AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Moment in Uganda: Safari tourists in Uganda witnessed a rare once-in-a-lifetime event as a mountain gorilla mother gave birth in front of them during a gorilla trek, sparking huge online reaction. Gorilla Tourism & Conservation: The birth highlights why protecting habitats like Bwindi and surrounding forests matters for both biodiversity and responsible tourism. HIV Prevention Update: Uganda-based researchers are exploring whether Lenacapavir, already used as an HIV prevention injection, could eventually be given once a year instead of twice yearly, with results from Uganda trial sites feeding into new studies. Jobs Pressure Warning: The World Bank says Uganda’s economy isn’t creating formal jobs fast enough for its youth, pointing to a widening employment gap and urging reforms to boost private sector growth. Press Freedom Under Strain: Uganda’s media shutdown and arrests continue to draw international scrutiny, with reporting restrictions and pressure on outlets raising alarms for democracy and public access to information. Tourism Investment Push: Uganda announced a three-year income tax holiday for qualifying tourism start-ups, aiming to attract private investment and grow jobs in the sector. Ebola Watch in the Region: Ebola continues to spread in DR Congo, with Uganda recording cross-border-linked cases, keeping regional preparedness and health support in focus.

Wildlife & Tourism: Safari tourists in Uganda witnessed a rare mountain gorilla birth in the forest, a reminder of how fragile life is in the wild. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s media is again in the spotlight after security actions shut down Nation Media Group outlets, with officials citing “security investigations” and critics warning of a widening crackdown. Public Health Watch: Uganda reported an isolated Marburg case during Ebola surveillance, raising alarm as the DRC’s Ebola situation continues to worsen regionally. Climate & Food Security: In Karamoja, WFP with support from Ireland launched anticipatory cash for over 6,000 households to prepare for worsening dry-season conditions. Conservation & Fisheries: UPDF Marine Battalion destroyed 5,780 illegal fishing nets on Lake Kwania to protect fish breeding grounds and livelihoods. Tourism Investment: Government announced a three-year income tax holiday for qualifying tourism start-ups to attract private investment. Regional Climate Signals: Kenya’s July forecasts point to generally dry conditions with cooler, cloudy mornings in parts of the country.

Wildlife & Health Alert: Uganda has confirmed an isolated Marburg virus case during surveillance linked to the ongoing Ebola response, after a one-and-a-half-year-old child in Kyegegwa district died. Fisheries Enforcement: UPDF Marine Battalion destroyed 5,780 illegal fishing nets worth about Shs1.8 billion on Lake Kwania, targeting gear that catches juvenile fish and harms breeding grounds. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda faces renewed international scrutiny after the army chief ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets including NTV, Spark TV and Daily Monitor, with rights groups calling it a clampdown on free expression. Environmental Governance: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition is launching 20-country environmental rights case studies to track how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Climate & Biodiversity Research: A Fulbright award will fund research at Lake Nabugabo on how beneficial microbes spread through social networks among Rwenzori colobus monkeys. Energy & Policy Debate: A regional analysis argues Africa’s electricity tariff problem is not just price, but whether consumers pay for efficient power versus losses, debt, and weak governance.

Ebola’s Economic Fallout: A UNDP assessment warns the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is already driving a major development and jobs crisis, potentially pushing 985,000 more people into poverty, with women hit hardest across the region including Uganda. Media Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, with soldiers stationed at Daily Monitor and NTV/Spark TV taken off air, drawing condemnation over free speech. Environmental Justice Push: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition launches 20-country environmental rights case studies to track how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Cybersecurity Cooperation: IGAD’s regional cyber drill ends with calls for stronger cross-border coordination, including plans for an information-sharing center involving Uganda and neighbours. Forestry Livelihoods: In Kamwenge, a forestry entrepreneur is scaling a tree and fruit nursery, linking seedlings to community restoration and woodlot programmes. Agriculture Investment: Kenya’s NASIP plan highlights how agri-food funding is being framed around climate resilience, irrigation, processing and finance—an approach Uganda watchers may want to track.

Regional Cybersecurity: INSA’s Daniel Guta says cyber threats now cross borders, urging IGAD-style cooperation to protect critical infrastructure, finance, telecoms and public trust. Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): A DRC Ebola scientist tells SciDev.Net there’s “still hope” as cases top 1,000 and Uganda reports confirmed cases and deaths; meanwhile, a UK hospital Ebola test came back negative after a suspected case. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito trap in Alhambra, following a first human case in Long Beach—health officials stress preventing bites. Climate & Agriculture Resilience: Uganda launches Skeepon crop treatment to help farmers withstand drought and heat stress; Kenya also activates an El Niño preparedness plan. Clean Cooking & Energy Access: Uganda highlights the scale of electricity and clean-cooking gaps, while local firms like Enersave and Elsmart show how financing and improved stoves can cut fuel pressure. Environment Meets Governance: Kampala tensions rise over Nakivubo Channel redevelopment plans, with critics warning covering drainage could worsen flooding and pollution without proper safeguards. Wildlife & Forest Livelihoods: Kamwenge’s Mugabirwe’s nursery work shows community-led forestry restoration tied to income. Press Freedom Crackdown: Uganda’s army chief orders major media shutdowns, drawing rights group and US condemnation.

