AGP Executive Report

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.

Banking Results: Equity Group says H1 2026 Profit After Tax rose 32% to KSh45.5bn, with total income up 25% to KSh124.9bn as non-funded income climbed 36% and deposits and loans grew. Public Finance Discipline: Government issued a Budget Discipline and Accountability Charter for FY 2026/27, warning accounting officers that budget breaches will trigger automatic administrative sanctions. Rural Development Accountability: The LEGS rural growth programme faces scrutiny over land disputes, unaccounted funds and loan irregularities, with the project budget put at about Sh545bn. Telecom Expansion: Starlink satellite internet has officially landed in Uganda for enterprise customers, with Roke Telkom and Paratus Uganda leading after UCC licensing. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Kisoro District Service Commission officials were arrested over alleged bribes tied to government job placements. Skills & Jobs Push: Parliament Speaker Oboth-Oboth urged MBI graduands to focus on practical skills and enterprise, not just certificates. Mining & Jobs: Euro Gold Refinery in Yumbe targets up to 20kg of gold per week as Uganda pushes formalisation and responsible extraction. Health Services Pressure: Luuka’s Kiyunga Health Centre IV is short of beds, diagnostics and reliable power, forcing some mothers to sleep on the floor. Trade & Tourism: Egypt’s travel agents met Uganda’s tourism board to plan joint tourism programmes aimed at boosting tourist flows. Digital Commerce for Transport: Union Online Duuka launches to help transport workers buy, sell and access financial services online.

ID & Banking Access: MPs say Uganda’s new national IDs are failing QR verification, blocking access to banking, SIM registration and other e-services, with NIRA facing fresh questions in Parliament. Regional Energy Deal: Dangote’s planned Kenya refinery is drawing East African interest after an offer of a combined 30% equity stake, with Kenya eyeing 10% and talks pointing to a September start. UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council held a second straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett edging ahead as vote gaps narrow and Uganda’s Olara Otunnu remains in the mix. Ebola Preparedness: Eastern DRC’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast, prompting cross-border health controls across the region, including Uganda, with border teams set for screening and rapid response. Finance Results: Equity Group reports a 32% jump in profit after tax to KSh45.5b, citing stronger income and regional growth. Digital Payments & Mobile Money: Ericsson and MTN complete a cloud-native migration for MoMo in key markets including Uganda, aiming for faster developer and merchant performance. Transport & Trade: Jambojet plans to resume daily Nairobi–Entebbe flights from October 1, adding competition and more capacity on the corridor. Industrial Park Bottlenecks: MMP Industrial Park expansion is being slowed by unreliable electricity, delays in tax exemptions and weak access roads.

Mobile Money Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have migrated MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform across markets including Uganda, boosting performance with up to 80% faster API responses and a scalable base for more digital financial services. Industrial Park Bottlenecks: MMP Industrial Park expansion in Buikwe is being slowed by unreliable electricity, delays in tax exemptions, and poor access roads—issues that could deter new investors. National ID Verification Glitch: MPs say new NIRA national IDs’ QR codes are failing verification, blocking some citizens from banking services, SIM registration and replacements, months after NIRA acknowledged the problem. SME Support Push: NCBA Bank Uganda and MAT Abacus launched a year-long Enterprise Development Program for 50 SME customers, offering workshops, coaching and clinics to make firms more “bank-ready.” Halal Certification Drive: Uganda is strengthening its halal certification ecosystem to meet export requirements for Middle East, North Africa and Asia, with Malaysian experts advising on upgrades. Ebola Watch: UN officials warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is growing exponentially, with over 2,500 deaths and a liquidity crisis hampering payments to health workers. Regional Trade & Transport: South Sudan released Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor after diplomatic pressure, easing fears for cross-border trucking operations. Entertainment Ticketing: Ticketmaster’s Quicket launches in Kenya and Uganda with digital ticketing integrated with M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money, aiming to cut fraud and speed entry. AFCON 2027 Infrastructure: Tanzania’s PM ordered contractors to complete AFCON 2027 training venues on time, calling it a major economic opportunity.

