AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response, DRC: The U.S. has started shipping an experimental Mapp antibody drug to the Democratic Republic of Congo for compassionate use and clinical trials, as WHO warns the Bundibugyo outbreak is surging with over 1,000 cases and 267 deaths. Ebola, Kenya Legal Clash: Kenya’s health minister Aden Duale has ordered a full halt to a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility after court action, following protests and contempt findings. Uganda Health Access: Uganda’s “boat ambulances” on Lake Victoria are helping remote island communities reach emergency care and vaccination support faster, cutting delays that can cost lives. Digital Inclusion, Uganda: MTN Uganda injected UGX 54.27bn into UCC’s Universal Service and Access Fund, backing rural connectivity and affordability. Skills for Industry, Uganda: Uganda Breweries’ Learning for Life programme graduated 100 young adults in Jinja with hospitality and entrepreneurship training. Sustainable Food & Jobs: RSPO Africa urged East African palm oil expansion to follow People-Planet-Prosperity rules, warning against deforestation and rights abuses. Energy & Rural Livelihoods: Biogas in Kapchorwa is reducing firewood collection and smoke, turning farm waste into cleaner cooking fuel.

Ebola Response & Peace in the DRC: Eastern DRC’s conflict and mistrust are slowing detection and access, with Bundibugyo Ebola now at 1,003 confirmed cases in the DRC and 19 in Uganda; experts say AU, Doha and Washington peace tracks matter because they can remove barriers to containment. Clean Cooking & Rural Energy: In Kapchorwa, biogas biodigesters are turning cow dung into smoke-free fuel, cutting time and costs for households. Agribusiness Cooperatives: Tooro coffee farmers have formed a cooperative union to improve bargaining power, inputs access, training and market reach. Manufacturing Growth Push: Stanbic’s Business Forum urges deeper farm-to-shelf financing links, better supply-chain collaboration and more value addition as manufacturers face high costs and limited long-term capital. Local Contractor Finance: Uganda Development Bank reopens prequalification for a UGX 150bn local contractors financing drive to expand eligible indigenous firms for infrastructure delivery. Health Systems Supply Risk: Africa faces a looming anaesthesia shortage as halothane stocks run down, threatening child surgery safety. Regional Trade & Logistics: Nigeria expands an AfCFTA cargo corridor with RwandAir to cut freight costs and open routes to East and Southern Africa. Digital Entertainment Access: DStv Stream will be pre-installed on new Samsung Smart TVs across multiple African markets, including Uganda, boosting local consumer access to sports and entertainment. Uganda’s Industrial Policy: Uganda eyes auto manufacturing expansion, pushing dealers toward local assembly to create jobs and build a production base.

Uganda’s Auto Push: Policymakers say Uganda should move beyond importing vehicles and invest in local assembly to create jobs and build a regional production hub. Coffee Strategy Shift: Uganda’s green coffee output is forecast to rise to 7.16m 60-kg bags in 2026/27, but authorities signal a long-term pivot toward value-added exports like roasted and soluble coffee. Avocado Value Chain Drive: Stakeholders in Kampala urged a unified national avocado strategy, better coordination, and stricter quality standards to unlock global market access. Arua Airport Boost: The AfDB approved about €155.99m to upgrade Arua Airport into an international cargo-and-passenger gateway, strengthening West Nile logistics and trade links to South Sudan and DRC. Ebola Response Logistics: Dubai Humanitarian delivered a third Ebola aid airlift to Entebbe—76.2 tonnes of supplies—while Japan pledged $3.5m for health, logistics, and WASH support in DRC and Uganda. Health Security Warning: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged stronger African pandemic preparedness, citing Ebola’s cross-border economic disruption risk. Electric Mobility Funding: Spiro secured an extra $55m equity investment from NewTrails Capital to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across markets including Uganda. Mining Value Addition Trend: Guinea banned raw gold exports to force local processing—another sign Africa is tightening beneficiation rules that Uganda already applies to some minerals.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 1,003 with 254 deaths, as officials warn the real spread may be far larger amid conflict and weak health systems—Uganda is already reporting linked cases. Health & Industry: A charity warns Africa could run out of halothane for child surgeries by end-2027, forcing costly equipment shifts and training gaps that threaten surgical capacity. Rail & Trade Finance: Islamic Development Bank approved a €650.7m ($746.2m) loan for Uganda’s 272-km standard gauge railway to connect to Kenya’s network and Mombasa, with Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi and Citibank mobilising funds. Power & Policy: URA’s FY 2026/27 tax amendments include energy, oil and minerals-focused changes that UCEM says deserve closer scrutiny beyond headline reliefs. Construction & Compliance: KCCA says developers who fail to plant trees will be denied occupancy permits under the Building Control Act 2026, with enforcement tied to flooding and noise concerns. Agri Value Chains: Zimbabwe and Uganda deepened agricultural ties through a regional farmers’ exchange on innovation, youth empowerment and climate-smart farming. Farming Innovation: Equity Bank’s solar irrigation push is driving a cocoa revolution in Lira, while KOPIA begins certified rice seed production training. Mobility Investment: Spiro secured an extra $55m from China’s NewTrails to expand battery-swapping infrastructure across Uganda and other markets.

