AGP Executive Report

Pharma & Public Health Partnership: President Museveni met UK officials and urged deeper Uganda–UK collaboration in public health prevention, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical research to speed disease control and local medicine production. UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council began secret straw polls to pick the next secretary-general; early results put Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan in the lead, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among the seven candidates. Uganda’s Industrial Push: Uganda’s Namanve Industrial Park Infrastructure Project is now about 80% complete, with new roads, solar streetlights and drainage improving conditions for manufacturers. Agro-Industrial Value Addition: Museveni backed the Nonda Coffee Park in Nakaseke, a planned large processing facility aimed at boosting coffee value addition and exports. Construction Standards Watch: UNBS says the cement “underweight bag” problem is linked to tampering and contamination after leaving factories, not licensed manufacturers’ underfilling. Mining Investment Signal: London-listed Blencowe Resources raised the Orom-Cross graphite project value to about US$1.254bn, improving prospects for financing and production from 2027. Ebola Pressure in Congo: DR Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,500 deaths, with contact tracing still below targets amid conflict and illegal mining.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council has started a “straw poll” to pick the next secretary-general, with Uganda’s Olara Otunnu among seven candidates—no clear front-runner yet as major powers weigh in. Coffee Value Addition: President Museveni backed the US$200M Nonda Coffee Park in Nakaseke, a 100-acre agro-industrial project targeting 42,000 metric tons of processing capacity annually. Construction Quality Control: UNBS says the cement “underweight bag” problem is mainly linked to tampering and contamination after leaving factories, not licensed manufacturers—warning traders and the supply chain. Industrial Data for Investment: Roofings Group and UBOS signed a partnership to use credible statistics to guide investment, manufacturing planning and export opportunities. Power Sector Pressure: UMEME faces a tough AGM after a Sh223.6bn loss and a freeze of final dividends; meanwhile, the energy ministry apologized for outages tied to grid/distribution upgrade communication gaps. HIV Prevention Manufacturing: Merck/MDS granted generic makers early licences for a once-monthly HIV prevention pill, with Uganda among the beneficiaries—aiming faster access and lower costs. Ebola in Congo: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,200 cases and 1,500 deaths, with contact tracing still lagging.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council has begun its first confidential straw poll to gauge support for seven declared secretary-general candidates, with Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu among the names. Public Finance Pressure: Kenya’s KIPPRA warns against raising VAT beyond 16%, saying it could cut consumption and weaken compliance instead of boosting revenue. Airport Crackdowns: Reports say ICE is expanding deportation arrests at US airports with TSA data-sharing, including cases involving a Ugandan asylum seeker. Uganda Vaccine Sovereignty: President Museveni welcomed the HUVET Bio-Science Park, aimed at local vaccine and biotech production to reduce import dependence. Livestock Health Industry: Uganda and Egypt are finalising plans to build a local foot-and-mouth disease vaccine facility, with NARO training and a quadrivalent target. Governance and Service Delivery: Unannounced ministerial inspections found payroll fraud, inflated school enrolment and broken infrastructure, showing how weak oversight wastes public funds. Ebola Watch (DRC): DR Congo reports Ebola cases crossing 3,200 with deaths rising to 1,405, driven by insecurity, mining and cross-border movement. Digital Banking: NCBA Bank Uganda launched NCBA NOW and NCBA ConnectPlus to expand remote retail and corporate banking across East Africa. Agribusiness Finance: A Gates-backed WEE programme and UNOC-funded Albertine Agribusiness Development Programme aim to support 10,000 women entrepreneurs and 100 horticulture farmers with financing and digital services.

