AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis: DRC’s Ebola death toll has surged past 2,000, with 4,381 cases reported across five provinces as the outbreak spreads faster than any previous one, driven by factors like misinformation and disrupted health services. US–Uganda Link: The U.S. announced an extra Ksh31 billion (USD242 million) for Ebola response and preparedness across the region, including Uganda—covering surveillance, border screening, treatment support, and community engagement. Visa & Mobility: The U.S. has stopped routine visa services in South Sudan’s Juba, shifting nonimmigrant processing to Kampala, while immigrant visas continue via Nairobi—raising travel burdens for applicants. Road Safety for Learners: Uganda’s transport and education agencies are pushing tougher school transport safety measures after deadly crashes, including stronger inspections and accountability. Culture Spotlight: Kampala’s Ghetto Kids—rising from Katwe’s slums—keep turning Ugandan dance into global entertainment, with fresh attention on their viral rise. Youth & Skills: Uganda’s TVET push includes vocational skills assessments and certification for prison inmates, aiming to improve rehabilitation and job prospects after release.

UN Diplomacy: Olara Otunnu is Uganda’s pick in the race for UN secretary-general, heading to New York to meet delegations after visa hurdles tied to Ebola measures. Road Safety for Learners: Uganda’s Works and Transport, Police and Education ministries move to curb school-bus crashes after the Kapchorwa tragedy, pushing stronger inspections and enforcement. Youth & Peacebuilding: At the B!LL!Now Now Africa Youth Summit in Kampala, young people demanded real power, skills and peace investment to tackle unemployment, insecurity and tribalism. Culture & Faith: St. Anne Seal Beach’s Rosary rescue drive collected 600+ rosaries for Catholics in Uganda and Mexico. Lifestyle Tech: MTN Uganda launched MTNTV, a single streaming platform with live TV, radio, movies and sports. Education & Opportunity: Equity Leaders Program scholars secured admissions and scholarships to 63 universities across 16 countries. Sports & Pride: Uganda’s netball and hockey stories keep momentum—U18 hockey sees Nigeria win bronze with Uganda involved, while netball teams target Nairobi for Africa Cup glory. Arts Spotlight: Locarno Open Doors winners include Uganda’s Talemwa Pius for “A Vineyard for a Lobster.” Community Support: Ugandans raised Shs24m in under 24 hours to help cartoonist Jimmy Spire Ssentongo pay a Shs30m court penalty.

Banking x Hospitality: Ecobank Uganda is teaming up with Serena Hotels to turn cards into lifestyle perks—cardholders get discounts on stays, dining, spa (Maisha Spa), airport transfers and car hire across Serena properties in Uganda and beyond. Digital Tax Relief: URA’s EFRIS rollout adds flexibility for small businesses in targeted sectors—those under Shs10m turnover (and some low rental earners) aren’t forced to issue e-invoices/e-receipts, though they can opt in. Film & Culture: Uganda’s Talemwa Pius won big at Locarno Open Doors with “A Vineyard for a Lobster,” while “Accept My Plea for a Burial” also took top prizes—spotlighting African storytelling on an international stage. Church Process: Witness interrogation is underway in the Catholic Church’s push to canonise Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, as officials gather details on his life and virtues. UN Politics: Uganda-backed diplomat Olara Otunnu has entered the race for UN Secretary-General, heading to New York for meetings as the contest heats up. Community & Heritage: The Luo community is urged to turn culture into income through agriculture, agro-processing and tourism as Kampala hosts the Digital Luo Museum. Health & Travel Measures: Canada temporarily tightens entry steps tied to Ebola risk for travellers from Uganda, South Sudan and DRC. Activism & Justice: Ugandans have raised over Shs24m online to help Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo meet a contempt-of-court fine. Safety & Care: SHOFCO and partners launch a GBV safe house model in Trans Nzoia, offering counselling, legal support and skills for survivors. Sports & Entertainment: Ray G makes headlines with a major Kololo Airstrip show, while Uganda’s regional hockey ambitions and school sports build toward East Africa games.

