AGP Executive Report

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.

Ebola Alert: WHO says Bundibugyo Ebola has killed 454 and infected 1,481 across DR Congo and Uganda, warning the outbreak is accelerating and spreading through conflict-hit eastern provinces. Health Response: Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, as WHO pushes stronger border screening and a new diagnostic test for Bundibugyo. Parliament Watch: NRM has named three women MPs—Susan Jolly Abeja, Faith Nakut and Jesica Ababiku—to serve on the Parliamentary Commission as the 12th Parliament’s structures take shape. Anti-Corruption: Kampala’s Kachumbala Drivers and Loaders Association has petitioned the IGG alleging Shs675m+ was fraudulently accounted for using members’ IDs in a Parliamentary Commission accountability scam. Clean Cooking Push: Nabisunsa Girls’ School joins other schools switching from firewood to LPG, with Vivo Energy installing bulk storage and safety systems. Jobs & Construction: World Bank flags weak regulation and skills gaps holding back Uganda’s construction sector, despite its big GDP contribution. Sports: Uganda’s Aisha Nantongo joins China’s Shaanxi Zhidan Women FC; CAF opens bids for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036 hosts.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo has now recorded 1,502 confirmed Ebola cases with 473 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak remains severe and concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Uganda Health Watch: Uganda has also confirmed a Marburg case in an 18-month-old girl from Kyegegwa, with WHO teams already responding while the country continues Ebola frontline work. Power & Infrastructure: Uganda’s Masaka Road corridor is getting a major electricity boost after UEDCL commissioned new integration lines feeding areas like Nsangi, Nabbingo, Maya, Buwama and Mitala Maria. Digital Finance: M-KOPA says it has unlocked over Shs1 trillion in cumulative credit for more than a million customers since 2013, supporting smartphone access and digital inclusion. Football (Regional): CAF has opened bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, while Uganda’s 2027 AFCON co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania is already on the calendar. Sports (Uganda): Uganda’s women’s defender Aisha Nantongo has joined China’s Shaanxi Zhidan Women FC.

Climate-Smart Agriculture: MAAIF has handed over vehicles to 69 districts to boost the UCSATP programme, with tracking chips, insurance and warranties to strengthen monitoring and support for farmers. Ebola Update (DRC-Uganda): WHO says Bundibugyo Ebola in the DRC has surged to 1,502 lab-confirmed cases and 473 deaths, while Uganda reports 20 confirmed cases linked to cross-border spread; WHO also notes a new molecular diagnostic and a clinical trial are underway. Health Measures: Uganda’s Ministry of Health issued an Ebola travel advisory, tightening border screening and preparedness. Justice & Rights: Dr. Kizza Besigye told the High Court he nearly died during a hunger strike after his lawyers failed to appear for bail arguments, saying his right to legal representation was undermined. Legal Challenge: Martha Karua asked the High Court to intervene over her deportation and exclusion from representing Besigye and Lutale. South Africa Xenophobia: Uganda evacuated hundreds of citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence, with 424 reported safely brought home. Football (AFCON): CAF opened bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036 hosting rights, while confirming Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host AFCON 2027.

Ebola Update: WHO says Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC has killed 452 people out of 1,460 confirmed cases, while Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases including two deaths; WHO also notes a new Bundibugyo case linked to a doctor returning from DRC. Health Funding Pressure: WHO warns the DRC response is being slowed by conflict and a funding gap, with only a small share of pledged money reaching operations. Marburg Alert: WHO reports Uganda has a new Marburg virus case detected through enhanced surveillance. Xenophobia Fallout: Uganda repatriated the first batch of 273 nationals from South Africa to Entebbe as anti-immigrant violence continues; government says three Ugandans died and more return flights are planned. Legal Rights at Court: Besigye and Lutale insist they will not accept alternative lawyers, citing arrests/deportations that disrupted their defence team. Education Rumour Check: Kyambogo University dismisses social media claims that it will be shut down and turned into a military facility. Sports: Uganda’s national team faces Angola in World Cup qualifying after a tough Angola win, with Uganda coach promising better consistency ahead.

