AGP Executive Report

Oil & Branding: Uganda has named its export crude blend “Pearl Sweet” ahead of first production, with officials saying the trading name followed technical review, stakeholder input and branding criteria to give traders a clear identity for the grade. Mining Investment Push: Uganda is courting investors for its estimated $4tn–$12tn mineral wealth, pitching opportunities in gold, graphite, rare earths, copper and cobalt at Africa Down Under in Perth. Manufacturing & Trade Fair: The manufacturing sector contributes about 16.5% to Uganda’s economy, with the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair set for Oct 2–11 in Kampala and projected Shs10bn in transactions. Energy Liabilities: UETCL faces 136 court cases with contingent liabilities of Shs777bn, raising MPs’ concerns over compensation delays and procurement/project management weaknesses. Fisheries Compliance: UPDF warned fish vendors at Busega Market to get digital licenses and stop selling immature fish, citing legal sizes and the need to track fish from lake to market. Transport Disruption: Passengers complain about deteriorating MV Kalangala ferry services, including unpredictable schedules, delays and booking issues affecting fish traders and commuters. Health Financing: Uganda and the US signed a $1.7bn, five-year health deal (2026–2030) shifting more funding through Ugandan systems. Regional Trade: Uganda is preparing for an inaugural Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum (Sept 9–10) with Nigerian firms eyeing projects like cement and urea. Ride-hailing Shock: Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, while inDrive says it will keep investing and recruit drivers after the exit.

Oil & Industry: Uganda has named its export crude blend “Pearl Sweet” ahead of commercial production, with President Museveni unveiling the low-sulphur grade at Kingfisher; the blend is set to feed the EACOP route to Tanzania’s Tanga port, positioning oil as an industrial opportunity, not just an export. Mobility & Jobs: Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective September 2, while also cutting about 10% of its global workforce (around 3,300 jobs) as it streamlines management and pivots toward autonomous mobility—leaving drivers and riders scrambling and raising questions for local ride-hailing and last-mile logistics. Finance & Lending: Government has boosted Uganda Development Bank’s capital by Shs63bn and raised its authorised share capital to Shs5tn to expand access to cheaper long-term credit for businesses. Connectivity for Business: Starlink connectivity is entering Uganda’s enterprise market via a partnership between Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda, targeting firms in areas with weak fibre or wireless coverage. Public Health & Weather Risk: Uganda secured a US$1.7bn health financing package (2026-2030) from the US, while El Niño warnings point to heavier rains and flood/landslide risks into 2027. Food Safety & Standards: UNBS raised concerns over possible contamination from worn milling machines, as consumers question how grain and flour safety is enforced. Digital Inclusion: The World Bank warns 2.8bn people remain excluded from government-recognized digital ID systems, with new gender gaps emerging. Regional Governance: EALA’s speaker urged EAC states to align democratic systems to speed up economic transformation.

Oil & Branding: Uganda has officially named its crude blend “Pearl Sweet Petroleum,” tying the “sweet” to low sulphur content as the country pushes toward first commercial production and export later this year, with Kingfisher and Tilenga sites nearing completion and EACOP set to move the crude to Tanzania. Regulation & Leadership: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda is in transition after Ernest Rubondo’s exit as Executive Director, with an acting head in place while the regulator prepares for a substantive appointment ahead of first oil. Mining Investment Pitch: Uganda is courting global investors to unlock its estimated $4tn–$12tn mineral wealth, pitching opportunities across critical minerals like rare earths, graphite, copper and cobalt. Transport & Local Costs: Moroto Municipality says road works are delayed and more expensive due to lack of specialised equipment, urging government to equip councils or set up regional equipment centres. Ride-hailing Shake-up: Uber is shutting down in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept 2 and cutting about 10% of its global workforce, while Bolt vows to stay in Nigeria—raising fresh competition and pressure on drivers and riders. Digital Revenue Leak: Parliament is probing delays in issuing Uganda’s digital number plates, saying the bottlenecks are costing the country over Shs4bn weekly. Humanitarian/Business Links: Uganda–UK Business and Community Partnerships for Humanity Dialogue is set for Sept 9 in Bradford, aiming to deepen trade, investment and humanitarian collaboration.