Rail & Trade Finance: The Islamic Development Bank approved a €650.7m (R12.28bn) loan for Uganda’s 272km Standard Gauge Railway linking to Kenya’s network and Mombasa port, with Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi and Citibank helping mobilise funds. Construction & Industry Costs: Uganda Clays Limited reported a wider half-year 2025 net loss of UGX 3.6bn despite 26% revenue growth, as finance costs and operating expenses eroded margins. Renewable Cooking for Schools: In Kasese, a solar-assisted smart kitchen is cutting fuel bills and firewood use, freeing savings for school infrastructure. Health & Data Sovereignty: The U.S. unveiled lenacapavir HIV prevention drug distribution for Uganda via PEPFAR, while a separate report flags U.S. demands for access to Africans’ health data as a sovereignty and privacy risk. Ebola Response Pressure: Updates on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak show cases and deaths rising across DRC and Uganda, with continued gaps in surveillance and testing. Circular Textiles Policy: SMART will attend Basel Convention talks on used textiles and circular economy rules, warning that tighter controls could disrupt reuse markets. Security Infrastructure: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county model stations nationwide, with 70 already ready and more nearing completion. Menstrual Health Access: Union launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads aimed at making quality products affordable for girls and women. Local Markets: World Bank-funded construction of modern markets in Kawuku and Wakiso is set to accommodate over 1,000 vendors. Textile & Defence Trade: Türkiye’s Raff Military Textile plans a Kampala mission to explore defence and security apparel partnerships.

Railway Finance: Uganda’s standard gauge railway gets a €650.7m (R12.28bn) IsDB loan, with Citibank helping mobilise funds for the 272km line linking Uganda to Kenya’s rail network and Mombasa port—construction is already underway by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi. Airport Upgrade: The AfDB approves €155.99m for a major Arua Airport upgrade (Phase 1 of the Uganda Airports Development Programme), including a 3.5km runway, passenger terminal for 700,000 travellers yearly, and a cargo terminal for 25,000 tonnes—aimed at boosting West Nile trade links to South Sudan and eastern DRC. Ebola Pressure on Industry & Services: Ebola response in DRC and Uganda remains strained as WHO reports 75 healthcare workers infected, with limited lab capacity and ongoing community transmission concerns—raising risks for cross-border movement and local business continuity. Menstrual Health for Workers: Uganda’s transport Union launches “Kili Clear” sanitary pads to improve access for girls and women, targeting affordability and quality for informal-sector communities. Trade & Circular Textiles: SMART will join international talks on used textiles and circular economy rules, as policymakers consider tighter controls that could reshape Uganda’s mitumba reuse market. Public Safety Infrastructure: Uganda Police is building 200 sub-county policing model stations nationwide to strengthen grassroots security, with 70 already ready and more nearing completion.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda has climbed to 952 confirmed cases and 247 deaths, with Africa CDC warning the outbreak is outpacing surveillance, diagnosis and contact tracing, and noting no approved vaccine for this strain. Health Workers Hit Hard: WHO says 75 healthcare workers have been infected, with 17 deaths, as many patients mistake symptoms for malaria and delay care. Water and Logistics Pressure: In Agago, a solar-powered water project failed to deliver clean water, worsening hygiene risks during the outbreak; meanwhile truck drivers across East Africa are being pushed into Ebola surveillance routines to slow cross-border spread. Industrial and Trade Moves: Uganda’s market access push is set to feature in the next budget, while Wakiso’s new World Bank-funded markets aim to absorb over 1,000 vendors and restore trade order. Aviation for Industry: AfDB approved about Shs650bn (€155.99m) to upgrade Arua Airport, including a cargo terminal for 25,000 tonnes annually—key for West Nile and cross-border trade. Menstrual Health Supply: Union launched “Kili Clear” sanitary pads to improve access for girls and women in Uganda’s informal transport communities. Agri-Value Addition: Museveni backed the Tooke banana value chain as banana flour and biscuits move from idea to product line. Climate Risk: El Niño is back, raising flood and disease risks for East Africa and testing preparedness for agriculture and livelihoods.

