AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency: Uganda is being pulled deeper into the DRC Ebola crisis as the outbreak grows exponentially, with Pope Leo XIV urging international action and local community involvement to save lives. Public Health & Data: Kampala’s HIV numbers are alarming, with a KCCA review showing at least 211 new infections weekly over the past year, pushing calls for urgent prevention and better funding. Elections & Peace: Religious leaders in Sebei are urging calm ahead of the Kapchorwa by-election, warning against rhetoric that could inflame tensions. Child Protection: Police in Lugazi arrested a police officer over alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl, with investigations and lab samples underway. Agriculture & Climate: Government is finalising NDC 3.0 to cut emissions and build farmer resilience, while also targeting 1.5 million hectares under irrigation by 2040. Infrastructure & Accountability: Auditor General-linked reports spotlight financial mismanagement and arrears in key government programmes, including Makerere Guest House cash handling, LEGS microfinance lending irregularities, and unpaid obligations in Works and Transport. Energy & Industry: UIA has been directed to secure land for Roofings’ iron ore processing factory ahead of a Museveni visit, as Uganda pushes industrial value addition.

Parliament & National IDs: MPs say Uganda’s new national identity cards are failing QR-code verification, blocking some citizens from banking services and SIM registration/replacement, with NIRA admitting the QR system wasn’t integrated by February and MPs demanding answers. Anti-Corruption & Jobs: Kisoro officials and others were arrested over alleged bribes linked to government job placements, including claims of money and cement demands to secure appointments. Public Finance Discipline: Government rolled out a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter, warning accounting officers that breaches will trigger automatic administrative sanctions. Local Government Accountability: The LEGS rural growth programme faces serious scrutiny over land disputes, unaccounted funds and loan irregularities under the Ministry of Local Government. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink satellite internet is set to launch in Uganda, with Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda leading after UCC-Starlink agreements. Health & Service Delivery: Masaka Regional Referral Hospital reports about 160 preterm births monthly, citing gaps in antenatal care and unmanaged infections/hypertension. UPDF Recruitment: Hundreds turned up for UPDF recruitment in Mukono, with reports of applicants struggling during fitness tests. Sports & Youth Football: Robert Kiwanuka was re-elected Uganda Youth Football Association chairman, and Uganda’s AFCON 2027 host trio (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) continues to shape regional football planning. International Watch: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Uganda, while the UN Security Council’s second straw poll continues for the next UN secretary-general.