Oil & Trade: Uganda named its crude blend “Pearl Sweet,” a low-sulphur grade meant to be priced and marketed ahead of commercial production by end-2026, with peak output projected around 230,000 barrels per day and exports tied to the EACOP pipeline. Energy Sector Governance: The Petroleum Authority of Uganda faces leadership uncertainty after Ernest Rubondo’s exit, with an acting director steering the regulator while government finalizes a substantive Executive Director. Water & Urban Growth: NWSC says its Package 2B expansion—new transmission mains, reservoirs and booster stations—aims to end recurrent water shortages in Greater Kampala and meet demand through 2040. Digital Infrastructure & Skills: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access digital backbone, while MTN and partners push connectivity support for students and remote workers. Transport & Jobs: Uber shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda from Sept. 2 and also plans layoffs of about 10% globally, reshaping ride-hailing competition and driver livelihoods. Business Integrity: Don Chris (Christian Asiimwe) was remanded over a jobs-for-abroad scam targeting 127 Ugandans. Public Finance Oversight: Government will monitor PDM, Emyooga and cattle restocking in Teso and Lango to check beneficiary impact and possible misuse of funds. Health & Risk: UNICEF warns over 162m children across eastern and southern Africa are exposed to intensifying El Nino impacts that could disrupt food, water and health services.

Uganda’s Pension & Capital Markets Push: Government backs pension reforms to shift retirees toward regular “replacement income,” arguing this can deepen Uganda’s capital markets and reduce the risks of lump-sum spending. Sugar Sector Regulatory Overhaul: Trade ministry launches meetings with millers and growers to enforce the amended Sugar Act and introduce digitized tracking, aiming to curb data gaps and price manipulation blamed for hurting farmers. Corruption Accountability—Plus Money Recovery: A fresh call to recover stolen funds and make corrupt officials pay Uganda back follows allegations of inflated road contracts and compensation fraud, including projects ballooning from hundreds of billions to trillions. Cross-Border Digital Payments Growth: Kenya’s Upesi surpasses Sh20bn in cumulative cross-border transfers, reflecting rising demand for faster, trusted digital remittances. EACOP Protest Crackdown: Ten youths remanded over alleged nuisance during anti-EACOP demonstrations in Kampala, keeping pressure on Uganda’s oil and pipeline debate. Halal Economy Strategy: Uganda seeks to expand in the global halal market by tightening certification, skills, lab testing and standards across agriculture, finance and tourism. Oil Production Milestone: Museveni is set to name Uganda’s crude oil blend after inspections of Tilenga works, moving the country closer to international petroleum market readiness. Road Upgrades & Land Values: New GKMA-UDP road works in Wakiso are already lifting land prices and attracting developers, showing how infrastructure can quickly reshape local property markets. Mumbai Assault Case: Police register an FIR against eight people, including a woman, over alleged assaults on a Ugandan businessman in Khar, with CCTV used to trace suspects.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases with deaths at 2,911, spreading across about 60 health zones and straining response efforts amid insecurity. Banking & Growth Finance: Uganda’s banks say they need new funding models to help finance the country’s $500b tenfold growth plan, with the challenge shifting toward capital markets, development finance and longer-term patient capital. Mining Regulation: Uganda has imposed a one-month moratorium on new mineral licences and exploration rights to reset oversight, curb speculative claims and align mining with value-add goals. Tax Digitisation: Cabinet has approved using the National Identification Number (NIN) as the default Tax Identification Number (TIN) to streamline compliance and tackle tax evasion. Green Enterprise Funding: The EU commits about Shs29b to boost Uganda’s green businesses through UGEFA Phase II, expanding loan access for SMEs via partner banks. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secures $300m from AFC and Vision Invest to expand open-access digital infrastructure across Africa. Court & Business Climate: Parliament’s Deputy Speaker Tayebwa tells investors to comply with tax rules and localise supply chains. Health Tech: Government plans to integrate AI into healthcare to improve diagnosis and disease management as digital services expand. Crime & Fraud: Police arrest 16 over a fake gold scam linked to a Dubai businessman, including four police officers. Oil Activism: 10 anti-oil activists are charged with being a nuisance after alleged protests, with bail hearing set for later this month. Inflation Watch: UBOS reports Kampala high-income households saw inflation rise to 4.9% year-on-year, driven by information and communication costs and alcohol/tobacco.

