AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alert (Kenya–Uganda link): Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a Kenyan man who had lived in DR Congo travelled by road to Kampala and then flew to Nairobi, where he died; authorities say 28 contacts are being traced and WHO is backing screening, contact tracing and risk communication. Screening Scrutiny (Kampala corridor): Uganda urged calm as it investigates the patient’s movement after reports he passed through Kampala; meanwhile, Kenya’s case has reignited questions about border and airport health checks. Regional Health Response: WHO says Kenya has activated response measures and is working with partners to prevent further spread, while health workers call for an audit of how the patient left the airport. Trade & Jobs Push (Uganda): President Museveni used the Uganda International Trade Fair to urge a shift from exporting raw materials to value addition, naming agro-processing, feeds, pharmaceuticals and electronics as priorities. Digital Health Supply Chain: Uganda plans to digitise medicine movement from suppliers to facilities and patients to curb diversion and theft, with a traceable dashboard. Landslide Relief (Mount Elgon): Cabinet approved Shs18m each for 1,423 high-risk households to relocate safely. Tourism Scam Crackdown: Police arrested a man accused of online car-hire and gorilla-permit scams targeting foreign tourists.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola Bundibugyo case after a Kenyan man travelled from DR Congo to Uganda (Kampala) and then flew to Nairobi, where he died; health teams have identified 28 contacts and are tracing 23 fellow passengers, with 21-day monitoring and a fast, safe burial. Education & Jobs: Cabinet approved the creation of Iganga University as a public university, with Shs89.998bn earmarked to start operations and bring together former Busoga University campuses. Health Services: ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi urged a major scale-up in specialized paediatric surgery training, citing a nationwide gap. Power & Infrastructure: UEDCL invested over Shs240m in Butebo to extend supply to Petete and install a 100kVA transformer for a mini-industrial park. Governance & Justice: Uganda’s Consul General to Mombasa, Herbert Kiguli, was remanded to Luzira over alleged Shs494m loss. Sports: Uganda named its final U-17 squad for CECAFA zonal qualifiers in Kigali, aiming to qualify for U-17 AFCON 2027. Youth Politics: Uganda Youth Umbrella endorsed retired Gen. Salim Saleh for president for 2031–2036.

Digital Number Plates: Parliament’s probe into Uganda’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System deepened after two officials were arrested over conflicting explanations on the Shs714,300 price of digital number plates. Anti-Corruption Push: The IG backed Local Government Minister Balaam’s anti-corruption approach but warned it must stay within the law and natural justice. Court Martial Update: Two former security informers, Hamza Lyavaala and Walusansa Adiil, were convicted for murder linked to “staged” Munyonyo and Kalerwe bombings, widening questions around Uganda’s intelligence system. Ebola Watch (DRC): MSF warned of an alarming Ebola surge in North Kivu, calling for more treatment capacity as deaths and cases rise. Health Workforce: Deputy Speaker Tayebwa told newly trained CHEWs in Mitooma not to treat patients or run clinics—only health education, prevention, and referrals. Energy/Power: UEDCL set new power tariffs for the final quarter and continues upgrades to cut Greater Kampala outages. Sports (Olympics Qualifier): Zambia’s Copper Queens arrived in Kampala for the 2028 Olympic qualifier against Uganda, holding a recovery session ahead of Thursday’s first leg.

Ebola Update: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening for children, with Save the Children estimating 961 child deaths since May 15 and nearly 2,071 under-18 cases. Sports—Olympics Qualifier: Zambia’s Copper Queens arrived in Kampala ahead of the Oct 8 first leg against Uganda, with Barbra Banda and four foreign-based players joining interim coach Charles Haalubono’s camp. Football—Black Stars Coaching Rumours: Former Ghana winger Laryea Kingston, currently coaching Uganda’s junior teams, has expressed interest in becoming Black Stars head coach after Carlos Queiroz’s exit. Business & Energy: Equity Bank says it is expanding financing and support for Uganda’s artisanal miners, while Vivo Energy commissioned bulk fuel storage at Kiira Motors (Jinja) and WIH Cement (Moroto) to cut supply interruptions. Governance & Safety: UCC says it did not arrest Kampala Wi-Fi hotspot operators, blaming police action on complaints from licensed providers. Health & Society: Uganda’s Independence Marathon in Naalya raised support for maternal healthcare under “Save a Mother.” Politics: Presidential assistant Yiga Kisakyamukama reportedly warned Gen Muhoozi not to pressure people to back his presidential ambitions.

