AGP Executive Report

Oil & Infrastructure: After more than a decade of delays, Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, with line pipes delivered and key pump and marine works progressing fast; officials target commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with TotalEnergies leading alongside UNOC, TPDC and China’s CNOOC. Public Finance & Accountability: Makerere Lung Institute is under fresh scrutiny after the Auditor General flagged procurement planning and financial management weaknesses under Dr Bruce Kirenga’s leadership. Health: Oxford has started the first human trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (BD-Ebov) as Congo’s outbreak keeps accelerating; meanwhile, a U.S. humanitarian worker in DR Congo has tested positive, triggering contact tracing. Governance & Property: Uganda Property Holdings Limited (UPHL) faces tough questions after Auditor General findings point to tax disputes, doubtful debts and underperformance at the government property empire. Road Safety: KCCA has allocated Sh50m to fight bedbugs in Kampala, while separate reporting highlights ongoing debate on compensation after road accidents as crashes keep claiming lives. Regional Security: Uganda’s defence ties with China continue to deepen through equipment transfer and training.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s long-awaited East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion, now about 80–84% finished, with commissioning targeted for July 2026 and first exports by October—moving Albertine Graben crude to Tanzania’s Tanga port via a heated 1,443km line. Sports: Nigeria dominated the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International with 14 medals (9 gold, 5 silver) in events held 7–12 July. Public Health: WHO says about 66,000 people drown in Africa every year, with children hit hardest—urging stronger prevention across sectors. Regional Migration: South Africa reports over 53,000 foreign nationals deported or repatriated amid xenophobic unrest, while Malawi says it received 38,000 returnees from South Africa. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns DRC Ebola is rising fast, with Uganda cited as a contrast where cases were contained. Crime & Security: NDLEA reports major drug busts, including a South African woman arrested in Abuja with 5.75kg heroin hidden in luggage using her 3-year-old son as cover. Business & Trade: Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry wraps a trade mission to Uganda and Kenya, pushing investment ties.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo may be 2–4 times larger than confirmed figures, with many infections missed outside known contact lists; meanwhile, the confirmed caseload has topped 1,800 and spread to a fourth province, as health workers report data and funding delays. Cross-border Response: Africa CDC and WHO chiefs plan a mission to Bunia to push faster diagnosis, contact tracing, isolation and supplies, while a U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo has tested positive and will be evacuated for treatment. Uganda’s Health Measures: Uganda continues deploying medics to support the regional response, and Russia says its team returned after Uganda’s Ebola situation stabilized. Food Crisis in Karamoja: Uganda reports at least 16 deaths from hunger linked to drought in north-eastern Karamoja, with emergency food distribution underway and cabinet approval sought for more supplies. Education & Jobs: Private school owners in Greater Masaka say Uganda’s new PAYE tax on secondary income is driving away experienced teachers, especially part-time science staff. Oil Pipeline Milestone: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion (about 80–84%), targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October.

Ebola Surge in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola caseload has climbed to 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths after the virus spread to a fourth province, Haut-Uele, with seven fatal cases in Wamba. Cross-border Uganda Link: Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases tied to the outbreak, as Africa CDC and WHO push for faster detection, testing, isolation and contact tracing. New Imported Case: The CDC says a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo has tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain, with contact tracing and risk checks underway. Humanitarian Pressure in Uganda: Karamoja’s prolonged drought has left at least 16 people dead from hunger, with government emergency food distribution and plans to seek more supplies. Accountability at Home: Auditor General reports expose failures at Bukalasa Agricultural College and Kawempe National Referral Hospital, including idle equipment and complaints that e-Afya is “faulty” for vaccine and medicine management. Energy Project Update: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first oil exports by October. Diaspora Support Scrutiny: Uganda’s UAE embassy faces questions over management of the Presidential Fund for SMEs in Dubai, with audit findings pointing to weak planning and oversight.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s long-awaited East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with line pipes delivered and key works at pump stations and the marine terminal pushing past 88%; officials target commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with TotalEnergies leading alongside UNOC, TPDC and CNOOC. Ebola Watch (DRC-Uganda): The UN says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is worsening as conflict and population movement accelerate spread, with Uganda reporting 20 cases; meanwhile, Congo response workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages, threatening continuity of containment work. Justice & Rights: Uganda’s High Court judge Justice Gadenya ruled that bail becomes mandatory after 180 days on remand for certain cases, tightening how courts handle long delays. Security/Defense: UPDF Air Force commissioned new aircraft to boost operational and logistical capability, including Let 410 transport for personnel, cargo and air ambulance roles. Sports & Youth: State Minister Peter Ogwang met Commonwealth Sport in London to discuss preparations for Glasgow 2026 and a possible multi-nation hosting model for Africa. Civic Unity: Uganda Media Centre launched “Sauti Ya Uganda,” an anthem contest offering Shs 100m and weekly TikTok challenges to promote national and EAC anthem knowledge.