Immigration & Justice: A Kampala court has ordered the deportation of three Kenyan nationals convicted of illegal entry and stay, after they pleaded guilty over offences linked to the murder of Dr Victoria Nthunya Mutiso. Banking & Investment: Nedbank’s planned R13.9bn acquisition of a controlling 66% stake in Kenya’s NCBA has cleared another hurdle after Central Bank of Kenya approval, bringing the deal closer to settlement and expanding exposure across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Trade Facilitation: UNBS has launched an ePortal to speed up clearance of imported goods, integrated with URA’s ASYCUDA World, adding an extra review layer and letting traders track consignments online. Energy & Transport: Uganda Railways added an afternoon Kampala–Mukono train to ease transport pressure from police impounding unroadworthy taxis. Agribusiness & Jobs: Uganda’s iKnowFarm app is being highlighted as a digital extension tool to connect smallholders to farming info, weather updates, market prices and extension workers. Policy & Protest: Police arrested 10 anti-oil activists after a petition march to Parliament and TotalEnergies offices, demanding a shift away from oil investment toward renewables and other job-creating sectors. Inflation Watch: UBOS reports Kampala’s high-income households saw the highest annual inflation at 4.9% in the year ending August 2026. Security & Crime: Police dismissed four officers for abandoning beats to guard an illegal gold refinery tied to a $4m fraud case.

TVET & Jobs: YES-PACT says Uganda’s new TVET Act is already shaping skills policy, with five-year funding for trainers and stronger private-sector input, plus focus on AI, agriculture and STEM coordination. Trade Facilitation: UNBS launched an ePortal integrated with URA’s ASYCUDA World to speed clearance of imported goods, add a review layer for inspections, and let traders track consignments online. Banking & Regional Finance: Central Bank of Kenya approved Nedbank’s plan to acquire up to 66% of NCBA Group, clearing the way for a major East Africa ownership shift. Inflation Watch: UBOS reports Kampala’s high-income households saw the highest annual inflation at 4.9% (year ending Aug 2026), driven by information/communication costs and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics. Energy & Agriculture Inputs: Government paused new mineral licences for 30 days to curb speculation, while ITRACOM was tasked to distribute 173,913 fertiliser bags to coffee, tea and cocoa farmers. Security & Fraud: Police dismissed four officers over an alleged $4m gold fraud syndicate and arrested 10 anti-EACOP activists after Kampala protests. Digital Skills: MTN Uganda graduated 503 youths from ACE digital-skilling, highlighting the gap between connectivity and usable digital skills. Health Crisis: Ebola in DR Congo has crossed 6,000 cases with 2,911 deaths, as response efforts continue.

Infrastructure & Accountability: Parliament amended the Entebbe Expressway toll arrangement, allowing Pinnacle’s contract to continue to avoid litigation, but ordering URA to conduct a revenue audit of the toll operator. Public Finance Discipline: Finance PS Ramathan Ggoobi warned accounting officers that projects won’t be admitted into the Public Investment Plan without costed designs and credible feasibility studies, tightening controls on recruitment and unauthorised spending. Water Security: NWSC asked government for Shs650bn to expand water production and supply in 50 towns, with Shs500bn as a 2% concessionary loan and Shs150bn as a grant. Health & Business Costs: Uganda will roll out four PET scan machines worth about Shs244bn to regional referral hospitals, aiming to cut expensive medical tourism and improve early cancer detection. Ebola Preparedness: The US delivered an experimental Ebola antibody treatment to Uganda’s Ministry of Health as a safeguard despite Uganda being declared Ebola-free after 42 days. Digital Skills & Jobs: MTN Uganda graduated 503 youths from its ACE digital-skilling programme, bringing total graduates to 1,190, including people with disabilities and refugees. Trade & Compliance: Govt ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, saying load inspections must apply to all heavy transport to protect the Juba-Nimule highway. Legal & Consumer Protection: Court fined Spot Wash Shs60m for trademark infringement and ordered removal of its trademark after finding “passing off” against SpotClean.

