AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Finance: Uganda Development Bank (UDB) has sponsored the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon with Sh20m, backing the Kasese event on Aug 22 as part of efforts to boost tourism and foreign exchange. Urban Waste & Land Management: NWSC MD Dr. Silver Mugisha and Gen. Salim Saleh discussed Kampala’s garbage crisis, arguing the core problem is weak land ownership and coordination, not just lack of trucks, under the Organic Dark Matter sanitation push. Electricity Accountability: Parliament’s PAC grilled the Energy Ministry over alleged inconsistencies in Sh17.3bn counterpart funding for UREAP, including disputes on compensation payments to PAPs and project records. Banking Access: Housing Finance Bank trained and engaged 150+ agent bankers in Kampala, highlighting its Super Agent Model to improve service reliability and liquidity for customers. Commercial Justice: Uganda’s Judiciary urged businesses to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to cut delays and costs in commercial cases. Cybersecurity Warning: Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Ating-Ego warned that cyberattacks could quickly become financial stability risks as Uganda’s digital systems deepen. Ebola Preparedness: The US announced an additional $242m (Ksh31bn) for Ebola response and preparedness across DRC and Uganda, including border screening and lab capacity. Trade & Markets: Traders were urged to embrace ADR, while Kenya Sugar Board audits informal sugar imports—focusing on Uganda border flows—to curb market distortions and revenue losses. Energy Reliability (Regional): Kenya Power said it wants more hydro, geothermal and imports as solar and wind rise, warning that high variable generation can destabilize the grid. Digital Payments/Telecoms: MTN reported a first-half profit jump on gains across Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda, driven by data and fintech adoption. Crime & Compliance: Police arrested suspects in Kampala’s New Park over an alleged illegal SIM registration racket using duplicated IDs.

Trade & Investment: Uganda and Namibia are pushing to turn decades of political solidarity into new business links, with a Ugandan delegation led by Henry Okello Oryem scouting opportunities in energy, agriculture, ICT, security and youth empowerment under AfCFTA; Uganda’s exports to Namibia were about $605,000 in 2024, mainly furniture and paper. Regional Security: UPDF Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba urged Eastern African states to strengthen regional security institutions and cooperation as threats evolve, warning that peace is key to unlocking the region’s economic potential. Ebola Update (DRC): WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is “outrunning” response efforts, with cases now above 4,000 and deaths surpassing 1,900, as spread increasingly comes from community transmission. Youth & Jobs: African youth meeting in Kampala called for more investment in peacebuilding, skills and inclusive opportunities to tackle unemployment and insecurity. Parliament Accountability: Uganda MPs ordered the arrest of UHRC chairperson Justice Mariam Wangadya after she failed to appear again before COSASE, deepening pressure on public institutions. Energy/Infrastructure (Regional): A proposed $20bn Tanga energy hub tied to EACOP is being discussed, with analysts stressing that MoUs are not final investment decisions and financing/asset ownership details matter. Trade Finance Gap: PAC Research flags digital innovation and financial reforms as key to closing Africa’s $100bn trade finance shortfall, but says success depends on regulation and implementation capacity.

Youth & Jobs Agenda: African youth meeting in Kampala at the B!ll Now Now Africa Youth Summit urged more investment in peacebuilding, skills and inclusive opportunities to tackle unemployment, insecurity and tribalism ahead of International Youth Day on Aug 12. Trade & Transport Rules: A World Bank–WTO scorecard ranks Kenya’s road freight services as the third most “open” in the EAC, with Uganda also facing regulatory barriers that can raise costs for cross-border trucking. Tax & Small Businesses: URA’s EFRIS rollout now gives small firms in newly targeted sectors (under Shs10m turnover) room to operate without mandatory e-invoices/e-receipts, while still allowing voluntary adoption. Digital Finance & Telecoms: MTN Uganda reported a sharp jump in profit for H1 2026, driven by higher data use and mobile money, as it navigates election-related disruptions and regulatory changes. Ebola Response Pressure: WHO and Africa CDC say community-led action is urgently needed as the DRC outbreak keeps outrunning the response, with contact follow-up still below targets. Uganda Courts & Money Laundering: A Congolese cashier in Kampala was committed to the High Court over alleged undeclared $1.6m entering Uganda without declaring to URA. Parliament Funds Case: Obore and six others were committed to the High Court over alleged theft/embezzlement of Shs26.8bn in parliamentary funds. Climate Resilience Push: Uganda launched a three-year initiative to strengthen resilience in livestock, land and insurance systems, targeting climate shocks across Uganda, Kenya and Somalia. Uganda Airlines Expansion: Uganda Airlines announced daily flights to Kigali from Nov 18 and new Accra services from Oct 27, boosting regional connectivity and competition. Business & Hospitality Deal: Ecobank Uganda partnered with Serena Hotels to turn cards into “lifestyle” benefits like discounts and loyalty perks across multiple countries. El Niño Flood Watch: Uganda’s climate risk planning highlights flooding threats in multiple regions, with authorities flagging high-risk counties for OND rains. Film Industry Win: Uganda’s Talemwa Pius won major prizes at Locarno Open Doors for “A Vineyard for a Lobster,” bringing CHF support and international visibility to Ugandan storytelling.

