AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Shock: Uganda suspended all school trips after a Kapchorwa bus crash killed at least 20 pupils and the school founder, highlighting how transport risk can derail learning and raise pressure on enforcement. Digital Economy Regulation: The Uganda Communications Commission paused enforcement against illegal Wi‑Fi hotspot operators and opened talks with hotspot groups, a sign regulators may need new rules that match how small internet businesses actually grow. Public Finance & Accountability: The Amnesty Commission is under fresh scrutiny after the Auditor General flagged arrears, weak procurement and records, and staffing gaps—raising concerns about how well the peace and reintegration mandate is being delivered. Health & Innovation (Ebola): WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is outpacing response, with conflict and resistance limiting access; Uganda’s last Ebola patient was discharged, but the regional threat remains. Climate Risk for Industry: El Niño warnings point to heat, floods and droughts across East Africa and beyond—threatening food security and putting pressure on agricultural and supply chains. Workplace Wellbeing: Uganda Baati held a “Men of Steel” wellness session under Safal Circles, pushing mental health and work-life balance as part of productivity. Agrifood Youth Leadership: Youth were urged to lead agrifood systems, with calls for innovation, climate-smart farming and better access to finance. Regional Trade & Integration: Nigeria’s push for expanded trade routes and broader AfCFTA mobility themes underline the need for inward-facing logistics to move rigs, goods and services across borders. Ebola Diagnostics Push: A portable rapid test for Bundibugyo Ebola is being developed to speed point-of-care detection in resource-limited settings.

Ebola Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,100 confirmed cases, with conflict and community resistance slowing response; Uganda has begun a 42-day countdown after its last patient was discharged, but cross-border risk into Uganda remains a concern. Quarantine & Health Security: Seven American aid workers are quarantined in Kenya after new US travel rules, reigniting debate on regional preparedness and the ethics of isolating risks away from affected communities. Digital Economy & Regulation: Uganda’s UCC paused enforcement against illegal Wi‑Fi hotspot operators after talks with the Alliance of Hotspot Operators Uganda, signalling a push for workable rules rather than a sudden shutdown. Financial Inclusion Under Pressure: Parliament is debating new mobile money-related taxes, with industry and civil society warning cumulative charges could make digital payments too costly for rural users. Urban Environment: KCCA says it is expanding air quality monitoring and cleaner transport efforts to cut Kampala’s air pollution by half by 2030. Industrialisation & Investment: Uganda’s High Commissioner to India urged investors to set up manufacturing in Uganda—cotton spinning, iron and steel, cocoa and coffee processing—backed by incentives like 0% duty on certain imported inputs. Governance & Delivery: A fresh government directive to RDCs and RCCs focuses on tracking projects, contractors, and procurement fraud—another attempt to curb corruption in public spending. Transport Safety: A bus crash in Kapchorwa killed 20 pupils and the school founder, renewing calls for stronger road safety enforcement.

Industrial Policy & Investment: Uganda is courting Indian firms to set up manufacturing facilities, citing cotton, iron ore and new oil production, with incentives like 0% duty on imported raw materials not available locally and 100% foreign ownership. Governance & Accountability: Kampala’s sanitation and CDC urban health projects are under fire after Auditor General reports flagged stalled works, idle equipment, tax blunders, and weak oversight, while the COCTU sleeping sickness fight is also exposed for administrative and asset-transfer failures. Infrastructure & Land: The Sh93bn Luwero–Kiwoko–Butalangu road is near completion but compensation disputes are blocking access to 1.6km, delaying final works. EAC Digital Trade: The EAC is pushing safer cross-border online shopping by gathering global best practices to close legal and regulatory gaps. Energy & FX Watch: Uganda’s shilling slipped as dollar demand returned with import needs, even as oil prices rebounded. Health & Risk: Uganda begins an Ebola-free countdown after discharging its last patient, while DR Congo’s outbreak continues to worsen. Urban Economy: Glovo appoints Kolawole Adeniyi as Uganda GM to deepen quick-commerce partnerships.

