AGP Executive Report

Ebola Cross-Border Shock: France confirmed its first Ebola case in the current outbreak after a doctor returned from DR Congo, with the patient isolated and contacts traced; Uganda is also reporting cases as the DRC outbreak passes 1,000 infections and hundreds of deaths, raising fears of wider spread. Opposition Legal Pressure: Uganda’s treason case against Kizza Besigye is again in the spotlight after Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was arrested and charged, while Martha Karua’s deportation/entry ban has sparked claims the state is trying to disrupt Besigye’s defence. Makerere Pay Grievance: More than 120 Makerere non-teaching staff say salary harmonisation left them behind despite government funding, demanding answers over mismatched pay grades. Digital Jobs & Money: Uganda is preparing for new international labour rules on platform work, and Centenary Bank launched GonzaPay to expand cash-light digital payments. Tourism & Trade Diplomacy: Uganda promoted Northern Uganda tourism in Qatar and held an Istanbul retreat to push Gulf/Middle East trade and investment.

Ebola Response: The U.S. has started providing doses of an experimental Ebola antibody drug for clinical trials in DR Congo, as the outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases and 254 deaths, with WHO warning the first-month caseload is the highest in Africa. Uganda Health & Security: Uganda is also reporting Ebola cases, while regional concerns grow over cross-border quarantine and travel rules. Court & Governance: In Uganda, Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, citing risk of interference with ongoing investigations. Opposition & Military Role: Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba claims he personally initiated the deportation of opposition lawyer Martha Karua, intensifying political tensions around her detention and entry ban. Tourism & Economy: Uganda launched a Paris street campaign with branded buses to boost French tourist arrivals, while Centenary Bank rolled out GonzaPay to expand digital payments and financial inclusion. Sports: Uganda’s Teen Cranes won the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship unbeaten, adding momentum to youth development.

Ebola Surge and Border Controls: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 1,000 confirmed cases (1,003) with 254 deaths, making it the second-largest on record, while Uganda reports 20 confirmed cases linked to travel and local spread—amid warnings that conflict, weak access, and delayed detection are slowing containment. Regional Peace and Health: A new analysis links eastern DRC’s peace tracks to Ebola control, arguing that mistrust and closed borders are blocking response efforts. Kenya Tightens Entry Rules: Kenya says travellers from DRC and Uganda must complete electronic health surveillance forms and face airport temperature screening to reduce importation risk. Uganda Local Elections Roadmap: Uganda’s Electoral Commission has unveiled a nationwide timetable for LC I, LC II and Women Councils elections, starting with registration and verification from July 6–10 after government releases funding. Legal-Political Tensions: Martha Karua’s deportation/entry denial at Entebbe continues to draw condemnation from regional legal bodies, while Uganda’s immigration notice cites “persona non grata.” Local Governance and Economy: Uganda’s URSB deregistered 37,702 companies for non-compliance with statutory filings, and Uganda Development Bank reopened prequalification for UGX 150bn local contractor financing.

Opposition & Courts: Martha Karua says Uganda interfered with Kizza Besigye’s defence after she was denied entry at Entebbe, detained briefly, phones confiscated, then deported to Kenya—sparking regional legal and political backlash. Regional Integration: Kenyan leaders and bar associations demand answers and Karua’s release, arguing the move violates East African Community principles and undermines cross-border legal cooperation. Ebola (DRC-Uganda spillover): UNICEF warns nearly 3 million children and adolescents in eastern DRC face rising Ebola risks as confirmed cases in DRC hit 1,000 with 254 deaths; Uganda reports cases too, while health teams struggle with tracing amid insecurity. Humanitarian Support: Dubai Humanitarian sent a third airlift into Entebbe—76.2 tonnes of Ebola supplies—aimed at supporting safe burials and community response in DRC. Justice Case in Uganda: Lukwago’s bail ruling was postponed, expected electronically within 24 hours, as lawyers cite security and case sensitivity. Infrastructure & Economy: Uganda’s proposed Mbarara International Airport faces questions over economic viability, while AfDB approved major funding for Arua Airport upgrades. Health Systems: Ramaphosa urges stronger African pandemic preparedness, pointing to Ebola’s ability to cross borders and disrupt economies.