Ebola Response Tragedy: A Uganda Red Cross Society driver, Ismael Mulindwa, has died after nearly a month of treatment following an attack while responding to the Ebola outbreak in DRC. Health Push: Uganda’s measles-rubella campaign is in its final stretch, with 5.5m children vaccinated so far toward a 7.6m target. HIV Testing Rethink: Public health specialists say Uganda must go beyond facility-based HIV testing to reach people who still don’t know their status, using hotspot targeting and community-style tracing. Tax Reform: URA says 2.1m taxpayers have had their TIN mapped to NIN as Uganda transitions to NIN as the main tax identifier. Road Safety Tech: Parliament says Uganda’s digital number plate tracking can work, after MPs tested the system at the Police Command Centre. Sports & National Pride: Copper Queens and SC Volcanoes both make headlines—Zambia’s team heads to Kampala for Olympic qualifiers, while Volcanoes kick off FUFA Big League with a win. Coffee Trade: Uganda has been admitted to the Swiss Coffee Trade Association to boost access to global markets.

Uganda Politics: A fresh public clash has erupted between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and veteran minister Kahinda Otafiire, reigniting debate over succession and Muhoozi’s political ambitions. Opposition Update: NUP’s Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, released on bail after months in detention, urged Uganda’s leaders to allow peaceful, fair competition for opponents. Regional Security: In Ethiopia’s Tigray, TPLF leaders say they’ve withdrawn from Mekelle, clearing the way for federal troops and allies to enter. Foreign Policy: Gen. Muhoozi pledged UPDF support to Ethiopia if Addis Ababa requests help, as Ethiopia-Eritrea ties collapse. Health: DRC officials say Ebola transmission has passed its peak, though WHO warns it remains elevated in parts of the country. Economy & Policy: Uganda’s tax incentives are under scrutiny after a study put tax expenditures at Shs5.01tn in FY2024/25. Education & Housing: ULS pushes for a housing policy to cut costs and tackle land fraud, while Education minister Peter Ogwang warns schools against illegal UPE/USE fees that drive dropouts. Energy & Agriculture: UEDCL upgrades power for a Kamuli cassava plant nearing full production, while rural farmers still struggle to access the Shs1.5tn agricultural credit fund. Crime: Police arrested the suspect in the Nabwire child kidnapping and murder after a seven-day manhunt.

Court Battle: Uganda’s richest family, the Ruparelias, head to a London courtroom Monday over the 2017 Crane Bank sale, seeking damages of about $225m. Tax Administration: Emmanuel Katongole has resigned as URA board chairman after six months, as the tax body faces pressure to boost revenue. Sports Calendar: CAF has approved a 2026-2030 competitions calendar, with AFCON 2027 set for June 19–July 17 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and Women’s Champions League running Nov 1–15. Women’s Rights: Activists and women MPs renewed calls to pass the long-pending Marriage and Divorce Bill as an executive bill. Health Campaign: Soroti schools are resisting measles-rubella vaccination access, prompting health officials to keep engaging administrators and parents. Internet & Housing: Canalbox targets fixed broadband growth beyond mobile data, while ULS and Pearl Marina Estates sign a deal to help lawyers buy homes with discounted, flexible payments. Football Women: Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda are among clubs confirmed for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Independence Run: Hundreds are expected at Naalya for Independence Day marathon and 10km race, with proceeds for a labour ward blood bank at Mengo Hospital.

Health Workforce: Uganda was removed from WHO’s health worker recruitment “red list,” but stakeholders warn the country still produces some cadres faster than the system can absorb while shortages persist in others. Travel Rules: Uganda has dropped the yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for travellers, and the change is reflected on the immigration e-visa portal and entry conditions. Malaria Prevention: Children Voices Against Malaria Uganda will hold a Bye Bye Malaria Schools Festival on Nov 20 in Kampala, aiming to mobilise learners and communities as malaria transmission rises in parts of the country. Local Health Access: Over 21,000 residents in Kiyindi (Buikwe) lack a government health facility, pushing people toward long-distance travel or self-medication. Water Last-Mile Gap: Despite improved national safe-water access, MPs say thousands of villages still lack improved sources, with the “last mile” problem affecting health and livelihoods. Road Safety Crackdown: Only 69 of 477 impounded commuter taxis have been cleared after repairs; 408 remain in garages under Operation Ganyegenya. Earthquake Preparedness: Government screened about 5,000 buildings in Kampala for seismic vulnerability, with the next phase set for parts of Greater Kampala. Sports: Uganda Cranes beat DR Congo 2–0 in a friendly in Johannesburg. Business/Transport Finance: NCBA and MAC East Africa launched a school bus financing partnership offering up to 100% financing with up to 72-month repayment. Economy/Costs: Diesel prices are driving up food and transport costs, with diesel inflation reported at 42.5% year-on-year. Governance: URA Board Chairman Emmanuel Katongole resigned after six months.

