AGP Executive Report

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda a global health emergency, as DRC officials report 118 suspected Ebola deaths and the toll keeps climbing; health teams say the virus likely spread for weeks before being properly identified. American Doctor Infected: An American doctor treating patients in Congo has tested positive, triggering evacuations to Germany and a major travel crackdown. US/UK Response Tightens: The US has invoked emergency powers to ban entry for non-citizens who recently visited DRC, Uganda or South Sudan, while the UK has updated travel guidance for several countries. Treatment Capacity Ramps Up: Congo has opened three Ebola treatment centres in Ituri to handle surging cases. Uganda Measures: Uganda has urged residents to avoid close contact and has confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak. Regional Watch: Nigeria says it’s boosting surveillance despite no confirmed cases, and other countries are stepping up border checks. Context—Hantavirus Fears Ease in SA: South Africa reported no new local hantavirus transmission from a cruise-linked scare, even as Ebola dominates the headlines.

Ebola Escalation: The CDC confirmed today that one American exposed while working in Congo has tested positive for Ebola and is being moved to Germany for treatment, with six other high-risk contacts being monitored. Global Response: The WHO has already declared the Congo–Uganda outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, as deaths climb past 100 and suspected cases surge. U.S. Travel Measures: The U.S. has imposed a 30-day entry suspension for travelers without U.S. passports who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the past 21 days, alongside enhanced airport screening and monitoring. On-the-Ground Capacity: Congo says it will open three Ebola treatment centers in Ituri to cope with overwhelmed hospitals. Regional Watch: Uganda’s Martyrs’ Day events were postponed over Ebola fears, while neighboring countries step up border surveillance.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO chief opened the World Health Assembly in Geneva as the agency keeps the spotlight on a fast-moving Ebola crisis in DR Congo and Uganda, declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after reports of 300+ suspected cases and 88 deaths, with the rare Bundibugyo strain and no approved vaccine or treatment. Uganda Law & Politics: President Museveni has assented to the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, criminalising “foreign” influence and requiring foreign agents to register—sparking warnings from the central bank and the World Bank about possible economic damage. Aid on the Move: A charity convoy—featuring comedian Garron Noone and entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan—will drive donated ambulances from Mombasa to Kampala for palliative care outreach. Regional Health Watch: Hong Kong has stepped up airport screening and is urged to issue stronger travel alerts to Congo and Uganda. Sports & Culture: Laryea Kingston revisits his 2010 Black Stars World Cup snub as Uganda’s U-17 football storylines continue.

Global Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” with reports now standing at about 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases in Congo’s Ituri region, plus a confirmed case in Goma and Uganda’s Kampala linked to an imported infection; WHO says the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, and warns the real scale and spread are still unclear. Regional Response: Africa CDC is pushing coordinated action as countries step up screening and preparedness, while Tanzania and other neighbours tighten border checks and surveillance. Local Impact in Uganda: Kampala residents are anxious after a death tied to Ebola was confirmed at Kibuli, and health teams are screening arrivals and reinforcing infection control. Other News: In sports, Uganda’s U17 Lions open their AFCON group campaign today against Côte d’Ivoire, and CAF will hold the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning it’s serious but not a pandemic. Latest toll and spread: Reports say Ituri province has 246 suspected cases, 80 suspected deaths, and 8 lab-confirmed infections across Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu, with Uganda’s Kampala recording two lab-confirmed cases (including one death) among people who travelled from Congo, and another confirmed case reported in Kinshasa. No vaccine gap: WHO says there’s currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain, calling the situation “extraordinary” and urging countries to activate emergency plans and step up cross-border screening without shutting borders. World Bank accountability: In parallel, the World Bank is pushing changes to how it handles complaints, aiming to strengthen its accountability mechanisms.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s Ituri province is in crisis after a new Ebola outbreak was confirmed, with deaths now reported at 87 and 336 suspected cases as health teams race to screen, trace contacts, and manage frequent burials. No vaccine for this strain: Officials say the outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no strain-specific vaccine or treatment, and the health minister warns lethality can be very high. Cross-border alarm: Uganda has confirmed a fatal imported case linked to a Congolese man who died in Kampala, raising fears for spread into the wider region. Africa CDC response: Africa CDC has convened urgent regional coordination and activated immediate measures, citing intense population movement, mining-linked mobility, and gaps in contact listing. Diplomacy & trade: Separately, India is set to host the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (28–31 May), while Tanzania and Nigeria’s Dangote discuss a regional oil refinery partnership amid the refinery-location debate.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s remote Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, and four deaths linked in lab tests; early results suggest a non-Zaire strain, with sequencing still ongoing. Uganda Confirms Imported Case: Uganda’s health ministry says a Congolese man died in Kampala and was tested posthumously, with the case described as imported and no local spread confirmed yet. Containment Pressure: Officials warn the risk is rising due to mining-linked movement, insecurity, and contact-tracing gaps, and Africa CDC is pushing an urgent coordination meeting with Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Local Politics: In Kampala, Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi handed over the Leader of Opposition office privileges and keys, a rare public signal that state power should not be treated as personal property.