Church of Uganda: Rev Canon Kenneth Kanyankole and Mr Sam Atul have been elected chairpersons of the Provincial House of Clergy and Laity, respectively, during the 28th Provincial Assembly at Uganda Christian University. GBV Support: SHOFCO has opened its first 50-bed safe house in Trans Nzoia to help survivors of sexual and gender-based violence with counselling, legal support and skills for independence. Activism & Courts: Activists have launched a fundraiser for academic and activist Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo after a High Court contempt ruling ordered him to pay fines, damages and costs. Maternal Health: MTN Uganda’s “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign is supporting maternal and newborn services in western Uganda, including training and community health camps. Floods in Alebtong: Heavy rains and River Moroto flooding have displaced hundreds, destroying homes and crops and leaving families sheltering with neighbours. Digital Education: Uganda and the Netherlands have launched a digital education partnership linking youth, academics and policy-makers to boost skills and innovation. Faith & Inclusion in Music: Uganda’s Ray G has delivered a major Kololo Airstrip performance, drawing thousands and celebrating national pride. Safety on Roads: Uganda is tightening school transport rules as crashes involving learners rise. Sports & Disappearances: Reports say Ugandan boxers went missing after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with authorities investigating. Islamic Leaders Respond: Uganda’s Muslim leadership rejects claims that Islam permits kidnapping for ransom and killing captives, calling it a serious crime with no basis in Quran or Sunnah.

Commonwealth Games Fallout: Four Ugandan boxers reportedly vanished after Glasgow 2026, with phones turned off and asylum claims swirling as team officials say they have “absolutely no idea” why they disappeared. Faith & Society: Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere warned newly ordained priests against clericalism, urging selfless service after ordaining nine priests and elevating six deacons at St Mary’s Cathedral, Rubaga. Culture & Entertainment: Ray G crowned “King of the West” delivered a major Kololo Airstrip show with Uganda Waragi, drawing thousands for a night of shared pride and sing-alongs. Community & Health: MTN Uganda brought maternal and newborn support to western Uganda, running health camps and training at Kibiito Health Centre IV under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care push. Education & Tech: Kampala International University and Utrecht University launched a digital education partnership in Kampala, aiming to boost youth skills and inclusion. Religion & Extremism Claims: Uganda’s Muslim leaders rejected viral claims that Islam permits kidnapping and killing captives, calling it false and urging authorities to act. Humanitarian Update: Heavy floods displaced hundreds in Alebtong, submerging homes, schools and health facilities.

Flood Relief: Heavy rains have displaced hundreds in Alebtong District, with River Moroto flooding homes, destroying gardens and livestock, and submerging key facilities like Adwir Health Centre III and Adwir Primary School. Digital Education: Kampala International University and Utrecht University (Netherlands) launched a 10-day digital education partnership to boost youth skills, entrepreneurship, and safer online thinking, with inclusion for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Youth & Culture: The B!LL Now Now Youth Summit in Kampala drew 1,000+ delegates from across Africa to push Agenda 2063, ending with “Bold Asks” on funding, inclusion, and guaranteed seats, plus a Buganda cultural tour. Education Costs: Uganda’s Competency Based Curriculum is facing backlash as some schools demand costly projects and materials from parents, saying teachers struggle to interpret requirements. Health & Support: A cancer survivor’s story highlights why early cervical cancer screening and patient navigation matter, and how family support can make recovery possible. Finance Mindset: Old Mutual Investment Group Uganda rolled out a unit trust campaign urging disciplined, long-term saving and investing through professionally managed funds. Immigration/Travel: Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is engaging Taiwan after reports of Taiwanese passport seizures and entry denials, linked to Taiwan’s Ebola-related entry restrictions. Regional Mobility: UNEP and Northern Corridor partners secured funding to push cleaner, more inclusive freight transport across the busiest East African trade route.