Aviation & Trade: The African Development Bank has approved Shs650bn (€155.99m) to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard hub, including a 3.5km paved runway for wide-body aircraft, a 700,000-passenger terminal and a 25,000-tonne cargo terminal—aimed at boosting West Nile links to South Sudan and eastern DR Congo. Ebola & Health Systems: WHO reports 75 healthcare workers infected with Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda, with 17 deaths, as the outbreak keeps evolving and medics face shortages and delayed care. Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC says Africa must increase its own financing for the Bundibugyo Ebola response and vaccine development, warning the continent cannot keep “begging” foreign partners. Clean Water & Infrastructure: A Shs6bn solar-powered water project in Agago failed to deliver clean water after dry geology, leaving schools and households without reliable supply. Digital Inclusion Policy: Uganda’s telecom regulator UCC proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to make digital services more affordable and expand rural connectivity. Agri-Value Addition: President Museveni’s Tooke banana value-add push got a boost through the Olympic Tooke Run in Bushenyi, linking sport, health, agriculture and processing. Manufacturing Finance: Stanbic’s Business Forum urged manufacturers to unlock growth via better collaboration, financing and value addition to compete in regional markets. Tech & Startups: 15 AI startups from across Africa graduated from Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, with a focus on profitable solutions in fintech, healthtech and agritech.

Ebola Response & Health Security: Africa CDC says Africa must fund more of its own Ebola work as the DR Congo outbreak grows, with cases crossing into Uganda and health workers increasingly affected; Burundi’s AU chair convened an emergency meeting that mobilised US$910m in pledges for Bundibugyo response, while WHO warns no approved vaccine exists for this strain and contact tracing is lagging. Trade & Industry Finance: Uganda’s Ministry of Trade says the next budget will push market access and competitiveness for private sector manufacturers, while UCC proposes cutting taxes on smartphones, data and mobile money to boost digital inclusion and investment. Manufacturing & Value Addition: Stanbic’s “From Farm to Shelf” forum urged stronger collaboration and financing across Uganda’s value chains to reduce high production costs and dependence on imports. Transport & Logistics: Uganda Airlines signed a Boeing deal for eight passenger aircraft and two converted freighters to expand passenger and cargo capacity for regional trade. Agri-Processing & Energy for Farmers: Equity Bank-backed clean cooking and solar irrigation initiatives in schools and Lira are helping cut energy costs and support productivity. Infrastructure & Aviation: AfDB approved Sh650bn for Arua airport upgrade to improve West Nile connectivity and cargo handling. Oil & Environment: A new report flags renewed concerns over EACOP’s route through wetlands and black rhino habitat, raising spill and biodiversity risks. Sugar Sector Pressure: Uganda sugar stakeholders warn a proposed excise duty hike could cut farmer earnings and cane prices, urging protective measures.

Aviation & Trade: Uganda Airlines signed with Boeing to acquire eight new passenger aircraft plus two converted freighters (one 767 and one 737 BCF), aiming to boost passenger and cargo capacity and open fresh export corridors for horticulture and other freight. Digital Economy: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) proposes telecom tax reforms to cut costs for smartphones, data and mobile money, arguing the current high-tax setup is slowing digital inclusion and investment. Power & Industry: The World Bank backed Eastern Africa grid integration with a $1.6bn programme to strengthen cross-border power flows and expand reliable electricity access under Mission 300. Ebola Response (Uganda): The UN allocated $4m from the CERF to support Uganda’s Ebola response across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with health and logistics support. Ebola (DRC): The outbreak in eastern DRC is worsening amid conflict and mistrust, with patients reportedly fleeing treatment centres due to hunger and lack of support. Mining & Value Addition: Solid minerals minister Dele Alake urged Africa to stop exporting raw minerals and push value addition, industrialisation and regional collaboration. Manufacturing & Consumer Trust: Uganda Baati was named Uganda’s most trusted roofing brand at the People’s Choice Awards 2025. Agriculture Policy: Government is developing a youth-focused agricultural investment plan to 2030 to drive agribusiness and transformation.