Opposition Legal Pressure: Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua was denied entry at Entebbe Airport and ordered back to Kenya, as Ugandan lawyers say the move is aimed at intimidating defence teams in the treason-linked Lukwago and Besigye matters. Courts & Rights: Lawyers also pushed for bail for former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, warning of TB infection risks at Luzira Prison as the court weighs his application. Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases with at least 254 deaths, while officials admit contact tracing gaps and warn the peak may still be ahead—raising fresh regional alarm for Uganda-linked spread. Health Security: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa urged stronger African pandemic preparedness, citing Ebola in DRC and Uganda as a reminder that health threats cross borders. Infrastructure Finance: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €650.7m ($746.2m) loan for Uganda’s standard gauge railway, aimed at linking Uganda to Kenya’s rail network and Mombasa port. Environment Enforcement: KCCA says developers who fail to plant trees will be denied occupancy permits under new Building Control Act 2026 rules.

Ebola Watch: Uganda is again in the spotlight as Israel hospitalises a second suspected Ebola returnee from the DRC, while health authorities stress the public risk is low and testing/contact tracing continues. HIV Prevention: The U.S. Embassy says Uganda will receive lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention drug, through PEPFAR in 2026—aimed at protecting high-burden groups including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Public Finance & Infrastructure: The IsDB approved a €650.7m (R12.28bn) loan to Uganda for the 272km Standard Gauge Railway linking to Kenya’s network and Mombasa port. Police & Local Security: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county policing model stations, with 70 already ready and more nearing completion. Rights & Courts: A debate on remand and bail resurfaced after comments by Besigye’s lawyer, following Lukwago’s bail denial/remand. Health Access & Women: Union launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads to improve affordability and access for girls and women. Governance Dispute: Former members of Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands dragged leaders to High Court over expulsion and disciplinary process. Regional Trade: Uganda’s neighbours keep pushing integration—South Sudan seeks more East African trade beyond oil exports.

Railway Finance: Uganda has secured a €650.7m (R12.28bn) IsDB loan to fund the 272km standard gauge railway linking Uganda to Kenya’s rail network and onward to Mombasa, with construction already underway by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi. Police at the Grassroots: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county model stations nationwide to boost security visibility and access, with 70 completed and more nearing finish. Maternal Health Support: Stanbic partnerships are strengthening maternal healthcare services in Karamoja, backing frontline care where access and transport challenges remain severe. Ebola Cross-Border Response: Uganda and DRC officials are in high-level talks on boosting the Ar’u Ebola treatment centre as cases rise and fears grow about spread into West Nile and Uganda. Courts and Liberty: A Besigye lawyer argues Uganda’s judiciary is “retreating” from protecting personal liberty, pointing to bail and remand concerns in high-profile cases. Human Rights Pressure: Two Kenyan activists detained in Uganda for 38 days were reportedly held in a military hospital before release, renewing enforced-disappearance and due-process worries. Public Health Access: Uganda’s transport Union has launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads to improve affordable menstrual hygiene access for girls and women. Security & Elections Diplomacy: A leaked phone-call claim involving Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and the EU ambassador is being used to highlight diplomatic strain after Uganda’s disputed 2026 elections.

Ebola Cross-Border Response: Uganda and DR Congo are in high-level talks on boosting the Ar’u Ebola treatment center after cases and deaths keep rising, with officials warning of importation risks into West Nile and Uganda. Ebola Human Toll: In eastern Congo, a 6-month-old girl died at an orphanage, the third child fatality there, as community resistance and limited protection gear complicate safe-burial efforts. Ebola Funding & Preparedness: UNHCR warns Ebola threatens more than two million displaced people in eastern DRC, while Africa CDC and partners flag major response gaps and the need for stronger regional funding and contact tracing. Transport & Infrastructure: The AfDB approved about Shs650bn (€155.99m) to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard facility, aiming to improve regional connectivity for West Nile and cross-border trade. Governance & Citizenship: Parliament’s appointments debate continues to spotlight Uganda’s citizenship tensions, including the Banyarwanda case after a ministerial nominee was rejected over dual nationality. Public Service Delivery: A Kyankwanzi-focused push argues Uganda must shift from plans to efficient, accountable, citizen-centred service delivery. Health & Inclusion: Union launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads to improve access for women and girls, targeting affordability and quality. Justice Delayed: Two Maracha men freed after 13 years on remand without trial, underscoring ongoing concerns about slow court processes.

