EACOP Progress & First Oil Watch: Uganda’s Tilenga is reported at 74% completion (234 wells drilled) as the 1,443-km East African Crude Oil Pipeline hits 91% completion, keeping first oil targeted for later in 2026—while a fresh debate grows over whether Uganda should regulate methane with petroleum-specific rules or a broader short-lived climate pollutant framework. Oil & Gas Capacity Building (Tanzania): Tanzania’s TPDC says it is advancing independent exploration in Geita and expects to announce positive oil findings soon, alongside inspections tied to EACOP’s construction milestones. Methane Regulation Debate: As Uganda nears production, policymakers and experts weigh a draft methane abatement roadmap and national action plan for short-lived climate pollutants. Local Industry & Compliance: Engineers under UIPE are pushing for stricter enforcement of Uganda’s engineering laws, warning weak regulation lets unqualified people handle engineering work. Sanitation & Markets: Bor County commissioner warns of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market after social media photos showed waste accumulation, urging better facilities. Food & Drink Safety (Rwanda): Rwanda’s alcohol crackdown has shut factories and could see owners face up to 25 years in jail over unsafe, substandard drinks. Health Sector Procurement & Trials (Ebola): WHO recommends testing the licensed Ervebo Ebola vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain via a Phase 3 ring vaccination trial as the outbreak surges. Finance for Households: Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda launches a unit trust campaign to boost disciplined saving and professionally managed investing. Agri & Livestock Value Chain: Housing Finance Bank supports MAAIF’s livestock vaccination drive with accessible payment options, reporting progress across northern districts. Energy Access & Markets (Regional): Coverage highlights the scale of electricity gaps across Africa and the need for practical market infrastructure to support rural industrialisation.