AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alarm Escalates: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading with “magnitude and speed,” as Congo reports at least 134 suspected deaths and 500+ suspected cases—and Uganda confirms two cases (one fatal) among Congolese citizens who crossed the border. WHO has convened an emergency committee, but the grim reality is no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain, with vaccine options still months away. Cross-Border Pressure: Health teams warn the outbreak spread undetected for weeks after early tests targeted the wrong strain, while movement and urban spread raise the stakes for the region. Uganda’s Tech Push: In parallel, Uganda granted Starlink an operating licence, and Airtel Africa reported 91m smartphone customers and strong revenue growth—showing how connectivity and industry keep moving even as public health risks rise. Climate Watch: IGAD forecasts below-normal rainfall across much of the Greater Horn, including Uganda, adding another stressor for households and production.

Ebola Escalation: WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak a “continental” emergency, with deaths now estimated around 131 and suspected cases soaring, as health teams race to open new treatment centres and screen cross-border travellers. No Vaccine, Fast Spread: The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, and officials warn there’s no approved vaccine or treatment—while delayed detection (tests initially targeted the wrong strain) helped the virus spread for weeks. Uganda Impact: Uganda has confirmed cases and deaths, postponed Martyrs’ Day celebrations, and is tightening its emergency response as misinformation fears grow. Aid Pressure: Reports say UK and US aid cuts are undermining the response, even as an American doctor treating patients in Congo has tested positive. Energy & Industry Push: In parallel, Uganda is moving on fuel security—inviting Dangote to build a regional refinery and gaining influence over fuel pricing after buying into Kenya’s pipeline—showing how energy plans are now running alongside public health urgency.

Ebola Escalation: The CDC confirmed an American working in Congo has tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak in eastern DRC keeps widening and the WHO classifies it as a public health emergency of international concern. Regional Spillover: Uganda has reported deaths linked to the virus and has postponed its June 3 Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo to reduce pilgrim risk. Containment Push: Congo says it will open three Ebola treatment centers in Ituri, while WHO teams and emergency supplies move in—yet experts warn detection came late because early tests targeted the wrong Ebola strain. Numbers Under Strain: Reports cite hundreds of suspected cases and rising deaths, with uncertainty over the true scale. Business Shock: The health scare lands alongside regional economic stress—Kenya’s fuel-price protests and transport disruptions are already threatening trade and costs across East Africa.

Ebola Emergency Hits Home: The WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, after deaths climbed to around 88 and suspected cases surged past 300, with Uganda confirming at least two cases in Kampala (including one death). Cross-Border Pressure: Health officials are opening new treatment capacity in Congo’s Ituri region while warning the real scale may be larger—and urging countries not to shut borders or choke trade. Regional Business Shock: In Kenya, a nationwide public transport strike erupted over record fuel prices, stranding commuters in a “walking city” and raising fears of wider economic damage. Energy Deal Momentum: In Uganda, President Museveni backed a proposed East African regional oil refinery championed by Aliko Dangote—while insisting Hoima’s refinery will still proceed. Culture & Tourism: Uganda’s Ndiga clan heritage project in Mpigi moves toward a museum and mausoleum to preserve Buganda history and boost tourism.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern” after nearly 90 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment. Cross-Border Spread: Uganda has confirmed imported cases in Kampala linked to travelers from Congo, while suspected infections are also reported in Congo’s wider regions, including Kinshasa—raising fears the outbreak is bigger than early counts. Why It’s Hard to Contain: Conflict, population movement, and strained health logistics in eastern Congo are complicating response, and WHO says border closures aren’t the answer. Regional Watch: Africa CDC is warning of high regional spread risk and pushing for coordinated continental action.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) over the rare Bundibugyo strain, with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths already reported in eastern DRC’s Ituri province. No Border Shutdown: WHO stressed it is not a pandemic-level emergency and advised countries not to close international borders, even as it warned of significant uncertainty about the outbreak’s true size and spread. Cross-Border Spread: Uganda has confirmed imported cases in Kampala, and WHO flagged a lab-confirmed case in Kinshasa, suggesting wider movement. What Uganda Must Do Next: WHO urged emergency operations centres, faster surveillance and contact tracing, and immediate isolation of confirmed cases while tests run. Regional Context: Africa CDC says active community transmission is underway, with fears rising as daily burials continue in affected areas.