Oil & Infrastructure: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is at about 80–84% completion, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with Uganda’s Albertine crude (up to 246,000 bpd) moving to Tanzania’s Tanga port via an electrically heated 1,443km line. Digital Trade: The EAC says online shopping across the region could become safer and more trusted after a Geneva/Belgrade knowledge mission to close legal and regulatory gaps for cross-border e-commerce. Workforce Tech: HR firm SeamlessHR rebrands as Seamless Technologies and rolls out tools for both white-collar and frontline/shift workforces—built for manufacturing, logistics, construction, agriculture and hospitality. Construction Speed: Uganda Baati promotes its SafBuild pre-engineered building system, claiming projects can move from months to about 12 weeks. Power Reliability: UEDCL starts a UGX 16bn Nkenda–Ishaka distribution upgrade to cut outages in Kasese, Rubirizi and Bushenyi. Agro-Industrialisation: President Museveni commissions the NEC tinned beef and beans factory, urging better coordination so licensed investors get power, water and transport on time. Ebola Watch: Uganda prepares to discharge its last Ebola patient, starting a WHO 42-day countdown, while DRC response continues to lag. Finance Outlook: Uganda’s fiscal deficit is projected to narrow to 3% of GDP by 2031 as debt strategy shifts toward cheaper external borrowing. Regional Business Climate: MPs question KCCA over “as-built” post-construction approval of Ham Shopping Centre built over the Nakivubo Channel. Industrial Skills & SMEs: Pearl Bank trains agribusiness SMEs to improve management, productivity and access to subsidised credit.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, with line pipes delivered and marine terminal/jetty over 88%—targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with TotalEnergies leading alongside UNOC, TPDC and CNOOC. Ebola Response: China’s CDC has sent experts to a new Africa CDC–WHO coordination platform based at Makerere’s Infectious Diseases Institute, as DRC cases near 1,926 confirmed with Uganda reporting 20 confirmed cases; Amigos Internacionales says it’s expanding support amid shortages in eastern Congo. Agribusiness & Finance: Pearl Bank is training agribusiness SMEs in management and linking them to subsidised credit partners to boost productivity and profitability. Tax & Macroeconomy: Uganda expects its fiscal deficit to fall to 3% of GDP by 2031 as it shifts toward cheaper external borrowing to cut debt-servicing costs. Trade & Value Addition: Ugandan specialty coffee made history at a London auction with a record USD 350.02/kg for a Natural Geisha and a new average of USD 24.32/kg. Public Safety & Transport: URC defends lack of automated railway crossing barriers, saying reckless driving is the main cause after a train–bus crash in Mukono. Climate & Food Systems: A FAO webinar highlights digital tools to strengthen seed systems, improving access to certified climate-resilient seed for farmers.

EACOP Oil Pipeline Nears Commissioning: Uganda’s 1,443-km East African Crude Oil Pipeline is reported at about 80–84% completion, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an industrial leap for Uganda’s oil sector. Court Challenge to EACOP: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a case in England and Wales seeking application of Uganda’s environmental and climate laws to the UK-registered pipeline operator, asking the court to stop oil transport. Ebola Response Gets New Tools: WHO has started a human trial of the antiviral obeldesivir for post-exposure prevention in DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak, where there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments; meanwhile Dubai Humanitarian delivered a fourth Ebola airlift to Uganda with supplies for treatment and cold-chain support. Rail Safety Debate: Uganda Railways Corporation says reckless driving is the main cause of rail crashes, as calls grow for better barriers and warning systems at level crossings. Tax and Business Climate: President Museveni returned key tax amendment bills for reconsideration, while Parliament is asked to approve tax waivers worth over Shs16.8bn for struggling public bodies. Industrial Finance & Inclusion: World Bank keeps Uganda in the low-income category for FY2027 despite government’s middle-income push; bancassurance also shows momentum with banks generating over Shs80.8bn in premiums in Q1. Agriculture & Food Systems: Slow Food’s Uganda president Edward Mukiibi is expanding the movement’s focus on small-scale farmers and sustainable food systems. Climate Pressure on Industry: Strong El Niño is raising flooding and food security fears across East Africa and Asia, with Uganda named among high-risk countries.

