AGP Executive Report

Public Spending: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it paid $4.5 million for prime Kampala land near its headquarters and followed procurement rules. Questions remain about the site’s purpose and its conversion from leasehold to freehold; the ministry has not addressed those points. Political Succession: NRM Secretary General Richard Todwongo said it was “not a bad thing” for Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s supporters to back a 2031 presidential bid, provided they act under the party. Digital Governance: The government’s new national data strategy has triggered a dispute, with UBOS calling the ICT Ministry’s launch illegal and redundant. Ebola Preparedness: Uganda says it has no active Ebola cases and disputes claims that the Nigerian woman who tested positive contracted the virus in Uganda. Nigeria is tracing 44 contacts, raising fresh questions about cross-border surveillance. Economy: The Finance Ministry says business activity remains in expansion, but annual inflation rose to 4.6% in September, driven partly by food, transport and energy costs.

Data Governance: UBOS has called the ICT Ministry’s new five-year National Data Strategy illegal, arguing that the Statistics Act gives the bureau authority over official data. The dispute puts government’s plans for data-sharing and AI adoption in question. Political Dialogue: Opposition parties say detainees must be freed and exiles allowed home before national talks can begin; the NRM says criminal cases belong in court. Justice Minister Norbert Mao says separate talks are under way on the cases of Besigye and Lukwago. Courts and Politics: The High Court dismissed Male Mabirizi’s appeal against Muhoozi Kainerugaba and 17 others over the Patriotic League of Uganda, upholding the rejection of his private criminal complaint. Disaster Response: Government begins one-off Shs18 million payments to households in landslide-prone Bugisu, with Shs62 billion set aside to relocate about 13,000 people. Ebola Preparedness: Uganda says it has no active Ebola cases and is seeking more travel and clinical details from Nigeria after a woman who transited through Uganda tested positive in Abuja. Nigeria has identified 44 contacts; Uganda says transit alone does not establish where she was infected.

Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in a woman who had travelled from Uganda, identifying 44 contacts for monitoring. Uganda has launched a five-day emergency drill to test readiness for Ebola and other outbreaks. Security and Rights: Rwandan dissident Robert Kabera was found beheaded in Mpigi; police say no suspects have been identified. Digital Government: Uganda launched a National Data Strategy, with Sh1.6 trillion sought over five years to improve data infrastructure, governance and public services. Parliament: Speaker Jacob Oboth says staff verification is a routine effort to strengthen integrity and merit, not a move to force employees out. Trade: Uganda and South Africa are seeking to remove business barriers and expand investment in sectors including energy, agriculture and manufacturing.

Security and Regional Ties: Police are investigating the beheading of Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan soldier and Kagame critic found dead in Mpigi. His head is missing, and the killing has renewed concern about the safety of exiled dissidents in Uganda. Detention and Health: Opposition leader Erias Lukwago has been transferred to Mulago Hospital from detention as his lawyers seek mandatory bail, citing his worsening health and continued remand without trial. Political Mobilisation: The Patriotic League of Uganda has endorsed Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the 2031 presidency at a rally in Adjumani. Energy Policy: FDC is urging government to consult charcoal traders and introduce a phased transition to cleaner fuels, arguing that abrupt enforcement without affordable alternatives hurts low-income households. Parliamentary Scrutiny: MPs are questioning reports that 121 Ugandans are serving in the Russian army.

Lukwago Bail Push: Lawyers are seeking an urgent hearing after former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was taken to hospital as his health worsened in custody. A scheduled court session was cancelled, and no new date has been confirmed. Security Investigation: Police are investigating the killing of Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan soldier and government critic whose headless body was found in Mpigi. Police say the motive is unknown and no arrests have been announced. Charcoal Policy: FDC wants the government to consult traders and communities on a phased plan after Parliament suspended enforcement of the commercial charcoal ban. The party also called for an end to what it described as militarised enforcement. Kampala Accountability: KCCA has sworn in a five-member Public Accounts Committee to examine audit reports and question city officials on public spending. Kaweesi Case: The trial of eight men accused of murdering former police chief Andrew Felix Kaweesi is scheduled to begin at the High Court, nine years after his killing.

