AGP Executive Report

East African Crude Oil Pipeline Update: Uganda’s long-awaited EACOP is now about 80–84% complete, with line pipes delivered and major works at pump stations and the marine terminal pushing past 88%; officials target commissioning in July 2026 and first oil exports by October, with the 1,443-km heated pipeline expected to move up to 246,000 barrels per day. Drought Hunger in Karamoja: Uganda says at least 16 people have died of hunger after prolonged drought in Karamoja left crops failing since April; the government is distributing emergency food and seeking cabinet approval for more supplies, as experts link recurring shortages to climate change, deforestation, overgrazing and pests. Renewables Accountability: Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant has reportedly earned zero revenue because of missing revenue-sharing and operational agreements with the Ministry of Energy, despite feeding electricity into the grid—raising questions on project governance. Climate-Smart Refugee Farming: In Kyaka II, refugees are using small plots for gardens and climate-smart practices after WFP food and cash cuts, growing vegetables and sometimes renting land to boost meals. Student Green Innovation: At Gayaza’s science exhibition, students showcased practical solutions including a biogas system turning farm waste into cooking gas and organic manure. Wildlife Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights Kulu Ora on the Nile as a “best-kept safari secret,” pointing to Uganda’s classic wildlife and river experiences beyond gorillas and chimps. Regional Trade Push: Sharjah’s chamber met Uganda’s ambassador to discuss boosting trade and investment ties, including new initiatives to connect business communities.

Drought Disaster in Karamoja: Uganda reports at least 16 deaths from hunger after a prolonged dry spell left crops failing across north-eastern Karamoja, with government moving to distribute emergency food and seek more supplies. EAC Integration Push: The East African Community endorsed steps to speed up integrated regional infrastructure, focusing on transport, digital connectivity and smoother movement of people and goods. EACOP Oil Pipeline Nears Finish: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is reported at about 80–84% completion, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first oil exports by October—an environmental flashpoint as land and water risks remain in the spotlight. Renewables Accountability: Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant is feeding the grid, but an Auditor General report says the university has earned no revenue due to missing revenue-sharing and operational agreements. Local Innovation for Health: Amref International University plans a Beyond Zero teaching hospital to strengthen maternal and child health training across Africa. Malaria Fight with Local Plants: Uganda-linked research finds catnip lotion can repel mosquitoes as well as DEET, offering a cheaper option for rural households.

Drought & Food Security: Uganda’s Karamoja is reeling as prolonged dry weather since April has destroyed crops, with the government saying at least 16 people have died of hunger and thousands of families need emergency food support. Oil & Environment: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with commissioning targeted for July 2026 and first exports by October—while four Ugandan farmers push a UK court case to stop the project over fears for rivers, wildlife, and land loss. Ebola Update: A US citizen working in Congo has tested positive for Ebola as officials scramble on treatment planning and contact tracing amid a rapidly expanding outbreak. Renewables Governance: Busitema University’s 4MW solar plant is feeding the grid, but an Auditor General report says the university earned zero from electricity sales due to missing revenue-sharing and operating agreements. Local Innovation for Health: Ugandan-grown catnip lotion has been shown to repel mosquitoes as well as DEET in trials, offering a cheaper option for malaria-risk evenings. Forestry & Climate-Smart Jobs: Adjumani leads Uganda’s IFPA-CD woodlots programme, exceeding its five-year tree-planting target to boost timber and fuelwood supply in refugee-hosting areas.

EACOP Oil Pipeline Nears Completion: Uganda’s long-awaited East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with commissioning targeted for July 2026 and first exports by October, raising fresh questions for wildlife and water protection as the route crosses rivers and protected areas. Bududa Landslide Lessons: Survivors of the 2010 Mount Elgon disaster say returning to fertile slopes is driven by hunger for land, not ignorance—highlighting gaps in disaster recovery and climate resilience planning. Uganda–UAE Embassy Fund Scrutiny: Uganda’s UAE mission faces Auditor General concerns over weak oversight of a presidential SME support fund, spotlighting accountability and governance risks for public money. Agri-SME Funding Push: Pearl Bank and Ronalds in Africa trained over 30 agribusinesses on scaling with available finance, feeding sustainable agriculture and livelihoods. Chimpanzees on the Brink: World Chimpanzee Day coverage flags that chimp numbers are running out of time, renewing urgency for biodiversity conservation. Air Quality Watch (Kampala in focus): Kampala ranks among the world’s more polluted cities in air-quality reporting, underscoring pollution and public health pressures. Forest Woodlots Win in Adjumani: Adjumani leads a World Bank-backed woodlots programme, boosting climate-smart forestry in refugee-hosting areas.