Ebola Alarm: Africa CDC says the Ituri outbreak in eastern DR Congo has surged to 87 deaths and 336 cases, driven by the Bundibugyo strain—with no strain-specific vaccine—raising fears of cross-border spread after Uganda confirmed a fatal imported case in Kampala. Regional Response: Africa CDC has activated an incident plan for DR Congo and Uganda and is pushing preparedness with South Sudan, citing mining-linked mobility, insecurity, and gaps in contact tracing. Trade & Industry Signals: While health officials scramble, East Africa’s business agenda keeps moving—India hosts the India-Africa Forum Summit next week, and Tanzania is in the spotlight as Russia’s logistics firm completes a new container corridor to Dar es Salaam. Agribusiness Momentum: Uganda’s push for market-driven farming continues, with Koko Agri Farms highlighting farmer aggregation, training, and value addition as the route to bigger regional markets.

Ebola Alarm in Eastern DRC: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara and with suspected cases also reported in Bunia. Uganda Response: Uganda has confirmed one imported case in Kampala after a Congolese man died, and contacts have been quarantined. Strain Uncertainty: Early lab results point to a non-Zaire strain (sequencing ongoing), which could complicate response plans built around other variants. Cross-Border Pressure: Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over the risk of spread driven by mining-linked movement, insecurity, and urban settings. Business Watch: Kenya’s fuel price shock is already pushing up costs, with traders warning diesel-led transport and production expenses will hit households next. Uganda Industry: Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda launched a 1L PET bottle aimed at affordable, shareable value for everyday consumers.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Africa CDC has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, and preliminary tests pointing to a non-Zaire strain—a twist that could complicate response. Uganda’s Link: Uganda also reported one imported case in Kampala, with contacts quarantined as officials push cross-border surveillance with Congo and South Sudan. Regional Pressure: Africa CDC says urban risk in Bunia, mining-driven movement, insecurity, and gaps in contact tracing make spread a real threat, prompting urgent coordination. Uganda Trade Momentum: Uganda flagged off its first shipment of canned pineapples to China (104 tonnes), a sign of agro-processing scaling beyond raw exports. Connectivity Move: Uganda granted Starlink an operating licence, aiming to improve internet competition. Business Finance Watch: Uganda is courting Tanzanian investors for a €405m Sukuk tied to the Malaba–Kampala SGR.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC has confirmed a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, reporting 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with fears of spread heightened by Bunia’s urban setting and mining-linked movement; the agency is convening an urgent regional meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and partners to tighten cross-border surveillance and response. Uganda–Japan Tech Push: Uganda has launched a pilot AI-powered outsourcing platform, AI-POD, to connect Ugandan engineers with Japanese employers, aiming to turn language and workflow barriers into a scalable digital export model. Security & Rights: In Nakivale refugee camp, authorities report at least 11 child trafficking cases involving minors allegedly sent for work across East Africa. Tourism Marketing: Uganda Bikers, with the Uganda Tourism Board, plan a 1,000km European tour to boost destination visibility. Policy & Money: Bank of Uganda kept rates at 9.75%, citing contained inflation but warning global shocks could bite. Health Systems Pressure: UNAIDS warns HIV prevention and treatment services are faltering as funding drops.

Uganda’s New Kisanja Begins: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term at Kololo, with the election period officially ending and the focus shifting to “work, discipline and wealth creation.” Monetary Policy Watch: Bank of Uganda kept the Central Bank Rate at 9.75%, citing inflation still under the 5% target but nudged up by Middle East-driven energy and fuel pressures. AFCON 2027 Security: Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations put security front and centre, with organisers promising CAF-compliant safety for a tournament expected to draw huge crowds. Agro-Exports Push: Uganda launched its first processed pineapple export to China—104 tonnes from Deshiburg—signalling more market pull for local farmers. Lake Victoria Alarm: New findings warn the lake is sliding into an oxygen crisis, threatening fish stocks and livelihoods across the basin. Media Space Under Strain: ACME says its suspension by Uganda’s NGO regulator has dragged on since January with no clear progress, raising fears for funding and survival.

Uganda Airlines Reset: Uganda Airlines has taken delivery of the first of two wet-leased Boeing 737-800 jets from Ethiopian Airlines, a move meant to restore schedule reliability and rebuild network capacity as it also repositions its Airbus A330 fleet for long-haul growth. Oil Turning Point: Uganda’s oil push is moving toward technical commissioning, with officials stressing that “first oil” must translate into jobs and industrial diversification, not just crude exports. Regional Fuel Security: Djibouti has started building a $160m (Sh20.7bn) Fuelstor fuel terminal, while the EAC weighs a joint refinery plan—another sign the region is trying to reduce exposure to volatile global supply. Water & Accountability: The Agoro Irrigation Scheme in Lamwo is under fresh scrutiny after farmers complained rehabilitation delays are hurting production, prompting a demand for a performance report. Parliament Starts Work: MPs-elect began swearing-in for the 12th Parliament, with repeated calls for hard work, poverty reduction, and better service delivery. Tech & Trade Links: Uganda is also piloting an AI platform to connect Ugandan engineers with Japanese firms, aiming to unlock export-ready skills.