Digital Finance: NCBA Bank Uganda launched NCBA NOW (retail mobile banking) and NCBA ConnectPlus (internet banking for corporates, SMEs and institutions), aiming to boost remote transactions, visibility and efficiency across Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. EAC Monetary Integration: East African Community officials reaffirmed plans for a single regional currency by 2031, urging member states to accelerate reforms to meet convergence targets. Agri-Industry & Food Security: Uganda began emergency food distribution in Karamoja after drought-linked crop failures and deaths, as El Niño conditions threaten further agro output. Pharma Manufacturing: Quality Chemicals Industries Ltd (QCIL) secured an early manufacturing licence linked to Merck for an experimental once-monthly HIV prevention pill, signalling deeper local production capacity. Health Preparedness: Africa CDC pushed for stronger hepatitis B prevention and care implementation, while Ebola response guidance and training resources continue to roll out amid Congo’s fast-rising outbreak. Infrastructure Oversight: Engineers defended redesign changes and rising costs for the Busega–Mpigi Expressway during an IGG inspection visit, saying documentation supports the shift to a modern alignment. Entrepreneurship & Inclusion: A programme backed by the Gates Foundation and UNOC-linked funding targets over 10,000 low-income women entrepreneurs and 100 horticulture farmers in northern Uganda with financing, business support and digital services. Energy Transition: Uganda renewed its push toward green hydrogen, leveraging expanding hydropower capacity for industrial clean-energy projects.

Ebola Update: Uganda declared itself officially Ebola-free after completing the 42-day surveillance period with no new infections, but the outbreak is still surging in DR Congo with cases nearing record levels—keeping regional health and business risk in focus. Media & Business Continuity: Nation Media Group Uganda resumes operations after a month-long shutdown, with staff told to keep working remotely until offices are assessed and cleared. Agri-Food & Jobs: A commentary argues Uganda’s food surplus must pay farmers more, pushing value addition and better market access at home and across the region. Coffee Value Chain: Makerere University will showcase youth innovations tied to Uganda’s coffee sector at the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo, aiming to move young people beyond low-income farm labor into processing and branding. Industrial Supply & Construction: Uganda Baati is set to start roofing works worth about UGX 515m for the St Paul Church of Uganda Nyangilia sanctuary in Koboko, boosting local building materials manufacturing impact. Trade & Logistics Platform: Registrations are open for the 2026 ASCON conference in Zambia, spotlighting industrialisation, tech and breaking trade barriers under AfCFTA.

Media & Governance: President Museveni has cleared the way for Nation Media Group to resume operations in Uganda after a month-plus restriction, with Tanzania’s Taifa Group citing the approval as a boost for regional investment and East African integration. Visa Policy: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from August 1, 2026, redirecting applicants to 20 regional hubs including Kampala. Health & Industry Risk: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,262 cases with 1,437 deaths, raising alarm over how fast it’s spreading in eastern Ituri. Energy & Finance: Absa Uganda says Uganda’s push toward universal power access needs bankable structures, pointing to the 2026/27 budget allocation for power and renewables. Agro-Industrial Push: Museveni backed the Nonda Coffee Park in Nakaseke, a planned 100-acre facility aimed at boosting coffee value addition and jobs. Infrastructure Oversight: Uganda’s IGG will conduct a value-for-money audit of the Busega–Mpigi Expressway amid concerns over pace and quality of works. Mining Investment: London-listed Blencowe Resources raised the Orom-Cross graphite project value to about US$1.254bn, strengthening prospects for financing and production from 2027. Social Protection: Minister Jacqueline Mbabazi highlights the Senior Citizens Grant as Uganda expands support for older women and men.

Agro-exports & packaging upgrade: REA COOP (Greece) says sales dipped 5% in H1 2026 after Red Sea shipping disruptions, but it is pushing a €1.6m Recovery Fund plan to modernise packaging and launch new citrus products, while an EU-backed “REA’s Garden” campaign targets quality and traceability in key markets. Energy finance for industrial growth: Absa Uganda’s CFO Michael Segwaya urged bankable structures to unlock Uganda’s $9.4bn energy push, pointing to budget allocations for power and renewables and the need to turn plans into investable assets. HIV prevention manufacturing push: Merck granted early licences for a once-a-month HIV prevention pill (alimatravir) so African generic makers can prepare production ahead of final results; licences include Uganda and Kenya alongside Aspen in South Africa. Ebola response strain in DRC: DRC reported 3,200 Ebola cases and 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still the epicentre; response capacity is under pressure and healthcare workers have staged walkouts over unpaid pay. Uganda-Egypt agribusiness ties: Egypt and Uganda reviewed cooperation to boost food security, including a 500-hectare integrated model farm and plans around irrigation, livestock genetics, veterinary vaccines and aquaculture. Regional integration vs xenophobia: MTN CEO Ralph Mupita warned that rising anti-migrant sentiment could weaken Africa’s single-market ambitions, arguing migration and cross-border business are key to trade and innovation. UN leadership race: Uganda nominated former foreign minister Olara Otunnu for UN secretary-general, joining a crowded field as the vote nears for a 2027 start. Security and livelihoods hit in Ituri: ADF-linked attacks in Mambasa territory left at least 31 civilians dead, with reports of killings tied to cocoa and mining communities. Research governance: Uganda’s NEMRA unveiled a new 2026–2029 board to strengthen research capacity across Africa.

