AGP Executive Report

Local Governance & Anti-Corruption: Minister Milly Babalanda told RDCs to answer political criticism with hands-on service delivery—physically inspecting projects, checking funds and beneficiaries, and following issues to corrective action, while warning against accusations without evidence. Aviation Oversight: Parliament’s COSASE probe into alleged corruption at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority stalled after the UCAA Director General failed to attend a corruption hearing, raising questions around acting leadership and accounting responsibility. Textiles & Land Rights: Nytil Group’s Shs144b Jinja spinning expansion is stuck in a land dispute over an access road, threatening jobs and Uganda’s cotton-to-yarn value addition plans. Clean Cooking & Energy Costs: The IEA warns Africa’s LPG crisis could reverse clean-cooking gains as prices rise and households in markets like Uganda and Nigeria struggle to afford LPG. Disability & Air Travel: A South Sudanese disability activist condemned Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a flight despite completing check-in, citing an internal limit on disability transport. Public Health: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak remains far from control, with insecurity and movement fueling spread; Uganda’s earlier containment is cited as a model. Industrial Infrastructure: Work starts on UGX 17bn Sir Tito Winyi Sports Academy in Hoima for AFCON 2027 training use. Agri-Industry Finance: Equity Group reported strong regional growth and profit, while insurance access and asset management integration were highlighted by Old Mutual. Trade & Logistics: Kenyan fish exporters threaten border disruption over Uganda’s delayed Shs22b compensation after impounded fish were destroyed in 2021. Investment & Manufacturing Recognition: Metro Cement Uganda won a Gold Award for best cement manufacturer, as calls grow for more medium-sized investors across value chains.

Ebola Alert: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is “far from under control,” with 5,000+ cases and 2,300+ deaths, driven by insecurity, displacement and movement along roads and mining routes. Cross-Border Payments: Standard Bank Group and UnionPay expanded e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, including Uganda, giving merchants more payment choice for regional online trade. Banking Results: Equity Group reported KSh45.5bn half-year profit, highlighting technology-enabled growth across East and Central Africa, while Stanbic Uganda posted a 28.2% net profit rise to Sh356.8bn. Industrial Finance & Housing: Housing Finance Bank is pushing real estate investment dialogue in Mbarara, as regional demand grows for housing, logistics and student accommodation. Manufacturing Recognition: Metro Cement Uganda won the Gold Award for Best Cement Manufacturer, while industry leaders warn thin margins make tax hikes on cement risky. Transport Shock: Ugandan truckers in South Sudan accuse the host military of forcibly seizing vehicles for troop movement, disrupting trade and raising safety and financial fears. Policy & Governance: Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara urged stronger anti-corruption controls in fiscal decentralisation talks.

Electricity & Industry: Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna warns Uganda risks an electricity shortage if power generation can’t keep up with rapid industrialisation, urging more investment in the energy sector. Green Finance for Agriculture: aBi Finance and ASA Microfinance launch the Shs2bn SPROUT green finance project plus a separate Shs10bn lending facility for farmers and agribusinesses in Northern and Eastern Uganda, targeting irrigation, improved seed and climate-smart tech. Industrial Park Credit Boost: Equity Bank Uganda and Tian Tang Group partner to expand access to working capital and business loans for over 2,000 firms in the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, with training on cash-flow and governance. Power Access Scale-Up: Over 270,000 prepaid electricity meters are undergoing quality testing under the World Bank-backed EASP as Uganda pushes toward one million new electricity connections. Tax Waivers Under Scrutiny: MPs question the rationale for a Shs30.4bn tax and arrears relief package for Fresh Cuts, New Plan and Kilembe Mines, amid concerns over revenue leakages and past accountability. Ebola Cross-Border Risk: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” moving at unprecedented speed and driven by insecurity and population movement—raising spillover fears for the region. Transport Professionalisation: Kamuli drivers and conductors form a new association to retrain drivers, improve passenger safety and strengthen discipline and financial literacy. Peat Mining Jobs Hope: Kabale District Council approves Peate Energy Solutions to extract peat for cement processing, aiming to create jobs and raise royalties.

