AGP Executive Report

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.

Education Policy: Schools in Bukedi and across districts are complying with the renewed ban on holiday teaching, with headteachers urging parents to use breaks for rest and revision at home as Parliament presses for enforcement. Regulation & Consumer Protection: The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board wants Parliament to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act to raise penalties for illegal betting, arguing current fines are too low and repeat offenders treat them as a business cost. Health & Diagnostics: Uganda received a Shs1.87b mobile Biosafety Level-3 lab to speed up Ebola and other dangerous disease detection, with plans to deploy it where needs are greatest, including support for the DRC response. Agribusiness & Innovation: NARO has started seed multiplication for four new Irish potato varieties (NAROPOT 7, 8, 9 and 10), targeting higher yields and disease resistance for farmers in highland areas like Kigezi. Infrastructure Oversight: Parliament’s probe into Uganda Railways Corporation questions about Shs600m spent to clear land for a Spanish contractor’s idle factory, raising value-for-money concerns. Finance & Markets: Stanbic Bank Uganda and NMG Uganda strengthen their partnership to expand financial education and banking access through co-created content and digital activations. Business Links: Uganda and DRC held a Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to deepen trade ties, with over 50 Ugandan firms showcasing products from agriculture to construction materials.

Uganda–DRC Trade Push: Uganda and the DRC held a two-day Business Connect Forum and Expo in Butembo to deepen business linkages, tackle trade barriers and showcase over 50 Ugandan firms in sectors like agriculture, pharma, dairy and construction. Transport Costs Hit by Rains: Heavy rains damaged northern Uganda roads and bridges, cutting access to markets and raising taxi and boda fares in districts like Oyam, Nwoya, Omoro and Apac. Road Compensation Scandal: Works Ministry arrested two officials over alleged “compensation mafia” linked to the Sh430bn Nateete–Nakawuka road, where inflated land claims are said to be driving huge losses. Healthcare Investment: Centenary Bank backed St Francis Hospital Nsambya to build a dedicated healthcare waste management unit to improve safety for patients and communities. Oil & Gas Oversight: NRGI warns Uganda must set up a methane emissions management framework before first oil, citing gaps in regulations and monitoring systems. MTN Fintech Expansion: MTN says it is exploring banking licences in markets where mobile-money “floats” are large, aiming to grow lending beyond partnerships. Public Transport Crackdown Eases: Police scaled down the DMC taxi impounding operation after chaos, though many vehicles stayed off the road. Local Business & Jobs: Busoga leaders backed a regional cabinet drive, highlighting road projects and the reopening of Busoga University. Governance & Justice: Former Speaker Anita Among confirmed she is free from house arrest and says charges will not proceed, thanking President Museveni and Gen Muhoozi. Business Forum on Methane & First Oil: Uganda’s methane controls debate intensifies as production timelines face possible delays.

Parliament Oversight: Uganda’s Parliament is pushing government to take over operations and maintenance of the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, citing alleged revenue leakages and financial mismanagement, and wants URA to run toll collection with electronic payments plus a forensic audit of the road’s contracts. Transport & Mobility: Uganda Railways says the taxi crackdown is driving more passengers to trains on the eastern route, and it plans to add three more coaches to handle demand. Development Finance: Uganda Development Bank (UDB) says it approved Shs518.4bn for 120 projects and disbursed Shs502.2bn in 2025, reporting job creation and production gains from supported businesses. Fintech & Banking: MTN is exploring banking licences in select markets to take deposits and eventually fund more lending from its own balance sheet, building on its large mobile money customer base. Digital Economy: Uganda’s push to export digital talent is shifting from training to securing global markets and contracts as donor-backed support winds down. Climate Policy: Government is consulting to finalise NDC 3.0 by end-September, targeting emissions cuts and stronger climate resilience. Regional Trade: Uganda International Trade Fair (UITF) returns with a redesign aimed at connecting small innovators to real buyers and market access.

