AGP Executive Report

Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI has pledged up to $60m for three Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine efforts, including Serum Institute of India (SII) manufacturing Oxford clinical trial doses, as Uganda records nine confirmed cases (one death) alongside DRC’s fast-spreading outbreak. Cross-Border Health Pressure: Uganda tightened DRC border measures and World Cup travel advisories, while aid groups warn the real outbreak scale may be far worse due to weak contact tracing. Local Industry & Food Security: Matooke prices have surged across Tooro, Ankole and Kigezi after drought cut banana supply, with bunch prices jumping from about Shs5,000–7,000 to Shs30,000–35,000. Agri Modernisation: dfcu Bank and partners flagged off Uganda’s Best Farmers for a Netherlands study tour on modern farming and value addition. Forestry Recovery: Uganda Breweries committed over Shs372m to restore the Namananga forest reserve with 80,000 indigenous seedlings. Governance Watch: Parliament begins vetting new Cabinet nominees amid a dual citizenship eligibility row. Infrastructure (Regional): KeNHA started feasibility work for the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway PPP, linking Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and DRC.

Ebola Response, Uganda Link: The International Rescue Committee warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “likely far worse” than official figures, citing delayed detection and only about 20% contact tracing, while Uganda reports at least nine travel-related cases and one death—raising pressure on regional surveillance and logistics. Vaccine Race: CEPI is funding three Ebola vaccine candidates against the Bundibugyo strain, including up to $50m for Moderna, with hopes to move quickly into trials as suspected deaths and cases climb. Cross-Border Containment Politics: Kenya’s court temporarily blocked a US-funded Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base after protests, highlighting how health infrastructure plans can stall amid public fears. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in seven African markets including Uganda, raised $215m equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure, aiming to scale local manufacturing and cut transport costs. Trade & Industry Signal: Kenya’s duty-free exports to the US surged to a record Sh10.5bn in March after Agoa renewal—an example of how policy shifts can rapidly move industrial orders and cashflow.

Ebola Response & Cross-Border Trade: Uganda is tightening the health conversation as Ebola in eastern DR Congo deepens, with Uganda reporting cases and neighbours weighing border moves; the EAC is set for an emergency virtual health meeting to align surveillance, rapid response and regional protocols. Industrial Energy & Jobs: EACOP construction has passed 81% and is expected to finish next year, with officials pointing to thousands of jobs and skills across the oil and gas value chain. Rail & Infrastructure Finance: The AfDB reaffirmed funding commitment for Uganda’s Malaba–Kampala Standard Gauge Railway, with tentative allocations already made and final arrangements due after a June appraisal mission. Budget Oversight: Uganda’s Finance Ministry launched “National Budget Month” for FY 2026/27, pushing citizens and oversight into how public money is monitored and accounted for. Business Costs: Uganda’s business climate is under pressure from Middle East-linked fuel price spikes, raising transport and freight costs and squeezing access to imported inputs. Corporate Expansion: The Initiates Plc increased its stake in The Initiates Uganda to 55%, turning it into a full subsidiary as it targets East Africa’s oil and gas services market. Public Spending Shift: Government says it will stop funding national holiday celebrations from 2026/27, expecting more private sponsorships.