EACOP Oil Pipeline Nears Uganda’s Oil Export Moment: After more than a decade of delays, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is at about 80–84% completion, with commissioning targeted for July 2026 and first exports by October. The 1,443km electrically heated line will move crude from Lake Albert to Tanzania’s Tanga port, with TotalEnergies as majority stakeholder. Ebola Response Under Pressure: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo outbreak has surpassed 600 deaths, with Uganda reporting 20 confirmed cases and two deaths; health workers protest unpaid work as containment risks widening. Uganda–South Africa Unrest Fallout: Uganda completed phase one of voluntary repatriation of 1,102 citizens from South Africa, with returnees set for reintegration training in Kyankwanzi. Courtroom Drama: Former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi was re-arrested in Mpigi just a day after getting bail, with details still unclear. Road Safety Tragedy in Mukono: A school bus collided with a train at a railway crossing, killing the head teacher’s wife and injuring several learners and staff. Health & Everyday Innovation: A Uganda study finds 6% catnip oil lotion repels mosquitoes as effectively as DEET—potentially cheaper protection for malaria-prone communities.

EAC Oil & Trade Push: Uganda’s long-awaited East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, moving Albertine Graben crude to Tanzania’s Tanga port via a heated 1,443km line. Ebola Crisis in the Region: DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 625 with 1,792 cases, while Uganda has confirmed 20 cases including two deaths; UN and Africa CDC officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than response capacity. Education Reform: Universities are racing to prepare for Uganda’s Competence-Based Education and Training shift, with NCHE training master trainers and pushing institutions to redesign curricula and assessments ahead of the July 2027 deadline. Politics in Kampala: Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo has quit NRM, citing betrayal after his petition was dismissed. Sports & Local Talent: Tusker FC has been drafted into the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after Al Merreikh withdrew, giving the Brewers another shot at regional glory. Business & Health: A feature highlights Matthias Magoola’s Dei Pharma ambitions after a visit that changed one critic’s view.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 600 deaths and 1,700+ confirmed cases, with Africa CDC warning the virus is moving faster than response and urging sustained funding and safer burial capacity; Uganda has confirmed 20 cases and two deaths as new areas report suspected infections. Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s long-awaited East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with TotalEnergies leading alongside Uganda and Tanzania partners. Security & Diplomacy: Uganda and CAR continue joint military training, with Museveni presiding over the graduation of 1,741 CAR soldiers after 12 months. Food Security: Karamoja’s drought has killed at least 16 people, with government delivering emergency maize and beans and seeking more cabinet-approved relief. Justice: Former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi and 16 co-accused get bail on terrorism charges, with travel limits and monthly reporting. Digital Growth: UCC and Busoga Kingdom sign a five-year deal to expand ICT hubs and digital skills, pushing digital inclusion in Busoga.