Power & Standards: Uganda’s Electricity Access Scale-Up Project is moving fast, with over 270,000 prepaid electricity metres undergoing quality testing at UNBS before deployment to UEDCL, Wenreco and KIS—aimed at delivering 1 million new household connections nationwide. Water & Climate Resilience: A Shs10bn solar-powered water facility in Sembabule is easing water stress for families forced to trek long distances for unsafe water, helping cut disease risks linked to unclean sources. Roads & Risk: Residents in Mukono say they’ve been stranded for nearly three weeks after the collapse of the Nakyetinda bridge, disrupting transport, schools and businesses while a blame dispute between district and sub-county continues. Industrial Finance: Equity Bank Uganda and Tian Tang Group are partnering to expand Mbale Industrial Park firms’ access to working capital and business loans, plus training to strengthen cash-flow and governance. Energy Trade Links: South Sudan says it expects to start importing electricity from Uganda’s Karuma hydropower by late 2026 or early 2027, with transmission infrastructure connecting via Nimule to Juba. Mining & Tax Relief Scrutiny: Parliament’s Finance Committee is reviewing about Shs30.4bn in tax and arrears relief for two private firms and one state mining company, amid concerns over value-for-money and revenue leakages. Digital Lending Oversight: Government is considering tighter regulation of digital lenders as mobile credit grows, citing risks of high charges and aggressive collections. Ebola & Diagnostics: WHO warns DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak remains a high risk for further spread, while the EU is funding 2.5m euros for rapid diagnostic tests to speed detection and treatment. Solar Street Lighting Market: SOKOYO has completed QatarEnergy solar street-light installations, signaling broader demand for off-grid lighting solutions across Africa and beyond.

EABL Sale Hurdle: Kenya’s competition regulator wants East African Breweries to set aside up to KSh15bn (about $115m) before approving Diageo’s sale of its 65% stake to Japan’s Asahi—Diageo rejects the condition as baseless. Construction & Paint Demand: Kenya’s paint industry is riding a construction recovery, with demand for both new builds and refurbishments driving double-digit growth, even as competition from imports rises. TB Prevention for HIV Patients: A real-world study across six countries, including Uganda, finds TB preventive treatment lowers the risk of TB disease and death—especially when started soon after entering HIV care. Karamoja Wheat Wiped Out: A prolonged dry spell destroyed Karamoja’s first major wheat harvest, leaving farmers counting losses after spending millions on seed and inputs. Kiteezi Landfill Rehab: KCCA has received nearly half of Kiteezi landfill rehabilitated after the 2024 collapse, funded by a $1m Japan grant via UN-Habitat. Ebola Escalates in DRC: DRC Ebola is now the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths at 2,325 and a 46% fatality rate as transmission intensifies. Uganda Power Transition Scrutiny: Parliament questions UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses. Customs Clearing Under Threat: Local clearing agents warn they’re losing business to foreign firms, pushing for protection for Ugandans and a minimum clearing fee. Uganda Golf Gets Global Boost: Pearl of Africa Golf Series earns OWGR status, expected to lift Uganda’s visibility and tourism-linked business. Oil & Gas Environment Push: CNOOC Uganda reiterates environmental commitments ahead of first oil, including community solar and clean-up activities.

Housing & Construction: Kyambogo University students say decent, sustainable housing can be designed for as low as Shs13.2m, after winning a Habitat for Humanity Uganda affordable housing design competition—challenging claims that “affordable” homes cost around Shs100m. Power Sector Oversight: Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee questions UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses versus Umeme’s much higher spend. Oil & Energy Timelines: Uganda’s long-delayed first oil again misses a deadline as the mid-2026 target is quietly pushed, renewing investor worry. Commercial Justice for Industry: The Principal Judge urges traders to use mediation to clear commercial, construction and corporate disputes, targeting 520 cases and Shs325bn tied up in litigation. Agribusiness Competitiveness: EU deforestation rules (EUDR) are set to reshape Africa’s agricultural exports, with coffee and other covered commodities facing new compliance demands. Finance for Productive Assets: dfcu Bank and Double Q partner to expand vehicle and equipment financing (up to 90% for commercial assets; up to 100% for selected passenger/electric vehicles) alongside insurance support. Oil & Gas Environment: CNOOC Uganda reaffirms environmental commitments ahead of first oil with tree planting, solar power commissioning and clean-up activities in Kikuube. Regional Trade & Industry Support: Germany pledges €39.8m (about Shs167bn) to the EAC to deepen trade integration, including support for SMEs and trade systems. Transport Decarbonisation: Spiro seals a Green Mobility partnership with the Rwenzori Marathon, deploying electric motorcycles for officials and medical teams. Agriculture Inputs for Productivity: The AU calls for stronger seed banks and more investment in domestic fertilizer production to cut food import dependence.