EACOP Oil Pipeline Progress: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion, now about 80–84% finished, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%—targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, a major step for Uganda’s oil-to-industry push. Infrastructure Accountability: The Works Ministry has suspended engineers over the SHS1.7trn Busega–Mpigi Expressway probe, after IGG action linked to alleged route manipulation and embezzlement—raising pressure for clean delivery on key transport corridors. Weather & Food Security: Uganda has set aside $13m from its contingency fund to cushion an expected July dry spell tied to El Niño, with emergency food relief and water-saving guidance for vulnerable areas like Karamoja. Ebola Response & Health Industry: Dubai Humanitarian has sent a fourth Ebola relief airlift to Uganda (72.5 tonnes), while Oxford begins Phase I trials of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine and Island Pharmaceuticals collects early human data on galidesivir in the outbreak. Agribusiness Value Addition: A former dfcu banker is building a diversified agribusiness that turns maize into flour and bran into feed, showing how processing and multiple income streams are gaining traction. Insurance for Investment Risk: Uganda’s insurance regulator and industry are urged to help de-risk government investments and mobilise long-term capital, as bancassurance premiums continue to grow.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an 1,443km electrically heated route from Albertine Graben to Tanzania’s Tanga port. Climate Risk & Agriculture: El Niño is strengthening and could bring floods, disease and drought across vulnerable East African communities; Uganda has approved Shs 50bn (about $13.5m) for emergency food relief and support, with Karamoja flagged as a likely hardest-hit area. Finance & Risk Management: The Finance minister urged Uganda’s insurance sector to de-risk major government investments and mobilise long-term capital, citing growth in premiums and assets while pushing for stronger public sensitisation. Digital Economy & Regulation: UCC is investigating the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda and says a security inquiry is ongoing; separately, UCC’s Wi-Fi licensing crackdown is testing whether small hotspot operators can realistically comply. Health & Innovation: Oxford and Serum Institute of India have launched fast-track Phase 1 trials for a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, with 50 volunteers in Oxford and hundreds of thousands of doses already stockpiled. Banking Leadership: Centenary Bank has appointed Godfrey Byekwaso as Managing Director effective 1 July 2026, signalling continuity after Kasi’s 16-year growth run. Industrialisation Spotlight: Kapeeka Industrial Park in Nakaseke is highlighted as a growing manufacturing hub with dozens of factories and expanding local jobs.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is nearing completion at about 80–84% overall, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October. The 1,443-km, electrically heated line will move Albertine Graben crude to Tanzania’s Tanga port, with TotalEnergies leading alongside UNOC, TPDC and CNOOC. Legal & Climate Pressure: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a London court case seeking to stop the EACOP, arguing it could devastate Uganda and asking for an injunction and compensation. Regulation & Digital Economy: The Uganda Communications Commission has started enforcement against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspot operators, warning that selling internet access without the right telecom licence is illegal—raising fears of higher costs for small providers. Agri-Inputs Accountability: In Nebbi, expired farm inputs were reportedly rejected under the World Bank-funded UCSATP, prompting calls for stricter verification before distribution. Construction & Connectivity: Uganda signed the contract for the new Karuma Bridge, with construction set to begin in October 2026 to improve the Kampala–Gulu highway corridor. Ebola & Health Innovation: Oxford launched Phase I human trials for a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV) in 50 volunteers, as DR Congo’s outbreak continues to spread. Industry Skills: Ganatra Plant and Equipment Training Institute marked 10 years with a push to train 5,000 certified heavy plant operators across East Africa by 2029. Agribusiness & Exports: Uganda’s coffee exports hit a record US$2.3bn over the year to May 2026, even as May shipments dipped.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%—targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, with TotalEnergies as majority stakeholder. Finance & Risk: Equity Bank Uganda says bancassurance premiums topped UGX 80.8bn in Q1 2026, with Equity ranking 4th among 22 providers at UGX 6.69bn GWP and 8.28% share—showing insurance is becoming a business and household planning tool. Public Health & Research: Oxford University has launched the first human trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine in Masaka and Oxford, with recruitment underway for 50 adults and plans for further studies in Uganda. City Services: KCCA has allocated Shs 50m to fight bedbugs in Kampala, urging residents to report hotspots and avoid illegal dumping. Agri-Exports: Uganda has started exporting chili peppers to China following FAO–China–Uganda cooperation, with production expanding after improved varieties and field management. SME/Innovation Support: The Royal Academy of Engineering opened applications for the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, calling for Ugandan engineers and innovators. Energy Security (Regional): South Africa plans to build strategic oil reserves to cover 60 days of demand, a reminder of how supply shocks are pushing regional energy planning.