Rail & Transport: Uganda Railways Corporation plans to revive the Kampala–Jinja passenger train service before end of 2026, starting with weekend runs. Public Health: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases, as Africa CDC warns insecurity and community resistance may be hiding continued spread. Economy: Uganda’s August 2026 performance is mixed—household spending and business registrations rose, but investment and export earnings fell, while the trade deficit narrowed. Healthcare Workforce: Government has been urged to fix severe radiographer staffing gaps affecting diagnostic services in public hospitals. Digital Governance: Police say Uganda’s digital number plate system is operational but still facing challenges, with Parliament pushing for improvements. Energy & Infrastructure: UEDCL is rolling out upgrades to tackle Greater Kampala power outages as demand rises. Women & Leadership: Rebecca Kadaga says women’s parliamentary leadership needs deliberate action, not waiting for change to happen. Business: UMA trade fair opens with 50% discounts as manufacturers push locally made goods. Sports: Uganda Cranes beat DR Congo 2-0 in an international friendly as AFCON 2027 preparations continue.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases as conflict and weak systems keep slowing response, including a UN report that a key transit camp in Ituri was burned. Health & Travel: Uganda says travellers no longer need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry, and the country also reported stable HIV prevalence at 5.9% in the 2025 UPHIA, with women still more affected than men. Education: Uganda faces a shortage of about 4,000 secondary school teachers, leaving hundreds of schools without heads or deputies, while MPs push to fast-track the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill to protect older persons. Governance & Justice: An Anti-Corruption Court convicted a Bugweri district HR officer over Sh125m payroll fraud, ordering refund and a prison term in default. Conservation & Community: UWA and WCS signed a 10-year deal to co-manage Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions. Business & Safety: NDA warned against an illegal “viagra-powered” energy drink found to contain sildenafil. Power & Daily Life: UEDCL launched a nationwide drive to cut Kampala-area outages, starting with Kira.

East African Energy Talks: Kenya’s President William Ruto dismissed claims of “bad blood” over competing refineries, saying regional demand can support multiple plants and that Uganda could even supply fuel to Kenya if prices and transport work. Parliament Accountability: COSASE suspended proceedings after Finance Minister Henry Musasizi failed to appear over the Shs140bn Basajjabalaba “letter of comfort,” with MPs pushing for possible censure. AFCON Readiness Funding: President Museveni ordered AfDB to release Shs102bn for upgrades of Bunyoro hotels ahead of Uganda’s 2027 AFCON hosting. Tooro Kingdom Succession: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom crowned former TV anchor Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I after a succession dispute following King Oyo’s death. Health & HIV Data: Uganda’s HIV prevalence remains at 5.9% nationally in UPHIA 2025, with the South Western region highest; health officials urged action at local level. Water Utilities: Uganda’s water firms are losing up to Shs6bn through substandard/inaccurate meters, as standards move toward mandatory compliance. Regional Agriculture Threats: Uganda hosted talks to strengthen cross-border control of migratory pests that threaten crops and livelihoods.

Health: Uganda has launched a five-day nationwide free measles vaccination drive for children aged 9 months to 5 years, aiming to close immunity gaps after outbreaks reported in 20 districts and 12 deaths since January. East African Trade & Energy: Kenya has flagged off Rwanda’s first petroleum shipment under a new government-to-government framework, with 40,000 tonnes of gasoline and gasoil arriving at Mombasa, expected to boost Northern Corridor volumes. Regional Industry Push: East African leaders joined the groundbreaking of Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery project in Kenya, with Uganda’s Museveni saying Uganda will not invest in Lamu yet while still backing its own Hoima refinery. Governance & Local Services: Government is rolling out the NRM manifesto implementation roadmap with measurable outcomes, while separate coverage highlights gaps like lack of public toilets at Namanve Industrial Park. Politics at the Border: NRM warns Busia leaders to stay out of Kenya politics ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections, saying it could disrupt cross-border trade and relations. Business: Ugandan billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia has acquired Old Mutual’s historic Kimathi Avenue property in Kampala’s CBD.