NSSF Oversight Probe: Uganda’s National Social Security Fund is under fire after the Auditor General flagged weak oversight of associate companies and insufficient collateral tied to a Shs9.6bn Uganda Clays loan, raising fresh questions on how public money is protected. Courtroom Debt Fight: The Court of Appeal has halted enforcement of a High Court order against businessman Abid Alam and Casements (Africa) over a $338,000 (Shs1.27bn) glass debt, pending their appeal. Water Crisis Funding: NWSC is seeking Shs650bn to expand water supply in 50 towns, with government backing a concessionary loan plus a revenue grant to keep services running as systems come under pressure. Flood Relief Pressure: Amolatar leaders and MPs demand urgent resettlement, compensation and temporary support for thousands displaced by Lake Kyoga/Kwania flooding that has dragged on for years. Trade Corridor Rules: Uganda ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule to protect the Juba–Nimule highway from accelerated damage. Health & Business: Government approved about Shs244bn to procure four PET scan machines for regional cancer diagnostics, cutting the need for costly medical travel. HIV Prevention Push: Marie Stopes Uganda slashed Lifeguard condom prices from Shs2,000 to Shs700 to boost access amid rising HIV infections. Digital Skills for Jobs: MTN Uganda graduated 503 youths from its ACE programme, expanding digital and entrepreneurship training for business growth. New Hospitality Investment: Kampala Marriott Hotel officially opened, a 277-unit flagship project by local investor Ponsiano Ngabirano, signaling continued corporate and tourism demand. Brand Protection Case: Spot Wash was fined Shs60m for trademark infringement and “passing off” against SpotClean Dry Cleaners. Ebola Update: WHO and Africa CDC formally declared Uganda Ebola-free after 42 days without a new case, while Congo’s outbreak remains a regional risk. Youth Livelihoods: Busoga youths are turning to piggery and poultry with start-up support to fight poverty and unemployment. Cleanliness Enforcement Debate: SDA church and NRM leaders urged persuasion over force in National Cleaning Day enforcement after a fatal shooting incident during sanitation operations.

Court Ruling on Business Debt: Uganda’s Court of Appeal has halted enforcement of a Shs1.27bn debt decree against Casements (Africa) Limited and businessman Abid Alam, pausing payment of $338,000 to Chinese glass supplier Weihai Rongsheng while their appeal is heard. Urban Transport & Digital Payments: E-Bus Express has launched new electric bus routes in Kira, with plans to expand to Kampala Central and grow to 50 buses by year-end; fares start at Shs800 for adults with MTN MoMo cashless payments. Water Infrastructure Financing: NWSC is seeking Shs650b to boost water production and supply in 50 towns, proposing a mix of a low-interest loan and a revenue grant to tackle rising demand. Mining Regulation Push: Government is drafting a Bill to regulate sand mining, treating sand as a building substance and tightening licensing after a temporary pause on new mineral rights. Trade & Investment Outreach: Uganda invites Pakistani investors with a proposed October business forum and farm visits, offering tax incentives for greenfield projects across agriculture, minerals, energy and tourism. Public Health & Ebola Watch: Parents and teachers in Congo’s Ebola-hit Ituri province are urging authorities to delay school reopening as cases rise faster than containment efforts. Cleanliness Drive: Uganda’s second National Cleaning Day saw mixed participation, with police and local authorities enforcing compliance and exemptions for patients and scheduled medical appointments.

Water Infrastructure Finance: NWSC is seeking Shs650b (Shs500b loan at 2% with a two-year grace period and 20-year repayment, plus Shs150b grant) to boost water production and supply in 50 towns, as network capacity is already averaging 85% and shortages are starting to bite. Urban Transport & Mobility: E-Bus Express has launched new electric bus routes in Kira, with plans to expand to Kampala Central and grow to 50 buses by year-end, using MTN MoMo cashless fares from Shs800 for adults after a one-week free-ride period. Mining Regulation: Government is drafting a Building Substances Bill to regulate sand mining, after a temporary deferral of new mineral rights and licences to review the licensing framework and attract credible investment. Public Service Delivery: The Public Service Commission admits it may miss the August 30 deadline to establish functional district and city service commissions, citing expired contracts and the commission not being constituted. Health & Social Impact: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is declared over after 42 days without a new case, but the region still faces risk as Congo’s outbreak continues; meanwhile, stakeholders urge faster rollout of school feeding to tackle child hunger and malnutrition. Business & Security: Police have arrested 16 suspects, including foreign-linked businessmen and four officers, over a Shs15b gold scam involving claims of delivering 2,030kg of gold. Regional Legal Integration: EAC women lawyers push for fast-tracking a Mutual Recognition Agreement to make cross-border legal practice easier across member states.

Uganda Airlines: CEO Girma Wake told COSASE Parliament is not planning mass layoffs, saying restructuring targets staffing gaps as MPs scrutinise HR plans and reported dismissals. Water Finance: NWSC seeks UGX 650bn (2% loan plus a revenue grant) to expand water production and supply in 50 towns, with government backing pledged. Ebola Update: WHO and Africa CDC declared Uganda Ebola-free after 42 days without a new confirmed case, following discharge of the last imported patient; Canada keeps Ebola travel restrictions for another month. Insurance Results: Britam profit before tax rose 52% to KSh3.8bn (net profit up 53% to KSh2.66bn) and Jubilee maintained its interim dividend as half-year net profit rose 12.7%. Public Investment Scrutiny: COSASE rejected Microfinance Support Centre responses over lack of substantive evidence, while a Gambia delegation benchmarks Uganda’s public investment management. Tourism & Trade: Busoga’s MTN-Masaza Cup blends football with tourism by naming match pools after local sites; Uganda and Italy discuss trade and investment ahead of an Italy-hosted business forum. Governance & Contracts: Attorney General warns Uganda could face costly arbitration if it terminates the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll operator contract.