Clean Cooking Push: Uganda’s clean cooking sector is getting a boost from local makers and financing—Enersave scaled clean cooking through GIZ EnDev results-based financing with Equity Bank, while Elsmart is turning farm waste into briquettes and improved stoves to cut household air pollution. Urban Environment Clash: Kampala is tense over President Museveni’s backing of a plan to redevelop and cover the Nakivubo Drainage Channel, with critics warning it could worsen flooding and pollution if safeguards and impact checks aren’t followed. Agriculture Finance: French agency AFD and Pearl Bank formalised a €15m (Sh60b) concessional credit line plus technical support to expand agricultural MSMEs and smallholder farming via SACCOs. Human Capital & Water Worries: The World Bank warned Uganda about weak fiscal management and the need to massively raise human capital spending, while separate reporting flags gaps in lead testing in drinking water projects. Food & Nature Pressure: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind demand, raising food security concerns. Media & Civic Space: Uganda’s military shut down NTV and Spark TV, reigniting free-press concerns. Ebola Watch (Region): Africa CDC says DRC Ebola cases have climbed to 1,274 with 96 health worker infections, with Uganda reporting spillover cases.

DRC Ebola Escalation: Africa CDC says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has hit 1,274 confirmed cases and 360 deaths, with 96 health workers infected—Uganda reports 20 confirmed cases, mostly spillover from the DRC. Public Health Measures: The DRC has banned public gatherings and marches in Kinshasa plus Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele to curb community spread. Uganda Media Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets including NTV and Daily Monitor, deepening concerns about press freedom and political intimidation. Electricity Access Focus: A new analysis argues Uganda’s power problem is now mainly governance—pushing for decentralised planning so rural communities get safer, more reliable electricity. Climate & Food Security: A Nairobi summit tackles a $100bn agri-food financing gap as drought and hunger pressures rise; separate UN appeals warn El Niño could hit Uganda and the region. Conservation & Wildlife Trade: A feature highlights how chimpanzees suffer under the global wildlife trade, while Uganda’s tourism push continues around protected areas.

Media Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered a shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV and the Daily Monitor, with soldiers surrounding offices and staff barred from access—sparking fresh outrage over press freedom and political repression. Oil-Decade Planning: Uganda and the World Bank unveiled a 10-year partnership framework to support the Tenfold Growth push toward a $500b economy target, with emphasis on jobs, infrastructure, and mobilising private capital. Electricity Access Push: World Bank-backed “Mission 300” progress shows Africa has connected over 50 million people, but nearly 600 million still lack power—highlighting the scale of Uganda’s energy poverty challenge. Climate Risk for Food Security: Malawi is set to benefit from a $202m UN El Niño anticipatory action appeal, with Uganda listed among countries facing expected impacts—raising the stakes for early drought and flood preparedness. Clean Energy for Households: A report on eco-stoves and charcoal costs points to practical ways to cut smoke and fuel bills—relevant for Uganda’s urban kitchens and rural health. Bwindi Tourism Spotlight: A guide highlights Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s biodiversity and the option of helicopter tours during dry seasons, while reminding visitors to plan around cost and access.

Media Crackdown: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered soldiers to seal Nation Media Group offices, shutting NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor and radio stations off air, triggering sharp condemnation over press freedom and political repression. Energy Access & Pollution: A new global energy report warns 655 million people still lack electricity and nearly two billion rely on polluting fuels for cooking—highlighting Uganda’s urgent need for affordable power and cleaner cooking. Clean Cooking Success: Polland Food Centre’s switch to eco-stoves cut charcoal fuel costs and smoke in its kitchen, showing how cleaner energy can protect workers and profits. Climate & Trees: Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative backed tree planting at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi, linking restoration to climate resilience and biodiversity. Wildlife Tech: Rwanda’s use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for wildlife monitoring points to less intrusive ways to track biodiversity across the Virunga landscape shared with Uganda. Tourism & Culture: Uganda launched a cultural and tourism push in Munich, Germany, aiming to deepen ties through performances, food and a business forum. Wildlife Tourism: A guide to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda spotlights Kibale Forest experiences for visitors. Oil Watch: Uganda is reportedly on track for first crude oil exports in October 2026 as the Kingfisher project nears completion.

