Agri-Finance Innovation: Ugandan agritech startup SANDI AI Technologies won the 2026 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize, taking about Shs190m (US$50,000) to expand its AI platform that links smallholder farmers to unsecured loans by improving how lenders assess credit potential. Oil & Industry: Uganda unveiled its export crude blend “Pearl Sweet,” saying the name reflects low-sulfur quality that should be cheaper to refine, as commercial production nears and oil revenues are projected to reach about US$500m annually. Clean Energy for SMEs: Sawa Energy and dfcu Bank launched a partnership to finance on-site solar PV and battery systems for businesses via long-term pay-for-consumption or lease deals, aiming to cut high power costs and diesel reliance. Petroleum Regulator Shake-up: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda confirmed Ernest Rubondo’s exit after his term ended, with Otonga Michael Ochan appointed Acting Executive Director from September 1 as a substantive boss is lined up. Transport & Trade Friction: Trucks at Busia piled up for nearly 24 hours after a cargo scanner broke down, delaying clearance and raising transit costs for importers and exporters. Health Tech for Africa: A webinar highlighted Ugandan and Rwandan AI tools for faster disease diagnosis and improved agriculture, including an AI ocular system using smartphones and microscopes. Livestock Biosecurity: Uganda’s agriculture authorities ordered a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and products from multiple countries, including Uganda’s own listing among affected origins.