Industrial Research & Skills: Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna urged the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) to widen public reach and commercialise more of its advanced manufacturing outputs, warning Uganda’s machinery import bill keeps rising despite local capacity. Agro-Processing Push: Minister David Bahati inspected Pristine Foods in Kamuli as government moves to revitalise the egg and baby food industry, aiming to cut imports and “export jobs” by expanding local production. Clean Cooking & Green Finance: UECCC called for stronger government action to speed the shift from firewood/charcoal to cleaner options like electric pressure cookers, LPG and improved stoves, linking the transition to health and deforestation cuts. Mining Skills Gap: Industry leaders warned Uganda’s mining growth target to 2030 could stall without more metallurgists, mining engineers and mining economists, as the sector still leans on foreign expertise. Digital Economy: Uganda Internet Governance Week pressed for investment in digital skills, online safety and responsible AI use, arguing connectivity alone won’t deliver inclusive transformation. Export Infrastructure: Trade ministry set a two-month deadline to fully operationalise the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA), to boost export performance. Regional Trade Standards: Rwanda’s alcohol ban on Kenyan and Ugandan products sparked an EAC dispute, with Uganda’s UNBS saying affected goods have valid harmonised EAC certification and Rwanda failed to notify concerns first. Energy/Materials Innovation: A Buikwe manufacturer, Modern Laminates, is using genetically developed bamboo to produce fibres for packaging and specialty uses, with officials citing big import-substitution potential for paper products. Transport & Industry Finance: Uganda Railways Corporation remains loss-making, with Auditor General citing weak revenue collection, idle assets and missing wagons—highlighting the cost of running ageing infrastructure. Health Infrastructure Fundraising: Rotary Cancer Run launched fundraising targeting Shs5b to buy a linear accelerator for St Francis Hospital Nsambya, aiming to expand radiotherapy access.

Rail & State Enterprises: Uganda Railways Corporation remains loss-making despite government investment, with the Auditor General citing weak revenue collection, idle assets, missing wagons, delayed rehabilitation and unresolved land issues. Digital Economy & Skills: Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026 pushed for an inclusive, safe, AI-ready internet—calling for stronger digital skills, online safety and responsible AI use. Connectivity Innovation: Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in DRC, enabling compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites for SMS and limited data. Energy Transition: UECCC urged government to accelerate clean cooking access as millions still rely on firewood and charcoal, driving health harm and deforestation. Clean Cooking Finance & Tech: The forum highlighted options like electric pressure cookers, induction stoves, LPG, biogas and improved charcoal stoves. EAC Trade Dispute: Uganda joined Kenya in challenging Rwanda’s alcohol ban, arguing products meet harmonised EAC standards and Rwanda lacked scientific justification. Electricity Distribution Oversight: MPs demanded clarity on how UEDCL is spending a US$50m loan for distribution upgrades after concerns about low investment since taking over from Umeme. Agribusiness & Livestock: NAGRC&DB launched a five-year plan to boost PDM farmers with better dairy, piggery and poultry breeding stock, aiming for higher productivity and commercialisation. Public Data Governance: Uganda flagged off construction of a new Statistics House Entebbe office block to host the East African Statistics Bureau and harmonise regional data work. Ebola Watch: WHO reported Bundibugyo Ebola cases in DRC rising to 4,665 with 2,184 deaths as the outbreak expands across multiple provinces, complicating response amid insecurity and mobility. Arts & Industry: Veteran playwright Alex Mukulu (72) died, with government now involved in planning an official send-off—highlighting the theatre sector’s cultural and economic value.

