rwanda temporarily closed key border crossings with DR Congo after Ebola reached Goma, and the WHO warned the outbreak may be larger than reported as health systems scramble amid conflict and displacement. Context—Sovereignty Law: Separately, President Museveni signed the Protection of Sovereignty law aimed at curbing foreign influence, adding political pressure as health emergencies strain cross-border cooperation.

Ebola Emergency Hits Uganda’s Doorstep: The WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after the Bundibugyo strain (rare, no approved vaccine or treatment) spread across borders, with reports of 300+ suspected cases and 80+ deaths and new treatment sites being set up in Ituri. Cross-Border Response: Uganda and neighbors are urged to activate emergency systems, strengthen surveillance, and avoid border panic as health officials warn the real scale may be higher. Uganda Politics—Foreign Influence Law: President Museveni signed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill into law, criminalising broad “foreign interests” activity and drawing warnings from the central bank and World Bank about possible economic fallout. Connectivity Move: Uganda also granted Starlink an operating licence. Regional Context: South Africa’s Ramaphosa echoed the “Ebola does not respect borders” message, pushing coordinated surveillance across Africa.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases reported so far, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain that has no approved vaccine or treatment. Cross-Border Spread: A lab-confirmed case has been reported in Goma (rebel-held), and Uganda has recorded two lab-confirmed cases in Kampala, including one death linked to travel from Congo. Border Response: Rwanda has closed key border crossings with Goma, even as WHO warns countries not to restrict travel and trade. Uganda Impact: Uganda has postponed the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations to protect pilgrims, and health authorities are urging heightened surveillance and preparedness. Regional Alarm: WHO says the outbreak is not a pandemic, but warns of high regional risk due to movement and conflict.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it does not meet “pandemic emergency” criteria but still poses serious cross-border risk. Numbers Climb Fast: As of May 16, reports cite 8 confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri, plus one confirmed case in Kinshasa and two confirmed cases in Kampala among people who traveled from DR Congo. No Vaccine, No Specific Treatment: WHO stresses there are no approved vaccines or targeted therapeutics for this strain, calling the situation “extraordinary,” with healthcare worker deaths raising fears of hospital spread. Response Push: WHO says it will convene an Emergency Committee and urges countries to boost surveillance, isolation, and contact tracing while avoiding border closures.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: DR Congo’s Ituri outbreak has surged to at least 80 deaths (and rising), with officials warning the Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine or specific treatment and a lethality rate that can reach 50%—while Uganda confirms a linked imported case after a Congolese man died in Kampala. Cross-Border Alarm: Africa CDC and partners have stepped up incident planning, screening, and contact tracing as fears grow over movement across Uganda, South Sudan, and affected border zones. Corruption Crackdown: In Kampala, security agencies raided properties linked to Parliament Speaker Anita Among in a corruption probe, just ahead of the May 25 Speaker election. Connectivity Push: Uganda has approved Starlink operations after a regulatory standoff, signaling a push to expand satellite internet. Regional Deals: India is set to host the India-Africa Forum Summit next week, while East Africa eyes major refinery and trade corridor discussions.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: A fresh Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri province is now spilling into Uganda’s public-health radar, with Congo reporting 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases and Africa CDC warning of high spread risk due to mining-linked movement, insecurity, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan; Uganda has confirmed an imported Bundibugyo case after a Congolese man died in Kampala, while Africa CDC and partners push for urgent regional coordination and faster strain identification. Telecom Push: Uganda’s regulator has signed off Starlink’s operating licence after President Museveni witnessed the UCC-Starlink agreement, clearing the way for Starlink operations. Economy Watch: Bank of Uganda says growth is holding up (6.5–7%) but warns a prolonged Iran conflict could worsen oil-driven inflation risks. Justice & Accountability: In Parliament swearing-in wrap-up, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi handed back LoP office vehicles and privileges—an unusual public signal that state perks are temporary. Crime at the Border: An Indian geologist was arrested at BIA after customs found cocaine worth about Rs. 108m hidden in luggage.