Ebola Response Funding: The UN has released $4m from its Central Emergency Response Fund to back Uganda’s Ebola operations across 29 districts, including refugee-hosting areas, with support for screening, surveillance, mobility management, community risk communication and food for patients and frontline workers. Ebola Spread Watch: Africa CDC says the Congo-Uganda Ebola outbreak has hit 894 confirmed cases and 204 deaths, with cases up 38% since last week and now in 32 health zones—raising pressure on logistics and containment. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202m to protect 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries (including Uganda) from looming El Niño impacts like drought, floods and storms, using cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds and livestock protection. Power & Business Disruption: Nansana residents in Lwadda B village confronted UEDCL over repeated blackouts, delayed connections and poor customer care, comparing service levels to the former distributor. Agro-Processing Push: A sunflower processing machine installed in Agago is expected to cut transport costs and create jobs, but farmers are being urged to raise output so the plant doesn’t sit idle. Beverage Industry Deal: Asahi’s $2.3bn move to take indirect control of East African Breweries (covering Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) signals fresh investment interest in the region’s consumer market.

Digital Inclusion & MSMEs: A new brief argues digital inclusion is now a major growth engine for Uganda’s MSMEs, citing ICT’s rising GDP contribution and the need for better access to finance, records, and supply chains. Education & Connectivity: Airtel Africa Foundation’s inaugural 2025/26 annual report says it invested $6.2m across FEED pillars, connecting 1,028 schools to the internet and zero-rating 64 learning platforms for 11m learners. Banking for Trade: Standard Bank targets a R250bn SME revenue pool, pushing deeper into Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as intra-African trade expands. Diaspora Finance Recognition: Equity Bank Uganda was named Corporate Business of the Year at the African Business Awards 2026 for financial inclusion and cross-border investment facilitation. Tourism Investment Push: Uganda courts Hangzhou investors in a “Pearl of Africa” tourism and investment conference, pitching opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, minerals, renewables, infrastructure and ICT. Agriculture Inputs Integrity: President Museveni backs a Regional Farm Service Centre initiative to profile and improve Ankole cattle genetics and set up a lab to curb counterfeit agro inputs. E-Mobility Policy Warning: Uganda’s EV tax exemptions may not be enough without binding regulation, as analysts warn of financing and standards gaps. Power Access Milestone: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m people to electricity across 40 countries. Ebola Response Pressure: Regional and global leaders call for coordinated action as Ebola cases rise in DR Congo and Uganda, with renewed focus on frontline support and cross-border cooperation.

Ebola Response & Trade: G7 leaders and the EU pledged support as DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak deepens, with calls for stronger cross-border screening and coordinated action; Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo urged countries to lift “improper” travel restrictions, saying Uganda has contained the outbreak. Transport & Jobs: Uganda’s delayed digital number plates under the ITMS are holding up vehicle acquisition, leaving newly imported cars and fleets stuck in bonded warehouses despite owners paying Shs600,000–Shs700,000. Animal Health & Farmers’ Costs: Uganda launched compulsory Foot-and-Mouth disease vaccination every six months, with farmers paying Shs8,000 per cattle/pig dose and Shs4,000 per goat/sheep dose while government covers logistics and surveillance. Power & Industry Growth: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ people to electricity across 40 countries, accelerating electrification that can boost businesses and services. Construction & Finance: Kenya’s JILK Construction lost a bid to stop Diageo’s Sh340bn EABL stake sale, with court ruling no link to the company’s claims. Aviation Market: Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority reviewed 15 air service licence applications as Ebola-related travel disruptions continue to reshape demand. Agri-Investment: Uganda’s budget boosts agro-industrialisation with Shs2.26tn, aiming to strengthen agriculture’s role in jobs and manufacturing inputs. Digital Commerce: MTN MoMo launched a shopping campaign promoting Market by MoMo e-commerce and delivery across Uganda.