EU Migration Crackdown: EU home affairs ministers meet in Luxembourg to push tougher deportation rules, including “return hubs” outside the bloc, with Rwanda widely mentioned as a possible host. AFCON 2027 Focus: South Africa crushed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo as Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, while CAF is reportedly weighing backup options if Kenya and Uganda miss AFCON 2027 readiness targets. Lamu Refinery Shockwaves: Uganda’s Museveni backed the Lamu $16bn Dangote refinery but said Uganda won’t invest yet, while also planning a smaller domestic refinery; the project is set for about 700,000 bpd and faces land and environmental disputes. Parliament Oversight: Parliament ordered an audit of the delayed Lubowa Hospital project after MPs were blocked from inspecting the site. Health & Industry: Uganda steps up health sovereignty as Minister Bahati inspected Microhaem Scientifics, and Uganda renews mining-sector push for investment and value addition. Finance & Jobs: Airtel Uganda paid NSSF UGX 42.6bn dividend, boosting member returns.

Lamu Refinery Push: Aliko Dangote and Kenya’s President William Ruto broke ground on the $16bn (Sh2.2tn) Dangote East Africa refinery in Lamu, targeting commissioning in 40 months and promising 60,000 jobs, even as locals protest land and compensation issues. Tooro Kingdom Succession: Uganda’s Tooro crowned Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I after a bitter succession dispute, with President Museveni urging traditional leaders to strengthen cultural practices in the HIV fight and calling out misinformation that circulated around King Oyo’s death and burial. Cost of Living: Uganda’s September inflation jumped to 0.9% as food prices surged—matooke, beans, milk and other staples rose—while fuel and energy costs added pressure. Education Funding Shake-up: Government plans to replace the per-pupil capitation model with a cost-based approach tied to real school running expenses, aiming to curb headcount fraud. Tax Base Drive: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi urged MPs to support broadening Uganda’s tax base to reach a higher revenue target without “taxing the same people” harder. TVET Exam Integrity: UVTAB supervisors are being urged to tighten vetting and oversight after accusations of TVET exam malpractice. Sports: Uganda’s Tooro and regional football headlines also dominated, with AFCON qualifier results and Kenya’s AFCON build-up in focus.

Tooro Kingdom Succession: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom crowned TV journalist Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as Omukama after King Oyo’s death, amid a bitter succession dispute over a disputed heir. Urban Waste Crisis: City leaders across Uganda warn solid waste and drainage failures are becoming a “time bomb,” citing rapid urban growth, weak budgets, and risks like the Kiteezi landfill collapse. AFCON 2027 Shock Results: Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, while Ghana squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to The Gambia; Morocco also cancelled a friendly against Ghana, adding pressure on Carlos Queiroz’s side. UN Secretary-General Race: In UN Security Council straw polls, Rebeca Grynspan gained ground, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu also picking up “encourage” votes. Health & Borders: Canada extended Ebola-related travel and immigration restrictions affecting Uganda and neighbours until Nov. 27, 2026. ICT Push in Kabale: ATC-Uganda and partners commissioned a free digital center, with local leaders calling for more ICT hubs to serve growing student demand. US Immigration: The US Supreme Court allowed Trump’s administration to resume “third-country” deportations while legal arguments continue.

Tooro Kingdom Coronation: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom has crowned veteran TV journalist Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I as Omukama, ending a bitter succession dispute after the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Rukidi IV; the prince performed overnight rituals and led a torch-lit procession and mock battle before formal unveiling. Police Probe Rental Fire: In Wakiso’s Nansana West, three people died in a rental building fire as police investigate a suspected murder-suicide, with reports pointing to alleged pressure over a loan and a note described as a will. Youth Sports Push: Uganda will send 30 athletes across seven sports to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (Oct 31–Nov 13), with preparations said to be on track. Neonatal Care Boost: Six counties in Nyanza and Western Uganda are set to receive neonatal incubators under the Okoa Malaika programme, aimed at improving survival for premature and critically ill newborns. Kampala Egg Crisis: Kampala bakers and street vendors are cutting cake sizes as egg prices soar, worsening “shrinkflation” pressures on small businesses. Human Rights Reporting Call: UHRC’s Crispin Kaheru urged the 2026 Human Rights Report to be evidence-driven and grounded in everyday Ugandans’ experiences.