US Visa Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Uganda, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Anti-Corruption & Jobs: Kisoro District Service Commission officials were arrested over alleged bribes linked to government job placements, with suspects expected to face the Anti-Corruption Court. Local Government Accountability: Uganda’s LEGS rural growth programme is under scrutiny after findings flagged land disputes, unaccounted funds and loan-related irregularities under the Ministry of Local Government. Public Finance Discipline: Government introduced a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter, warning accounting officers that budget breaches will trigger automatic administrative sanctions. Health System Strain: Luuka’s Kiyunga Health Centre IV is short of beds, diagnostics and reliable power, forcing some mothers to sleep on floors and pushing patients to private clinics. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink satellite internet has officially launched in Uganda, with Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda leading enterprise rollouts. UPDF Recruitment: Hundreds turned up for UPDF recruitment in Mukono, where applicants faced tough fitness and medical screening. Ebola Watch (DRC): Aid workers warn Ebola response is being hindered by quarantine rules, as the outbreak continues to surge. UN Politics: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu gained momentum in the UN Security Council’s second straw poll for the next secretary-general, moving up in “encouraged” votes.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council held its second secret straw poll for the next Secretary-General, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett emerging narrowly ahead (8 “encourage” votes), while Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi followed closely (7 each). Uganda’s Olara Otunnu also gained attention, showing how the field is tightening before a formal recommendation to the General Assembly. Ebola Crisis in DR Congo: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading “exponentially,” with deaths reported above 2,500 and the UN warning that attacks on health teams and funding gaps are worsening the response. Uganda ID System Scrutiny: In Uganda’s Parliament, MPs raised complaints that new national IDs’ QR verification is failing, blocking access to services like banking and SIM registration, prompting calls for NIRA to explain the rollout problems. Regional Infrastructure Push: Jonam MP Patrick Okello Onguti urged faster action to improve West Nile infrastructure, citing road and health facility gaps in Pakwach and wider concerns about UWA relations. Marine Safety Rule: Uganda issued a directive making life jackets mandatory on inland waters, warning boat operators and passengers of prosecution for non-compliance. Regional Energy Deal: Dangote’s planned Kenya refinery offer includes a 30% regional equity stake, with Uganda-linked crude supply mentioned as part of the project’s scale.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council has completed a second secret straw poll to pick a successor to Antonio Guterres, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among the contenders; candidates need at least nine votes and must avoid a veto. Education Accountability: An Anglican priest in Wakiso criticised the arrest and public humiliation of head teachers over alleged violations of school lunch fee directives, warning it could erode respect for education leadership. National IDs: MPs say new national identity cards’ QR verification is still failing, blocking access to banking, SIM registration and other services, despite earlier promises to fix it. UPDF Retirement Review: President Museveni ordered UPDF leadership to review active service length and consider earlier retirement for long-serving officers. Fisheries Crackdown: Uganda’s fisheries ministry announced tougher regulations to curb illegal fishing, control capacity and protect breeding grounds. Ebola Emergency: UN officials report DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading “exponentially,” with deaths surging and response hampered by funding gaps. Cross-Border Ebola Support: Uganda plans to send health workers to South Sudan to help contain Ebola and reduce the risk of spread into Uganda. Industrial Park Bottlenecks: MMP Industrial Park expansion is being slowed by unstable electricity, delays in tax exemptions and poor access roads. Transport Dispute: South Sudan released commandeered Ugandan truck drivers and vehicles in Bor after diplomatic pressure, while SSPDF denies its soldiers were behind the seizures.

Nile Water Tensions: Egypt warned it will not allow new Ethiopian dams on the Nile, saying Cairo has “multiple tools” to defend water security, as the dispute over GERD and reported extra projects deepens. UPDF Leadership: President Museveni hailed retiring UPDF generals for strengthening peace and security, marking the retirement of 19 general officers and a wider August send-off of 1,817 officers and militants. Economy & FX: Uganda shilling weakened 3.2% against the dollar year-on-year in July, with Bank of Uganda citing geopolitical pressure and higher dollar demand, though month-on-month it slightly appreciated. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council is set for another secret straw poll on Friday, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among contenders, while Ivonne A-Baki and others push reform and Security Council overhaul. Aviation Oversight: COSASE inspected Entebbe Airport over Auditor General concerns, including idle or delayed procurement of scanners and other assets worth about Shs17b. Anti-Corruption at Auditor General: Uganda’s Auditor General interdicted four auditors and says investigations target at least 27 suspected auditors over alleged corruption. Transport Crackdown: Govt launches a 100-day “Ganyegenya” crackdown on unroadworthy taxis in Greater Kampala starting Monday. Ebola in DRC: Vaccine access and funding are expanding for the Bundibugyo outbreak, with Ervebo doses approved for immediate release and further studies underway.

Transport Crackdown: Uganda launched a 100-day operation to impound unroadworthy commuter taxis in Greater Kampala, warning that “political considerations” will not protect vehicles with dangerous mechanical defects. Media & Accountability: Daily Express journalist Remmy Asiteza was remanded to Luzira after charges over “fake news” and allegedly broadcasting without a UCC licence, tied to claims involving Presidency minister Milly Babalanda. Local Politics: Ex-Kole Woman MP Judith Alyek lost a women council chair race by two votes, and says she will challenge the result at the Electoral Commission. Water & Environment: Mbarara’s River Rwizi restoration push is turning to a marathon as over 60% of the catchment is degraded, with deforestation, illegal mining and waste blamed. UN Diplomacy: Uganda’s UN Secretary-General candidate Olara Otunnu renewed calls for UN reform and prioritising conflicts including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and the Horn. Health & Borders: The DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO and Africa CDC warning it is far from under control as fatality rates climb. Infrastructure Finance: Uganda seeks about €207.7m from Citibank to upgrade the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road, amid rising debt-service pressure.