Electrification Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ people to electricity across 40 African countries, nearly doubling rollout speed since 2024 and citing 7.5m connections in Tanzania and 4.6m in Ethiopia as reforms and financing scale up. Ebola Response & Trade: Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo urged countries to lift “improper” travel restrictions, saying Uganda has controlled the current outbreak; meanwhile G7 leaders backed a “strong, coordinated” Ebola response for DRC and Uganda, with Africa CDC warning the situation could worsen without faster detection, isolation and contact tracing. Uganda’s Road & Trade Order: KeNHA was put on notice over upgrades to the 352km Kisumu–Busia highway (safety and potholes), while Uganda’s Treasury PSST Ramathan Ggoobi defended nationwide trade order enforcement as key to attracting serious investors and supporting industrialization. Agribusiness & Livestock Health: Uganda launches a nationwide foot-and-mouth disease vaccination drive (July–Aug 2026) covering 45.5m animals, and a separate report flags Africa’s aquafeed market growth as aquaculture expands. Industry & Finance: Equity Bank Uganda moves to ease school cash-flow strain with up to Shs500m “School Bridge Financing,” and Uganda Waragi rolls out new premium packaging across variants without changing formulation.

Ebola Response Under Strain: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns the DR Congo and Uganda Ebola outbreak could become worse than West Africa’s 2014-16 crisis, with cases already above 800 in Congo and response hampered by insecurity, distrust, and gaps in contact tracing, labs, and supplies. G7 Push for Coordination: G7 leaders backed a “strong and coordinated” response, stressing contact tracing, infection prevention, quarantine, lab testing, border surveillance, and community engagement as the outbreak may take up to a year to contain. Funding and Health Sovereignty: South Africa pledged US$13.5m to support Ebola efforts, while regional leaders renewed calls for resilient health systems, local manufacturing, and faster preparedness beyond emergency spending. Electricity for Industry: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million people to power across 40 countries, aiming to reach 300 million by 2030—fuel for businesses, jobs, and service delivery. Uganda Business Finance: Equity Bank Uganda is offering up to Shs 500m “School Bridge Financing” to help schools manage term-start cash flow gaps. Food Safety Warning: Uganda’s Food Rights Alliance says unsafe food is sending about 1.3m people to hospitals yearly, driven by aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and poor handling. Industrial Park Fraud Case: Court remands 11 suspects in a Sh11bn industrial park land and fake money fraud linked to Newplan boss Omulen Levy Lawrence. Tea Trade Pressure: Rwanda’s tea leads at Mombasa auctions while Kenya faces rising unsold volumes after export levies hit sector earnings.

Cabinet Discipline Push: President Museveni opened a 10-day Cabinet induction at Kyankwanzi, urging ideological clarity and warning against a “mad rush” for wealth, while ministers pledged accountability and zero tolerance to corruption. Digital Waste Upgrade: Kampala’s Buyala Waste Management Facility is set for a digital transformation as KCCA moves from dumping toward composting, waste-to-energy and material recovery, processing 1,500–2,000 tonnes of waste daily. Solar Irrigation for Jobs: Equity Bank’s solar irrigation support is helping Lira’s Dopla Tree Nurseries expand seedling production, showing how renewable power can cut labour and boost climate-resilient farming. Agro-Industrial Finance: The AfDB approved a $140m loan for Uganda’s climate-resilient irrigation and agro-industrialisation programme, targeting thousands of hectares with water conveyance, seeds, soil restoration and cold-chain support. Migrant Worker Safety: A Kyeyo Initiative Uganda report says at least 40 Ugandan migrant workers have died abroad since January, spotlighting weak investigations and welfare risks in labour migration. Food Safety Warning: A new report details unsafe everyday food handling in Kampala markets and stalls, pointing to grease, poor hygiene and risky packaging practices. Ebola Pressure in Congo: Oxfam warns that only 20% of people in one Ituri epicentre have clean water, raising fears the Bundibugyo outbreak is being underestimated as cases surge past 800. Banking Fraud Crackdown: KCB fired 60 staff in an insider fraud crackdown involving unauthorized access and customer account manipulation, adding to concerns about internal controls. Energy Costs Watch: Uganda’s oil product pump prices may stay high despite Brent falling, with officials warning of possible increases in the coming fortnight. AI Infrastructure Funding: Photon AI launched a $124m Series A to build vertically integrated AI infrastructure across Africa, aiming to make AI cheaper and more usable for local languages and needs.