Clean Cooking Push: UECCC urged faster adoption of cleaner cooking options as millions still rely on firewood and charcoal, linking the shift to better health and less deforestation. EAC Trade Dispute: Uganda and Kenya challenged Rwanda’s alcohol suspension, with UNBS saying affected brands hold harmonised EAC standards and Rwanda failed to give proper notice or scientific justification. Ebola Response Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is in a critical phase in Ituri, with the Bundibugyo strain complicating vaccination coverage and insecurity in mining areas slowing contact tracing. Electricity Oversight: Parliament’s Natural Resources committee demanded clarity on how UEDCL is using a US$50m loan, questioning project breakdowns and whether distribution improvements are keeping pace. Livestock Value Chain Boost: NAGRC&DB launched a five-year plan to expand access to quality dairy, piggery and poultry breeding stock under PDM, targeting higher productivity and commercialisation. Regional Data Governance: Government flagged construction of a new Statistics House Entebbe block to host the East African Statistics Bureau, aiming to strengthen regional data harmonisation. Banking for Industry: Equity Bank Uganda highlighted its growing financing partnership with Modern Group, backing manufacturing, building materials and agro-processing growth. Agri-Startup Support: FasterCapital selected Kakinga Young Farmers for EquityPilot to scale an integrated maize, coffee and poultry model aimed at food security and rural jobs. Infrastructure & Trade Corridors: Kenya’s PPP plans for an expressway network from Mombasa toward Uganda’s border underline the push to move cargo faster along the Northern Corridor. Kiteezi Landfill Rehab: UN-Habitat and KCCA handed over the first phase of Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation after a 2024 collapse, funded by Japan’s grant. Arts Loss: Renowned playwright Alex Mukulu, known for “30 Years of Bananas,” died at 72, leaving a major mark on Uganda’s theatre and social commentary.

Digital Trade & Tax: Kenya is set to host the Digital Trade Congress 2026 in Nairobi on Aug. 28, aiming to scale cross-border e-commerce under AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol, with a focus on SMEs, women-led firms and young entrepreneurs. Electricity Oversight: Uganda’s Parliament Natural Resources committee is grilling UEDCL over a US$50m loan taken in Jan 2026, demanding a clear breakdown of projects and spending after concerns about weak distribution improvements since the Umeme handover. Livestock Modernisation: NAGRC&DB is rolling out a five-year plan to boost PDM farmers’ dairy, piggery and poultry breeding stock, targeting higher productivity, better genetics and stronger commercialisation. Youth Finance: A senior presidential advisor says government plans to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO, while also pushing higher PDM funding to expand youth access to enterprise capital. Agri-venture Support: FasterCapital has selected Kakinga Young Farmers for EquityPilot, backing an integrated maize, coffee and poultry model to improve food security and rural livelihoods. Waste & City Services: UN-Habitat and KCCA, funded by Japan’s US$1m grant, have rehabilitated nearly half of Kampala’s Kiteezi landfill after the 2024 collapse.

Development Finance: Uganda Development Bank (UDB) gets more government capital, with Finance Minister Henry Musasizi authorising UGX 3bn to retain from 2024/25 profit to boost lending capacity; UDB says it disbursed UGX 502.2bn to businesses and helped create 69,202 jobs, targeting manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. Waste & City Services: Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation advances, with nearly half of the collapsed dumpsite stabilised and handed to KCCA after UN-Habitat work funded by a USD 1m Japan grant—aimed at reducing flood and contamination risks. Youth & Enterprise: Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga reiterates plans to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO across five divisions, while also pushing higher PDM funding to expand youth livelihoods. Transport & Industry Inputs: Uganda taxi leaders say they’ve completed feasibility work to start switching to electric taxis in November, after a China visit to assess suitable models for local operations. Trade & Exports: Uganda’s export push gets a boost at the Entebbe airport free zone forum, but horticulture exporters warn a €2m EU SPS grant is at risk due to an unsigned tenancy agreement. Governance & Compliance: Uganda orders bars and Malwa joints not to open before 3pm on working days, targeting early-morning drinking and its social effects. Cross-border Labour Risks: A Russian recruiter linked to the Alabuga Start programme faces fresh allegations tied to Telegram networks over child sexual abuse, raising new concerns about overseas job schemes that have involved recruitment delegations to Uganda. Digital Economy: INTERPOL warns AI is now used in 55% of African cybercrime cases, while only 8% of intelligence analysts have advanced skills to fight it.