Diplomacy & Industry: President Museveni met Egypt’s Al-Sisi in Entebbe to deepen cooperation on trade, industrialisation, renewable energy, fish farming and Nile water management, with both leaders also coordinating on Sudan, Libya and Palestine. Health & Social Impact: dfcu Bank and Mulago/Mengo backed a Kampala “Hope in Motion” walk for sickle cell—hundreds mobilised for awareness, screening and blood donation as Uganda’s burden remains among the highest. Climate Mobility Finance: Nigeria’s government backed an IOM push to turn climate-induced migration into investable projects for West and Central Africa. Digital Inclusion: The World Bank highlights what works for women’s digital literacy—programs that match delivery and build confidence safely. Mining Oversight: Uganda’s gold refiner Thaba Investments is under scrutiny over a reported $51m export-volume gap. Regional Football: CAF and East African “PAMOJA” leaders signed up a new oversight committee to salvage AFCON 2027 preparations. Energy Push: France-Africa talks in Nairobi unlocked major renewable deals, including sustainable aviation fuel plans in Kenya. Transport Upgrade: Kampala launched its first electric commuter bus route, starting a wider electrification rollout.

Car-Part Theft Surge: Two men convicted in the West Midlands for “car cannibalism” show a fast-growing trend—thieves strip nearly 100 parked vehicles for quick resale, hitting owners with big repair bills and pushing insurance payouts up (UK insurers paid £593m in 2025 claims). Port Capital Push: CMA CGM pledged about $800m to upgrade two container terminals at Kenya’s Mombasa Port, aiming to handle rising cargo flows for landlocked neighbours including Uganda. Uganda’s Political Reset: President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term, with heavy security and renewed talk of industrialisation and oil-driven growth—while succession chatter keeps circling around his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Kampala Transport Upgrade: Uganda launched its first electric commuter bus route (Ntinda to City Square), cashless and designed to expand to more cities by 2030. Digital Finance Caution: Airtel Africa reported profit more than doubling to $813m, as data and mobile money lead—while fintech leaders warn that inclusion without consumer protection can trap borrowers.

Museveni Sworn In: President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a record seventh term at Kololo, Kampala, extending his rule to 2031 after a January election he won with over 70%—a result his main rival Bobi Wine and the opposition say was “fake,” citing violence and irregularities. Succession Spotlight: Attention quickly turned to succession talk, with growing chatter around his son, army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the inauguration also drew heavy security and regional leaders. First Lady Questions: Janet Museveni missed the ceremony, deepening scrutiny over her prolonged absence. Regional Trade Moves: In South Sudan’s corridor, Uganda restored traffic flow on the Juba–Nimule highway after emergency repairs following a truck overturn. Energy & Logistics: Djibouti broke ground on a Sh20.7bn Fuelstor fuel hub, while CMA CGM pledged Ksh106bn to modernise Mombasa port terminals—both aimed at strengthening East Africa’s fuel and shipping resilience. Finance for the Informal: Insurers are pushing digital tools to reach Uganda’s informal sector, where insurance penetration remains below 1%. Court Case: A businessman was remanded over a Sh2bn fertilizer fraud tied to alleged deceptive dealings with a Turkish firm.

Port & Logistics Boost: CMA CGM is set to pour €700m (KSh106b) into modernising and expanding two terminals at Mombasa Port, aiming to lift cargo capacity and tighten inland links for East and Central Africa. Election Transparency Pressure: Ugandans are again using social media to demand DR forms for the January elections, keeping the digital-results standoff alive. Corruption Crackdown Talk: Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly vents over “mass and endemic corruption,” warning of backlash. Power Reliability Push: Kampala’s blackouts get a new response as three substations (Namungona, Mutundwe, Maya) are commissioned to evacuate more power from Bujagali. Green Jobs Drive: New Juaben South signs up a waste-recycling project expected to create hundreds of green jobs for young people and women. Oil Refinery Race: The Tanga vs Mombasa contest heats up as Dangote-linked refinery plans tilt toward Kenya, while Tanzania is urged to move fast. Digital Finance & Compliance: Zoth and Bakkt sign an MOU to scale compliant stablecoin cross-border payments. Sports Economy: Kenya doubles down on AFCON 2027 hosting readiness, with Talanta Sports City Stadium reported at 85% completion.