AGP Executive Report

Ebola & Borders: Uganda has condemned “unfair” travel restrictions tied to the DR Congo Ebola outbreak, saying they lack scientific backing and could hurt trade and tourism; Uganda says it has recorded only two deaths among 19 confirmed cases linked to the DRC, while the DRC toll keeps rising and the virus is spreading into displacement camps. Health Response: The US pledged over $200m for Ebola response in DRC and Uganda, with funding aimed at airport and border detection; Uganda also plans to deploy 160 medics to support DRC teams. Digital Governance: Uganda launched UGGov Agent, an AI platform letting citizens access services, track public projects, and engage institutions in 16 local languages via WhatsApp and SMS. Education: UNICEF reports only 2 in 10 secondary schools are ICT-ready, highlighting a major digital divide. Budget Politics: A post-budget dialogue on Uganda’s 2026/27 spending plan finds stakeholders split between hopes for growth and worries over taxes and debt. International Appointments: UN Secretary-General Guterres appointed Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa. Regional Watch: Israel imposed travel bans on nationals from Uganda and other Ebola-affected countries.

Ebola in the region: UNHCR confirms the first Ebola-related deaths in Congo’s Kpangba displacement camp (about 30,000 people), warning crowded sites could fuel rapid spread; WHO says the DRC outbreak is expanding into new health zones as weak contact tracing and insecurity strain response. Uganda’s preparedness: Uganda is named among affected countries (19 cases reported in the coverage), with calls for tighter border surveillance and continued precautions. Cross-border aid and treatment: The US pledges over $200m for Ebola response, including airport and border detection support, while Gilead announces remdesivir donations to Uganda to back outbreak treatment efforts. Public health messaging: UN Women reports women and girls make up 53.4% of lab-confirmed Ebola cases in DRC and Uganda, highlighting caregiving and burial risks. Domestic governance angle: Uganda Medical Association rejects a government proposal to cover only interns’ lunch after allowance cuts, arguing interns need full support (transport, meals, medical care). Aviation deal: Uganda Airlines signs a Boeing commitment for 10 aircraft, positioning the airline as a regional hub.

Ebola Crisis: Africa CDC says DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 676 and deaths to 136, while misinformation and insecurity in Ituri are slowing response; Uganda has recorded 19 cases (two deaths), mostly among Congolese nationals crossing the border. Public Health & Travel: WHO and other actors warn that travel advisories and border restrictions are being mishandled as fears grow around the World Cup and cross-border spread. Uganda Budget: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi delivered the 2026/27 budget of Shs84.4trn, targeting oil revenue and growth, and boosted education, skills and sports— including a 25% salary enhancement for primary and arts teachers. Labour Migration: Government plans a digital tracking system for Ugandans sent abroad for work under labour externalisation, to register workers before departure and improve consular support. Aviation & Economy: Uganda Airlines confirmed a major Boeing commitment—10 aircraft including four 787 Dreamliners—signalling a fleet refresh and new regional and cargo capacity. Environment & Oil: A report warns the East African Crude Oil Pipeline threatens wetlands and wildlife corridors, with long-term risks compounded by new regional oil and gas plans. Detention Rights: NRM MP Maggie Etilu says she is released after nearly three weeks of “unlawful detention,” without detailing where she was held. Regional Governance: EAC states table people-centred, pro-growth budgets focused on jobs, digital transformation, and health/transport/energy investment.

Ebola Response: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak remains “under control” as Africa CDC says Kampala has identified 792 contacts under active follow-up, while WHO reports the DRC has 676 confirmed cases and 19 Uganda cases with two deaths; WHO also says the risk to World Cup host countries is low, but labs in eastern Congo have run out of testing kits, threatening faster confirmation and tracing. Budget & Security: Uganda’s FY2026/27 budget allocates Shs10.21trn to security, governance and rule of law, including UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, CCTV, cybersecurity and immigration systems. Oil & Growth: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi projects 10.2% growth in 2026/27, tied to first commercial oil production, with oil revenue expected to start feeding the budget. Education & Pay: Government boosts education, skills and sports funding (Shs6.66trn) and raises minimum teacher salaries, including a 25% increase proposal. Trade Order & Environment: President Museveni defends enforcement of the Trade Order and wetland/environment protection, warning against “cheap politics” and disorder. Energy: Shs2.07trn goes to power generation and grid expansion, including Kiba hydro and solar projects. Governance/Investments: A new state minister takes over the privatization and investment docket, promising a friendlier climate for investors and job creation.