Youth Finance & Skills: Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga reiterated plans to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO and push higher PDM funding, as Uganda also ramps up free vocational training at Presidential skilling centres, with 3,620 disadvantaged youth enrolling for the latest cohort. Transport Electrification: Kampala’s taxi industry says it will start switching to electric taxis in November after a feasibility study, aiming to cut fuel costs and pollution. Trade & Export Readiness: Uganda’s export push gets a boost at the Entebbe Airport Free Zone, where manufacturers and UFZEPA/UMA discuss EU-certified packhouse gaps and a €2m SPS grant at risk due to tenancy delays. Regional Integration Under Legal Pressure: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act faces a challenge at the EAC court, with civil society arguing it could restrict cross-border civil society and funding. Cybercrime & AI Capacity: INTERPOL warns AI is now involved in 55% of African cybercrime cases, while only 8% of intelligence analysts have advanced skills to fight it. Alcohol Regulation: Uganda orders bars and Malwa joints not to open before 3pm on working days to curb early-morning drinking and related social harm. Energy/Logistics: Uganda’s export sector eyes Entebbe’s free zone while Tanzania’s TASHICO signals a shift toward commercialisation and expanded regional shipping links. Health & Humanitarian Logistics: Dubai Humanitarian launches a new air bridge to Gaza to move WHO medical supplies, medicines, tents and nutrition support.

Banking & Finance: Standard Bank says its Africa Regions franchise drove N$10.4bn of headline earnings, lifting group profits 10% in H1 2026, with ROE at 19.8% and dividends at R15bn—an indicator of stronger credit and fee/trading momentum. Public Finance & Development Banking: Uganda’s UDB gets a capital boost as government raises authorized share capital to UGX 5tn and allows the board to retain UGX 63bn from 2025 profit to expand “cheap credit” for manufacturing, agro-industry, tourism and innovation. Digital Security for Industry: Uganda’s cybersecurity push targets fraud in mobile money and digital banking, with telecom-banks urged to bake protection into platforms, including SIM-swap checks. Transport Electrification: Kampala’s taxi sector could start electric rollouts before end-2026, but unions say battery-swapping and grid readiness must come first. Agri-Value Addition & Livestock Genetics: NAGRC&DB plans to scale improved animal genetics for farmers, including disease-resistant breeds and forage systems. Industrial Health & Local Manufacturing: Equity Bank backs Microhaem Scientifics to expand local diagnostic production, cutting reliance on imported tests. Clean Energy: Uganda’s oil and gas timeline stays on track for first oil by end-2026 as key facilities advance, while renewable power updates highlight growing solar/hybrid capacity across the region. Health Emergency: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 2,000 deaths as WHO warns response is being outpaced, while new vaccine trials begin to close the treatment gap.