Marburg Alert in Uganda: WHO says a Ugandan toddler in Kyegegwa tested positive for Marburg during Ebola surveillance, with contacts being monitored and no new Ebola cases reported since June 21. Ebola Response in DRC: WHO has started a clinical trial of two Ebola therapeutics in the DRC after the outbreak passed 1,400 cases and 438 deaths, as the virus spreads to new areas including Kisangani. Health Leadership: WHO chief Tedros urged stronger international cooperation as global outbreaks worsen, while UNDP warns the DRC Ebola crisis could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs. Uganda Media Crackdown: Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi ordered Nation Media Group outlets shut, and CPJ calls for the release of detained journalist Timothy Kalyegira. Corruption Probe: IGG remanded seven senior Parliament officials over alleged embezzlement and money laundering. Transport Pressure: Motor dealers protested digital number plate shortages tied to the ITMS contract. Regional Trade Push: EAC experts approved a framework for trusted cross-border data flows toward a single digital market. Sports & Skills: UTTA certified four coaches under ITTF Level 2 and announced national ranking tournaments.

Marburg Alert in Uganda: WHO says a Marburg virus case was detected in Uganda during enhanced Ebola surveillance, with contacts being monitored and none showing symptoms so far. Ebola Crisis in DRC: Congo’s Ebola toll has passed 400 deaths, with cases spreading across provinces and fears growing for wider social and economic fallout. Uganda–UK Investment Push: President Museveni met UK’s Baroness Chapman, urging British and European investors to back Africa’s growth, value addition and jobs. Public Service Pensions: From July 1, 2027, civil servants will contribute 5% of salary and government 10% to a new Public Service Pension Fund, ending the old non-contributory system. Anti-Corruption Court Remands MPs Staff: Seven Parliament employees were remanded to Luzira Prison over corruption charges including embezzlement and money laundering. AFCON 2027 Visa Plan: Museveni backed a single East African entry visa for fans and teams across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Trade & Jobs: Ranchers Finest shipped Uganda’s first processed beef consignment to Ethiopia, pushing value addition over exporting live animals. Media Closure Fallout: PLU dismissed claims linking Ruto to Uganda’s shutdown of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, saying decisions follow Uganda’s laws.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, with troops blocking access and cutting electricity, deepening international scrutiny over media freedom. Courts & Rights: Former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe was granted bail on sectarianism charges after prosecutors cited remarks about “Banyankole women ministers,” while she argued age and health concerns. Ebola Surge in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola toll has climbed above 400 deaths and 1,406 confirmed cases, with new areas like Lolwa reported affected and response hampered by insecurity and community resistance. Marburg Alert in Uganda: Uganda reported an isolated Marburg case detected in Kyegegwa; Africa CDC says there’s no active case and no contacts developed symptoms. Anti-Migrant Violence: Uganda’s foreign affairs ministry raised alarm with South Africa over attacks on foreign nationals, urging protection and safe movement to assembly centres. Business & Jobs: Uganda urged value addition of minerals to create jobs, while UNBS seized 400+ cartons of counterfeit toilet tissue in Kikuubo. Regional Sports: Uganda is in Group D for the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers Window 3 rosters.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the closure of Nation Media Group outlets, deepening international scrutiny over arrests and a widening crackdown on independent media. Marburg Alert, Uganda Responds: Uganda’s health ministry says there are no confirmed Marburg cases after a U.S. embassy alert, while Africa CDC reports an isolated Marburg death in Kyegegwa with no active spread. Ebola Fallout in Congo: In eastern DR Congo, a mob burned an Ebola treatment centre, killing a policeman, as UNICEF warns 3 million children and adolescents remain vulnerable and response funding is still short. UN Warns on Economic Damage: The UNDP says the DRC Ebola outbreak could push nearly one million more people into extreme poverty and wipe out jobs and livelihoods across the region, with Uganda among affected neighbours. Regional Health Tech: A Bethlehem-made Ebola rapid test is seeking U.S. emergency approval to help frontliners respond faster. Trade Tension: Uganda’s sugar industry challenges Kenya’s 300% excise duty hike on imported sugar, warning it could disrupt exports under the EAC.