Ebola Alert: Uganda has confirmed an “imported” Ebola case in a Congolese man who died in Kampala; samples were tested after death and all contacts have been quarantined, with the body sent back to Congo. Regional Health Response: The confirmation follows Africa CDC’s report of a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, and fears of faster spread due to mining-linked movement and cross-border links. Sports Spotlight: Uganda’s Black Stars U-20 World Cup campaign is set to face France, South Korea and Ecuador after the group draw. Trade & Investment: Uganda flagged off its first shipment of canned pineapples to China, while it courts Tanzanian investors for a €405m Sukuk aimed at financing the SGR. Connectivity: Uganda also granted Starlink an operating licence, clearing the way for service rollout.

Air Quality Watch: Dhaka’s air was rated “good” on Friday (AQI 50), but the same report flags Kampala among the cities with the worst readings in the region (AQI 156), underlining how quickly health risks can shift across borders. Parliament Politics: In Uganda’s Speaker race, Norbert Mao backed PLU’s move to withdraw support from Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, framing it as a stand against corruption and warning public trust in Parliament has eroded. Banking & Policy: Bank of Uganda kept its benchmark rate at 9.75%, citing contained inflation but warning global energy and geopolitical shocks could bite. Health & Services: C-Care Uganda launched a specialist hospital in Gulu to cut the long trip to Kampala for advanced care. Sports: Uganda’s U-17 coach Laryea Kingston praised the Cubs after a 3-0 opener win over DR Congo, while Kenya’s Lionesses began a Kasarani camp ahead of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

Sudan Power Shift: The Sudanese army says sting operations—plus money—are driving senior Rapid Support Forces defections, with Brig Ali Rizqallah (“Savanah”) the latest to switch sides. Uganda Politics: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term, promising to fight corruption and urging citizens to police thieves through Local Council structures. Kampala City Moves: KCCA has suspended on-street parking along parts of Kampala Road and Jinja Road to ease congestion, directing drivers to alternative parking areas. Health Alarm: Scientists warn Africa is still neglecting rare blood disorders like haemophilia and thalassaemia, with late diagnosis and poor awareness worsening deaths. AFCON 2027 Security: Kenya is putting security at the centre of AFCON 2027 preparations, while CAF has named officials for Ghana vs Algeria U17. Trade & Growth: Uganda launched its first processed pineapple export to China, sending 104 tonnes of canned fruit. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria and Rwanda agreed to deepen ties, including a possible reciprocal 30-day visa-free deal.

Nigeria–Rwanda Reset: Tinubu and Kagame agreed to revive their Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission, with Nigeria set to host the next meeting, and Tinubu says Nigeria will seriously consider matching Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry for Nigerians. EAC Energy Push: Djibouti has started building a Sh20.7bn Fuelstor fuel hub as East Africa debates a regional refinery plan. Uganda Parliament Momentum: MPs-elect began swearing-in for the 12th Parliament, with 184 taking oath on day one and calls for faster service delivery. Northern Uganda Pressure: The Agoro Irrigation Scheme in Lamwo is under fresh scrutiny after farmers complained rehabilitation delays are hurting production. Health Watch: HIV prevention injections are in short supply in parts of Africa, with demand outpacing stocks in places like Eswatini. Sports & Talent: Uganda’s MPs and athletes stay in the spotlight—from the 12th Parliament swearing-in to youth football and athletics preparations.