UN Diplomacy: Uganda’s UN Secretary-General hopeful Amb. Olara Otunnu finally heads to New York after months of late entry, joining meetings with delegations as the Security Council’s straw polls narrow the field. Ebola & Public Health: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is outpacing the response, with deaths nearing the 2,000 mark as contact tracing struggles to keep up. Oil & Environment: New research warns Uganda’s oil build-out, including EACOP and feeder pipelines, is degrading Lake Victoria wetlands through siltation, pollution and habitat disturbance. AgriFood Budget Pressure: Stakeholders demand higher and better-implemented 2027 agricultural funding, warning low spending and slow releases are undermining seasonal farming and jobs. Regional Security Logistics: A US funding cutoff threat is pushing UN Somalia mission assets toward auction, raising fears for peacekeeping supply chains as AUSSOM faces uncertainty. Tourism & Travel: Uganda’s tourism players urge retaliation against Emirates over continued UAE restrictions on Ugandan travellers even after Uganda was declared Ebola-free. Media & Safety: Two Next Media journalists die in a Kampala road crash, with a third colleague critically injured.

EACOP & Women Skills: EACOP’s technical training is opening welding and other oil-industry trades to women across the 1,443-km corridor, pushing “competence, not gender” into East Africa’s energy jobs pipeline. Uganda Tourism & UAE Curbs: Tourism players in Entebbe are urging government to suspend Emirates flights over continued UAE travel restrictions on Ugandans even after Uganda was declared Ebola-free, arguing it’s now hurting business and access to Dubai markets. Digital Education Partnership: Kampala International University and Utrecht University launched a 10-day digital education and innovation programme, aiming to boost youth digital literacy and entrepreneurship while tackling barriers for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Maternal Health Support: MTN Uganda’s “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign is expanding maternal and newborn healthcare support in western Uganda, including training for health records officers and community health workers. Finance & Saving Culture: Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda rolled out a unit trust campaign to encourage disciplined, professionally managed long-term investing. Engineering Safety Push: Uganda’s engineers’ body is calling for stricter enforcement of engineering laws, saying weak regulation lets unqualified people take on engineering work. Legal Fight Fundraiser: Activists in Kampala launched a fundraiser to help Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo meet High Court contempt penalties tied to his dispute with KIU. Market Sanitation: A Bor commissioner warned of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market, after social media photos showed waste and unhygienic conditions.

Digital Education: Uganda and the Netherlands launched a digital education partnership in Kampala, bringing together youth, academics and tech experts to boost digital skills and entrepreneurship. Youth & Jobs: Huawei urged Makerere students to build practical tech skills beyond degrees during a campus recruitment drive. Finance & Savings Culture: Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda rolled out a unit trust campaign to encourage disciplined long-term investing, citing growing assets in Uganda’s collective investment market. Banking for Agriculture: Housing Finance Bank backed MAAIF’s livestock vaccination drive with easier payment solutions, reaching thousands of farmers and livestock. Oil & Climate Policy: Uganda’s oil projects near first oil as Tilenga hits 74% completion, while a debate grows over whether methane rules should be petroleum-specific or part of a broader short-lived climate pollutant framework. Infrastructure & Accountability: Bor commissioner warned of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market, calling for improved waste management. Regional Trade & Transport: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners launched a green freight programme to cut logistics costs and emissions while boosting women’s participation. Sports Governance: CAF backed FIFA’s Infantino after governance updates, as football politics continue ahead of the 2027 election.