EACOP Oil Pipeline Nears Finish: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—raising fresh questions for Wildlife & Water Risks as the route crosses rivers and protected areas. Farmers Take Legal Fight to UK: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court suit to stop EACOP before it goes online, arguing land loss and threats to freshwater and wildlife. Clean Water Pressure: A report highlights unsafe water access in parts of Uganda, where residents still rely on contaminated sources despite boreholes and projects. Ebola Response in Focus: Coverage flags the DRC Ebola outbreak as fast-growing, with calls for faster surge in resources and improved rapid diagnostics for frontline teams. Climate-Smart Forests: Adjumani district tops Uganda’s IFPA-CD woodlots push, exceeding its five-year tree-planting target and boosting timber and fuelwood supply for refugee-hosting areas. Youth & Mental Health: Police investigate the death of a Naalya Secondary School student found hanging, with a note recovered and forensic checks underway.

EACOP Court Fight: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court suit to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline before it goes online in October, arguing the project threatens rivers, wildlife and their livelihoods after land was taken with poor compensation. Pipeline Progress: Meanwhile, reporting says EACOP is about 80–84% complete, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October. Ebola Alarm: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is described as the fastest-growing on record, with Africa CDC warning response must be surged and donors should fast-track resources. Bundibugyo Diagnostics: Aptamer Group has started work on rapid Ebola diagnostics for the Bundibugyo strain, aiming for field-ready outbreak testing. Land Rights vs Mining: African ecofeminist and land-rights groups are urging governments and financiers to respect community land rights and demand “land for land” compensation amid mining-driven displacement. Air Quality Watch: Kampala is listed among the more polluted cities in a global air-quality update, while Dhaka’s monsoon rains reportedly improved air quality. Education & Innovation: Stanbic’s National Schools Championship moves into appraisal visits for regional finalists, spotlighting student STEM projects. Community Conservation: Updates on the Mgahinga Batwa Village expansion highlight more land, homes and plans for vocational training.

EACOP Update: Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now about 80–84% complete, with officials targeting commissioning in July 2026 and first exports by October—an 1,443km heated line meant to move crude from Lake Albert to Tanzania’s Tanga port. Legal Fight: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court challenge to stop EACOP’s operation, arguing Uganda’s environmental and climate protections should apply to the UK-registered operating company. Wildlife & Rights: UWA has renewed 30-year concessions for Paraa, Chobe and Mweya safari lodges, but fresh allegations in Kween District accuse armed game rangers of raping two minors, reigniting calls for accountability. Health & Outbreaks: Ebola fears are rising as cases surge in the DRC and Uganda prepares for cross-border risk; meanwhile, global infection prevention is back in focus as health systems race to detect, contain and communicate. Mosquito Control: Uganda trials suggest catnip-oil lotion can repel mosquitoes as well as DEET, offering a cheaper option for malaria-prone communities. Agriculture & Climate: In Lamwo, radio is helping farmers adopt better, climate-smart methods; in Nakaseke, solar irrigation is keeping dairy production alive during dry spells. Trade Facilitation: The EAC pushes to remove border bottlenecks via one-stop border posts to boost intra-regional trade.

EACOP Court Fight: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court challenge to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing it violates Uganda’s constitutional, environmental and climate protections and could harm protected areas and freshwater systems. Wildlife & Tourism: Uganda Wildlife Authority renewed 30-year safari lodge concessions for Paraa, Chobe and Mweya lodges, aiming to secure long-term tourism investment while maintaining conservation standards. Ebola Response: Uganda says it will deploy more medical experts and set up additional Ebola treatment centres in eastern DRC as beds near capacity and health workers warn of service disruption over delayed salaries. Mosquitoes & Malaria: A Uganda field trial found catnip-oil lotion can repel mosquitoes as effectively as DEET, offering a potentially cheaper option for malaria-prone communities. Agriculture Education: Acting Education Minister Chrysostom Muyingo wants agriculture made compulsory in secondary schools to build practical skills for a sector facing climate and productivity pressures. Lake Albert Fishing Rules: Fishermen on Lake Albert say new fishing regulations are pushing families deeper into poverty due to licensing and gear costs. Digital Governance: Uganda’s UCC begins enforcement against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots to protect consumers and bring operators into compliance. AI Governance: Uganda calls at the UN for developing countries to help shape global AI rules, not just receive them.

