AGP Executive Report

Entebbe 50th Anniversary: Uganda unveiled a monument for Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu outside the old airport terminal, marking 50 years since the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue that freed more than 100 hostages and killed Netanyahu, the only Israeli soldier lost in the raid. U.S. Visa Rules: The U.S. made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for travellers from 50 countries, with deposits now up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas—30 of the affected countries are in Africa. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading at an “exceptional pace,” now the second-largest on record, with cases and deaths rising across multiple provinces. Regional Security (Somalia): At an AU summit in Kampala, Somalia’s president pushed back on communique wording about dialogue with the opposition, and Uganda’s leadership softened the language while keeping a broader reconciliation message. Local Governance (Busia): EC dismissed 13 election officials in Busia over alleged tampering with the voters’ register, forcing repeat polls in some villages and triggering violence. Public Health (Uganda HIV): A study on the twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir reports 100% protection for pregnant and breastfeeding women using it as PrEP. Trade & Creativity: Bombo Investments partnered with the Africa Monologue Challenge to push intra-African trade through storytelling and AfCFTA-aligned commercial action.

UN Leadership Race: The hunt for the next UN secretary-general kicks off, with seven candidates including Uganda’s Olara Otunu, as Security Council members begin preliminary voting. Ebola Update: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the country’s largest on record with 3,605 cases and 1,587 deaths, while Uganda reports far fewer cases and points to preparedness. Visa Rules: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent for applicants from 50 countries, including Uganda, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas starting August 3. Opposition Court Crisis: Lawyers urge Uganda’s DPP to suspend Kizza Besigye’s treason trial, citing unresolved fair-hearing issues as Besigye remains in ICU after collapsing. Kampala Environment: Kampala suburbs are still littered with uncollected garbage nearly a week after National Cleaning Day, raising public health fears. Refugee Water Shortage: In Nakivale camp, refugees face a worsening drinking-water crisis as taps and wells run dry, forcing long trips and costly water sales.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying “at exceptional pace,” now the country’s largest on record, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, spreading across five provinces and worsened by insecurity and cross-border movement. US Visa Policy: The U.S. State Department is making permanent a visa bond programme for business and tourist travellers from 50 countries, including Uganda, with bonds up to $20,000 to curb overstays. Human Rights Pressure: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk condemns Uganda’s tightening of civic space, warning of a growing climate of fear and increased military involvement in civilian institutions. Uganda Infrastructure Probe: IGG investigations are widening around the Busega–Mpigi Expressway, after allegations of corruption and a compensation bill that ballooned from early estimates to trillions. Health Sector Accountability: Auditor General findings flag major licensing and procurement/contract management failures at the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, despite billions collected. Entebbe 1976 Commemoration: Uganda unveiled a memorial statue for Lt.-Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at Entebbe Airport, marking 50 years since the historic hostage rescue. Business & Culture: MTN extends its Y’ello Storm campaign to Gulu with hospital support, while Ugandan promoter Ssenkaali Joseph pushes Kampala creatives toward Dubai’s diaspora market.

AUSSOM Summit in Kampala: AU Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed support for Somalia and urged the UN Security Council to keep backing the AU mission with 18–24 months of continued logistical and operational help, warning that any premature pullout could create a security vacuum. Ebola Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases and 1,500 deaths, with a 44.1% fatality rate; meanwhile, India says it has screened 10,974 travellers from Ebola-affected countries and reported no cases so far. Justice System: Chief Justice Flavian Zeija launched Uganda’s Administration of Justice Programme strategy aimed at cutting case backlogs and improving access to justice. Anti-Corruption: IGG ordered the interdiction of seven senior Parliament officials pending criminal proceedings. Kampala Floods: Parliament’s infrastructure committee gave KCCA seven days to explain recurring flooding and drainage failures. Health & Politics: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye remains in ICU at Mulago after collapsing in court, as UN rights chief Turk condemned Uganda’s crackdown on dissent. Sports: Australia widened its Commonwealth Games medal lead; New Zealand advanced after a win over Uganda in netball.