Ebola Update: DRC’s Ebola death toll has hit 600 with 1,759 confirmed cases as response teams face insecurity, limited supplies and community resistance, while Uganda continues cross-border support and travel screening measures remain active in the US through July 21. Health Innovation: South Africa’s Xylomed says it’s preparing a Phase 3B trial of an experimental Ebola treatment across DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and Island Pharmaceuticals has cleared Galidesivir for compassionate use in Uganda under WHO’s MEURI framework. Parliament & Governance: Uganda’s 12th Parliament has completed committee appointments and key leadership roles, while Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara got leave to introduce a bill to amend how the Leader of the Opposition is elected and held accountable. Justice: Court rejected Besigye and Lutale’s bid to stop their treason trial, setting the hearing for July 13. Transport Safety: A bus-truck crash in northern Uganda killed 14 and injured 28. Energy & Economy: Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court challenge to block EACOP, arguing Uganda’s environmental and climate laws should apply to the project’s UK-registered operator. Business & Tech: Noteya and Sakamoja signed a cooperation deal to drive AI-powered digital transformation and infrastructure modernization across East Africa, starting with Tanzania and Zanzibar. Public Health Drive: Housing Finance Bank urges Ugandans to donate blood tomorrow (July 10) amid a national blood supply deficit.

Ebola Response: Uganda has approved compassionate use of Island Pharmaceuticals’ Galidesivir for patients infected with the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, using the WHO MEURI framework, in a move meant to give real-world clinical data while no approved treatment exists. Oil & Courts: Ugandan farmers and groups have taken TotalEnergies’ EACOP pipeline fight to a UK court, arguing the project could harm freshwater systems, protected habitats, and thousands of people. Transport Safety: A deadly bus-trailer crash on the Kampala–Gulu Highway killed 14 and injured 28, with police citing speeding and a driver trying to avoid a pedestrian. Justice & Politics: The High Court dismissed a bid by Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale to halt their treason case, clearing the way for the trial to start on July 13. Legal Decolonisation: Uganda’s judiciary banned lawyers from calling judges “My Lord/My Lady” and ordered an end to bows in court, replacing them with “Your Honour/Your Worship” etiquette. Humanitarian & Mobility: Uganda completed a fourth voluntary evacuation flight from South Africa, bringing the total repatriated citizens to 730 amid anti-immigrant unrest. Local Livelihoods: Fishermen on Lake Albert say new fishing regulations are pushing families deeper into poverty as they struggle with licensing and gear costs.

Ebola Preparedness: Uganda says it has contained imported Ebola cases and is intensifying cross-border support to DR Congo, including medical teams and mobile labs, as the outbreak in eastern Congo keeps surging. Health & Science: Researchers report a catnip-based lotion can repel mosquitoes as effectively as DEET, offering a cheaper option for malaria-prone communities. Legal Reform: The Uganda Law Society has ordered lawyers to drop colonial courtroom honorifics like “My Lord” and stop bowing to judges, pushing a decolonised court culture. Public Spending Oversight: Uganda is digitally monitoring public contracts across 1,296 projects worth about Shs1.2 trillion to curb delays, cost overruns and procurement losses. Fraud & Security: Police arrested a woman accused of conning Kisoro MP Grace Akifeza Ngabirano out of Shs60m through a fake State House influence scheme. Food Security Diplomacy: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo met WFP’s new country director, reaffirming support for school feeding, local procurement and smallholder farmers. Regional Readiness: South Africa is preparing designated hospitals and response drills in case Ebola reaches its borders. Community & Sports: Uganda joined the Invictus Games community, becoming the first East African nation admitted.

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC outbreak is still expanding, with cases now at about 1,561 and deaths at 506, while Europe activates preparedness after a doctor tested positive in France—no approved vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Clinical Trial Boost: WHO and INRB have started enrolling participants for a new Bundibugyo Ebola therapeutics trial (PARTNERS), with Africa CDC support, aiming to improve survival. Uganda Court Action: Kampala’s High Court ordered a fresh inquest into the 2018 killing of Bobi Wine’s driver Yasin Kawuma, reopening a long-running political case. Oil & Environment: Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court lawsuit to stop EACOP operations, arguing Uganda’s environmental and climate laws should apply to the UK-registered pipeline company. Water Security: Ntungamo (Kakukuru) has received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells. Digital Governance: UCC launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots, warning of cybersecurity and privacy risks. Language Push: Uganda launched the Dawati la Kiswahili competition to boost use of Kiswahili nationwide. Return Home: Zimbabwe says it has helped nearly 21,300 citizens return from South Africa amid anti-migrant pressure. Sports: CAF confirmed clubs for 2026/27 Champions League qualifiers, including Ugandan side Vipers.