UITF Trade Fair: Uganda’s 31st Uganda International Trade Fair returns with a redesigned, “Made in Uganda” supermarket-style showcase aimed at giving small innovators easier access to buyers and industry support. SACCO Regulation: Bank of Uganda licensing is moving slowly ahead of the Sept 30 deadline, with only 7 of about 90 large SACCOs licensed so far—raising fears of closures and disruption for savers and borrowers. Microfinance Crisis: Parliament orders the arrest of Microfinance Support Centre bosses after they failed to appear again before COSASE over alleged billions in losses and loan write-offs. Food & Ag Oversight: Government tables a Bill to create a single Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority to unify regulation of food products, agricultural chemicals, veterinary medicines and related inputs. Energy Investment: UK firm MOPO plans up to $75m expansion in Nigeria to build an “energy grid of the future,” scaling solar battery charging and moving toward cabled electricity—Uganda included in its footprint. Regional Business & Finance: MTN’s cash recovery is driven by Nigeria and Ghana, sending R9.3bn to the group in H1 2026 as earnings improve. Health Funding Watch: WHO says Africa is making progress on key health goals despite deep cuts to international financing. Cross-border Justice: Kenya moves to extradite a Chinese national wanted in Uganda over alleged UGX 4.53bn fraud tied to Diamond Steel Uganda.

Standards for Trade: Kenya’s KEBS urged African countries to harmonise standards to cut technical barriers that keep intra-Africa trade at just 16%. Road Revenue: The Kampala–Entebbe Expressway has collected over Shs192b in tolls since tolling began, with traffic averaging about 27,000 vehicles daily, though revenue still trails loan projections. Cross-Border Payments: The EAC has started implementing its Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan, setting up technical working groups to make payments faster and safer across the bloc. Transport Crackdown: Police impounded 178 dangerous-mechanical-condition taxis in Kampala, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as commuters scrambled for alternatives. Airline Oversight: COSASE summoned Uganda Airlines top managers after they failed to appear over Auditor General 2025 queries, with fresh summons to be served by police. Identity & Banking Friction: MPs demanded answers from NIRA over QR-code verification failures on new national IDs that are blocking access to services like bank account opening and SIM registration. Extractives Transparency: Uganda’s EITI report is set to highlight gaps in extractive-sector revenue reporting ahead of its 23 September release. Gold Push: A new gold processing unit in Yumbe targets 20kg per week to boost exports. MTN Capital Returns: MTN Group approved a $375m share buyback after stronger half-year profit and cash generation.

Insurance & Finance: Kenya Re’s half-year net profit jumped 42.8% to Sh2.25bn as insurance revenue rose 14% to Sh9.4bn, with underwriting performance more than quadrupling to Sh1.25bn. Capital Markets: Grit Real Estate Income Group remains suspended from the London Stock Exchange and Stock Exchange Mauritius after delays in filing audited results, following a reported loss of $65.42m (Sh8.5bn) in its earlier period. Banking & Jobs: UBA inducted 374 young professionals from its Graduate Management Accelerator Programme across eight countries, bringing GMAP graduates to over 5,000. Regional Payments: The East African Community started work on a masterplan to speed up cross-border payments, with working groups on governance, infrastructure, inclusivity and capacity building. Transport & Enforcement: Kampala police began impounding “dangerous mechanical condition” commuter taxis, leaving hundreds stranded and towing vehicles to Nakawa. Oil & Risk Watch: Uganda’s Financial Intelligence Authority warned that Bunyoro’s oil-driven land deals, lending and cross-border trade could be exploited for illicit financing. Aviation & Trade: Jambojet will resume daily Nairobi–Entebbe flights from Oct 1, targeting business travel and cargo. Digital Identity: Egypt approved rules for a Digital Financial Identity platform enabling remote e-KYC for banks.