DR Congo Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases, with 3,532 confirmed infections and 1,556 deaths reported across five eastern provinces—now the second-largest on record—while response teams warn contact tracing gaps are slowing containment. Uganda Politics: Parliament’s appointments committee has approved Juma Witonze Kisekka as State Minister for Internal Affairs, replacing a nominee rejected over citizenship concerns. Cost of Living: Uganda’s July inflation pressure continues as utility costs jump—water charges up 17.5%, electricity tariffs up 2.2%, and fuel prices rising—while food prices ease. AIDS Conference Fallout: The US State Department apologized after an AI-mangled Africa map at AIDS 2026 mislabelled countries including Uganda, sparking anger and confusion. Somalia Peace Mission: AU and troop-contributing leaders meeting in Kampala stressed Somalia’s security gains must be matched by political unity, calling for sustainable funding for AUSSOM. Court Watch: A judge dismissed Dei Biopharma boss Mathias Magoola’s bid to block an independent audit into Equity Bank loan facilities.

AUSSOM Summit: Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arrived in Entebbe to represent President William Ruto at the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia talks, focused on keeping the mission funded and operational to prevent a security vacuum. Commonwealth Games: Uganda’s She-Cranes secured their Netball World Cup ticket for Sydney 2027 and now target the Africa title in Nairobi, while Uganda’s athletes head into the Games with cash rewards promised by Sports Minister Peter Ogwang. Politics & Justice: Pressure is mounting after opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in court during his treason case; activists and his party are demanding answers on his medical condition and due process. Oil & Industry: Uganda’s oil projects keep moving—Tilenga is at 74% and EACOP at 90%—as Ugandan firms win more contracts under the national content push. Health: PEPFAR funding cuts are forcing closures of key HIV services for children and vulnerable populations, raising fears of treatment declines. Regional Health Alert: Ebola in eastern DR Congo has surged past 1,500 deaths as cases accelerate, with response hampered by conflict and access challenges. Economy & Finance: East African central bankers reaffirm plans for a single currency by 2031, but admit convergence targets are still unmet. Sports (Local): Veteran rally driver Moses Lumala, 61, warns Uganda’s young rally guns after a strong run in Soroti/Katakwi. Business & Transport: Uganda Railways has resumed coffee exports by rail for the first time since 2018, cutting freight costs and road congestion.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,500 deaths, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 fatalities reported as response efforts struggle amid insecurity and delays in contact tracing. Uganda Politics: Detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye has collapsed in court and is reported unconscious in ICU at Mulago, as the UN condemns Uganda’s clampdown on dissent and rights groups. UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council has started secret straw polls to pick the next secretary-general, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among seven candidates. AIDS Conference Fallout: The US State Department apologized after a map of Africa at AIDS 2026 mislabeled countries, including Uganda-related highlights, saying it was an “unfortunate error.” Kampala & Business: Uganda’s Namanve Industrial Park infrastructure project is now about 80% complete, boosting the Tenfold Growth push for industrialisation. Sports (CWG): Uganda’s athletes featured in Commonwealth Games action, while boxing controversy continued after Aziz Abdul’s disqualification.

Ebola Vaccine Push (DRC): A Singapore-based group says it will develop the “most promising” Ebola vaccine candidate for the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, using the same rVSV platform behind the licensed Ervebo shot, with human trials planned. HIV Prevention (Uganda region): New data highlight long-acting HIV prevention options, including an eight-weekly injectable regimen that outperformed daily oral pills for adolescents in an African trial, with Uganda among the study countries. Court Crisis (Politics): Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye remains in Mulago ICU after collapsing during his treason trial in Kampala; his wife says he is unconscious and unable to speak, as family and supporters call for justice and his release. Energy & Power (Kampala): The energy minister apologized to consumers over weeks of electricity outages, saying communication gaps and grid upgrade works are behind the disruptions. Appointments (Regional Energy): Uganda’s Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi and energy PS Irene Pauline Bateebe were appointed non-executive directors at Kenya Pipeline Company, strengthening Uganda’s role in regional oil logistics. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Peruth Chemutai won bronze for Uganda in the 3,000m steeplechase in Glasgow, adding to the country’s medal tally. Community Safety (Mayuge): Leaders in Mayuge pledged to step up drowning prevention, including calls for swimming lessons and stronger community mobilisation.