Health Policy: Vice-President Jessica Alupo says she will take to government Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba’s proposal to fund national health insurance with oil and mineral revenues. MPs are also pressing for more specialists to care for older people and want the SAGE grant’s age threshold lowered from 80. Trade and Borders: Uganda and South Sudan have signed an agreement aimed at cutting cargo delays and other trade barriers. South Sudanese traders say they need direct access to Ugandan manufacturers; a joint committee is to oversee implementation. Officials from Lamwo and Eastern Equatoria also met to discuss disputed border land, illegal guns and cattle raids. Investment Drive: President Museveni urged Ugandans abroad to invest in manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism and technology, rather than relying only on remittances. Industry Costs: Ugandan manufacturers are asking government for tax relief, cheaper loans and support to access machinery, saying high production costs are limiting growth and jobs.

Regional Health: Tanzania has introduced border screening and 21-day monitoring for high-risk travellers as Ebola spreads to an eighth province in the DRC and Kenya reports seven cases. Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free, but the regional spread puts cross-border vigilance in focus. Public Service: The Health Ministry says Arua doctor Robert Candia remains at work, despite a minister publicly announcing his suspension; officials say disciplinary action must follow proper procedures. Infrastructure: Repairs to Isimba Dam’s eroding spillway remain unresolved as heavier rains loom, with no firm completion schedule disclosed after a government inspection. City Services: KCCA and NWSC have agreed to plan jointly after trading blame over damaged roads, pipes and delayed utility relocations. Disability Rights: The Gender Ministry has appointed 23 members to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, but three ministries have yet to nominate their representatives.

AFCON Funding: Government is adding Shs260 billion to preparations for hosting AFCON 2027, bringing the National Council of Sports allocation to Shs460 billion. Economic Pressure: Traders’ group NETA is seeking talks with the Bank of Uganda, warning that higher interest rates could deepen the strain on businesses already facing rising fuel costs and a weaker shilling. The central bank recently raised its benchmark rate to 12%. Infrastructure Oversight: Concerns over erosion and unresolved defects at Isimba dam have resurfaced ahead of the rainy season, with officials following up on repairs but no firm completion date reported. Public Finances: Government released Shs21.82 trillion for the second quarter, including Shs10.75 trillion for debt repayments. Politics: Former foreign affairs minister Okello Oryem says his political career is not over after being left out of Cabinet.

Regional Health Security: Kenya’s Ebola cases rose to seven, including three healthcare workers; officials say all were quarantined and report no wider community spread. Public Integrity: Three KCCA officials and a land dealer were remanded over alleged fraud in the transfer of Munyonyo land. Cultural Affairs: Government gazetted Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as Omukama of Tooro, formalising his succession amid a dispute over the late king’s heir. Trade and Finance: Uganda and Kenya agreed to tackle barriers on agricultural exports. Government is also seeking a new IMF programme, while its Q2 release totals Shs21.82 trillion, including Shs10.75 trillion for debt repayments. Economic Pressure: The Bank of Uganda raised its benchmark rate to 12% amid shilling and inflation pressures. Infrastructure Oversight: Officials revisited Isimba dam as concerns persist over spillway erosion ahead of the rainy season.

Economy: Uganda is seeking a new IMF credit programme to secure cheaper financing and bolster investor confidence as the shilling weakens. Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego blamed the currency’s slide on the current-account deficit and weaker portfolio inflows, not the sovereignty law, after the central bank raised its policy rate to 12%. Public Spending: Government released Shs21.82 trillion for the second quarter, including Shs10.75 trillion for debt payments and refinancing. Oil Development: The planned $4 billion Hoima refinery is targeting a February 2027 investment decision, but key agreements and heavy-equipment transport plans remain unfinished. Public Service: The new Public Service Commission has been urged to tackle bribery and restore trust in recruitment. Regional Ties: Uganda plans to send the IGAD free-movement protocol to Cabinet for ratification. Health Research: Volunteers in Masaka have received doses in a trial of an Oxford-developed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola; the early-stage study will assess safety and immune response.

Public Service: The Health Ministry said Arua doctor Robert Candia was not suspended, stressing that disciplinary action must follow public service procedures after Minister Anifa Kawooya’s on-camera order sparked backlash. Public Finance: Uganda is seeking more concessional IMF loans to strengthen its credit rating, while the World Bank says bureaucracy and procurement delays are holding up projects. Government also released Shs21.82 trillion for the second quarter. Border Security: Ugandan and South Sudanese leaders called for joint action on illegal guns, land disputes and insecurity along their shared border. Charcoal Policy: Parliament halted enforcement of the charcoal ban pending a government review, after traders raised concerns over stranded stocks. Disaster Preparedness: Government is investing Shs500 million in weather stations and flood warnings across eastern Uganda, where floods and landslides have repeatedly damaged livelihoods.