Pan-African Parliament: President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the first ordinary session of the 7th Pan-African Parliament, urging unity and action as Africa faces conflict, climate shocks and economic turbulence. Data Protection & Digital Rights: In Uganda, Ofwono Opondo Dem Gaster was remanded to Luzira Prison over alleged unlawful disclosure of Dr Tanga Odoi’s personal data after posting his name and photos on X without consent. Ebola Response & Local Manufacturing: Africa CDC DG Jean Kaseya called for evidence-based Ebola action and more investment in African vaccine and pharma manufacturing, pointing to Uganda and DRC lessons and pushing for predictable markets. Ebola Crisis in DRC: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo hit 3,200 with 1,405 deaths as the outbreak accelerates in Ituri, while healthcare workers at Bunia’s Elikya Treatment Center reportedly walked off the job over unpaid pay. Research Governance: Uganda’s NEMRA unveiled its 2026–2029 board to strengthen research capacity across Africa. Energy & Regional Trade: Tanzania plans a cross-border natural gas pipeline to Uganda and Kenya, while Malawi reaffirmed using Tanzania’s Mtwara Port for fuel imports. Finance & Payments: Bank of Uganda moves to cap over-the-counter cash withdrawals from Jan 1, 2027, pushing a cash-lite shift that will test digital readiness. Industry & Logistics: PACEID chair Odrek Rwabwogo denied land-grabbing allegations tied to Kiruhura projects, as Uganda’s industrialisation agenda faces scrutiny. Urban Mobility: Electric motorcycles are gaining traction across African cities, cutting operating costs and reshaping last-mile transport economics.

Aviation & Tourism: Uganda Airlines scored a major boost for connectivity and tourism after confirming its first direct Boeing order—four 737-8 MAX and four 787-9 Dreamliners—following a US roadshow. Public Health & Industry: A new survey warns PEPFAR disruption has closed 1,700 HIV service sites globally and cut treatment for 77,163 children in 21 countries, with Uganda among the sharpest declines—raising risks for health systems and workforce stability. Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola situation remains volatile, with Africa CDC and WHO flagging gaps in tracking and lab kit shortages as cases rise and response capacity strains. Pharma Manufacturing Push: Merck licensed Aspen Pharmacare (plus Kenya and Uganda partners) to develop and produce a once-monthly HIV prevention pill for 129 low- and middle-income countries—an opening for local drug manufacturing. Standards & Trade: Parliament’s committee has intensified its probe into UNBS over alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification and governance failures that SMEs say are stifling business. Infrastructure & Skills: Uganda’s engineers are urging due process in anti-corruption arrests, while the push for industrial skilling continues alongside major works like power upgrades and regional transport links. Regional Business Climate: Fitch projects Ghana’s construction growth to ease after 2026, while Uganda is cited among top performers in the sector.

Defence & Manufacturing Push: Turkey’s Raff Military Textile says it wants to expand in Uganda with local production, technology transfer and tailored output for Uganda’s operating needs after a Kampala trade delegation meeting. Employment Rules: Uganda’s Industrial Court upheld Cavendish University’s dismissal of a lecturer who held another full-time job at Makerere, ruling dual full-time work breaches fidelity and creates an “impossible” conflict of time and devotion. Trade & Logistics: Kisumu Port is rebounding fast—cargo rose from about 4,300 metric tonnes in 2017 to 459,000 by 2025—positioning the Lake Victoria gateway for farmers, traders and investors. UN Leadership Bid: Uganda nominated diplomat Olara Otunnu for UN Secretary-General, pitching reforms, conflict-ending priorities and an AI oversight body. Health & Pharma Supply: Aspen Pharmacare says it will supply Merck’s once-monthly HIV prevention pill under voluntary licensing, betting oral dosing can scale faster. Standards & Business Climate: Parliament’s committee intensifies its probe into UNBS over alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification and governance issues affecting SMEs. Energy Investment Bottleneck: Museveni hints investors were stranded by poor coordination on power and water after licensing approvals, pointing to infrastructure gaps as a key reason for cabinet changes. AFCON Procurement Opens: Uganda’s AFCON 2027 LOC invites firms to pre-qualify for tournament-linked contracts across hospitality, transport, IT, security, media and medical services.