Taiwan Passport Row: Uganda returned passports to four Taiwanese nationals after earlier withholding at Entebbe, with MOFA citing “one China” entry-stamp requirements and promising closer monitoring. Local Governance & Anti-Corruption: Minister Milly Babalanda told RDCs to answer political critics through tougher community-level supervision—physically checking projects, tracking beneficiaries, and avoiding accusations without evidence. Land & Titles: The Lands Ministry ordered people with freehold titles on forest reserves to vacate and pushed district land boards to cancel such titles as government starts compiling a public land inventory. Aviation Corruption Probe: COSASE stalled after UCAA DG Fred Bamwesigye failed to attend a corruption hearing, raising questions over acting appointments and accounting authority. Industrial Investment Blocked: Nytil’s Shs144b Jinja spinning plant is delayed by a land dispute over an access road built on reserved land. Ebola Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains far from control, with rapid spread and deaths rising; Uganda is cited as having stopped transmission after spillover. Health Policy: Uganda and others urged to integrate non-communicable disease services into UHC reforms. Disability Rights: Uganda Airlines faced backlash after South Sudanese passengers with disabilities were forced off a flight in Juba. UN Politics: Ugandan UN secretary-general candidate Olara Otunnu renewed calls for UN reform, invoking St. Francis.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: The WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still “far from being controlled,” with cases now above 5,000 and deaths above 2,300, as insecurity, displacement and missed contact chains keep transmission moving into new areas. Opposition Treason Case: In Besigye’s treason trial, a state witness told court he used a covert camera hidden in a power bank to record alleged meetings about acquiring weapons and arranging paramilitary training, with the case continuing in Kampala. Museveni Pardons CAA Staff: President Museveni has pardoned 152 former Uganda Civil Aviation Authority staff dismissed in an Entebbe corruption crackdown, but workers say the pardon is not yet formally implemented, blocking access to terminal and retirement benefits. Local Government Accountability: Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara opened FY 2027/28 negotiations warning that corruption and misuse of conditional grants are undermining schools, health facilities and roads. UPDF Military Showcase: UPDF announced the second Chief of Defence Forces Interforces Drill Competition (Aug 22–25) at Kololo, aimed at testing discipline and cohesion. Data Privacy Crackdown: Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office says over 35,000 data entities remain unregistered, warning non-compliance is a criminal offence. Banking & Finance: Stanbic Uganda posted a 28.2% jump in first-half profit and declared a large interim dividend, while Equity Group reported strong earnings but skipped an interim dividend to fund expansion.

UN Leadership Race: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN secretary-general, pitching her as a unifying choice amid UN divisions and budget strains. Local Government Accountability: Minister Balaam Barugahara urged tighter accountability in conditional grants, warning corruption and misuse at local level damage service delivery. Parliament Watch: Kabweri MP Dr Patrick Wakida challenged the methods used in anti-corruption operations, demanding the Local Government committee investigate alleged high-handedness. Health Policy: Government restored the monthly Shs1m net allowance for medical interns for Aug–Dec, after protests over proposed changes; Cabinet also expanded internship centres to 77 and said it will review human resource gaps. Energy Outlook: Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna warned Uganda risks an electricity shortage if generation fails to match rapid industrialisation. Legal Proceedings: The High Court began hearing Besigye’s treason case in his absence, with prison officials citing inability to attend. Ebola Update (Regional Risk): WHO warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” citing insecurity, displacement and fast spread. Arts & State Recognition: President Museveni approved a state burial for playwright Alex Mukulu, set for Aug 20. Sports (Uganda in the Mix): Uganda and Italy advanced toward the Cricket World Cup 2027 qualifier play-off after Italy topped Challenge League Group B.