Community Health Accountability: Karamoja health workers and residents in Soroti are using Community-Led Monitoring to flag medicine, staffing and access gaps—pushing local feedback into real fixes. Education Costs Under CBC: Kampala parents and teachers say Uganda’s Competency Based Learning is being misread, with schools demanding costly projects and materials that strain household budgets. Road Safety for Learners: Uganda is tightening school transport rules after crashes involving learners, with calls for stricter vehicle checks, specialised driver certification and stronger enforcement. Oil & Infrastructure Update: EACOP construction has hit 91% completion, bringing Uganda closer to first oil expected by year-end. Scholarships & Youth Futures: Equity Group Foundation is sending 121 East African students (including four Ugandans) to top universities on fully funded deals worth about Sh3bn. Culture & Reading: A magical children’s book encouraging youngsters to “put down their devices” is landing at Ashton café, spotlighting imagination over screen time. Digital Lifestyle: MTN Uganda launches MTNTV, bundling live TV, radio, movies, sports and on-demand content for Ugandans. Language & Tech: EAC Kiswahili leaders urge research and AI-ready standards so Kiswahili can help drive the digital future. Health & Travel: The U.S. tightens Ebola-related travel rules for passengers returning from Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC. Sports & Community: Watoto Charity Golf Tournament continues with “Hope on the Green,” aiming to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers.

School Transport Safety: Uganda moves to tighten rules for learners’ travel after crashes, with tougher vehicle inspections, specialised driver certification, and stronger enforcement to curb speeding, overloading and unsafe buses. Road Safety & Learner Protection: The same push targets overcrowding and mechanically defective vehicles, following fatal incidents involving school transport. Human Remains Probe in Mukono: Police arrest four after skulls and skeletal remains were reportedly found in a Mukono home during a missing-motorcycle operation, with investigations into suspected ritual practices underway. Youth & Pan-African Action: Reach A Hand Africa’s B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit (Agenda 2063) brings 1,000+ young people and policymakers to focus on SRH, mental health, entrepreneurship, education, climate and responsible tech/AI. Biodiversity Funding Wobble (Nagoya Protocol): Uganda’s Nagoya ABS project faces scrutiny over funding gaps, slow implementation and unspent money, raising concerns about sustaining biodiversity gains. Digital Lifestyle & Media: MTN Uganda launches MTNTV, bundling 60+ live TV channels, 53 radio stations, movies, sports and local creator content into one streaming experience. Ebola Travel Rules: The US tightens Ebola-related travel screening for travellers from Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC, including routing through designated airports and stricter boarding limits. Charity Golf Spotlight: Watoto Charity Golf continues with Ronald Rugumayo leading ahead of the final, as the tournament targets support for 1,000 vulnerable mothers.

Tourism & Culture: Uganda Wildlife Authority has launched the Open Park Days Influencer Campaign, inviting Ugandans to visit protected areas like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley through authentic digital storytelling ahead of the 25–27 September dates. Women & Youth Entrepreneurship: Equity Bank Uganda sponsors the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament with Sh10m, targeting 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits to turn “hope on the green” into real livelihoods. Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,850 deaths, with children hit hard and response teams warning transmission is accelerating. Sports & Migration: Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ended with reports that several athletes, including four Ugandan boxers, went missing as police investigate possible asylum-seeking. Governance & Justice: Teso Talent Foundation MD Boniface Eyagu pleads guilty to diverting school fees meant for orphaned pupils, receiving a one-year prison sentence. Regional Energy Deal: Uganda and Tanzania sign a landmark agreement to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, boosting storage, logistics and trade around East Africa’s energy push. Fashion & Craft: Copenhagen Fashion Week spotlights IAMISIGO’s use of banana fibre from Uganda, turning agricultural waste into runway-ready textiles.