Human Rights Oversight: A parliamentary committee has urged the retirement of UHRC officials found responsible for internal dysfunction, saying infighting has crippled the commission. Public Spending: Government released Shs21.82 trillion for the second quarter, with accounting officers told to fund only approved programmes. Economic Policy: Bank of Uganda raised its benchmark rate to 12% amid shilling and inflation pressures; Governor Michael Atingi-Ego said the currency slide was driven mainly by the current-account deficit and weaker investment flows, not the Sovereignty Act. Charcoal Ban: Parliament suspended enforcement until October 21, asking government to explain how households can access affordable alternatives. Election Disputes: A repeat LC1 vote in Abayita Ababiri was postponed after complaints that unregistered voters had joined candidate queues. Regional Ties: Uganda and South Africa are reviewing trade, security and migration agreements, with officials stressing that commitments must lead to practical results.

Monetary Policy: The Bank of Uganda raised its benchmark rate to 12% to curb shilling weakness and inflation. Economists warn higher borrowing costs could squeeze businesses and jobs. Charcoal Ban: Parliament suspended enforcement pending a government review after traders said billions of shillings’ worth of stock was stranded at the South Sudan border. Regional Trade: President Museveni says Uganda wants to grow its annual exports to South Sudan beyond $700 million, with better border procedures, road security and electricity links. Accountability and Security: Uganda and Poland are partnering on public financial oversight, while videos by a Ugandan army officer have raised allegations of torture and abductions that authorities have yet to address in the reports cited. Digital Governance: A clash between ministers over the value and legality of the digital number-plate system has renewed scrutiny of the project.

Economy: Bank of Uganda raised its benchmark rate to 12% from 9.75% to curb inflation and shilling pressure, cutting its 2026/27 growth forecast; the shilling later rebounded past 4,000 to the dollar. Charcoal Policy: Parliament suspended enforcement of the northern charcoal-trade ban until the government explains its rollout and access to affordable alternatives. Traders say billions of shillings in stock are stranded, while ministers cite forest protection. Regional Trade: Uganda signed a trade deal with South Sudan and agreed with Kenya to remove barriers facing cross-border goods. Museveni also called on the EU to back local processing of African raw materials. Politics and Justice: The Patriotic League of Uganda is seeking registration as a political party. Separately, a court ordered a recount at 29 polling stations in a challenge to the Kassanda South parliamentary result. Government in Court: A TikToker accused of cyber harassment involving Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba and Health Ministry permanent secretary Diana Atwine was denied bail and remanded until November 5.

Monetary Policy: The Bank of Uganda raised its benchmark rate by 2.25 percentage points to 12% at an emergency meeting, aiming to steady the shilling and curb inflation as fuel and import costs climb. The government has resisted broad fuel subsidies, favouring targeted support. Government Communications: Uganda launched a National Communication Policy to coordinate messaging across public institutions and expand digital outreach. Digital Number Plates: MPs are scrutinising the US$25 million tracking system after former ministers Edward Katumba Wamala defended it and Kahinda Otafiire questioned its value. Wildlife Accountability: Parliament has called for an independent probe into allegations that wildlife rangers killed or disappeared people near parks, stressing the claims remain unverified. Security and Rights: Uganda tightened Ebola screening at its DRC border after Kenya confirmed a second case; separately, videos by a Ugandan army officer allege torture and abductions.

Ebola Preparedness: Uganda has tightened screening at its DRC border after a Kenyan traveller infected in Congo died in Nairobi. The US has extended Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting Uganda for another 30 days. Public Accountability: MPs questioned Works Minister Katumba Wamala over the digital number-plate project, while government suspended the Uganda Driving Standards Agency pending investigations. Reports cite ignored warnings and missing feasibility studies. Press Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged authorities to establish the whereabouts of reporter Eria Jengo, missing since he was forced into an unmarked vehicle in Kampala on September 10. Economy: Bank of Uganda reserves rose to $6.7 billion by June, but households and businesses still face higher fuel and import costs as the shilling weakens. The government says it will assess the pressures before deciding on intervention.