FX & Macroeconomy: Uganda shilling weakened 3.2% against the US dollar year-on-year in July 2026, averaging Shs3,709.51 per dollar, as US-Iran tensions hit sentiment and firms increased dollar demand; it still gained 0.2% month-on-month on inflows from mining, energy, exports and remittances. Aviation & Trade: Jambojet will resume Nairobi–Entebbe flights from October 1, 2026 after a six-year gap, running daily passenger services plus cargo/parcel to boost tourism and cross-border business links. Parliament Oversight: COSASE inspected Entebbe Airport over Auditor General concerns, including idle or delayed procurement assets worth about Shs17.4b, with MPs questioning why key scanners were not installed or delivered. Public Finance Discipline: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi urged planners, accountants and procurement officers to shift from spending-focused budgeting to results that Ugandans can see, warning against siloed work. Digital Commerce & Transport: Union Transport Alliance launched Union Online Duuka, a digital marketplace powered by RukaPay to connect transport operators to the digital economy with shopping and flexible financing. Land Rights & Women: In Apac, a customary land dispute continues to pit a mother against her sons, reflecting how family land wrangles persist even as Apac rolls out land formalisation steps. UN Leadership Race: Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki presented visions to UN member states as the race for the next secretary-general narrows. Health Funding: Gavi approved additional US$13m for DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola response, including 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses and support for routine immunisation.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with WHO and Africa CDC warning it could be escalated to a pandemic-emergency level as the fatality rate tops 46% and health services strain. Public Safety & Transport: Uganda launches a 100-day crackdown on unroadworthy taxis in Greater Kampala, targeting dangerous commuter vehicles and warning that commuter lives won’t be compromised. Regional Trade & Aid Logistics: DP World and WFP deliver 5,000 tonnes of rice to Burundi, DRC and Rwanda to support food-insecure communities, using Dar es Salaam as the maritime hub. Infrastructure Finance: Uganda seeks up to €207.7m from Citibank to upgrade the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road network, as debt-service pressure grows. Banking & Innovation: Standard Chartered unveils 20 women-led, tech-enabled startups for its Women in Tech Uganda Accelerator Programme, with a USD 50,000 catalytic grant pool. Health Breakthrough: Lenacapavir long-acting PrEP shows zero HIV acquisitions over one year in a PURPOSE 1 extension involving young women in Uganda and South Africa. Environment & Jobs: River Rwizi restoration gets a marathon push as authorities say over 60% of the catchment is degraded, with deforestation, waste and illegal mining driving the problem.

Aviation & Governance: COSASE hit a snag in its probe into alleged corruption at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority after UCAA’s Director General, Fred K. Bamwesigye, failed to appear, triggering debate over acting appointments and accounting responsibility. Industrial Investment: Nytil’s Shs144b Jinja spinning plant is stalled by a land dispute and an access road allegedly built on reserved project land, threatening jobs and cotton value addition. Trade & Border Tensions: Kenyan fish exporters demand Shs22bn compensation over Uganda’s impounding and disposal of transiting fish at Mpondwe, warning of wider border disruptions. Digital Economy & Risk: ISACA urges Uganda’s boards and CEOs to take direct charge of cybersecurity risks as losses to cybercrime topped Shs72bn in 2024. Public Health & Households: The IEA warns Africa’s LPG crisis is pushing prices beyond reach, risking a slide back to polluting cooking fuels. UN Diplomacy: Ugandan UN candidate Olara Otunnu calls for continued UN reform and moral authority ahead of the next secretary-general race. Aviation Rights: A disability rights activist condemns Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a flight in Juba despite check-in. Court Case: A treason trial witness told court he used a covert camera in a power bank to record alleged plans to acquire weapons and overthrow government.

Health Policy & NCDs: African health leaders urged faster integration of non-communicable disease services, essential medicines and diagnostics into Universal Health Coverage reforms, warning NCDs now drive over a third of deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical Research: A Uganda trial found daily zinc supplementation cut infection rates in young children with sickle cell anemia by 38%, with severe bacterial infections reduced by two-thirds. Banking & Finance: Equity Group reported a 31.5% half-year profit jump to Sh43.7bn but skipped an interim dividend to build capital for expansion across new markets. Banking Performance: Stanbic Uganda posted a 28.2% rise in first-half net profit to Sh356.8bn and declared an interim dividend of Sh220bn. Digital Payments & Trade: UnionPay International and Standard Bank expanded UnionPay e-commerce acceptance to nine African markets, including Uganda, boosting cross-border merchant sales. Governance & Corruption: Uganda’s IGG ordered interdiction of URSB boss Mercy Kainobwisho and other officials amid graft probes, while an audit exposed Sh1.6bn losses at Uganda Airlines. Business & Industry: Metro Cement Uganda won a Gold Award for Best Cement Manufacturer at the 2026 Business Excellence Awards, as the firm weighs the impact of proposed cement excise duty changes. Sports Sponsorship: Betika Uganda pledged Sh100m to Ntugasaze FC ahead of its Uganda Premier League debut. Public Health Threat: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases, with WHO warning it could become the deadliest in the country’s history.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki, nominated by Tonga, has entered the race to become the next UN secretary-general, adding to a crowded field as the UN faces divisions and budget pressure. Energy & Industry: Uganda’s Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna warns rapid industrialisation could trigger an electricity shortage unless generation keeps up, urging more investment in power. AFCON 2027 Business: Kenya’s AFCON 2027 chair Nicholas Musonye says hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania must prepare early for strong squads, while also stressing corruption-free delivery and local procurement that can create lasting East African business opportunities. Green Finance for Farmers: aBi Finance and ASA Microfinance launch the Shs2bn SPROUT green finance project, with a Shs10bn lending facility for irrigation, improved seeds and climate-smart farming, targeting underserved Northern and Eastern Uganda and women. SME Credit in Mbale: Equity Bank Uganda and Tian Tang Group partner to expand access to working capital and loans for manufacturers at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, alongside training to improve cash-flow and governance. Tax Waivers Scrutiny: MPs question a proposed Shs30.4bn tax and arrears relief for Fresh Cuts, New Plan and Kilembe Mines, amid concerns over accountability and what taxpayers gain. Transport Professionalisation: Kamuli drivers and conductors form a new association to push retraining, passenger safety, financial literacy and stricter discipline. Public Health Watch: WHO warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading at “unprecedented speed,” nearing 5,000 infections and 2,300 deaths.