Ebola Alarm Across Borders: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, reporting 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with preliminary tests finding Ebola in 13 of 20 samples and sequencing underway to identify the strain; Uganda has also confirmed an imported case after a DR Congolese man died in Kampala, as officials warn that mining-linked movement and insecurity could accelerate spread. Uganda Telecom Push: President Museveni witnessed the signing of an operational licence agreement for Starlink, clearing the way for the satellite internet firm to begin services under UCC oversight. Trade & Industry: Uganda flagged off its first shipment of canned pineapples to China (104 tonnes), while it courts Tanzanian investors for a €405m Sukuk to help finance the Malaba–Kampala SGR. Diplomacy & Partnerships: India’s Jayant Chaudhary represented New Delhi at Museveni’s swearing-in, reaffirming bilateral ties, as the India-Africa Forum Summit heads to New Delhi later this month.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC confirms Ebola has resurfaced in eastern DRC’s Ituri, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, as insecurity and weak health access slow containment. Speaker Race Shock: In Uganda’s Parliament leadership fight, Gen Muhoozi has endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker, and PLU has withdrawn support for Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa—turning the contest into an open power reshuffle. Digital Jobs Push: Uganda and Japan launched a pilot AI-POD platform to connect Ugandan engineers to Japanese employers, aiming to export digital talent at scale. Regional Security: M23 rebels have left parts of the Rusizi Plain and repositioned toward Katogota in South Kivu, linked by sources to the Washington agreement. Health & Education: Bank of Uganda holds rates at 9.75%; Uganda also moves to require a compulsory one-year internship before medical students graduate, while C-Care Uganda opens a specialist hospital in Gulu. Youth Sports: Uganda’s U-17 side, coached by Laryea Kingston, starts AFCON U17 with a 3-0 win over DR Congo.

Museveni’s Seventh-Term Reset: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term on May 12, extending a 40-year rule as he urged Ugandans to police corruption through Local Council structures—an appeal already drawing pushback from critics who say enforcement is selective. Monetary Policy Watch: The Bank of Uganda held the Central Bank Rate at 9.75%, citing rising inflation pressures from Middle East-linked fuel and energy costs and a weaker shilling. Judiciary Leadership: Moses Kazibwe was appointed Deputy Chief Justice, alongside Agnes Alum as Chief Registrar—moves framed as strengthening court administration. Health Agenda: Scientists urged governments to fold rare blood disorders like haemophilia and thalassaemia into routine care, warning that late diagnosis and poor awareness are costing lives. Regional Security Signal: In eastern DR Congo, an armed group declared a unilateral ceasefire ahead of talks facilitated by Uganda, as insecurity in Ituri continues to flare. Trade & Jobs: Uganda launched its first processed pineapple export to China, while Uganda Airlines unveiled a 10-year plan to expand to 32 destinations. Diplomacy: China’s Xi sent a special envoy to Kampala for the inauguration, and Uganda also renewed Nile and regional security coordination with Egypt.

Nigeria–Rwanda Diplomacy: President Bola Tinubu met Paul Kagame in Kigali and signalled Nigeria may reciprocate Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free stay, while both sides pushed to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission and activate pending MOUs on tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption. Uganda Justice & Rights: Uganda freed 62 detained Nigerian missionaries after charges were dropped, with only flight rescheduling costs remaining—an abrupt reprieve after April arrests in Adjumani and Kampala. Oil & Energy Turning Point: Uganda’s oil push is moving toward “technical commissioning” for First Oil, but officials warn crude will take about two months to reach Tanga due to pipeline and heating realities. Parliament Reset: MPs-elect began swearing-in for the 12th Parliament amid calls for service delivery, while Anita Among praised the 11th Parliament’s output and framed the new term as “Kisanja Hakuna Kulala.” Sports & Governance: CAF says it has addressed “deficiencies” behind AFCON 2025 chaos, as athletics leaders in Accra urge Africa to invest in infrastructure for future global hosting.