Catnip vs Malaria Mosquitoes: Uganda trials suggest catnip-oil lotion can repel mosquitoes as well as DEET, offering a potentially cheaper option for malaria-prone communities. Climate-Smart Dairy: In Nakaseke, dairy farmers are using solar-powered irrigation to keep milk flowing during dry spells, cutting reliance on costly diesel. Lake Albert Fishing Pressure: Fishermen on Lake Albert say new fishing rules are pushing them out of work as licensing and gear costs rise, threatening food and school fees. EACOP Court Fight: Four Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court challenge to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing it breaches Uganda’s environmental and climate protections. Wildlife Tourism Deal: UWA renewed 30-year concessions for Paraa, Chobe and Mweya safari lodges, aiming to secure long-term tourism investment while maintaining conservation standards. UWA Abuse Allegations: Reports allege rape of two minors by armed UWA rangers near Mount Elgon, reigniting calls for accountability. Ebola Response Boost: Uganda plans to deploy more experts and expand Ebola treatment capacity in eastern DRC as bed occupancy climbs and staff face delayed salaries. UCC Wi-Fi Crackdown: UCC begins enforcement against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots to protect consumers and curb illegal reselling. Agri Education Push: The education minister says agriculture should become compulsory in secondary schools to build practical skills for Uganda’s farm economy.

Digital Rights & Consumer Protection: UCC has launched a nationwide enforcement drive against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspot operators, warning that some residents and businesses charge as little as Shs1,000 for 24 hours while bypassing licences. Ebola Preparedness: Uganda will deploy medical experts and set up more Ebola treatment centres in eastern DRC as bed occupancy hits 96% and health workers warn of service disruption over delayed salaries. Climate & Biodiversity: Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court case to stop EACOP, arguing the pipeline could harm water sources, wildlife and biodiversity and asking for an injunction under Ugandan climate and environmental law. Health Innovation: Researchers report a locally made catnip lotion can repel mosquitoes as well as DEET in Uganda trials, offering a cheaper malaria-fighting option for rural communities. Clean Energy Finance: Equity Bank is pushing green financing for solar and clean cooking, targeting the high upfront costs that block adoption. Water Security: Ntungamo’s Kakukuru Town Council received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells. Wildlife Crime Online: A new investigation says Meta platforms are being used as a major marketplace for illegal wildlife trade, powered by recommendation and monetization tools.

EACOP Legal Fight: Ugandan farmers have launched a landmark UK High Court case to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing Uganda’s environmental and climate laws should apply to the UK-registered operator and warning of harm to water, wildlife and biodiversity. Climate Risk Watch: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit Uganda among other high-risk countries, with drought and floods expected to worsen food insecurity, pushing for over $200m in support for climate-resilient farming and protection. Water Security Upgrade: Ntungamo’s Kakukuru Town Council in Uganda has received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells, boosting climate-smart supply. Malaria Fight Innovation: Uganda trials show a 6% catnip-oil lotion can repel mosquitoes as effectively as Deet, offering a cheaper, locally producible option for rural communities. Circular Economy Push: KCCA is exploring partnerships to build a plastic recycling facility in Kampala to turn waste into products like tiles, aiming to cut pollution and create livelihoods.

EACOP Legal Battle: Ugandan farmers have launched a landmark UK High Court case against the $5.6bn East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing it breaches Uganda’s environmental, climate and constitutional protections and could threaten water, wildlife and protected ecosystems. Artisanal Gold Crackdown: Uganda’s Ministry of Energy has suspended unlicensed gold mining in Kanungu’s Kayungwe area, citing environmental damage, public health risks and food security fallout from a gold rush. Regenerative Coffee Gains: In Masaka, coffee growers are seeing better drought resilience through regenerative agriculture “model farms” supported by a coalition including IUCN and Nespresso. Kampala Plastic Recycling Push: KCCA is exploring partnerships to build a plastic recycling facility to turn city plastic waste into products like tiles, aiming for a circular economy and cleaner streets. Ebola Alarm in the Region: DRC Ebola cases rose to 1,561 with 506 deaths, as health authorities warn the outbreak is unfolding amid insecurity and strained services. Climate Risk Funding: FAO and WFP are appealing for $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people across high-risk countries, including Uganda, from the return of El Niño-driven extreme weather. Wildlife Tourism Tip: Kayakers are being encouraged to explore Lake Victoria’s hippo territory safely, especially during the dry season.