Uganda’s Oil & Gas: Uganda’s Tilenga project is reported at 74% completion with 234 wells drilled, as the country eyes first oil before end-September, while an ongoing debate asks whether Uganda should regulate methane with oil-specific rules or a broader national framework. EACOP Progress: The 1,443km East African Crude Oil Pipeline is said to be at 91% completion, edging Uganda closer to production and boosting regional energy trade. Local Business & Safety: Bor County commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech warns of action over poor sanitation at Lew-dier Fish Market, after social media photos showed waste and unhygienic conditions. Construction & Procurement: Finance minister Musasizi says Roko Construction is the best local firm and urges timely, quality delivery for the UBOS Entebbe office block, as government pushes stronger value-for-money in infrastructure. Skills & Jobs: Huawei Uganda urges Makerere students and graduates to build practical skills beyond degrees during a campus recruitment drive. Agribusiness Finance: Housing Finance Bank supports MAAIF’s livestock vaccination drive with accessible payment options, reporting progress in farmers reached and animals vaccinated. Education Costs: Uganda’s competency-based curriculum is drawing criticism from parents and teachers over rising school expenses tied to costly projects and materials. Regional Trade & Climate: UNEP and Northern Corridor partners launch a cleaner freight push under the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, targeting lower logistics costs and more women in freight. Energy Access Context: A new regional data snapshot highlights that millions across Africa still lack electricity access, underscoring the scale of the energy challenge facing countries including Uganda.

Northern Corridor Green Freight: UNEP and NCTTCA have signed new funding to push the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, aiming to cut emissions, lower logistics costs and boost women’s participation in freight. Oil & Refining: Aliko Dangote says construction of the Lamu oil refinery will start by October 2026, with a revised cost and a plan to supply East Africa’s energy needs. Banking & Trade Finance: Stanbic Bank Uganda has launched China’s CIPS in renminbi to speed cross-border payments and reduce FX friction for Ugandan firms trading with China. Ebola Response: Africa CDC and WHO urge stronger community-led action as the DRC outbreak worsens, while they praised Uganda’s earlier success in ending its Ebola outbreak. Public Finance & Roads: Uganda’s Auditor General flags failures in the World Bank-funded NERAMP road project, citing delayed works, safety defects, unspent funds and costly penalties. Biodiversity Funding: Another Auditor General report warns Uganda’s Nagoya Protocol ABS project risks losing momentum due to funding gaps, slow implementation and sustainability concerns. Digital Entertainment: MTN Uganda launches MTNTV, bundling live TV, radio, movies and sports for Ugandans on mobile and web. Agribusiness Support: Housing Finance Bank backs MAAIF’s livestock vaccination drive with convenient payments via VacciPay to help farmers protect herds. Data Centres: Raxio names Dennis Kahindi as Uganda GM as demand rises for secure local hosting for banks, government and healthcare systems. Women’s Enterprise: Equity Bank Uganda pledges Sh10m to the Watoto Golf Tournament to fund business starter kits for vulnerable women.

Digital Payments & Trade: Stanbic Bank Uganda launches China’s CIPS, enabling Ugandan firms to settle cross-border deals directly in renminbi to cut FX risk and speed payments. Banking Growth: ABC Capital Bank unveils a 2026–2028 push on digital transformation and retail banking after a 285% jump in 2025 profit after tax. Data Centres & Tech Jobs: Raxio names Dennis Kahindi as Uganda GM as local demand rises for secure, carrier-neutral hosting. Agri Value Addition: FAO backs a four-month incubation for 90+ wood SMEs to boost competitiveness, value addition and market access. Livestock Protection: Housing Finance Bank supports MAAIF’s livestock vaccination drive with easy payments via VacciPay to help farmers vaccinate on time. Transport & Public Finance: MPs question the Kampala–Entebbe expressway toll model after concerns over missing vehicle records and spending Shs 122bn to collect Shs 129bn. Corruption Probe: IGG reportedly places caveats on properties linked to Parliament officials accused of looting, including Chris Obore’s alleged luxury assets. Media & Economy: Posta Uganda rolls out a five-year reboot with service standards and one-stop centres to improve logistics and public access. Energy Integration: Uganda and Tanzania sign an MoU to develop Tanga into a regional energy hub, targeting major investment. Telecom Entertainment: MTN Uganda launches MTNTV, bundling live TV, radio, movies and sports for a growing digital lifestyle market.

EABL & Capital Markets: East African Breweries posted record Sh18.2bn net profit for FY ended June 2026 as revenues crossed Sh1bn, while also signalling it’s preparing for life after Diageo ahead of the planned Asahi takeover pending CAK approval. Uganda Business Leadership: ACCA Uganda has opened nominations for the 10th Uganda CFO Awards, running for six weeks under “A Decade of Excellence,” with winners set for October. Regional Energy Deal: Uganda and Tanzania signed a landmark MoU to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, linking UNOC, TPDC and Vitol Bahrain E.C., aimed at boosting petroleum storage, logistics and cross-border trade. Export Push: PACEID announced its 3rd International Buyers Week (Nov 9–15, 2026) targeting up to US$300m in export deals, with plans for regional aggregation centres to help producers meet international standards. Tourism & Conservation: Uganda’s tourism minister visited Bwindi, stressing community participation in conservation as a driver for gorilla tourism and local livelihoods. Health & Data Readiness: A fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is highlighting gaps in surveillance and cross-border reporting—an issue Uganda’s health security partners are watching closely. Business Innovation in Health: NTL Healthcare says its CerviCARE AI cervical screening pilot in Uganda supports real-world use and entry into African screening markets. Governance & Compliance: CAF backed FIFA’s Infantino after a withdrawn “Forward Enterprise” proposal, endorsing a revised update and renewed focus on governance and transparency.