Electricity Access Push: Over 270,000 prepaid electricity metres are undergoing quality testing before deployment under the World Bank-backed Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, targeting one million new connections nationwide. Anti-Corruption at URSB: The IGG has ordered the interdiction of URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials over allegations including embezzlement, abuse of office and money laundering, with interim arrangements ordered to keep URSB running. Water Security in Sembabule: A Shs10bn solar-powered facility is set to ease water stress in Sembabule households, where residents say they trek long distances and share unsafe water with livestock. Digital Lending Oversight: Government is considering tighter regulation of digital lenders as mobile money credit grows, with concerns over high charges and aggressive debt collection. Kampala Waste Fees: KCCA has introduced new garbage collection charges and tightened waste rules under the Weyonje campaign ahead of National Cleaning Day, with households in informal settlements paying Shs1,000 per 50kg. Health & Food Safety Watch: A UK salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs has killed one person and sickened hundreds, raising food safety concerns for cross-border supply chains. Capital Markets: I&M Capital is launching in Uganda as a licensed fund manager, signalling fresh competition and deeper long-term financing options. Solar Street-lighting Deal: SOKOYO completed 252 solar street-light units for QatarEnergy’s project, pointing to expanding off-grid lighting opportunities across Africa.

Migrant Workers Accountability: Uganda’s PAC questioned the Gender, Labour and Social Development ministry after Auditor General findings showed only 172 of 1,012 complaints by Ugandans abroad were resolved, with trafficking and abandoned-job cases largely left hanging. Public Finance & Corruption: URA detained a staff member over an alleged $60,000 bribe tied to a taxpayer’s audit, as courts also grant bail to a TikToker accused of falsely claiming a Shs7b theft. Health & Safety: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the deadliest in the country’s history, with WHO warning of intense transmission; meanwhile, CPJ says internet and mobile services were cut in Fizi Territory for over a month. Business & Trade: Kenya’s regulator wants Diageo’s EABL sale to Asahi backed by up to KSh15b in reserves, while MTN Uganda expands maternal and newborn support in Luuka under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care. Land & Investment Risks: Disputes in Njeru Municipality threaten investor expansion, and NSSF’s Temangalo land standoff remains a long-running accountability headache. Agriculture & Climate: Karamoja’s first wheat attempt collapsed after a dry spell, and stakeholders push for better, timely funding to protect food security. Innovation & Services: Propsy is pitching WhatsApp-based property search to reduce middlemen, and MTN MoMo’s new boss pledges more SME innovation and easier credit access. Environment & Urban Services: Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation advances, with a phase handed over to KCCA after Japan-funded UN-Habitat work.

URSB Corruption Fallout: President Museveni has ordered senior Uganda Registration Services Bureau officials, including Commissioner Gilbert Agaba, on leave as investigations into alleged embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering and mismanagement intensify. Housing Affordability Debate: Kyambogo University students say a decent home can be designed for about Shs13.2m, challenging claims that “affordable” housing should cost around Shs100m, after a Habitat for Humanity Uganda/Citi Foundation competition. Power Sector Scrutiny: Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee questions UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses since the transition. Land & Pensions: NSSF moves to court to secure full possession of Temangalo land in Wakiso, seeking to evict a businessman over a long-running dispute. Tax Administration Crackdown: URA arrested a senior customs manager, Geoffrey Ssozi, allegedly caught receiving about Shs220m to suppress a tax audit, with more suspects under probe. Agribusiness Trade Rules: EU’s deforestation-free requirements (EUDR) are set to reshape Africa’s agricultural exports, with compliance deadlines approaching for coffee and other key commodities. Oil & Investment Watch: Uganda’s first-oil timeline again faces pressure as the mid-2026 target is pushed, raising investor concerns. Regional Integration Funding: Germany commits about Shs167bn to the EAC for trade systems and SME support, with potential knock-on benefits for Uganda’s business financing and quality checks. Digital Finance Deal: dfcu Bank and Double Q partner to expand vehicle and equipment financing, with up to 90% asset funding and longer repayment options. Ebola Alert: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths and case fatality rising sharply, prompting calls for faster, scaled response. Tourism Through Sport: Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Golf Series gains Official World Golf Ranking status, expected to boost tourism and related business activity in September. Green Mobility Push: Spiro partners with the Rwenzori Marathon as official Green Mobility Partner, deploying electric riders to promote cleaner transport.