Transport Crackdown: Uganda Taxi Operators Federation warns commuter taxis in dangerous mechanical condition to park ahead of a 100-day police operation starting today in Greater Kampala, after the Works ministry flagged rising DMC vehicles and road-death risks. Banking Talent Pipeline: UBA has inducted 374 young professionals into its Graduate Management Accelerator Programme (GMAP), reinforcing its focus on customer service as the key differentiator in a tech-driven banking market. Agribusiness Finance & Climate Tech: AFRACA and NIRSAL run a Lagos masterclass on inclusive agricultural finance, climate resilience and AI, bringing together central banks and lenders from across Africa including Uganda. Climate Policy Push: Government finalises NDC 3.0 and targets 1.5 million hectares under irrigation by 2040, shifting toward smaller irrigation systems for farmers. Food Prices Pressure: Drought is tightening supplies and lifting staple prices in the region, with maize and beans among the items under upward pressure. Mining & Industry: Uganda directs UIA to secure land for Roofings to process iron ore into high-grade steel products, ahead of President Museveni’s planned visit. Public Service Reform: Public Service head Lucy Nakyobe orders rotation of common cadre staff across ministries and the Office of the President, with transfers required for staff at stations for three years. Health & Community Support: MTN ends its Y’ello Care campaign with over Shs600m support for maternal and newborn care in remote Amudat, including equipment, solar, and digital health training. Governance & Accountability: Parliament issues an ultimatum over a fuel-stock manipulation probe involving three senior energy officials, demanding results within 60 days.

Deportations & regional ties: The US has started sending “third-country” deportees to African states, with Liberia receiving the latest group of 20 under a deal for up to 1,200—raising legal and humanitarian concerns across countries including Uganda. Climate & farming resilience: Uganda is finalising NDC 3.0 to cut emissions and strengthen farmer resilience, while also targeting 1.5 million hectares under irrigation by 2040 as rainfall becomes less reliable. Energy & industrial push: Government directed UIA to secure land for Roofings to process iron ore into high-grade steel products ahead of President Museveni’s visit, signaling a push for deeper local value addition. Land & investment friction: A Wakiso family accuses businessman Moses Kalungi of grabbing their 2.5-acre ancestral land, while Local governance: the Local Government minister ordered a fresh probe into the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha border cattle market dispute in Kasese. Education & human capital: NCDC says lower primary structured learning should cap at three hours a day under the CBC rollout planned for 2028. Finance & public accountability: Auditor General-linked reports highlight cash-handling and procurement control issues at Makerere Guest House, plus a widening crisis around LEGS microfinance lending and unspent hydropower O&M funds. Trade & payments: Equity Bank is being used to help exporters reduce middlemen in cross-border payments, with a focus on smoother trade with DRC. Regional business signals: Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery is offering East African governments a combined 30% equity stake, with Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda showing interest. Health emergency watch: Uganda and the region remain on alert as Ebola response in DR Congo struggles to keep pace, with the outbreak described as spreading faster than containment efforts.

Telecom & Connectivity: Starlink satellite internet has officially landed in Uganda, with Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda leading the first roll-out after UCC cleared the way—aimed at enterprises in remote areas where fibre is hard and costly. Banking & Finance: Equity Group reported a strong 2026 half-year, with Profit After Tax up 32% to KSh45.5bn, driven by higher non-funded income and growth in deposits and loans across East Africa. Public Accountability: COSASE ordered police protection for former UHRC accounting officer Margaret Lucy Ejang as she prepares to testify, after she raised safety concerns and claims of humiliation during her tenure. Governance & Budgeting: Government introduced tougher budget discipline rules under a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter, with automatic administrative sanctions for breaches—shifting from discretion to enforceable rules. National IDs: MPs raised alarm over Uganda’s new national ID QR verification hitches, saying some citizens are being turned away from banks and telecom services. Agriculture & Jobs: Uganda is pushing coffee expansion in the north with Sh60bn for seedlings and support inputs, while a separate report flags accountability gaps in the Sh545bn LEGS rural growth programme. Mining: A new gold mine in Yumbe targets up to 20kg per week as Uganda continues formalisation of mineral exploitation.