Healthcare Trade & Manufacturing: Kenya is positioning itself as East Africa’s healthcare distribution hub, with analysts pointing to rising regional demand and trade corridors as openings for investment in medical supplies, diagnostics and hospital services. Industrial Governance: Uganda’s Parliament has intensified its probe into UNBS over alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification and governance issues that SMEs say are slowing business and worsening counterfeit risks. Engineering Accountability: The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers warns that anti-corruption arrests of district engineers may miss root causes behind failing infrastructure, urging due process and technical scrutiny. Industrial Finance Pressure: The troubles around UIRI boss Prof. Charles Kwesiga deepen as an auction notice threatens sale of his Kabale property over unpaid debts, with the building reportedly housing multiple production businesses. Digital Transformation: Uganda’s AI adoption is accelerating via global platforms, as the country targets one million AI-centred jobs and three million people trained by 2030. Robotics & Jobs: IEEE Humanoids 2026 frames humanoid robots as a “future of work” issue, shifting focus from building machines to managing labor and production impacts. Media & Public Access: Daily Monitor’s closure is said to have deepened Uganda’s print media crisis, with readers not switching to alternatives and turning to radio and online news. Agribusiness & Innovation: East African scientists showcased biotech livestock and feed innovations aimed at cutting feed costs and antibiotic use, seeking seed funding to commercialize research.

UIRI Debt Moves to Auction: Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) boss Prof. Charles Kwesiga faces a fresh blow as a public auction notice says his Kabale building could be sold over unpaid debts unless balances are cleared within 14 days—raising fresh questions for industrial research leadership and business continuity. Engineers Push Back on Anti-Corruption Tactics: The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) says corruption must be tackled, but warns arrests of district engineers risk missing the root causes behind failing infrastructure—calling for due process and technical-led investigations. UNBS Under Parliamentary Spotlight: Parliament’s Tourism, Trade and Industry Committee intensifies its probe into UNBS over alleged poor governance, delayed certification, weak enforcement and complaints that processes are stifling SMEs and trade. Kampala Print Media Shockwaves: Daily Monitor’s closure is not boosting rivals; vendors say readers are abandoning newspapers for radio, social media and online news—deepening Uganda’s media and advertising ecosystem stress. Power Reliability Update: UETCL and UEDCL report the Greater Kampala transmission improvement project is 90.57% complete, with planned outages linked to rebuilding a stronger grid for growing demand. Manufacturing & Jobs Angle: Minister David Bahati backs manufacturers in National Cleaning Day, urging cleaner workplaces and communities as part of responsible industrial growth. EAC Energy Financing Theme: Ghana’s energy minister Jinapor stresses financing as the biggest barrier to unlocking Africa’s energy potential—an issue Uganda’s industry will feel through power costs and access. Ebola Response Watch: DRC reports 2,905 Ebola cases; Oxford begins a human trial for a Bundibugyo vaccine—highlighting how health supply chains and logistics capacity matter for regional industry resilience.

Ebola Response Boost: DR Congo’s Ebola tally rose to 2,905 cases and 1,269 deaths as health authorities integrated harmonised data from eastern provinces, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said the government will push earlier community care and has allocated $50m for labs, equipment, surveillance and patient support. Vaccine Trial Milestone: Oxford University reported the first volunteer was vaccinated in the world’s first human trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV), with CEPI funding and Serum Institute of India supplying a stockpile of about 620,000 doses. Power Reliability Upgrade: In Kampala, UETCL and UEDCL say the Greater Kampala transmission improvement project is 90.57% complete and planned outages should reduce as the grid strengthens. Oil & Industry Link: EACOP and the Buganda Kingdom broke ground for the Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium Buddu in Masaka, tying pipeline operations to youth-focused community investment. Uganda Revenue Turnaround: URA recorded a June monthly fiscal surplus of about Shs517bn after stronger tax collections, reversing a projected deficit. Rail Asset Probe: Parliament escalated an audit query into a criminal matter after 394 railway wagons worth over Shs220.8bn were flagged as missing from records, with URC ordered to report to CID. HIV Prevention Manufacturing Push: Merck signed royalty-free licensing deals with generic makers, including Uganda’s UCL Kenya, to produce low-cost versions of its once-monthly HIV prevention pill (subject to approval). EAC Reserves Strategy: EAC central banks urged more domestic gold purchases to diversify reserves amid Middle East and shipping risks.