Ebola Response & Cross-Border Trade: WHO says the Congo Ebola threat is serious but not “COVID-like,” urging countries to reconsider travel bans that can slow reporting and containment; Uganda has confirmed linked cases as Congo widens testing and scales diagnostics amid conflict and displacement. EAC Health Coordination: The East African Community calls an emergency virtual meeting (June 1–2) to align cross-border surveillance, rapid response and health protocols. Business Pressure from Fuel Costs: Uganda’s Business Climate Index links the Middle East conflict to higher fuel, shipping and freight costs, squeezing traders and raising transport costs across commodities. Industrial Finance & Infrastructure: AfDB reaffirms funding for Uganda’s Malaba–Kampala SGR section, with final arrangements expected after a June 2026 appraisal; the Bank also pledges emergency support for Ebola response. Local Manufacturing Push: A report highlights manufacturers turning to local sourcing to survive rising costs and changing tax regimes. Public Spending Shift: Government will stop funding most national holiday celebrations from 2026/27, pushing more private sponsorship. Sports & Sponsorship: Hima Cement-backed Vipers crown the season with the UPL MVP award for AbdulKarim Watambala. Consumer Campaign: Castle Lite launches “Try It Ahhh” to drive sampling and brand engagement.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited DR Congo’s Ituri as the Bundibugyo outbreak spreads faster than containment, with MSF warning of major testing and logistics gaps and hundreds of suspected samples still untested. One Health Warning: Experts link Ebola risk to hunting, butchering and processing bushmeat, saying changing these practices is hard even when communities know the threat. Uganda Border Measures: Uganda sealed its border with DR Congo and introduced screening and supervised isolation, while WHO and health experts question whether travel bans and distance alone can stop spread. Kenya-US Quarantine Fight: A Kenyan court suspended a US plan to open an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, just as it was due to start, highlighting legal and public health concerns. Uganda Industry & Taxes: Nile Breweries lost a bid to block URA from collecting Shs18.5bn in disputed VAT and excise taxes tied to exports. Broadcasting Market Watch: UCC invited public comments on a proposed transfer of MultiChoice broadcasting licenses to Canal+, raising questions on local content and competition. AfDB Lending: Kenya overtook Nigeria as AfDB’s third-largest borrower, underscoring rising reliance on multilateral finance. Creative Exports: Uganda’s Kunda & Friends 3D animated series celebrated internationally in New York, boosting the country’s media and animation industry visibility.

Ebola Response: WHO says DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak has reached 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with confirmed cases also reported in Uganda; WHO flags insecurity, weak isolation and community resistance as key barriers, while it names three experimental treatments for urgent trial evaluation. Cross-Border Controls: Uganda has sealed its border with DRC as cases rise, and Kenya’s court temporarily blocked a US plan to open a 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility for Americans, citing public health risks. Trade & Industry: Uganda’s first chilled cut meat shipment lands in Saudi Arabia, a boost for the country’s agro-processing and export push. Infrastructure Finance: AfDB reaffirmed support for Uganda’s Malaba–Kampala standard gauge railway, while also pledging emergency Ebola funding. Energy & Capital: Investors are eyeing East Africa’s clean energy, but startups say financing gaps remain the biggest hurdle. Business & Consumer Protection: TotalEnergies Uganda intensifies the Wininii campaign against counterfeit lubricants. Creative Exports: Uganda’s Kunda & Friends 3D animated series makes headlines internationally after a New York celebrity event.

Ebola Response, Uganda–DRC: Uganda sealed its border with DR Congo as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak accelerates, with health screening and supervised isolation for crossings. WHO Therapeutics: WHO named three experimental treatments for Bundibugyo—Regeneron’s maftivimab, Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134, and Gilead’s remdesivir—pushing them into urgent clinical trials. Aid and Logistics: UNICEF, the EU and WHO are airlifting over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies into DR Congo to protect frontline workers and support vulnerable communities. Kenya Quarantine Court Fight: A Kenyan court temporarily blocked a US plan to quarantine exposed Americans at a Laikipia air base, with the next hearing set for June 2—adding legal and public-health friction to regional containment plans. Trade and Industry: Uganda’s chilled meat exports hit a milestone with a first shipment to Saudi Arabia, signaling growing value-chain potential for local agriculture. EAC Connectivity: EAC regulators met in Dar es Salaam to advance harmonised, affordable regional mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and boost trade. Energy Focus: Uganda’s incoming energy leadership says power affordability and stable fuel supply remain top priorities.

Ebola Response & Borders: Uganda has closed its border with the DRC as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak worsens, with authorities citing rising cross-border risk and stepping up screening, isolation and monitoring at entry points. Regional Health Diplomacy: Kenya says it is in talks with the US on Ebola health cooperation after reports of a US quarantine facility for exposed Americans, while doctors’ unions in Kenya reject the plan and demand transparency. Cabinet & Governance: President Museveni unveiled a new cabinet, with newly nominated ministers publicly pledging priorities and renewed focus on accountability and service delivery. Agri & Jobs: Over 800 farmers in Agago and Pader are being trained in coffee growing to improve survival of seedlings and boost household incomes in northern Uganda. Trade & Logistics: Nigeria’s air cargo corridor to East and Southern Africa under AfCFTA is cutting shipping costs by up to 75%, improving competitiveness for agro-processed goods, textiles and fashion. Policy & Industry Finance: Uganda’s election spending hit about Shs 1.7 trillion over the electoral roadmap period, according to a post-election fiscal update.