Ebola Response: Uganda reported no new Ebola cases for five days, keeping the national total at 19, as President Museveni said the “fire” is easing but warned the risk remains high and urged strict action; the Health Ministry rolled out tighter prevention steps in districts bordering eastern DRC, including suspending mass gatherings and reinforcing border screening. Medical Interns Pay: Vice-President Jessica Alupo said Cabinet will review the decision to stop paying medical interns, after MPs raised concerns that interns keep hospitals running and need support beyond a “lunch instead of allowance” proposal. Parliament & Finance: Parliament approved a €168.9m loan for Phase II of solar-powered irrigation to boost coffee production, while Uganda’s budget preparations also feature oil and gas revenue expectations and major spending plans. Aviation & Investment: Uganda Airlines signed a $985m Boeing deal for new passenger and cargo aircraft, aiming to expand regional and international connectivity. Governance & Public Safety: MPs demanded action against mob justice after the death of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi, pushing the Ministry of Internal Affairs to report on the incidents. Economy & Jobs: A new livelihood study on Uganda’s DREAMS programme found entrepreneurship-plus-market access reduced extreme poverty in refugee-host areas. Sports & Society: Airtel renewed its partnership with Buganda for the Masaza Cup, while Zanzibar Heroes vs Uganda Cranes friendly was postponed.

Ebola Response & Travel Curbs: President Museveni assured the WHO Uganda is ready to contain Ebola and urged stronger regional cooperation as WHO reports the DRC outbreak has surged past 600 cases and Uganda has 19 cases; meanwhile, Uganda’s Health Ministry issued travel advisories and the wider debate over Ebola travel bans ahead of the World Cup intensified, with Belgium rejecting blanket entry bans and the U.S. pressing Europe to tighten measures. Parliament & Governance: Nineteen ministers were sworn in as ex officio MPs, while NUP challenged a new law that reinstates military tribunals to try civilians, arguing it erodes civil liberties. Public Finance: Uganda’s FY2025/26 ended mixed, with revenue shortfalls and rising debt pressures; government also earmarked UGX 33.4tr for debt servicing in the 2026/27 budget and plans to unveil a Shs84.4tr budget. Transport & Aviation: Museveni witnessed Uganda Airlines’ Shs3.7tr Boeing deal for 10 aircraft, signaling expanded long-haul and cargo operations. Health Workforce: Government is set to review a policy that would remove medical interns’ allowances after opposition objections. Regional Trade: The Eastern Region UMA trade fair opened in Mbale, spotlighting local industry and skills.

Ebola Surge & Uganda Link: The DRC confirmed 598 Ebola cases and 115 deaths, with the outbreak driven by the Bundibugyo strain and spreading into Uganda, where 19 cases and two deaths are reported; WHO has flagged the situation as a Public Health Emergency, while health teams warn insecurity, shortages, and travel limits are slowing response. US Pressure on Travel Rules: The US urged other nations to “step up” with funding and “commonsense” travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup, citing fears of cross-border spread; it also pushed EU coordination with travel measures. Regional Response Strain: Reports from Congo describe hospitals lacking tests and protective gear, with healthcare workers falling ill and communities distrusting officials. Uganda Governance & Services: Uganda’s Ministry of Education plans to merge UNEB and NCDC under the Curriculum, Assessment and Admissions Bill to cut duplication and improve efficiency. Economy & Jobs: The World Bank says it will lend Uganda about $6bn (Shs 23tn) over 10 years to support private-sector growth and job creation. Uganda in Global Business: Uganda was ranked among the world’s top outsourcing destinations, but coverage stresses the need to turn rankings into real employment.

Ebola Regional Push: President Museveni urged stronger East and Central African coordination against Ebola after meeting WHO chief Tedros at State House Entebbe, stressing Uganda’s surveillance and cross-border work with DRC and noting discussions with President Tshisekedi. Funding Pressure: WHO and Africa CDC warned that a widening Ebola funding gap could weaken response as cases keep rising in DRC and Uganda. Uganda Readiness Drills: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital ran an Ebola emergency simulation to test isolation, screening, and infection control for frontline teams. Global Travel Politics: The US pressed Europe to tighten Ebola travel restrictions ahead of the World Cup, while reports also highlighted US quarantine and screening plans that are driving public anger in the region. Regional Aid and EU Support: Dubai Humanitarian airlifted 60 tonnes of Ebola-related medical aid to support DRC response via Uganda, and the EU announced fresh funding for Africa’s Ebola fight. Civic Space: Uganda Freedom Front launched in Wakiso as a non-electoral pressure group focused on civic education and governance accountability. Public Finance Debate: Stakeholders questioned government plans to redirect savings from suspended public holiday funding toward “critical development needs.”