Ebola Response in Focus: Uganda and DR Congo remain locked in a fast-worsening Ebola crisis, with reports citing surging cases and deaths, overwhelmed services, and continued fears that infections are being missed amid conflict, displacement, and misinformation. Human Cost at the Centre: In eastern Congo’s Ituri, mourners buried a six-month-old Ebola victim, the third child death linked to an orphanage this week, underscoring how the outbreak is tearing through vulnerable communities. Funding and Preparedness Pressure: Africa CDC leaders are urging the continent to fund its own Ebola response and vaccine development rather than relying on foreign partners, warning that the lack of approved tools for the Bundibugyo strain is deepening the emergency. Health System and Travel Rules: Africa CDC is pushing stronger exit screening across borders while warning that blanket travel bans can backfire by pushing people into harder-to-track routes. Infrastructure Boost: The AfDB approved about Sh650bn to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard facility, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity for passengers, cargo, and emergency operations. Political Tension Watch: Opposition MP Joel Ssenyonyi alleges a plan to implicate him in a Butambala terrorism case, as scrutiny of security actions against opposition figures continues.

Ebola Response in Uganda & DRC: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to 894 confirmed cases and 204 deaths across eastern DRC and Uganda, with only a small share of contacts traced and major staffing and funding gaps slowing containment. Regional Mobilisation: Burundi’s AU chair convened an emergency meeting that mobilised US$910m in pledges for the joint continental plan, urging rapid disbursement of the full US$518m needed within four weeks. On-the-ground Strain: Reports from Ituri describe unsafe burials, attacks and fear around treatment centres, and the death of medics and patients—highlighting how conflict and mistrust are undermining health services. Public Health Capacity Pressure: The WHO and partners warn the outbreak could become the worst on record if transmission isn’t stopped soon, while the US CDC announced US$107m emergency funding to support response teams in DRC and Uganda. Digital Governance: Uganda’s PPDA received ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for information security, as government pushes digital transformation. Trade & Business: Uganda’s Trade Ministry says Budget 2026/27 will prioritise market access and competitiveness for manufacturers, with calls for better value addition and financing. Telecom Taxes: Uganda’s UCC proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to boost digital inclusion.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 200 deaths and 894 confirmed cases, with Africa CDC warning missed contacts are still sustaining transmission and that the Bundibugyo strain and conflict are making containment harder. UN Support: The UN has released $4m from CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola response across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with health, logistics, screening and community risk communication support. Refugee Relief: EU and WFP funding (EUR 3m) will deliver digital cash assistance to 336,000 refugees in Uganda via mobile money and agency banking, helping families buy essentials while reducing crowding at distribution points. NRM Power Struggle: Gen. Muhoozi’s latest threats against opposition figures, including moves to remove the Leader of Opposition, are reigniting concerns about military influence in partisan politics. Digital Taxes: Uganda’s telecom regulator (UCC) proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to expand digital access and investment. Transport & Trade: Seacom launched a Nairobi–Kampala fibre route adding 1Tbps capacity (scalable to 30Tbps) to boost East African connectivity. Aviation Expansion: Uganda Airlines signed a Boeing deal for eight passenger aircraft and two converted freighters to grow passenger and cargo operations. Agriculture Policy: Government is developing a youth-focused agricultural investment plan to 2030, aligning national priorities with CAADP commitments.

Ebola Response: UN releases $4m from CERF to back Uganda’s Ebola response across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with support for screening, surveillance, community engagement and food for patients and frontline workers. Ebola Surge in DRC: Africa CDC warns Congo’s outbreak is still out of control as only about 12% of expected contacts are under active follow-up, with missed contacts sustaining transmission. US Emergency Funding: US CDC announces $107m emergency support for Ebola work in DRC and Uganda, including border health and lab/diagnostic assistance. Courtroom Accountability: Uganda’s High Court orders New Taxi Park lock-up traders’ association to pay Shs 1.26bn in damages over a redevelopment dispute, finding breaches of resolutions and fiduciary duties. Security & Politics: Lumumba Amin urges Ugandans to stop comparing Muhoozi’s actions to Idi Amin, after soldiers reportedly raided former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s home and he was charged in a treason-related case. Party Politics: UPC reaffirms Jimmy Akena as party president “by law and fact,” seeking unity after internal leadership wrangles ahead of the 2026 political cycle. Aviation & Trade: Uganda Airlines signs with Boeing for 10 aircraft (passenger and converted freighters), aiming to expand regional and international connectivity.