Gorilla tourism & Batwa heritage: Tourism Minister Susan Nsambu Nakawukyi toured Bwindi, taking a mountain gorilla trek and stressing conservation, community participation, and better livelihoods for people living around protected areas. El Niño preparedness: Uganda issued an official warning that a developing El Niño could bring above-normal rains and flooding in the September–December season, with risks to infrastructure and mobility. Ebola surge in DR Congo: Africa CDC says the outbreak is passing 4,000 cases and may be mutating; Congo plans free healthcare, vaccine testing, and a village-led response as infections accelerate. Education & youth support: Housing Finance Bank launched “Tugende Mu Class” to finance school fees and laptops for university students, while Baryamureeba urged a transition in the Education Ministry to Natasha Museveni. Women’s empowerment through sport: Equity Bank sponsored the Watoto Golf Tournament with Shs10m to equip vulnerable women with business starter kits. Uganda’s culture on the global stage: UTB plans to enlist the Ghetto Kids as tourism ambassadors after their World Cup spotlight with Shakira. Commonwealth Games fallout: UK police are investigating reports that several athletes—especially four Ugandan boxers—failed to return home after Glasgow 2026, with claims they sought asylum. LGBTQI+ rights recognition: Dutch group COC Nederland won an International Pride Award at WorldPride, also citing Ugandan trans pastor Aggie Dennett Harmon. Film industry growth: A new wave of child actors is emerging in Uganda’s expanding local TV dramas, including six-year-old Nakaayi Dorcus.

Commonwealth Games Fallout: Scotland police say “several” athletes are unaccounted for after Glasgow 2026, with four Ugandan boxers among those reported missing; one boxer reportedly hinted at asylum plans, while the rest of the delegation has returned. Youth & Rights: Ugandan police arrested a 13-year-old in Lyantonde over TikTok content allegedly inciting violence, sparking backlash over how a child suspect was handled. Education Finance: Housing Finance Bank launched “Tugende Mu Class” to fund university fees up to Shs5m and laptop loans up to Shs3m for Makerere, MUBS and Kyambogo students. Culture & Craft: A solo barkcloth exhibition spotlights women’s roles in lubugo production, especially the Kubaziira stage of stitching and repairing. Public Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast, while the U.S. adds $242m to bolster response and preparedness across affected countries including Uganda. Lifestyle & Business: In Kampala, Ronald Atuhumwize’s slow-build footwear business story highlights how traders grow through street-level hustle and resilience. Digital Pride: International Pride Awards at WorldPride honoured Ugandan trans pastor Aggie Dennett Harmon among equality champions.

Commonwealth Games Fallout: Scotland’s Police Scotland says “several” athletes are unaccounted for after Glasgow 2026, with Ugandan boxing reports naming four missing boxers (Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, Emily Nakalema) and a Pakistani boxer also flagged; investigations are ongoing with UK Home Office links, as Uganda’s team manager says he has “no idea” why they didn’t rejoin the delegation. Public Health Leadership: The US Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director, ending a leadership vacuum as Ebola response in DRC and Uganda continues and other outbreaks pressure health systems. Ebola Response Boost: The US announced an extra $242m for Ebola fight and preparedness across affected countries, including Uganda, as WHO warns the DRC outbreak is spreading faster than response scale-up. Faith & Digital Culture: Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic communicators in Rwanda to use digital platforms to protect human dignity and truth, warning against algorithm-driven communication that replaces real human encounter. Beauty & Representation: Uganda crowned its first Miss Universe representative, Mitchelle Daka, marking a new milestone for Ugandan women on the global stage. Court Verdict: Uganda’s High Court sentenced two people to death and seven to life over the 2018 kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara.