Commonwealth Games Drama: Idi Amin’s grandson Aziz Abdul was disqualified for headbutting England’s Damar Thomas in Glasgow, then blasted officials as “unfair” after being penalised three times. HIV & Health Access: A new Makerere-led study links HIV service gaps to stigma and discrimination, discouraging testing, disclosure, clinic visits and consistent treatment. Ebola Update: Uganda marked the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak after 42 days without local transmission, but WHO warns the country remains at risk due to ongoing spread in DR Congo. Court & Politics: Dr Kizza Besigye collapsed in court during his treason trial after protests over legal representation, with reports he was rushed to Mulago Hospital. Sports—Netball: New Zealand beat Wales 65-37 but faced injury worries after defender Catherine Hall was taken off in a wheelchair. Food Security: Uganda launched emergency food distributions in Karamoja as drought-driven hunger worsens, with experts warning of large-scale malnutrition risk.

Ebola Update: Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after discharging its last confirmed patient on June 16, but officials warn the risk of re-importation stays high as DR Congo’s outbreak keeps surging, with Congo reporting thousands of cases and deaths. Food Crisis in Karamoja: With Uganda facing its worst drought in decades, Karamoja is hit hardest—families are losing crops and lives, and government relief food is being rolled out for hundreds of thousands of households. Health & HIV: As HIV prevention and treatment advances expand across Africa, funding worries threaten access, while Uganda continues pushing to cut stigma and improve care for people living with HIV. Governance & Rights: Former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi has resurfaced at Nateete Police Station after weeks held incommunicado, and Uganda Human Rights Commission issues fresh concerns about watchdog failures. Infrastructure Watch: Engineers defend redesign changes and rising costs for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway amid IGG scrutiny. Politics Online: Uganda warns that Facebook loan accounts impersonating President Museveni’s daughter are scams. Sports: Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai targets steeplechase redemption at the Commonwealth Games, while South Sudan U18 play Uganda for bronze in FIBA Zone 5.

Ebola Update: Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after the last patient was discharged in mid-June, saying there’s no sign of further spread and that contacts completed the required follow-up. Public Health & Research: At AIDS 2026, Makerere-linked researchers highlighted lenacapavir twice-yearly PrEP results, reporting no new infections in one trial and only one in another, with no new safety concerns. Food Security: In West Pokot, drought is pushing nearly 60,000 people toward hunger as crops fail, water dries up, and pastoralists move with livestock. Agriculture & Jobs: A commentary argues Uganda’s food surplus must pay farmers more by adding value and improving market access. Sports (CWG 2026): India’s Gulveer Singh made history with silver in the men’s 10,000m in Glasgow, while Uganda’s netball team fell 58-50 to unbeaten New Zealand. Media: Nation Media Group Uganda resumes operations after a month-long shutdown authorized by President Museveni. Health Infrastructure: Uganda Baati begins roofing works worth UGX 515m for St Paul Church of Uganda in Koboko.

Ebola Update: Uganda’s Ministry of Health has declared the country Ebola-free after 42 days without a new case linked to the Bundibugyo strain, following 20 infections (18 recoveries, 2 deaths) and a 21-day quarantine and monitoring of contacts. Regional Health Crisis: Across the border in DR Congo, Ebola continues to surge, with confirmed cases reported at 3,262 and 1,437 deaths, as responders struggle to reach communities amid attacks. Public Health & Food Safety: An investigation in Zimbabwe alleges illegal mixing of human ARVs into poultry feed and water to boost growth, raising alarms over food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and diversion of HIV medicines. Trade & Diplomacy: Qatar and Uganda reviewed trade and investment ties in talks between senior officials. Local Security: Two Kenyan suspects accused of murdering a boda boda rider and stealing motorcycles were arrested in Uganda after a cross-border manhunt. Digital & Markets: MTN Uganda handed over a refurbished Mpanga Market in Fort Portal, upgrading branding, adding a public address system, and rolling out smart surveillance and Managed Wi‑Fi. Governance Watch: Uganda’s IGG says it will audit the Busega–Mpigi Expressway for value for money amid concerns over suspected corruption and slow progress. UN Leadership Race: Uganda has nominated diplomat Olara Otunnu to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General.