Ebola Response & Uganda Health: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Uganda and praised the country’s Ebola surveillance and border screening, saying travel restrictions imposed on Uganda are unnecessary and mainly harm the economy; he pointed to Uganda’s “steady” handling with 19 cases reported and urged continued vigilance. Regional Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to surge, with reports of 515 confirmed cases and 101 deaths, and the virus spreading across eastern provinces and into Uganda—while attacks on health workers and community mistrust keep response teams under pressure. Cross-Border Politics & Public Order: In Kenya’s Nanyuki, police fired tear gas and arrested protesters opposing a US-backed 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, despite court pause orders—fueling anger that the US is “offloading” Ebola risk onto Africans. Governance & National Commemoration: Uganda will mark 37th Heroes’ Day with a scaled-down State House Entebbe ceremony as government austerity cuts spending on public functions. Finance & Development: Uganda signed a €270m Afreximbank loan to fund infrastructure and export-linked priorities under the 2024/25 budget, including roads, rail, ports, energy, and industrial parks.

Ebola Response in Uganda: WHO chief Tedros visited Uganda’s Mulago isolation unit, praising Uganda’s “prompt and capable” handling and border screening, while urging Kampala to reconsider its Congo border closure, saying blanket travel restrictions don’t work and harm economies. Regional Cooperation: President Museveni met Tedros and called for stronger cross-border collaboration with DRC to contain the outbreak, citing ongoing engagement with Congolese President Tshisekedi. Outbreak Numbers: DR Congo confirmed Ebola cases rose to 544 with deaths reported at 101, while Uganda reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths (plus a probable death). Cabinet & Governance: Museveni presided over the swearing-in of the new Cabinet; four ministers missed the oath due to citizenship-related concerns. Humanitarian Aid: Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical supplies to support DRC’s Ebola response with WHO. Public Health Policy: WHO also said travel restrictions on Uganda were unnecessary and counterproductive. International Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch criticized US bilateral health deals, alleging health aid is tied to access to surveillance data and pathogen samples.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s Ebola containment, pointing to border screening, surveillance, testing and case management after Uganda confirmed 19 cases and two deaths; the latest Ministry of Health update says three new infections were recorded, with most linked to cross-border movement from DR Congo. Regional Health Pressure: Congo’s outbreak keeps accelerating, with reports of 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, while global health leaders push for stronger cooperation and a joint WHO–Africa CDC response plan. Local Governance & Public Safety: MPs from Nyanza urged strict controls to prevent Ebola spread through Lake Victoria trade routes and island markets, warning that trader interactions could raise transmission risks. Health System Strain: Frontline workers in Congo complain of low pay and delayed allowances, even as the outbreak expands and care demands rise. Public Order: Kampala police reported a fatal ransom kidnapping case in Ntinda-Kigowa, highlighting a worrying trend of abductions and murders. Education & Infrastructure: A Baseline Education Census flags gaps in classrooms, teachers and sanitation, even as enrolment rises. Energy & Economy: Equity Bank announced expanded green financing to boost solar and clean energy adoption amid rising electricity costs.

Ebola Escalation: WHO has raised the Central Africa Ebola outbreak to an international emergency, reporting 471 infections and 84 deaths across DR Congo and Uganda, with a sharp jump of 100 new cases and 20 more deaths in a day; the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain and there are still no approved vaccines or treatments for it. Uganda Response: Uganda’s confirmed cases stand at 19 with two deaths as authorities intensify surveillance and preparedness, while the Africa CDC and WHO push a joint $518m “One Response” plan to strengthen detection, labs, infection control, clinical care, and community engagement. Regional Pressure & Travel Curbs: EU officials call the ceasefire in eastern DR Congo a “health emergency” as humanitarian aid ramps up, and several countries impose travel restrictions tied to Ebola risk. Public Integrity: Uganda’s Office of the President warns the public against fraudsters selling “RDC jobs,” stressing there are no vacant posts and no reshuffle lists. Wildlife Enforcement: Uganda destroyed 8.9 tonnes of seized wildlife contraband from Entebbe, targeting illegal trade networks. Budget Watch: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget is framed around revenue mobilization and private-sector-friendly growth. Health Monitoring Beyond Ebola: Separate alerts include measles spread in the US and Shigella concerns in India, underscoring how quickly outbreaks can travel.