Commonwealth Games Aftermath: Police Scotland is investigating reports that several athletes are “unaccounted for” after Glasgow 2026 ended, including four Ugandan boxers (Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, Emily Nakalema) and a Pakistani boxer, with claims they may seek asylum. Power & Cost of Living: Loadshedding and widespread outages in Kampala are hitting households and small businesses hard, with UEDCL and Energy officials promising stabilization after Aug 8. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Uganda’s Ghetto Kids are back from the World Cup halftime stage with Shakira and Burna Boy, and the Uganda Tourism Board is pushing to turn that global visibility into a longer tourism story. Health & Safety Watch: A Kampala father was arrested after traders allegedly unmasked a staged “tumour” scam used to beg for cash. Education & Tech: President Museveni is set to launch Aga Khan University in Kampala, while Huawei Uganda begins a Makerere ICT recruitment drive. Travel & Policy: Canada temporarily restricts entry from Uganda and two other African countries due to a disease outbreak. Road Tragedy: A truck and commuter taxi collision in Kalungu district killed at least 14 people.

Commonwealth Games Fallout: Police Scotland says several athletes are “unaccounted for” after Glasgow 2026, with reports that four Ugandan boxers—Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema—failed to rejoin their delegation; claims also point to plans to seek asylum, prompting inquiries with the Home Office. Youth & Development: The Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force endorsed a new three-year framework to boost youth leadership, skills, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion across member countries. Culture & Music: Ugandan hip-hop duo Navio and The Mith push “legend” into a new challenge with their album “GODLVL,” reframing growth as a lifelong drive. Global Health Watch: Health Canada has approved a Phase I trial for Moderna’s mRNA Ebola vaccine candidate targeting the outbreak strain in the DRC, as cases surge. Climate & Food Security: Agencies warn El Niño could intensify hunger across Africa, with droughts and floods threatening crops and water supplies. Uganda Business Support: EIB Global and Centenary Bank say about 24,000 micro-enterprises—especially women-led and rural—have benefited from €100m financing for small businesses. Sports & Society: The missing-boxer story follows a wider pattern of athletes absconding after major events, keeping immigration and athlete welfare in the spotlight.

Deaf Access & Faith: Deaf Pathway Global is using “sign roots” to translate the Bible for Deaf communities, starting with the Book of Esther to make Scripture more reachable in local sign languages. Sports & Youth: Four Ugandan boxers at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have reportedly gone missing in the UK, with claims they plan to seek asylum and continue careers abroad. Media & Power: Soldiers have vacated Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda offices after weeks of occupation, though management says safety checks must finish before reopening. Data & Accountability: UBOS has launched the 9th Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2026/27 with 80 field collectors, warning them to keep respondent information confidential and record data exactly. Electricity & Service Delivery: MPs grilled UEDCL over delays in grid connections and ongoing blackouts, despite large funding since the Umeme buyout. Road Safety: Police report at least 14 deaths after a truck and commuter taxi van collision in Kalungu district. Culture & Business: Uganda Breweries marks 80 years with a nationwide campaign celebrating the communities that built the brand. Global Travel Rules: The US made visa security bonds permanent, with deposits up to $20,000 affecting countries including Uganda.

Ebola Update: Uganda’s Ebola outbreak is nearing the end as DRC cases surge, with responders in the field still battling misinformation, unsafe burials, and funding gaps. Media & Accountability: Nation Media Group Uganda says the military has finally withdrawn from its premises after weeks of occupation, though safety checks are still ongoing. Health & Culture: Pope Leo XIV tells children at a Vatican peace concert that music can overcome division, with an interfaith choir that included children from Israel/Palestine and Uganda. Politics & Society: Museveni urges Banyankole to moderate bride price and cut lavish wedding costs, warning that high demands push young people into debt. Uganda’s Power Crunch: MPs question UEDCL over electricity connection delays, with hundreds of thousands still waiting despite paying fees. Travel Rules: The US makes its visa bond policy permanent, with Uganda among affected countries—refundable deposits up to $20,000 for some B1/B2 applicants. Education & Tech: IUCEA launches a regional AI network and 2026–2031 plan to help universities collaborate on responsible AI. Sports & Youth: Ghetto Kids get a heroes’ welcome at Entebbe after performing at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show.