Church & Community: Grace Christian Church in Kampala unveiled “The Well,” a 23,000-square-foot community athletic center built during COVID-era questions about what “church” really means. Governance & Accountability: Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court issued an arrest warrant for parliament office supervisor Stella Itute over alleged embezzlement and money laundering tied to Shs 27bn in claims. Health Crisis: DR Congo Ebola cases surged to 3,200 with 1,405 deaths; Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak. Regional Integration: EAC central bank governors reaffirmed the push for a single East African currency by 2031, urging faster reforms amid uneven progress. Sports (Uganda shines): Precious Allan Asiimwe won Uganda’s first African archery gold at the African Para Archery Championships in Algeria. Security & Violence: ADF fighters in DR Congo’s Ituri reportedly killed at least 31 civilians in attacks over several days. Policy & Rights: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act continues to draw criticism for tightening space for civil society and foreign-funded activities.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has jumped to 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with infections rising by about 1,000 in 10 days as the virus spreads across five provinces in conflict-hit eastern areas. Kampala Waste Cleanup Follow-up: KCCA says teams are still clearing leftover garbage heaps after National Cleaning Day, urging residents to share exact locations so trucks can reach the remaining piles. Cash-Lite Push: Bank of Uganda plans to cap over-the-counter cash withdrawals from Jan 1, 2027, aiming to push more payments onto digital channels—while raising concerns about readiness for traders and the informal economy. Land Grabbing Row: PACEID chair Odrek Rwabwogo denies allegations of grabbing NAGRC&DB land in Kiruhura, calling the claims politically motivated. Regional Health Pressure: South Sudan’s Central Equatoria health minister warns disease risks among border-displaced people in Kajo-Keji and appeals for urgent partner support. Ugandan UN Bid: Uganda nominates veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Uganda’s presence at Glasgow 2026 continues amid medal rush coverage, including India’s Raja Muthupandi winning silver in weightlifting.

AFCON 2027 Infrastructure: Tanzania’s VP Emmanuel Nchimbi inspected the Arusha Stadium project, praising China Railway Construction Engineering Group for hitting 88% completion and aiming to finish by end of August 2026, with access roads and supporting works also expected on schedule. Regional Integration: EAC central bank governors say progress continues toward a single currency by 2031, with more harmonised monetary policy and stronger data and risk systems, though no country has met all convergence targets yet. Gaza Developments: Israel approved a pilot entry of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza under Trump’s ceasefire plan, with about 200 troops from “friendly countries” including Uganda, but deployment timing remains unclear. Ebola Watch (DRC-Uganda): Health partners say Ebola response is struggling with limited tracking and lab kit shortages as DRC cases and deaths keep rising, while Uganda has discharged its last hospitalised patient. Uganda Public Life: Uganda’s first mandatory monthly National Cleaning Day disrupted transport and banking across Kampala and major towns, with checkpoints and movement pauses causing delays. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Uganda’s Nuhu Batte advanced in boxing, while Uganda’s Gloria Muzito is set for swimming semis after a finals reshuffle; meanwhile India’s Mirabai Chanu grabbed a historic third straight weightlifting gold in Glasgow. HIV Prevention (Africa): Merck licensed Aspen Pharmacare (including Uganda) to develop a once-monthly HIV prevention pill for 129 low- and middle-income countries, if trials succeed. Local Culture & Youth: MTN Uganda sponsored the Busoga Kingdom Masaza Tournament with Shs 550m, and a youth activist urged schools to form Interact Clubs to build leadership and service.

UN Leadership Race: Uganda has made a late entry into the race to replace António Guterres, nominating veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, with the foreign ministry citing his decades of diplomacy and his past UN role on children affected by war. Commonwealth Games 2026 (Glasgow): Day 4 is set for big medal moments, with India’s Mirabai Chanu leading the spotlight in women’s weightlifting, while boxing, gymnastics and swimming also headline the schedule. National Cleaning Day Disruptions: Kampala and major towns saw roadblocks and delays as police enforced the monthly cleaning directive, with Busia border business paralysed for hours and travellers forced to pause for sanitation. Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reports Ebola cases rising to 2,973 and deaths to 1,309, as health officials warn surveillance and contact tracing still need strengthening. Air Quality Watch: Kampala is again flagged among the most polluted cities globally, topping the list with an AQI of 225, while Dhaka ranks 16th with an AQI of 94.