UDB Capital Boost: Uganda has authorized the Uganda Development Bank to raise its share capital to UGX 5 trillion and let the board retain UGX 63bn from 2025 profit after tax, with a stated goal of pushing lending rates toward single digits to support manufacturing, agro-industrialization and innovation. Cybersecurity for Finance: Uganda’s inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference says telecoms and banks must harden mobile money and digital banking against SIM swaps, account takeovers and social engineering, including real-time SIM-change checks. Electric Mobility Push: Kampala’s taxi union plans to start rolling electric taxis before end of 2026, but says battery-swapping and energy network readiness will decide the pace. Industrial Value Addition Visits: The Industry minister toured Mesha Steel, Samona Products and Korica Uganda, highlighting local sourcing, export wins and the urgent need for support to keep a pioneering herbal jelly factory afloat. Microhaem Expansion Backed: Equity Bank Uganda backed Microhaem’s growth with a $50m boost to expand local diagnostics production and cut reliance on imports. Aquaculture Research Drive: Uganda’s fisheries researchers at Kajjansi are improving fish seed, genetics and feeds to scale farmed fish and ease pressure on natural fisheries. First Oil Still Possible: Uganda’s oil timeline remains on track for first oil before end-2026, with Tilenga’s central processing facility at 68.6% completion while Kingfisher and EACOP are further along. Medical Interns Deployment Warning: Health officials warned medical interns who miss reporting deadlines could lose placements as Cabinet prepares to discuss their welfare and allowance concerns. Kampala Infrastructure Reality Check: A commentary argues Kampala’s traffic jams are worsened by failing drainage and ageing sewerage, calling for smarter city maintenance over more road building. Ebola Vaccine Trial Talks: WHO and DRC authorities are advancing plans for a Phase 3 trial of an Ebola vaccine candidate as the outbreak accelerates.

Health Workforce Pressure: Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi warns medical interns who miss reporting to duty stations by 15 August could lose placements, as Parliament debates the internship facilitation dispute after Government scrapped a Shs1m payment. Digital Government Overhaul: Uganda moves to integrate over 700 ICT systems into a unified setup, cutting duplication and ending “silos” to improve service delivery and enable more responsible AI adoption. Local Manufacturing Push: Industry State Minister David Bahati tours factories, highlighting Mesha Steel’s local sourcing and jobs, while flagging Samona Products’ financial strain tied to KCCA operational complications—plus Korica’s regional exports. Aquaculture Research: NARO’s ARDC in Kajjansi steps up work on better fish seed, genetics, feeds and farming systems to grow farmed fish output and ease pressure on wild stocks. Ebola Vaccine Talks: WHO and DRC authorities advance plans for a Phase 3 trial of the Ervebo vaccine for Bundibugyo Ebola, as the outbreak accelerates. EAC AI for Jobs: The EAC launches an AI innovation programme in Arusha to train 20,000 young people on ebola detection and response solutions. Oil & Gas Standards Sharing: PAU and UNBS host Tanzania’s benchmarking on oil-and-gas Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to strengthen quality control. Road Revenue Scrutiny: MPs summon Katumba Wamala and UNRA’s Allen Kagina over Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll glitches after findings of manual vulnerabilities and suspected revenue leakage. ICT/Industry Finance Win: Equity Bank backs Master Grain Milling’s growth, supporting Sh60bn turnover expansion through trade financing. Coffee Value Addition: Inspire Africa Coffee expands processing and product development in Ntungamo, pushing coffee tourism and new value-added lines.

Jobs & Security Vetting: Kenya’s National Employment Authority says its Russia job ads followed a “fact-finding” trip to Alabuga SEZ, promising any opportunities will go through full government vetting. Skills for Industrial Growth: A push for Uganda to rethink education as the missing link for industrialisation—arguing roads and power won’t create jobs without engineers and skilled workers. Agro-Processing Finance: Equity Bank backs Master Grain Milling’s expansion, helping the Jinja-based firm scale output and trade financing to build a Shs60bn business. Value Addition in Coffee: Inspire Africa’s Ntungamo coffee park is rolling out about 28 products and positioning coffee tourism as Uganda moves up the value chain. Ebola Shockwaves: DR Congo’s Ebola toll has surpassed 2,000 deaths as cases surge past 4,400, with conflict and access problems slowing response. Kampala Infrastructure & Revenue: MPs probe Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll glitches after a bus was charged Shs5,000 instead of Shs15,000; former officials summoned. Cyber Readiness: Uganda Police forensics warns digitisation is expanding the attack surface, urging stronger cybersecurity defenses. Oil & Standards: PAU and UNBS benchmark Tanzania’s oil-and-gas quality assurance, focusing on PVoC conformity checks. EAC AI for Health: The EAC launches an AI innovation programme for youth to tackle ebola detection and response across the region. Power Grid Pressure: Kenya Power warns wind/solar growth is straining the grid and could raise electricity costs without more geothermal, hydro and storage.