Ebola Response & Border Measures: Uganda has closed its border with the DRC as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak worsens, while WHO and health experts warn travel curbs can be more fear than science. Health Tech & Trials: WHO’s Therapeutics Advisory Group has recommended prioritising maftivimab for clinical trials against Bundibugyo ebolavirus, as research ramps up. Regional Energy Push: Kenya’s President Ruto says the Dangote-backed mega refinery will proceed despite fuel-import resistance, signalling a push to cut dependence and improve regional fuel security. Banking for Power: Standard Bank reaffirmed “all forms of energy” financing across Africa’s energy value chain, including renewables and LNG, to address the electricity access gap. Food Systems & Industry: A new Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture aims to bridge research-to-policy gaps and scale community-engaged farming solutions. Skills & Enforcement: UPDF trained 56 fisheries enforcement personnel to strengthen lake patrols and protect fish stocks. Education Support: Rubanda West NRM flag bearer Kabaasa unveiled a school feeding program for P7 candidates during PLE exams.

Ebola & Border Controls: Uganda ordered closure of its border with Congo as Bundibugyo Ebola cases rise, allowing crossings only for emergencies and isolating entrants for 21 days. Public Health Funding & Preparedness: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border surveillance, labs, and health workforce readiness across member states including Uganda. Ebola Response Logistics: The US is discussing a quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, while travel screening tightens at US airports like Houston’s Bush Airport. Food & Farm Risk: Rare pests have devastated maize and eggplant farms in Bugiri, with officials urging farmers to destroy affected plants and report outbreaks fast. Gaming & Youth Protection: Uganda’s gaming regulator says 1.7m people bet, but 58% are under the legal age; it is pushing stricter age verification and responsible gaming. Regional Politics: West Nile leaders say Museveni’s new cabinet again gives them only state minister roles, limiting influence over development priorities. Industrial Finance Leadership: Ugandan banking veteran Herman Kasekende stepped down as Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania CEO, ending a long regional career.

Ebola Response & Travel Curbs: WHO warns Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing containment amid conflict, with contact follow-up lagging and fears of wider spread into cities; Canada and other countries have tightened entry and quarantine rules for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while the US is reportedly setting up an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for Americans exposed in the region. Uganda Governance & Delivery: Museveni’s latest push targets underperforming ministers, stressing that allocated resources must translate into poverty reduction at parish level through tighter monitoring and accountability. Industrial & Energy Projects: South Sudan and NELSAP-CU sign an MoU to lead resource mobilisation for baseline and feasibility studies of the Grand Fulla hydropower project, alongside discussions to accelerate the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection grid. Trade, Finance & Payments: URA has been allowed to enforce Shs18.5bn tax against Nile Breweries after a High Court dismissal, while PayPal expands access to its PayPal USD stablecoin across 70 markets including Africa to cut cross-border payment costs. Transport & Infrastructure: Tanzania Railways rolls out hi-rail inspection units for SGR safety patrols, and Kenya Railways prepares to relaunch a passenger service on the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu line as the “Hustler Express.” Business & Consumer Tech: Ecobank Uganda partners CHINT and OPPEIN to offer Premier Banking customers home and solar/electrical solutions. Local Safety Incident: A gas explosion at Sports Pro Hostel in Kampala injures at least six, with police pointing to a faulty cooking cylinder as the cause.