Ebola Update (DRC-Uganda): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surged to 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths, with WHO warning response is being strained by security and health-system pressure; Uganda reports 20 cases and two deaths, while health workers in Ituri threaten to strike over unpaid benefits, low wages, and shortages. Health & Treatment (Uganda): Uganda’s Ministry of Health has approved compassionate use of Galidesivir for Ebola patients under a WHO emergency framework, as clinical trials and diagnostics expand across the region. Court & Security (Uganda): Retired Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded by the General Court Martial on treachery and security-related charges, with media access restricted during proceedings. Anti-Smuggling (URA): Uganda is losing over $700m annually to smuggling and illegal cross-border trade, with URA pointing to porous borders and limited awareness. Governance (Buganda): Buganda Kingdom passed a Shs409b budget for 2026/27. Sports & Culture: CAF has rejected expanding AFCON to 28 teams, keeping the tournament at 24. Tourism (Uganda): Uganda’s embassy in Ethiopia launched a campaign for the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon to boost tourism and economic diplomacy. Business/Trade (TMA): TradeMark Africa appointed three new board directors as it pushes expansion across Africa. Local Justice (Kampala): The High Court Family Division launched a mediation push to settle divorce and inheritance disputes faster.

Ebola Update: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola death toll has passed 500, with 506 deaths and 1,561 confirmed cases, while Uganda reports 2 deaths and 20 confirmed cases—health officials warn the outbreak is worsening and spreading. Health Response: Uganda’s para badminton championship in Kampala will go ahead despite Ebola fears, but with fewer overseas teams; meanwhile, two Ebola suspects escaped an isolation unit in Arua, triggering a health alert and renewed calls for tighter facility security. Security & Courts: Former military intelligence chief Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded at Makindye Military Barracks on treachery-related charges, as journalists face restrictions in court. Anti-Corruption: Prosecution preparations are reportedly complete for former Parliament Speaker Anita Among, after investigators compiled a case file. Economy & Trade: URA estimates Uganda loses over $700m (Shs2.5trn) yearly to smuggling, while Uganda’s coffee export earnings fell 38% in May due to weaker prices and lower volumes. Business: Marriott’s new Kampala hotel deal means Coca-Cola will replace Pepsi across Marriott’s global network.

Ebola in focus: WHO-backed trials have started in DR Congo for the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, testing a monoclonal antibody cocktail with remdesivir and supportive care as cases and deaths keep rising, with Uganda also reporting confirmed infections. Public health costs: A UNDP assessment warns the outbreak could cost Africa $3.6bn, push nearly 985,000 people into poverty and put 300,000 jobs at risk. Uganda media row: Daily Monitor reopening talks face backlash as Monitor co-founder Wafula Oguttu warns against any deal that gives government control over editorial decisions. Corruption probe: Drivers in Bukedea accuse Parliament’s Chris Obore of using members’ IDs and permits to account for over Shs675m. Govt pay reforms: Uganda increased the public service wage bill by about Shs1.09tn and issued new HR management guidance for 2026/27. Tech disruption: MTN Uganda outage hit calls, internet and Mobile Money after a power failure at a data centre. Security in Karamoja: Joint forces stepped up disarmament in Kotido to curb armed raids. Business/health: Unihealth approved raising its stake in Uganda’s Victoria Hospital to 99.81% via a share swap.

Ebola Update: Uganda says its Ebola outbreak has been contained after tracing and quarantining contacts and treating imported cases, while the country moves to engage nations with travel restrictions to get them lifted. DR Congo Crisis: Across the border, the DRC reports Ebola cases rising to 1,502 with 473 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak is worsening and hampered by insecurity and weak health capacity. South Africa Xenophobia: Uganda repatriated another 255 nationals from South Africa, bringing the total evacuated to 560, with returnees received at Entebbe and some set for reintegration support. Telecom Disruption: MTN Uganda apologised after a power failure at a data centre disrupted calls, mobile data and Mobile Money services nationwide. Governance & Corruption: PPDA says it has not delayed action in the Maybach defence-suppliers matter and says a final board decision is due July 9. Sports: Kenya Legends beat Uganda Legends 17-10 in Kampala to retain the SportPesa Legends Cup title.