Parliament Takes Shape: 184 newly elected MPs took the oath to begin Uganda’s 12th Parliament, with the swearing-in running May 13–15 and members barred from sitting or voting until they’re sworn. Succession & Continuity: 87-year-old Gen. Moses Ali also returned to Parliament, taking his oaths in a low-key ceremony. Health Funding Push: Civil society is urging lawmakers to boost domestic health financing and operationalize a national health insurance law. Women’s Access Gap: A Makerere study finds 94% of women know family planning providers, but only 38% use modern contraceptives—citing cost, time, and quality barriers. Regional Diplomacy: Museveni held talks with Mozambique’s President Chapo and Egypt’s El-Sisi on security, trade, Nile cooperation and renewable energy. Sports Off the Pitch: Ghana’s Black Princesses are reportedly stuck in camp over unpaid per diems after qualifying for the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Road Safety Support: Ride Safe Uganda and bikers backed an injured boda rider unable to work after a serious crash.

Wildlife Rescue in Congo: Lola ya Bonobo in the outskirts of Kinshasa is caring for orphaned baby bonobos rescued from poachers and bushmeat demand, with staff pushing education and even “bonobo credits” to reduce killing. Uganda Transport Upgrade: Kampala has launched its first electric commuter bus route (Ntinda to City Square via Kampala Road), starting with eight buses and cashless payments as the government plans wider rollouts. Telecoms Money Shift: Airtel Africa says profit more than doubled to $813m as data and mobile money keep overtaking voice. Mental Health Debate: A psychiatrist in Belfast argues mental health care is too “over-medicalised,” praising community and learning Irish as part of wellbeing. Sports—Africa on the Move: Kenya chases a men’s 10,000m title after a 14-year wait, while Nigeria starts strong at the senior athletics championships in Accra. Regional Energy Moves: Djibouti begins building a $160m Fuelstor fuel terminal to strengthen East Africa’s supply security. Politics Context: Uganda’s Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term this week, extending the long-running leadership era.

Museveni Sworn In Again: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in Tuesday for a record seventh five-year term at Kololo in Kampala, extending his 40-year rule to at least 2031, as regional leaders and foreign delegations attended amid heavy security and a military parade. Election Fallout: The January vote was officially won with about 71.65% for Museveni, but opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the result, alleging ballot stuffing and intimidation, and fled Uganda after the election. Succession Watch: Attention is still on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with speculation growing about a possible dynastic handover. Economy Message: In his address, Museveni pushed wealth creation, jobs, infrastructure, and regional integration, while pointing to value addition over raw-material exports. Other Notables: Uganda also moved on sovereign sukuk plans for rail funding, and CAF chief Patrice Motsepe moved to calm Afcon 2027 readiness fears in Nairobi.

Museveni Inauguration: Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni is set to be sworn in again as his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is widely seen as the de facto successor—while visiting leaders and regional officials, including VP Constantino Chiwenga, converge on Kampala for the ceremony. Security & Courts: Eight people, including Bank of Uganda security personnel, were remanded over a central bank break-in and theft, as investigations continue. Kampala Power: New substations in Namungona, Mutundwe and Maya are commissioned to ease ongoing blackouts. Governance Pressure: Government has ordered probes into stalled UgIFT projects in Ntoroko. Regional Diplomacy: Tanzania’s President Hassan is expected in Kampala for the swearing-in, underscoring East African ties. Sports & Economy: Kenya pushes AFCON 2027 preparations with early CAF hosting payments, while Ruto urges Africa to commercialise sports as a jobs engine. DR Congo Violence: Fresh reports keep pointing to militia attacks in eastern Congo, with high civilian death tolls.

Museveni Inauguration Security: Kampala is under a tight security ring ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in Tuesday, with heavily armed deployments, armored vehicles at key junctions, and road cutoffs toward Kololo and Entebbe routes—while the opposition PFF calls the restrictions an unnecessary inconvenience. Local Politics & Diplomacy: SPLM and NRM signed a cooperation pact in Kampala, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir met Museveni on security, trade, and regional peace as Uhuru Kenyatta arrived for the ceremony. Health & Social Impact: Reach A Hand premiered the maternal-health film “Maama Wange,” while dfcu Bank and Mulago’s sickle cell clinic launched a “Hope in Motion” 5km walk to fund refurbishment. Regional Security: Eastern DR Congo’s ADF-linked attacks are intensifying again, deepening fear despite past joint efforts. Economy & Energy: Government launched a fast-tracked ESIA for the Kiba Hydropower project inside the Murchison Falls ecosystem, and East Africa drew about $4.1bn in investment amid reforms. Sports: Ghana’s Black Princesses qualified for the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup after a tense Kampala playoff.