Ebola Watch (Uganda & region): WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 confirmed cases, with DRC at 452 and Uganda at 19, as officials warn the crisis could grow to the scale of the 2014 epidemic without strong action. Public Health Response: Africa CDC and WHO unveiled a $518m plan (June–November) to boost surveillance, testing, infection prevention, clinical care, and community engagement across affected countries. Border & travel pressure: Uganda’s western border with the DRC has been tightened, disrupting traders, while multiple countries tighten entry screening amid World Cup travel fears. Local containment signals: In India, two suspected Ebola patients linked to Uganda and Sudan were tested and cleared as negative, but monitoring continues. Governance & accountability: A study questions whether Uganda’s environmental impact assessment process is becoming box-ticking, highlighting how developers and certified assessors may undermine the “least harmful option” requirement. Security & justice: ICJ proceedings in the South Africa–Israel genocide case were pushed forward with a new round of written submissions. Reintegration: 14 former LRA captives returned to Uganda for rehabilitation in Gulu after years in captivity.

Ebola Surge in Uganda-DRC: WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 cases, with 452 confirmed in DR Congo (82 deaths) and 19 confirmed in Uganda (2 deaths), bringing the combined total to 471 cases and 84 deaths—warnings that it could grow to levels seen in 2014 if response gaps persist. Cross-Border Fallout: Uganda’s border closure over Ebola fears is hitting traders hard, with goods stuck at Mpondwe and losses mounting as movement restrictions tighten. Regional Health Measures: The UAE has introduced travel restrictions for passengers from Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan, while Mauritius temporarily bans entry for foreigners from the same countries (with returning residents facing mandatory 21-day quarantine). Funding and Response Push: The WHO and Africa CDC have launched a $518m Ebola response plan, as the US CDC warns the outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases in three months without stronger interventions. Uganda in the Spotlight: Uganda also announced it has confirmed 6 new Ebola cases, taking infections to 15, as health authorities intensify monitoring and contact tracing.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: WHO says nearly 500 Ebola cases are confirmed in Central Africa, with DR Congo reporting 452 cases and 82 deaths and Uganda at 19 cases and two deaths—up sharply in a day—while US CDC modelling warns the outbreak could rival 2014 levels without strong interventions. Regional Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m six-month “One Response” plan (June–November) to boost surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care, logistics and community engagement across DR Congo and Uganda. Uganda Border Pressure: Uganda closed the Congo border over Ebola fears, hitting traders at Mpondwe with long queues and stalled cargo, as authorities tighten cross-border movement. UPDF Recruitment: UPDF announced nationwide recruitment of over 10,000 personnel (June–August) to replace retiring officers, with online applications from 10–24 June and physical recruitment from 20 July–1 August. Health Sector Support: KOICA, WHO and Uganda’s Ministry of Health upgraded Wandago Health Centre II in Buyende, improving maternal/child services and training young mothers with income skills. Sports & Public Health: FUFA cancelled Uganda Cranes friendlies in Morocco citing sanitary and public health considerations, disappointing coach Paul Put ahead of AFCON 2027 preparations. Infrastructure Push: President Museveni broke ground for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga, promising jobs and better access to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Ebola Response Escalates: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m, six-month Ebola plan for DR Congo and neighboring Uganda, warning the outbreak is “moving fast” and that containment needs political commitment, sustained funding, and community trust. Worst-Case Warning: US CDC modeling says Central Africa’s Ebola could reach 10,000–20,000 cases (worst case) within months if isolation and public health measures lag. Uganda Situation Update: Africa CDC/WHO report 397 confirmed cases across DR Congo and Uganda, with 381 in Congo and 16 in Uganda; 34 health workers infected so far, with seven deaths. DR Congo Spread Alert: Congo health authorities confirmed 71 new cases in 24 hours and warned of rapid community transmission, with cases concentrated in Ituri amid insecurity. Aid Through Uganda Route: Dubai Humanitarian airlifted 20 metric tonnes of WHO prepositioned medical supplies via Uganda to support hundreds of patients and about 280 health facilities. Local Governance & Development: President Museveni launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja, pitching it as a tourism and investment boost. Sports Disruption: Tanzania’s league officials moved to calm fears after Ebola-related cancellations of Taifa Stars friendlies.