Ebola Response in Focus: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda is infecting health workers too—at least 102 infected and 25 deaths reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with mistrust and cultural insensitivity still weakening control. New Treatments Push: A DRC-led clinical trial (PARTNERS) has started to test two antiviral therapies, as the outbreak toll climbs and no approved vaccine exists for this strain. Community Health Warning: An op-ed argues prevention is lagging because systems only spring into action after spillover, urging earlier detection where wildlife and livestock meet people. Climate Risk for Uganda: FAO and WFP are appealing for $200m+ to protect 8.8m people across high-risk countries from El Niño impacts, with Uganda listed among those at risk. Oil and Environment Tension: EACOP is now beyond 90% completion, but civil society is calling for transparency and safeguards over any Albertine Graben expansion. Local Environment & Governance: KCCA residents in Kiwatule demand better roads and streetlights, linking poor waste management and insecurity to everyday environmental neglect. Uganda Coffee Watch: Coffee export earnings fell sharply in May as global prices weakened and volumes dropped.

Oil Frontier Grievances: In Buliisa, Balaalo pastoralists evicted in 2010 say they still haven’t received compensation as Uganda moves toward first oil production, with families losing cattle and land during the “Justice” operation. Displacement & Markets: A new study argues Africa’s 43.1 million displaced people drive a “hidden” $27.7bn economy through farming, trade and small business—pushing private sector investment beyond humanitarian aid. Clean Cooking Push: Nabisunsa Girls’ School joins a growing list of Ugandan schools switching from firewood to LPG, as Vivo Energy expands safer, cleaner institutional cooking to cut deforestation and indoor smoke. Ebola Hope in Uganda’s Region: DRC’s top Ebola scientist Jean-Jacques Muyembe says there’s still hope for Bundibugyo Ebola, with work underway toward a monoclonal antibody as cases rise. Media Independence Under Pressure: Daily Monitor’s reopening talks face warnings from co-founder Wafula Oguttu not to trade editorial independence for government influence. Construction Jobs Bottleneck: A World Bank update says Uganda’s construction sector is held back by weak regulation and procurement delays, limiting job creation despite strong growth.

Wildlife Protection: Lola ya Bonobo in Congo is caring for orphaned baby bonobos rescued from poachers or kept for bushmeat, using education to push communities away from killing apes. Clean Cooking Push: Uganda’s schools are shifting from firewood to LPG—Nabisunsa Girls’ School has installed a Vivo Energy gas system—aiming to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Climate & Health Reporting: East and Southern Africa’s Health and Climate Change Journalism Awards spotlight how climate change is driving public health risks, with Uganda and Kenya among top winners. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Uganda’s UCSATP handed vehicles to 69 districts to strengthen local delivery and monitoring of climate-smart farming. Regional Energy & Industry: Uganda’s Museveni backs a proposed East African regional oil refinery for value addition, while Uganda’s national refinery plan in Hoima remains on course. Air Quality Watch: Kampala’s air was reported “moderate” in recent monitoring, a reminder that pollution can still affect sensitive groups. Disaster Risk & Migration: A Bududa story highlights how climate change is forcing families to weigh staying, moving, or rebuilding after landslide-linked losses.

Clean Cooking Push: Nabisunsa Girls’ School in Kampala has switched from firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after Vivo Energy Uganda installed a bulk storage and distribution system—part of a wider drive to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Climate Migration Reality: A new report highlights how climate change is forcing Ugandans to rethink where they live, with Bududa residents still weighing the risk of floods and landslides against fertile land and livelihoods. Ebola Response Update: WHO reports Bundibugyo virus Ebola has caused 452 deaths in the DRC, while Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases including two deaths—underscoring the need for fast, coordinated preparedness. Jobs & Construction: The World Bank says Uganda’s construction sector is expanding but creating too few jobs due to weak regulation, skills gaps, and procurement delays—calling for reforms to unlock employment. Climate-Smart Agriculture Support: MAAIF has handed vehicles to 69 districts under the UCSATP to strengthen supervision of climate-smart farming, with tracking, insurance, and training for drivers. Local Innovation: A Ugandan textile business is turning banana waste into eco-friendly products, employing dozens and showing how circular ideas can grow incomes. Air Quality Watch: Kampala’s air quality was reported in the “moderate” range in recent readings, a reminder to keep monitoring pollution risks.