Opposition & Rule of Law: Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, lawyer to Kizza Besigye, was charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira pending bail decisions, with his defence citing a serious hypertension crisis and spinal injuries after military detention. Ebola Response & Public Trust: WHO released its first comprehensive clinical guidelines for Ebola and Marburg, as Uganda reports linked cases from DRC and health workers warn that misinformation and preference for traditional healers are undermining care-seeking. Aviation & Trade: Uganda Airlines signed a commitment with Boeing for two converted freighters and eight new passenger aircraft, aiming to boost cargo capacity and regional connectivity. Local Government Accountability: Mbarara District PAC hearings led to the arrest and charging of CAO David Muhwezi over alleged corruption and abuse of office tied to irregular land allocations on Kamukuzi Hill. Health & Governance Oversight: LoP Joel Ssenyonyi petitioned for Parliament to be recalled from recess to scrutinise alleged arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions and excessive force. Land Administration: Uganda will process free land titles for Hoima residents under the World Bank-backed SLAAC program to curb land grabbing and conflicts. Business & Finance: Absa Bank won a Commercial Court order allowing recovery of over UGX 710m from Boss Beverages after the company failed to prove wrongful interest calculations. Digital & Education: Airtel Africa Foundation pledged $6.2m in education and digital inclusion, including school internet connectivity and zero-rated learning platforms. Economy & Infrastructure: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries.

Opposition Legal Crackdown: Uganda’s former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was charged with misprision of treason and remanded after being seized by security forces, deepening concerns over the army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s expanding influence and the independence of courts. Opposition Targeting: NUP supporter Andrew Nabimanya (“NinyeTabz”) was reportedly abducted in Kamwokya by plainclothes operatives, adding to a pattern of “silent abductions” since the January election. Ebola Response Pressure: As DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is warned it could last up to a year, the EU pledged €493m for frontline care, humanitarian support in the Great Lakes (including Uganda), and vaccine/treatment research. Transport & Regulation: Uganda began compulsory emissions checks on vehicles in Kampala after air pollution was linked to more deaths than HIV, with new mandatory inspections restarting to curb toxic exhaust. Road Safety & Economy: Digital number plates under ITMS are delayed due to component logistics, leaving vehicles stuck in warehouses and threatening jobs and business growth. Agriculture Policy: Uganda launched a nationwide Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination drive with a new cost-recovery model where farmers pay per dose while government covers logistics.

Ebola Response, Uganda & DRC: The Red Cross says the DR Congo Ebola outbreak has not peaked and could last up to a year, as Africa CDC warns the crisis may become worse than past records. Regional Coordination: G7 leaders urged a “firm and coordinated” response, while the AU rallied heads of state and partners to fund and strengthen cross-border preparedness, surveillance, and containment. Travel & Trade Impact: Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo demanded countries lift “improper” Ebola travel restrictions, and Israel reversed its ban on Kenya after protests; Afreximbank also cancelled its annual meeting citing the evolving health situation. Domestic Governance & Rights: Opposition MP Joel Ssenyonyi condemned alleged abductions and urged action over the detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Public Service Delivery: Uganda Police and ITMS reported a 90%+ vehicle recovery rate using digital number plates. Energy & Development: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ people to electricity across 40 countries, pushing faster electrification through policy and investment reforms.

Ebola Crisis in Uganda and DR Congo: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warned the DR Congo outbreak could become worse than the deadliest on record, saying contact tracing is missing over 26,000 exposed people and the epidemic may last up to a year; DR Congo confirmed 837 cases and 196 deaths as insecurity and community resistance hamper response, while Oxfam says the true scale is likely underreported due to poor sanitation and limited testing. Regional Funding and Diplomacy: South Africa pledged $13.5m to support Ebola response in DR Congo and Uganda, Zimbabwe added $1m to Africa CDC, and G7 leaders called for coordinated action on vaccines, diagnostics, quarantine, border surveillance, and community engagement. Uganda Governance and Rights: Reports on the detention of opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago and broader concerns about rule of law and legal independence kept attention on how security forces operate amid political tension. Corruption and Courts: A major fraud case involving Sh11bn linked to a fake “industrial park” land scheme saw suspects remanded, spotlighting financial crime and procurement risks. Economy and Services: World Bank and AfDB said Mission 300 has connected over 50m people to electricity across 40 countries, while the World Bank cut Sub-Saharan growth forecasts amid energy shocks.