Museveni Swearing-In Fallout: At Kololo, 37 people were evacuated to hospitals after fainting and medical complications, while police also arrested nine people over phone theft during the inauguration. Parliament Takes Shape: Day one of the 12th Parliament’s swearing-in saw 184 MPs take the oath, with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker election set for May 25. Religious Violence Alert: In Sironko, a man who converted to Christianity was reportedly beaten unconscious by Muslim in-laws after being lured home. Health on the Agenda: Civil society is pushing MPs to boost domestic health financing and operationalize national health insurance. Regional Diplomacy: Museveni met Egypt’s Al-Sisi in Entebbe to deepen trade, Nile cooperation, and coordination on Sudan and Libya. Governance Watch: Uganda’s gold refiner Thaba Investments is under scrutiny over a reported $51m export gap. Humanitarian Spotlight: Qatar Red Crescent’s Adahi “Make Their Eid” campaign says it aims to reach 209,000 beneficiaries across 16 countries.

Uganda’s Power Shift: Uganda’s Speaker race just got more volatile after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s camp withdrew PLU backing for Anita Among and Thomas Tayebwa, urging MPs-elect to back candidates presented by President Museveni—an abrupt reversal that reshapes the 12th Parliament’s top posts. Seventh-Term Reality Check: President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term, extending nearly 40 years in office amid opposition claims of election fraud and heavy security across Kampala. Security & Rights: In eastern DR Congo, Amnesty reports Christians are the main victims of Islamic State-linked ADF atrocities, with war crimes and crimes against humanity documented. Transport Modernisation: Kampala unveiled Uganda’s first electric commuter bus service, starting with an Ntinda–City Square route and cashless payments as the government targets wider electrification. Regional Trade Pulse: CMA CGM pledged about $800m to upgrade Mombasa Port terminals, reinforcing the corridor that serves landlocked Uganda and neighbours.

Museveni Sworn In: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in Tuesday for a record seventh term at Kololo, extending his rule into a fifth decade amid tight security and claims of disputed January elections; he pledged “no more sleep” for Ugandans, pushing wealth creation, infrastructure, and regional integration. Succession Watch: Attention is now on defence chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba as speculation grows about a possible dynastic transition. Security & Politics: Opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the results and fled, while rights groups have warned of intensified pressure on the National Unity Platform. Regional Trade Fix: Uganda restored traffic on the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn, keeping goods moving on a key corridor. Energy Moves: Djibouti began building a Fuelstor fuel hub worth Sh20.7bn to strengthen regional fuel storage and supply resilience. Sports Prep: Uganda’s U17 Lions lost a friendly but are sharpening up for AFCON preparations.

Museveni swearing-in build-up: Kampala’s eve of the new term was marked by a viral drone “thank you” show over the Ntinda hills, after residents waited as the display finally lit up around 8:30pm—while security sweeps and road closures tightened the city for today’s Kololo ceremony. Opposition transparency fight: Months after the January vote, NUP and critics are still demanding polling-station-level DR forms, arguing the internet shutdown and missing tally sheets leave the 71.65% result unverified. Regional diplomacy in the spotlight: Kenya sent DP Kithure Kindiki to represent President Ruto at the inauguration, with Uhuru Kenyatta attending a Museveni state dinner ahead of the oath. DR Congo spillover: Reports say armed militia in Ituri killed at least 69 people, underscoring how instability across the border keeps shaping Uganda’s security agenda. Humanitarian link to Uganda: Irish volunteers Garron Noone and Triona Walsh join a convoy delivering 11 ambulances to support palliative care.

Museveni’s Sovereignty Bill: Parliament passed Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Bill on 5 May, but only after Museveni pushed MPs to drop the most contentious parts—tightening the definition of “foreigner” and “agent,” and easing bank fears by limiting new registration rules to people receiving funds for political purposes. Kampala Inauguration Security: With Museveni’s swearing-in set for Tuesday at Kololo, authorities have sealed Kampala with heavy deployments, road cutoffs, and targeted sweeps around entertainment spots and late-night motorists. DR Congo Security Shock: In eastern DRC, local media and civil society report at least 50 civilians killed in ADF-linked attacks across North Kivu and Ituri, with raids, kidnappings, looting and arson. Regional Diplomacy: Heads of state are already arriving for the ceremony, including DRC’s Tshisekedi and Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie, while Museveni tells the US to back Africa’s industrialisation and value addition. Uganda Courts vs Belief: A witchcraft case in Mbale court sparked chaos when bees swarmed the courtroom, halting proceedings and going viral online.