EAC Integration Push: The East African Community endorsed measures to speed up integrated regional infrastructure, with directives covering roads, rail, maritime transport, telecoms, civil aviation and airports—aimed at smoother movement of people and goods across borders. Uganda Oil Pipeline Milestone: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with commissioning targeted for July 2026 and first exports expected in October, as Uganda prepares for entry into global oil markets. Renewables Accountability: Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant has fed the grid but earned zero revenue due to missing revenue-sharing and operational agreements—raising governance questions over a flagship investment. Agribusiness Training Under Scrutiny: Bukalasa Agricultural College faces Auditor General findings on idle equipment, weak controls and rising receivables, spotlighting gaps in public-sector agricultural training management. Trade & Investment Links: Sharjah’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrapped a mission to Kenya and Uganda, while also holding talks to deepen bilateral business ties and investment partnerships across key sectors. SME Value Addition for Returnees: Uganda urged repatriated citizens from South Africa to start small-scale value addition businesses like honey, cocoa, shea butter, avocado oil and cassava starch, supported by government programmes. Science for Industry Skills: A Gayaza exhibition showed students turning classroom science into practical projects—from biogas systems to food processing and recycling—aligned with Uganda’s competency-based curriculum. Ebola Response Watch: Uganda’s Ebola situation is reported stable, with no new cases for nearly three weeks, as regional containment efforts continue.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an 1,443km electrically heated line meant to move up to 246,000 barrels per day from Lake Albert to Tanzania’s Tanga port. EAC Integration: The bloc pushes integrated regional infrastructure, directing work across roads, rail, maritime, telecoms and civil aviation to cut cross-border bottlenecks. Ebola & Business Continuity: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola response is still lagging; WHO warns confirmed figures may be far below reality, while Uganda reports 20 cases and two deaths and Russia says its team returned after Uganda’s situation stabilized. Energy Accountability: Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant has fed the grid but earned zero revenue due to missing revenue-sharing and operational agreements—an Auditor General red flag for renewable projects. Agri-Industry & Exports: Hortifresh seeks a strategic partnership to reduce post-harvest losses and improve cold-chain and SPS compliance to boost horticulture exports. Governance & SMEs: Auditor General findings also expose weak management of Uganda’s Presidential SME fund in Dubai, raising accountability questions. Returnees to Value Addition: Uganda urges repatriated citizens from South Africa to start small-scale processing businesses like honey, cocoa, shea, tailoring and cassava starch. Digital & Media: Uganda National Media Group relaunches after restructuring, betting on digital publishing to regain traction. Transport & Trade: South Sudan calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway to speed cargo and raise tax collection.

Oil & Infrastructure: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with line pipes delivered and key marine works over 88%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an electrified 1,443km route meant to move up to 246,000 barrels per day from Uganda’s Albertine Graben to Tanzania’s Tanga port. Public Finance & Accountability: Uganda’s Auditor General flags governance failures at Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant, saying the university earned zero from electricity sales due to missing revenue-sharing and operational arrangements with the Energy ministry. Diaspora SME Funds Under Scrutiny: The UAE embassy’s management of Museveni’s Presidential Fund for Ugandan SMEs in Dubai is questioned after audit findings point to weak planning and oversight. Agri-Business Support: Pearl Bank and Ronalds in Africa wrap a 3-day bootcamp for 30+ agri-SMEs, pushing farmers to scale using available financing. Trade & Exports: Uganda’s Trade minister meets Hortifresh to boost horticulture exports, citing post-harvest losses and cold-chain costs. Health & Industry Risk: Ebola response in the Great Lakes region remains under pressure as WHO warns the DRC outbreak may be far larger than confirmed figures, with Uganda also reporting cases.

Oil & Infrastructure: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is nearing completion at about 80–84%, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%—targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October, a major step toward Uganda’s entry into global oil markets. Accountability in Public Institutions: Bukalasa Agricultural College faces Auditor General scrutiny over idle equipment, broken assets, weak planning and a jump in receivables to UGX244.51m, raising governance and procurement concerns. Diaspora SME Support Under Review: Uganda’s UAE embassy is under fresh audit pressure after gaps in strategic planning and oversight of the Presidential Fund for Ugandan SMEs in Dubai, with accountability questions for embassy leadership. Agribusiness & Exports: Pearl Bank and Ronalds in Africa trained over 30 Agri-SMEs on funding access to scale agri-production, while Hortifresh Association Uganda seeks a partnership with the Ministry of Trade to cut export losses and improve cold-chain and compliance. Regional Trade & Policy: Uganda and India push to reduce Uganda’s trade deficit through industrialisation, agriculture, digital transformation and skills, and Ethiopia denies legal permits for Ugandan meat imports, launching an investigation into alleged unauthorized shipments. Public Health & Safety: Ebola in DRC is spreading faster than response capacity, with Uganda reporting confirmed cases near the border, and Uganda also faces an expired ARVs scandal at Hoima Hospital amid supply-chain questions. Peacekeeping Entitlements: Government says it will verify and process compensation for families of Ugandan soldiers killed in Somalia after MPs raised delays and unpaid arrears.

EACOP Progress: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing completion at about 80–84% by mid-2026, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%—targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October. The 1,443km, electrically heated line (up to 246,000 bpd) is led by TotalEnergies with UNOC, TPDC and CNOOC. Courtroom Pressure on Oil: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court suit to stop EACOP before it goes online in October, arguing land loss and threats to freshwater and wildlife. Food Safety & Trade: Ethiopia’s agriculture ministry denies issuing permits for meat imports from Uganda and says it’s investigating how shipments entered the country—directly challenging Ranchers Finest’s claim of a legal first export deal. Public Health Watch: Ebola response in DRC and Uganda is under strain, with analysts warning delayed containment could cost billions; meanwhile, rapid diagnostics work is advancing for the Bundibugyo strain. ICT Regulation: Uganda’s new ICT minister has made her first visit to the UCC, pushing faster digital transformation, stronger consumer protection, and better public education on regulatory services. Industrial Spotlight: Nakaseke’s Kapeeka Industrial Park is profiling how Uganda’s manufacturing hub is powering heavy industry with dedicated power, water and logistics. Transport Safety: A school bus collided with a train in Mukono, killing one teacher and injuring several learners.

EACOP Update: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with line pipes delivered and marine works over 88%, targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an 1,443km heated crude route from Lake Albert to Tanzania’s Tanga port. Legal Pressure on Oil: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court suit to stop EACOP before it goes online, arguing threats to rivers, wildlife and inadequate compensation after land acquisition. Public Health Shock: Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is at the centre of claims that people on HIV treatment received expired ARVs (Telatri), spotlighting Uganda’s medicine supply chain and the roles of NMS and distributors. Regional Trade & Logistics: The EAC urges removal of border bottlenecks after assessing One Stop Border Posts on the Kenya–Uganda and Tanzania–Kenya corridors, pushing for faster clearance and lower transaction costs. STEM for Industry: Stanbic’s National Schools Championship moves into appraisal visits for 12 regional finalists, testing smart farming and other innovation projects ahead of the August finale. Ebola Diagnostics Push: Aptamer Group begins development of rapid Ebola test binders for the Bundibugyo strain, aiming for field-ready outbreak detection. Learning Systems Reform: Universities are preparing for Uganda’s Competence-Based Education and Training transition, with NCHE training master trainers and reviewing curricula.