Ebola Panic, Then Relief in India: India quarantined a 28-year-old Ugandan woman in Bengaluru over suspected Ebola, but tests came back negative—still, the case reignited fears after a viral Liberia audio warning of “suspected Ebola” arrivals. Ebola Escalation in the Region: Meanwhile, the outbreak keeps accelerating in DR Congo and Uganda, with WHO warning it’s spreading faster than containment and that contact tracing is lagging. Cross-Border Controls Tighten: The U.S. has directed flights from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to land at Washington-Dulles for enhanced screening, while CDC is running clinician guidance webinars. Uganda Governance Reset: Back home, President Museveni reshuffled 28 ministers, keeping key leaders while swapping major portfolios. EAC Digital Push: The EAC is also moving on a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border telecom costs—important as health and travel restrictions strain regional movement.

Ebola Crisis Escalates: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is “outpacing” response teams, with suspected deaths now topping 220 and suspected cases near 900+ across DRC and Uganda—prompting fresh emergency funding and renewed calls for faster, coordinated containment. AI Drug Hunt: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Texas Biomed are using AI screening to shortlist nearly two dozen antiviral candidates for the rare Bundibugyo strain, aiming to speed up treatment options. Uganda Cabinet Shuffle: President Museveni retained key leaders (Janet Museveni as Education & Sports; VP Jessica Alupo) and named new ministers including Kiryowa Kiwanuka for Defence and Sanjay Tanna for Trade. EAC Digital Push: The EAC is driving a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs. Trade Reordering: Tanzania has become Uganda’s top import source on a gold surge, reshaping regional supply chains. Starlink Enters Uganda: Uganda’s telecom regulator has approved Starlink, adding satellite internet competition to fibre-heavy connectivity.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO says the DRC outbreak is “outpacing” responders, with 101 confirmed cases but 900+ suspected and 220+ suspected deaths—while contact follow-up is reaching only about 21% of identified contacts, and Uganda reports new cases tied to earlier infections. Regional Security & Borders: South Africa’s Ramaphosa warns weak border controls, insecurity, porous crossings, and active trade corridors are turning containment into a race against time, as Africa CDC pushes a June–November $319m plan. Uganda’s Policy Push: President Museveni warns underperforming ministers and leaders could be dismissed for failing to lift citizens out of poverty. Telecom & Sovereignty: Uganda’s UCC answers Starlink’s license questions, including demands for a local ground station and lawful interception routing. Cost Pressure: Central banks across Africa pause rate cuts as an oil-shock revives inflation risks. Business Signal: Quantum Foods reports improved 2026 first-half profits as poultry demand rises and feed costs ease after better grain harvests.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: On Africa Day, WHO chief Tedros warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “outpacing us” and will “get worse before it gets better,” citing 101 confirmed cases and 220 suspected deaths in the DRC, with Uganda reporting more confirmed cases among healthcare workers. Regional Response Pressure: Africa CDC and partners are scrambling as Congo tightens movement and borders, while vaccine hopes face delays—no licensed vaccine yet for the Bundibugyo strain. Uganda’s Domestic Push: President Museveni told ministers to use their dockets to lift citizens out of poverty, while Uganda also rolled out a major $1.8bn water and sanitation plan to cut climate and health risks. Trade & Connectivity: Nigeria launched a new RwandAir cargo corridor to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare, and the EAC moved to harmonize mobile roaming rules to lower cross-border costs. Business-Ready Tourism: Uganda’s POATE 2026 turned global attention into bookings, pitching culture, food, peace and events beyond wildlife.

Ebola Shock Hits AfDB Meeting: African Development Bank talks in Congo were overshadowed by a fast-moving Ebola crisis across the border, as WHO reported hundreds of suspected cases and revised risk levels to “very high” in-country—while violence and weak contact tracing keep containment under strain. Cross-Border Alarm: Nigeria and other neighbours stepped up surveillance and emergency readiness, warning that importation risk stays high due to travel and population movement, even where no confirmed cases are reported. Uganda in the Mix: Uganda confirmed new Ebola cases linked to travel, while local health groups pushed for faster, affordable care at home—highlighted by C-Care Uganda’s push to expand specialist services beyond Kampala. Aviation Disruption: Kenya Airways’ Entebbe–Nairobi flight returned after a bird strike damaged steering components, adding fresh pressure to regional transport during the outbreak. Digital Skills Push: MTN’s Internet Bus graduated Kampala youth, spotlighting Uganda’s ongoing digital divide—and the need for practical ICT training.