Industrial Skilling & Youth Targeting: State House warned Teso leaders against favouritism and corruption in selecting beneficiaries for the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, stressing only eligible, vulnerable youth should benefit. Tax & Fiscal Discipline: Uganda Revenue Authority registered its first monthly fiscal surplus in six months, with June collections beating targets and helping reverse an earlier projected deficit. Energy Infrastructure Progress: UETCL and UEDCL inspected the Greater Kampala transmission upgrade, now 90.57% complete, with key substations finished and line reconductoring underway. Agro-Industrial Push: Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo praised the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in Luwero for agro-processing and export potential, while Operation Wealth Creation urged industrialists to use an idle “machine-making machine” at Namanve. Trade & Finance for Industry: Standard Bank Group pledged more support for Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, citing the need for affordable credit and lower cost of doing business. Regional Mining Governance: South Sudan’s Acholi community warned that excluding local leaders from mineral exploration could spark future conflict. Fuel Inflation Pressure: Uganda’s fuel-linked price swings are feeding into higher inflation, with fuel inflation rising sharply by June. Health & Production Link: Merck moved to license a low-cost, once-monthly HIV prevention pill to generic makers, including African firms, aiming to speed regional manufacturing and access.

Agro-Industry & Trade: Uganda VP Jessica Alupo hailed the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in Luwero as a practical model for agro-processing and export-ready production, citing pineapple canning, chili processing and poultry supply. Regional Transport Security: Kenya says it has agreed a joint framework with South Sudan to curb harassment and extortion of truck drivers along the Juba–Nimule corridor, a key Northern Corridor route for food, fuel and construction goods. Digital Sovereignty in Health: A ProPublica report highlights Uganda’s “digital colonialism” dilemma in a U.S.-linked health data deal—accepting access to citizens’ data for funding versus refusing and risking loss of lifesaving support. Ebola & Public Health Capacity: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported at 1,033 deaths and 2,536 confirmed cases, with sustained transmission and pressure on treatment beds in North Kivu. Mobility & Manufacturing: EKA Mobility plans CKD assembly in Ethiopia to serve East Africa’s commercial EV market, while Uganda’s Watu Uganda marks one million device financing customers through Watu Simu. Energy & Industry Finance: Mastercard Foundation announced a US$500m push for higher education across Africa, including the AHEFT Prize to scale employability-focused transformation.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola toll has climbed to 1,033 deaths and 2,536 confirmed cases, with sustained transmission and treatment capacity under pressure in North Kivu. Security Spillover: An ADF-linked attack in eastern DRC killed at least 16 people, forcing villagers to flee and halting local economic and agricultural activity. Northern Uganda Farming Risk: Acholi farmers are being advised to delay the second planting season after the first harvest failed and dry conditions are expected to persist into August. Regional Trade & Border Efficiency: Uganda and South Sudan have started joint border bilateral meetings in Arua to tackle trade barriers, improve border security, and streamline customs and immigration procedures. Finance for Mobility: NCBA Bank Uganda backs the 2026 NCBA Auto Show with asset finance aimed at making vehicle ownership more accessible for individuals and businesses. Digital Device Financing: Watu Uganda says it has financed one million devices via Watu Simu, highlighting smartphone access for traders, boda riders, entrepreneurs and students. Industrial Skills Push: Karamoja’s Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub is training youth in trades like leather tanning and design, with trainees producing marketable products. Court Orders Probe: Uganda’s High Court has ordered government investigations into the whereabouts of former MP Muwanga Kivumbi before his habeas corpus application is decided.