Energy & Trade: Uganda and Tanzania signed a deal with Vitol Bahrain to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, expanding cooperation beyond EACOP and aiming to boost storage, refining, logistics and fuel trading as Uganda prepares for commercial oil exports. Banking & Dividends: NCBA Group posted a 12.2% rise in first-half 2026 profit to KSh12.4b, with deposits up 11% and an interim dividend of KSh3.75 per share. SME & Payments: Equity Bank Uganda rolled out Equity Online for Business to help firms manage payroll, transfers and statutory payments digitally. Retail Skills: Nile Breweries trained 230 retailers in Masaka under its GRIT programme, focusing on financial discipline, cash flow and digital payments. Tourism Marketing: UTB plans to use Ghetto Kids as tourism ambassadors ahead of 2027 AFCON, leveraging their global visibility. Cybercrime Watch: Interpol says AI is linked to over 55% of reported cybercrimes in Africa, with financial services and telecoms hit hardest. Public Health: Congo is overhauling its Ebola response with free healthcare, vaccine trials and a village-led approach as cases surge. Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda destroyed 470,000 litres of ethanol tied to illicit alcohol production, intensifying enforcement. Business Climate: DP World and GulfCap Africa agreed to develop a 222-hectare special economic zone near Mombasa Port, starting with a 40-hectare phase.

Banking Digitisation: Pearl Bank says self-service is replacing queues, highlighting Pearl Mobile App, ZeroFlex, Wendi wallet and online banking for transfers, bill payments and account access. Dividend Boost: NCBA Group declared a Sh6.18b interim dividend after profit rose 12.2% to Sh12.4b, with Sh2.4b invested in tech and AI/cyber resilience. Housing Finance Deal: DTB Uganda partnered with Universal Multipurpose Enterprises to expand mortgage and property financing, targeting Uganda’s estimated 2.4m housing deficit. Oil Pipeline Progress: Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego says EACOP progress is vital to 2026/27 budget projections and export earnings, during a judiciary and BOU visit to Pump Station One. Trade Standards Push: Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna directed UNBS to improve efficiency and clear substandard products, while also urging faster certification access for SMEs. Ebola Funding & Frontline Strain: WHO warns Congo’s Ebola response must scale up as cases surge; meanwhile the US pledged an extra $242m for DRC and Uganda, as health workers protest unpaid wages. Cybersecurity Alert: Next Media reports hackers temporarily took over NBS Television, Next Radio and AfroMobile social media accounts. EAC Food Risk: WFP warns El Niño could worsen food insecurity for 18m+ people across East and Southern Africa. Data Centres & AI Infrastructure: A report notes Morocco leads Africa in certified data centres, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s AI growth still depends on limited, uneven data-centre capacity.

El Niño & Food Security: WFP warns El Niño could worsen food insecurity across East and Southern Africa, with projections of 49 million more people pushed into acute hunger by end-2027, as rainy-season risks and extreme weather hit rain-fed farming. Ebola Response & Health Security: WHO defends Uganda’s early declaration of the end of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, saying the focus stayed on stopping transmission, while the wider regional response continues as DRC cases and deaths rise. Ebola Trials Update: New international trials for Bundibugyo Ebola treatments and vaccines are underway, including PARTNERS platform studies in the DRC, offering hope where no strain-specific vaccine or targeted treatment exists. Power Crunch in Kampala: Loadshedding and widespread outages are leaving Kampala households and businesses counting losses, with Energy Ministry officials citing grid strain and promising stabilization after August 8. Energy Investment Push: Uganda’s energy minister urges private sector investment to support the tenfold growth agenda, stressing reliable, affordable power as the base for industrialization and value addition. Women Farmers Insurance Pilot: Women’s World Banking launches a blockchain-powered insurance pilot in Uganda to speed payouts for about 3,000 women smallholder farmers, using mobile money triggers for faster recovery from climate and health shocks. Food Safety for Trade: FAO trains lab experts across East Africa to strengthen pesticide residue and aflatoxin testing, aiming to improve compliance and unlock regional and global market access. Business & Justice: Uganda’s High Court sentences two people to death and seven to life for the 2018 kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara, a major case with wider public attention. Aviation Infrastructure: Contractor says Kabalega International Airport in Hoima is 98% complete, with the ATC tower installation underway and handover targeted by end of October.