Ebola Alert (DRC): WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” saying the epidemic has a “big head start” and risks spreading further across borders as cases and deaths climb. Anti-Corruption (URSB): Uganda’s IGG orders the interdiction of URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials over sweeping corruption allegations, with Justice Minister Norbert Mao told to set interim arrangements. Electricity Access: Uganda’s power rollout gets a boost as over 270,000 prepaid electricity meters undergo quality testing ahead of deployment under the World Bank-supported push for one million new connections. Water Security (Sembabule): A Shs10bn solar-powered facility is set to ease water stress in Sembabule, where residents trek long distances for unsafe water. Anti-Corruption Law Push (Bukedi/Bugisu): Leaders and MPs call for tougher amendments to Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, including stiffer penalties and stronger whistleblower protection. Political Violence (Homa Bay): ODM condemns violence that disrupted Linda Mwananchi’s rally, calling for accountability as the death toll rises. Sports/UPDF: Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho retires after a controversial intelligence tenure, as UPDF prepares further senior retirements.

Parliament Oversight: MPs on the Public Accounts Committee challenged the Gender, Labour and Social Development ministry after Auditor General findings showed only 172 of 1,012 complaints by Ugandans abroad were resolved—just 17% for cases involving trafficking, job abandonment, deaths, repatriation and refunds. Public Service Discipline: The Office of the President warned RDCs/RCCs and field officers against indiscipline, stressing respect for hierarchy and professionalism. Health Policy Impact: A real-world study published in The Lancet HIV reports TB preventive treatment for people with HIV reduces TB disease and deaths, especially when started early in HIV care—relevant for Uganda’s HIV/TB programming. Ebola Regional Risk: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 2,325 deaths and 4,945 cases, with UN warnings that it is killing about one person every 30 minutes—Uganda has reported at least 20 cases in Kampala. Local Governance & Infrastructure: UN-Habitat and KCCA handed over the first phase of Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation after the 2024 collapse, funded by Japan. Energy Sector Accountability: Parliament questioned UEDCL’s readiness to take over electricity distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses. Food Security Shock: Karamoja’s first wheat harvest was wiped out by a prolonged dry spell, threatening diversification plans. Land & Investment: Land disputes in Njeru are threatening business expansion, with investors warning unresolved ownership conflicts could stall growth. Human Capital & Housing: Kyambogo University students showcased affordable housing designs at far lower costs than official estimates, pushing debate on Uganda’s housing affordability benchmarks. Security/Justice: The Kiboga prison murder trial was adjourned due to lack of funds for witness facilitation.

URSB Crackdown: President Museveni has ordered top Uganda Registration Services Bureau officials, including URSB Commissioner Gilbert Agaba, on leave pending investigations into alleged embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering and mismanagement—showing how internal institutional fights can escalate to State House. Housing Affordability Row: Kyambogo University students say “affordable” housing can be designed for about Shs13.2m, challenging claims that Shs100m homes are the benchmark, after Minister Persis Namuganza questioned sector figures. Power Sector Scrutiny: Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee questioned UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses, as the transition’s performance comes under pressure. Land Dispute in Court: NSSF has moved to court to evict businessman Amos Nzeyi from Temangalo land it says it bought in 2008, reopening a long-running ownership and swap arrangement dispute. Political Prison Protest: PFF announced weekly national-colour wear and prayers demanding Kizza Besigye’s release on medical bail, escalating non-violent pressure. Ebola Watch (Regional): UN warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is killing about one person every 30 minutes, with Uganda reporting cases—raising urgency for cross-border preparedness. Corruption Case: URA arrested a senior customs manager, Ssozi Geoffrey, allegedly caught taking a USD60,000 bribe to influence a tax audit. Education Funding Crisis: Government-aided schools report unpaid staff and debts after a ministerial directive stopped collecting school dues, with some schools closing early for lack of essentials.

Ebola Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945 (101 new cases in 24 hours), as UN officials warn the virus is “winning” without faster, bigger action. Kampala Protest Crackdown: The KMPDU condemned the arrest and detention of eight medical interns in Kampala over allowance and working-condition protests, with the case remanded to Luzira Prison. Trade & Industry Push: Minister Sanjay Tanna urged the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) to expand service delivery and commercialize more of its outputs, warning Uganda’s machinery import bill is still rising. Local Food Industry Revival: Cabinet-directed efforts to strengthen Uganda’s egg and baby food sector continue, with Minister David Bahati inspecting Pristine Foods and warning against importing products that could be made locally. Education & Curriculum: NCDC called for continuous curriculum review to keep learning relevant to national priorities and global change, ahead of an international curriculum conference. Security & Diplomacy: UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is in Gabon for Independence Day celebrations, with talks expected on military collaboration and regional security.

DRC Ebola Surge: WHO says the Bundibugyo virus outbreak in eastern DR Congo has jumped to 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths, spreading across 54 health zones in six provinces, with 579 cases and 304 deaths reported in one week—raising fears of wider regional spread including Uganda. Uganda Digital Policy: Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026 pushed for an inclusive, safe, AI-ready internet, with calls for stronger digital skills, online safety, and better regulation beyond just expanding connectivity. Uganda Railways Accountability: The Auditor General reports Uganda Railways Corporation is still loss-making—citing weak revenue collection, idle assets, missing wagons, delayed rehabilitation, and unresolved land issues—despite government investment. Government & Arts: Uganda is moving toward an official send-off for veteran playwright/actor Alex Mukulu, with mourning ceremonies planned around the National Theatre as family and government negotiate burial arrangements. Clean Cooking Push: UECCC urged faster adoption of cleaner cooking energy to cut health harms and deforestation, calling for coordinated action across government, finance, private sector, and faith groups. Regional Trade Tension: Uganda and Kenya challenge Rwanda’s alcohol ban at EAC level, arguing affected products meet harmonised standards and Rwanda failed to formally notify concerns. UPDF Air Force Retirements: UPDF Air Force retired 56 officers, urging them to stay productive and avoid reckless lifestyles as the wider Batch 16 retirement exercise continues.

Ebola Crisis: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one and is on track to become the deadliest ever, with Uganda already reporting cases and UN officials warning the virus is “winning” as response capacity struggles. Opposition Pressure: Winnie Byanyima renewed calls for jailed Kizza Besigye’s release for medical treatment abroad, warning that challenging President Museveni brings the “full force of the state.” Parliament Watch: MPs grilled UEDCL over a US$50m loan for power distribution, demanding a clear spending and absorption plan after concerns about weak improvements since taking over from Umeme. Health & Labour: Eight medical interns and health workers were remanded after protesting unpaid allowances, with court hearing set as they challenge the “No Pay, No Reporting” situation. Regional Trade: Uganda joined Kenya in challenging Rwanda’s alcohol suspension, arguing UNBS-certified products meet harmonised EAC standards and Rwanda failed to provide scientific justification. Security & Military: UPDF announced retirement of 19 senior general officers at State House Entebbe, while Muhoozi appointed Maj Gen Felix Busizoori as deputy commander. Governance & Data: Finance minister Henry Musasizi flagged off construction of a new Statistics House block in Entebbe to host the East African Statistics Bureau. Clean Cooking Push: UECCC urged faster adoption of cleaner cooking fuels to cut health harm and deforestation. Arts & Culture: Renowned playwright Alex Mukulu died at 72, remembered for politically charged works like “30 Years of Bananas.”