EAC Education Reform Push: East African education leaders in Nairobi want to move from promises to measurable delivery, proposing an EAC education implementation compact and an education scorecard to track progress over the next two years, with education permanent secretaries meeting at least twice yearly. Insurance Earnings Watch: Britam’s half-year net profit jumped 53.3% to Sh2.66bn on improved underwriting, while Jubilee maintained an interim dividend of Sh2 per share as half-year net profit rose 12.7% to Sh3.45bn. Ebola Update & Cross-Border Health: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is declared over after 42 days without a new confirmed case, and WHO/Africa CDC say the last patient was discharged on 16 July; meanwhile, Canada extended Ebola-related border measures for another 30 days, and African countries signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border disease prevention and health information sharing. Expressway Contract Risk: Uganda’s Attorney General warned parliament against abruptly terminating the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway toll operator contract, saying it could trigger costly international arbitration if proper procedures aren’t followed. Royal & Tourism Angle: Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV died at 34, while Busoga’s MTN-Masaza Cup is being used to spotlight local tourism sites across the kingdom’s chiefdoms. Uganda-Italy Business Links: Italy’s ambassador met President Museveni to discuss trade, investment, infrastructure and coffee, including preparations for an Uganda Business Forum in Rome/Milan.

Banking Results: I&M Group’s half-year net profit rose 22% to Sh10.2bn as operating income climbed 23% to Sh33.7bn, with deposits up 18% to Sh505bn and gross NPLs down 12% to Sh30.1bn, though provisions increased 38% to Sh5.6bn. Banking Competition: HFCB also posted higher half-year earnings, joining peers in a rare bright spot for lenders amid a tight economy. Policy & Trade Dispute: The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) wants government to halt dealings with PACEID, citing legal and accountability concerns in a widening clash involving Gen Muhoozi and Odrek Rwabwogo. Regional Investment Flows: Kenyan firms are increasing outward investment into Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, boosting sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and services and deepening EAC integration. Ebola Funding Pressure: UN chief António Guterres says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-spreading and appeals for urgent extra support, warning response funding could run out in weeks. Digital Payments & Inclusion: A commentary argues Uganda’s financial inclusion challenge is mainly about trust and behaviour, not just technology, highlighting lessons from Wendi and SACCOs. WhatsApp Costs: Meta will charge businesses per WhatsApp message from Oct 1, raising customer-communication costs across East Africa including Uganda. Agriculture & Food Security: Bukedi cassava yields are a concern as farmers shift away from the crop due to low yields, diseases and weak returns.

Youth & Women Entrepreneurship: Japan-funded “Empower Africa” programme opens for 18–35-year-olds across 11 Anglophone countries, offering training in entrepreneurship, AI, leadership and investment readiness, with a possible Japan immersion for top performers. Education & Social Impact: A “One Million Books” drive highlights Uganda’s dropout pressures, with calls for a full “dosage of education” and better school infrastructure to keep children in class. Agriculture & Food Security: Bukedi farmers report shrinking cassava fields and low yields due to pests, diseases and declining soil fertility, pushing households to switch crops. Ebola & Public Health: Uganda declares Ebola over after 42 days without a new confirmed case; WHO and Africa CDC cite strengthened surveillance and response. Tax Policy Debate: Civil society urges a broader, fairer tax base as government prepares the 2027/28 budget, warning that heavy taxes on a narrow group could hurt trade and revenue. Banking & Finance: I&M Bank posts 20% higher half-year profit to Sh9.3bn; Parliament also injects Sh3bn toward the cancer treatment centre at Nsambya. Digital Connectivity: MTN Uganda partners with Starlink to extend satellite connectivity to remote enterprise customers. Fraud Crackdown: Police arrest “Don Chris” over an alleged overseas jobs scam that reportedly fleeced 500+ victims of up to Sh1.75bn. Energy & Extractives: Uganda’s mineral production value nearly doubles to Sh464.7bn in 2023/24, while extractive-sector GDP share slips; Uganda also faces broader regional energy and infrastructure pressures.