Business Confidence: Uganda’s business climate improved sharply in April–June 2026, with the Uganda Business Climate Index rising 20.1 points to 124.9, but economists warn the recovery is fragile as fuel prices and global uncertainty keep costs high. Fuel & Costs: Downtown traders say renewed Middle East tensions are pushing up fuel prices, raising transport, import and production expenses. Ebola & Health Security: WHO and Africa CDC commended Uganda’s Ebola response, urging stronger surveillance and cross-border engagement as Uganda stays vigilant over ongoing transmission risks in DR Congo. Ebola Vaccine Push: Health Canada has authorized Moderna to begin a Phase 1 trial of an mRNA vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, with the UK already running a similar trial. Maternal Health Partnerships: MTN Uganda launched its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, using public-private partnerships and digital tools to expand maternal and newborn care in underserved districts. Weather Risk: Uganda’s water ministry issued an early warning for a likely 2026/2027 El Niño, flagging above-normal rains, floods, landslides and disease outbreaks. State-Owned Assets Probe: MPs in COSASE have moved to Kenya to inspect UPHL operations after audit findings on rent arrears, doubtful debts and idle government properties. Trade & Food: Egypt is pushing to expand poultry exports into sub-Saharan Africa, including discussions with Uganda to open the market for Egyptian poultry products and eggs. Cybercrime & AI: INTERPOL reports AI now powers over 55% of cybercrime in Africa, with losses rising to $484m, highlighting the need for stronger cross-border action. Regional Diplomacy: Uganda is stepping up lobbying for Olara Otunnu’s UN Secretary-General bid, meeting Security Council diplomats at State House.

El Niño Preparedness: Uganda’s meteorology department warns of a likely 2026/2027 El Niño with above-normal rains that could bring floods, landslides, disease outbreaks and livelihood disruption, urging drainage clearing, stronger disaster response and avoiding risky settlements. State Asset Oversight: COSASE MPs have crossed into Kenya to inspect Uganda Property Holdings Limited (UPHL) after audit findings on unrecovered rent arrears, tax issues and idle government assets, spotlighting billions at stake. Company Compliance Crackdown: Uganda’s URSB has deregistered 90,000 companies for failing to file annual returns for five straight years, stripping them of legal personality and name protection. Regional Energy Deal: Uganda secured veto power and two board seats in Kenya Pipeline Company after buying a 20.15% stake, giving Kampala leverage over key corporate decisions and tariffs. Micro-enterprise Finance: EIB Global and Centenary Bank say about 24,000 micro-enterprises have benefited from a €100m (428bn shillings) partnership, with women and rural projects leading. Tourism Costs & Safety: New travel data flags safaris as among the priciest trips in 2026, while Uganda is listed as a higher-risk destination for travelers. Ebola Vaccine Trial: A first-in-human trial for a vaccine targeting Bundibugyo virus has begun in the UK as DR Congo’s outbreak grows. Tech & Consumer Trends: TECNO teases a “true zero-bezel” concept phone aimed at removing the visible display border. Business & Trade: Uganda’s government also faces scrutiny over telecom vandalism framed as economic sabotage.

Parliament & Power Reliability: MPs grilled UEDCL over delayed electricity connections and persistent blackouts after the UMEME buyout, citing a backlog of hundreds of thousands of customers despite paid connection fees. Oil Governance: Governor Michael Atingi-Ego urged strong institutions as Uganda prepares for the petroleum era, stressing integrity and rule of law to attract investment and share benefits fairly. US Visa Costs: The US made its visa bond policy permanent, with deposits up to US$20,000 for selected B-1/B-2 applicants from about 50 countries including Uganda—refundable if conditions are met. Migration Policy: Italy pushed EU-funded “Albania-style” migrant hubs outside the bloc after the Ceuta crisis, with African host options reportedly including Uganda. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s support for UN SG candidate Olara Otunnu, while IGAD’s deputy executive secretary sparked controversy over remarks on Somalia’s troop-contributing summit. Health & Ebola: Uganda is nearing the end of its Ebola outbreak, while DRC response faces community resistance to safe burials and funding strains. Business & Trade: Uganda’s agribusiness push got fresh attention as Africa targets jobs and value chains, while cashew training in East Africa aims to boost production and processing. Justice: A Kampala court convicted nine people over the 2018 kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara.