AGP Executive Report

South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Uganda’s government received the first batch of evacuees from South Africa at Entebbe, after anti-immigrant unrest forced thousands to flee; Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said three Ugandans died and more arrivals are expected as families get support. Media & Rights Under Pressure: The UN flagged concern over Uganda’s detention of political and civic actors and unclear whereabouts, urging respect for constitutional freedoms and media independence. Opposition Court Drama: Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale insisted they will not accept alternative lawyers, saying the state disrupted their preferred team after arrests and deportation moves. University Rumour Control: Kyambogo University dismissed viral claims that it would be shut down and turned into a military facility, saying operations and admissions are continuing normally. Culture & Justice: Nearly 20 years after Kadongo Kamu star Paul Job Kafeero died, his body was exhumed for DNA testing to settle an inheritance dispute, with results confirming only 4 of 25 claimants as biological children. Lifestyle Spotlight: Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School graduated vulnerable single parents in Rwanda, training them in climate-smart farming and animal husbandry to boost livelihoods.

HIV Prevention Crisis in Moroto: Empty condom dispensers have been spotted across health facilities, hotels and public offices, as HIV/AIDS educators warn the shortage could drive new infections while new cases reportedly surge. Public Health Watch: WHO says the Hantavirus outbreak is over, but attention stays on Ebola—DRC’s Bundibugyo strain is expanding and a trial for a potential treatment has started, with imported cases reported in Europe and updated preparedness guidance for hospitals. Evacuation & Safety: Uganda’s first batch of 273 nationals returns from South Africa after xenophobic violence, with more voluntary repatriation flights expected. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s military leadership orders shutdowns of NTV and Daily Monitor and other outlets, deepening fears over shrinking space for dissent. Culture & Community: Housing Finance Bank launches the HFB Trust Savings Account with embedded insurance benefits, while football fans get a feel-good spotlight on Kitara FC’s Jimmy Kalema and the Airtel Masaza Cup. Refugee Funding Strain: Uganda’s refugee response faces cuts of over 50%, threatening food, education, healthcare and livelihoods for millions.

Press Freedom & Politics: Uganda’s media space stays tense as Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s push for “patriotic, balanced” journalism follows the closure of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, while opposition figures describe fear and uncertainty around his growing grip. Refugees Under Strain: Uganda’s refugee system faces a funding squeeze, with officials warning cuts are already hitting food, education, healthcare and livelihoods for over two million people. Health Watch: WHO confirms a Marburg case in Uganda after intensified surveillance, and the wider Ebola crisis continues to threaten economies and livelihoods across the region. Human Rights & Courts: Dr Miria Matembe gets bail in a sectarianism case, and Kenya-based activist Bob Njagi’s treason case is dismissed. Culture & Youth: Airtel Masaza Cup star Jimmy Kalema shines for Kitara FC, while the Presidential Skilling initiative showcases trades training for thousands of youth. Tourism Boost: Uganda announces a three-year income tax holiday for qualifying tourism start-ups. Community Safety: WFP launches anticipatory cash support for Karamoja households ahead of worsening dry-season hunger. Sports & Society: Uganda sets sights on AFCON 2027 with plans for a common East African entry visa to ease travel for fans and teams.

Ebola & livelihoods: UNDP warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push nearly 1 million more people into poverty, with knock-on effects on jobs, education and health services. Gender-based violence: Uganda’s Teso North authorities report rising GBV cases, urging families to use dialogue and early reporting through community structures like Nyumba Kumi. Press freedom & politics: Former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe gets Shs 3m bail in a sectarianism case, as Amnesty condemns Uganda’s media shutdown and harassment of activists. Uganda–South Africa migration tensions: Uganda’s foreign affairs ministry raises alarm over anti-migrant violence in South Africa, urging protection for Ugandans and safe movement to assembly centres. Tourism investment: Uganda unveils a three-year income tax holiday for qualifying tourism start-ups to attract private investment. Culture & entertainment: Indie film “Stationed at Home” expands to 40+ territories for rent or purchase internationally. Community resilience: WFP (with Ireland support) launches anticipatory cash support for 6,000 Karamoja households to buy food ahead of worsening dry-season conditions. Women’s finance: 4G Capital qualifies for the 2X Challenge database, backing women-led micro-enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. Safeguarding in churches: A new book urges churches to make child protection a gospel priority, framing safeguarding as a core faith duty.

Uganda’s Press Freedom Under Pressure: Amnesty International says Uganda must stop harassment of activists and let media operate freely after security operations shut down NTV Uganda and other Nation Media Group outlets, with arrests of opposition figures and rights advocates drawing fresh scrutiny. Constitutional Order Debate: A new analysis weighs claims of a Muhoozi takeover, arguing tensions are real but not proof that constitutional order has collapsed. Miria Matembe Bail: Luzira Magistrates Court granted former Ethics and Integrity minister Miria Matembe Shs 3m cash bail on sectarianism charges, with conditions to avoid sectarian statements. Ebola’s Human Cost in DRC: UNICEF warns 3 million children and adolescents remain vulnerable as DRC cases top 1,000; UNDP estimates the outbreak could push nearly 985,000 more people into poverty and wipe out jobs across the region, including Uganda. Ebola Response & Testing: A Bethlehem-made rapid Ebola test seeks FDA emergency review, while discussions continue on how to strengthen national Ebola plans. Gender-Lens Finance: 4G Capital qualifies for the 2X Challenge database after a Global Innovation Fund investment, aiming to expand women-led microenterprise lending in Uganda and Kenya. Child Protection Through Faith: A new book urges churches to treat safeguarding as a gospel priority, calling for stronger protection frameworks for minors. Community Care Moment: An Angel Care newborn blanket initiative launched in Uganda’s region to support maternal and newborn care with blankets, cots, and essential supplies. Culture & Identity: Uganda’s cultural and tourism push continues abroad, while a UK Cultural Protection Fund round includes Uganda for heritage preservation support.

Uganda–South Africa Migration: Uganda has started voluntary repatriation of about 1,200 citizens from South Africa after anti-illegal immigration protests, with a first charter flight expected to depart soon; officials say some returnees lacked proper or current documents. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Rights groups and international voices are condemning Uganda’s military-led clampdown on media, including the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, as activists and opposition figures face arrests and legal pressure. Ebola & Misinformation: In the DRC, Ebola continues to spread as communities wrestle with rumours on WhatsApp and fears tied to witchcraft; health workers say trust is slowly improving but response capacity still lags. Football Governance Ahead of AFCON 2027: Kenya’s football leadership is urged to unite and follow FIFA/CAF timelines, while Uganda’s preparations are also being pushed toward strict compliance. Culture & Community: A guided walk in Bath highlights refugee history and how welcoming displaced people has long shaped communities. Education & Youth: Uganda’s new budget messaging spotlights improved teacher salaries, while stories also underline how funding cuts can derail programs that protect girls from early marriage. Sports Lifestyle: The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K builds hype with elite runners, including Joshua Cheptegei, set to chase records on African soil.

Press Freedom Under Siege: Uganda’s military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, with Amnesty and the US Senate urging Uganda to restore media freedom. Courtroom Tensions: Former Ethics and Integrity minister Miria Matembe was remanded to Luzira on sectarianism charges, as her bail application awaits. Opposition Crackdown: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye faces a treason trial amid claims lawyers are being targeted and dissent is being squeezed. Higher Education Drama: Uganda Christian University is back under scrutiny after NCHE faulted how it handled Samantha Mwesigye’s credit transfer, even after a court ruling awarded her damages. Clean Cooking Wins: Enersave and Mubende Stoves highlight how results-based financing is helping Ugandan households shift from smoky cooking to cleaner energy. Community & Livelihoods: A forestry excellence profile spotlights Mugabirwe’s decade-long nursery work in Kamwenge, while UWOPA pushes women MPs to pass laws that tackle inequality. Ebola Watch: UN warns the DRC Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6bn if it spreads. Regional Humanitarian Shock: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests around the June 30 deadline have triggered evacuations, including Uganda planning to move citizens from the country.

Press Freedom Under Strain: Uganda’s media space is under fresh pressure as the army chief orders closures of major outlets, while critics and rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on expression. Political Tensions: Opposition figures face renewed court action, including treason-related proceedings against Kizza Besigye and cases tied to activists and lawyers, as the president’s son tightens his grip. Student Rights & Higher Education: Uganda Christian University (UCU) is back in the spotlight after NCHE questioned how a law student’s credit transfer was handled, reigniting debate on fairness and accountability in universities. Clean Cooking & Finance: Equity Bank-linked results-based financing is credited with helping Enersave scale clean cooking solutions, turning a small enterprise into a growing clean-cooking player. Culture & Faith: Archbishop Kaziimba urged young confirmands to reject homosexuality and moral compromise, framing the message around biblical teachings and family responsibility. Regional Safety & Migration: Uganda plans to evacuate about 746 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests, as thousands flee and governments scramble to repatriate nationals. Public Health Watch: Africa CDC reports worsening Ebola in DR Congo, with Uganda recording spillover cases and ongoing monitoring.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, with journalists reporting a military siege and editors guilds condemning the move as an attack on free speech. Education Access Boost: A bicycle programme has delivered 728 bikes to 14 secondary schools in Kamuli, Kyegegwa and Adjumani to cut long school walks and help learners stay in class. Climate & Health Reporting Wins: MESHA has named winners of its inaugural health and climate change journalism awards, with Uganda’s Simon Chris Makanga taking 2nd runner-up for reporting on how climate change is reshaping women’s reproductive choices in Karamoja. Xenophobia Fallout: Uganda begins evacuation planning for citizens in South Africa as anti-immigrant violence escalates ahead of a June 30 deadline. LGBTQ+ Refugee Stories: Co-op film “Exiled for Existing” shares LGBTQ+ refugee accounts, while conservative MPs abroad promote a fundraiser for LGBTQI+ resettlement. Community Money Skills: Junior Achievement Africa and Prudence Foundation launch the Cha-Ching financial literacy programme for 275,000 primary pupils across Uganda and other countries. Sports & Culture: Ugandan boxer Shakib Cham accepts Arrow Bwoy’s rematch challenge, and Uganda’s Rogers Mato talks about settling in Scotland with Hearts.

Xenophobia & Safety: Uganda has started evacuating citizens from South Africa as xenophobic attacks escalate ahead of planned anti-immigration protests, with President Museveni directing the exercise after security concerns; Human Stories: 746 Ugandans have already registered for voluntary evacuation, and officials say a Ugandan death has been confirmed while repatriation plans begin; Press Freedom: Uganda’s army chief ordered the shutdown of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, with other Nation Media Group outlets also affected, deepening worries about shrinking space for dissent; Culture & Tourism: Uganda launched a major cultural and tourism push in Germany’s Munich festival, featuring drumming, dance, food and a business forum for diaspora entrepreneurs and investors; Arts & Community Research: A University of Salford exhibition spotlights community members as “co-creators” alongside researchers, linking lived experience to health, housing, energy and wellbeing solutions; Lifestyle & Tech: Uganda’s fintech Numida is expanding in Kenya with a shift from quick loans to longer-term business financing for MSMEs; Global Context: A UN HIV/AIDS declaration moves toward decriminalisation and harm-reduction ideas, while debates around rights and autonomy continue.

Media & Governance: Uganda’s military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets in Kampala, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, warning all media must “follow the rules,” while opposition figures allege wider repression. Civil Society Crackdown: Opposition leader Bobi Wine claims the military abducted two prominent civil society leaders and lawyers, adding to fears of shrinking civic space. Sovereignty Law Echoes: A youth petition by Nyanzi Martin Luther reportedly laid out many ideas later reflected in Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act, including tighter NGO oversight and foreign-funding disclosure. Xenophobia & Safety: Uganda begins voluntary evacuation of 746 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence, with more expected to register as authorities plan transport and safe assembly. Health & Family: A new malaria treatment for infants brings hope, while reports also highlight child-headed families and rising school dropout pressures on Kisima II Island. Youth & Innovation: Uganda’s student innovators win global honours, including a Gold Medal at the International Greenwich Olympiad for a fruit-picking robot. Lifestyle & Faith: A Gospel evangelism push promises a “Decade of Double Harvest,” focusing on training and sending evangelists across Africa. Environment & Community: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative expand tree planting in Mpigi to boost climate resilience.

Media Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief orders a shutdown of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, with armed soldiers guarding offices in Kampala, as the independent media group says it’s under “military siege.” Human Rights & Accountability: Acholi religious leaders condemn abductions, illegal detention and torture by some security operatives, urging suspects be taken to court without abuse. Activism & Safety: Family members raise alarm over the disappearance of veteran politician and human rights activist Dr Miria Matembe after a security raid on her Luzira home. Regional Politics & Democracy: A debate grows around Martha Karua’s denied entry into Uganda, with observers warning that democracy battles in East Africa are increasingly spilling across borders. Culture & Tourism: President Museveni opens Uganda’s Cultural and Tourism Festival in Munich, spotlighting indigenous music, poetry and lake names. Health & Travel: Experts stress preparedness as Ebola concerns rise; India rolls out Air Suvidha 2.0 for mandatory health declarations for international travellers. Refugees & Daily Life: Reporting highlights strain on Uganda’s refugee self-reliance model as funding gaps cut food rations and fuel tensions with host communities. Sports & Identity: Uganda’s Acholi Parliamentary Group leadership race heats up as MPs seek to rebuild a divided caucus.

Uganda Culture & Tourism Abroad: President Museveni has opened Uganda’s Cultural and Tourism Festival in Munich, Germany, urging Ugandans to preserve indigenous music, poetry and cultural memory, with highlights drawn from Great Lakes traditions. Wildlife Tourism: A new photo guide shares how to plan chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest, spotlighting Ssebo and what visitors should expect. Refugee Reality Check: UNHCR warns Uganda’s refugee model is under strain as funding drops to 9% for early 2025, food rations shrink, and tensions rise in settlements like Kyaka II. Health & Travel Watch: Global experts stress preparedness for the next pandemic, pointing to Ebola lessons—better labs, trained health workers, shared data, and community trust. Ebola Context: Reports also note how Ebola is spreading across the DRC and affecting regional operations, with preparedness in places like Atlanta highlighted. Oil Milestone: Uganda is set to start crude oil exports in October 2026 as the Kingfisher project nears first oil. Local Economy & Skills: Uganda’s stalled dual certification push is resurfacing, with parents and teachers asking the education ministry to revive the programme. Community Savings: NSSF rolls out SmartLife Flexi to bring retirement savings to informal workers through flexible, grassroots contributions. Sports & Culture: Uganda’s tourism push continues with branded bus campaigns in Paris, while boxing and other youth culture stories keep circulating.

Coffee & Cocoa Push: Speaker Oboth urged Bukedi communities to embrace coffee and cocoa as a serious household wealth plan, not just seedling handouts—linking better farming, cooperatives and market bargaining to poverty reduction. Dhopadhola Language Revival: Jago Obbo inaugurated the Dhopadhola Language Board, calling on it to work with schools so the language is standardised and taught from early learning through higher education. Ebola Update (Bundibugyo): Doctors say recoveries are rising in the DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak, with new clinical insights into how the rare virus behaves—while uncertainty remains because many patients are still hospitalised. Ebola Screening at Airports: India launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 for mandatory contactless health self-declarations for travellers from Ebola-risk areas, aiming to speed referral of at-risk passengers. Kidnap-for-Ransom Warning: Police say Uganda’s kidnapping-for-ransom wave is outpacing specialised investigation skills, with recent cases including the abduction and killing of a footballer and the disappearance of a seven-year-old. Wildlife Fundraising: A six-year-old Ugandan girl raised £548 for pangolin conservation after learning about endangered wildlife through an educational show. Travel Lifestyle: Mastercard expanded Priceless.com into “Priceless Africa,” adding curated cultural, culinary and wildlife experiences across Uganda and other African destinations. Culture & Identity: A Toronto Pride newcomer ambassador, a Ugandan refugee and queer rights advocate, shared how LGBTQ+ activism in Uganda can mean imprisonment—highlighting why safer spaces matter. Sports & Community: Red River FC in the USL’s League Two credits its multicultural squad chemistry for a winning run. Inheritance Drama: DNA tests in Uganda found only 4 of 25 claimants are Paul Job Kafeero’s biological children, reshaping the long-running estate dispute.

Ebola & Public Health: India launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration portal for travellers arriving from Ebola-risk areas, after WHO declared the DRC/Uganda Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Community Health Hope: In Mongbwalu, DRC, medical workers celebrated successful treatment of Ebola patients—small wins that keep morale alive as the response scales up. Uganda Climate Action: Equity Bank Uganda and MP Amelia Kyambadde joined My Tree Initiative to plant 1,500 indigenous and fruit trees in Mpigi, pushing schools into restoration work. Education & Discipline: President Museveni urged newly passed-out police and immigration officers to reject corruption and protect their health, as 10,000+ constables graduated from training. Youth & Culture: Bugisu cultural leaders stepped up preparations for the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season, with a planned official launch on August 1. HIV Prevention: Mbarara clinics reported fast demand for Lenacapavir “Lena” injections, with supplies running low after early batches. Women in Fisheries: Uganda’s Lovin Kobusingye highlighted how women fishers are being sidelined as coastal development reshapes landing sites across Africa. Business & Skills: NCBA Bank Uganda partnered with MAT Abacus to offer free mentorship and training for SMEs. Land & Justice: A court case involving title processing fraud at Web Advocates & Solicitors is raising fresh alarm for property owners and buyers.

Ebola & Travel Health: India has relaunched its Air Suvidha 2.0 portal, making a mandatory online health self-declaration for all international arrivals before boarding, with a 21-day travel and exposure history to help airport health teams spot at-risk travellers as the DRC/Uganda Ebola/Bundibugyo emergency deepens. Public Health & Safety: Uganda’s Life Saving Association is intensifying swimming and water-safety training to curb drowning deaths, rolling out lessons alongside the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson push. Youth & Climate Culture: ESAFF Uganda’s Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition is inspiring young voices to advocate sustainable farming through poetry, with participation growing across schools. Politics & Rights: Ugandan authorities deported Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua on immigration grounds, sparking regional debate over EAC principles and access to court. Finance & Education: Equity Bank Uganda wrapped up its School Bridge Financing push, offering school support and loans for parents to keep learners in class. Health Insurance: Stanbic and Prudential relaunched Medi-Protect, expanding coverage and adding a low-cost inpatient option. Agriculture: Kitgum farmers report heavy losses from invasive pawpaw mealybugs, threatening incomes and yields. Recognition: Uganda’s Shifra Ainomugisha won Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for solar-powered cold storage and climate-smart farming that cuts food loss. Tech & Travel Lifestyle: Mastercard expanded Priceless travel experiences across Uganda and other African markets, betting on immersive, locally curated tourism.