Energy Access Crisis: A new global energy report says 655 million people worldwide still lack electricity, with Sub-Saharan Africa worst hit—highlighting Uganda’s urgent need to make power affordable, expand rural electrification, and scale clean cooking. Climate & Health: The same clean-cooking gap report warns nearly 970 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still cook with polluting fuels, with the number rising fast as population growth outpaces progress. Wildlife Tech for Biodiversity: In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, researchers are using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species from genetic traces in soil and water, aiming to better protect wildlife across the Virunga region. Conservation & Community Trees: Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative planted indigenous and fruit trees at Kyasanku Hill College in Mpigi, tying restoration to climate resilience and biodiversity protection. Uganda Media Under Pressure: Uganda’s Nation Media Group outlets report being shut down after security forces sealed offices in Kampala, raising fresh alarms for press freedom. Ebola Response: The US CDC upgraded its Ebola response in DR Congo to its highest emergency level as cases and deaths climb, with Uganda also reporting cases in Kampala. Oil Milestone: Uganda is on track for first crude oil exports in October 2026 as the Kingfisher project nears completion. Waste & Land Safety: A year after the Kiteezi landfill collapse, dozens of bodies remain unrecovered, underscoring ongoing failures in urban waste management.

Ebola Escalation: The US CDC has raised its Ebola response in DR Congo to its highest emergency level as cases surge past 1,200 and deaths top 300, with Uganda reporting 20 cases and 2 deaths in Kampala. Refugee Pressure & Environment: UNHCR warns East Africa’s displacement crisis is worsening as funding gaps cut food rations, driving deforestation in Uganda’s refugee settlements and heightening conflict with host communities. Oil Milestone: Uganda is set to begin crude oil exports in October 2026 after CNOOC Uganda says the Kingfisher project’s central processing facility is 99% complete and commissioning is underway. Wildlife & Tourism: Uganda’s chimpanzee trekking guide highlights Kibale Forest’s Ssebo and the growing interest in primate experiences alongside gorilla tourism. Conservation & Domestic Tourism: UWA urges Ugandans to boost local travel to support conservation and jobs, partnering with Lions Club of Kampala East. Waste & Climate Justice: A West Nile commentary links unregulated waste management to polluted waterways, health risks, and faster climate harm. Clean Cooking Gap: A new report warns sub-Saharan Africa could lose access to clean cooking for over a billion people by 2027, with health and environmental fallout. Livelihoods & Trees: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative plant 1,500 trees in Mpigi, tying restoration to climate resilience and community wellbeing.

Clean Cooking Crisis: A new IEA report warns that nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking, with the gap set to exceed 1 billion by 2027 as population growth outpaces progress. Waste & Climate Justice: A commentary flags unregulated waste management in West Nile—open dumps, burning garbage, and polluted waterways—as a public health and climate injustice needing urgent policy and funding. Conservation & Tourism: Uganda Wildlife Authority urges Ugandans to boost domestic tourism, saying conservation can’t rely only on foreign visitors. Kiteezi Landslide Aftermath: A year after Kampala’s Kiteezi Landfill collapse, many bodies remain unrecovered and families still wait for closure and compensation, pointing to deeper failures in urban waste governance. Coffee Push: Uganda unveiled its first national coffee brand at World of Coffee Brussels, aiming to strengthen quality systems and EU market access. Vanilla Harvest Window: Uganda sets the Season A vanilla harvest from June 29 to Sept 29, warning against premature picking and possible penalties. Tree Planting Drive: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative plant 1,500 trees in Mpigi to support climate resilience and landslide protection. Digital Finance: Centenary Bank launches GonzaPay, a bank-backed digital wallet aimed at expanding access beyond cash-heavy transactions. Ebola Context: Coverage notes rising Ebola pressures in eastern DRC, with food support scaled up to help containment efforts.

Ebola Response: Uganda and the wider region face rising pressure as DRC’s Ebola outbreak tops 1,000 cases, with experts warning it could spread to South Sudan within weeks—highlighting how weak health systems, conflict, and misinformation can accelerate transmission. Coffee Sector Boost: Uganda officially launched its first national coffee brand, “Uganda Coffee: It’s in Our Nature,” aiming to strengthen quality systems, meet EU deforestation rules, and grow buyer trust as exports rise. Vanilla Quality Control: Uganda set the Season A vanilla harvest window (June 29–Sept 29) and warned against premature picking, saying immature beans cut vanillin content and harm competitiveness. Energy for Schools: Stanbic urged schools to adopt renewable power to cut operating costs, while a separate report argues Uganda’s electricity problem is now mainly governance, not generation. Climate Action in Practice: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative planted 1,500 trees in Mpigi, and KCB Bank Uganda planted 300 trees near Lake Victoria Serena. SME Push: Government urged MSMEs to formalize to access support, as banks backed SME growth initiatives and surveys. Student Loan Crackdown: Government began tracing employers of student loan defaulters to recover billions, clarifying it targets persistent defaulters, not genuinely unable borrowers.

Energy Governance & Safety: Uganda’s grid expansion is not translating into reliable, affordable power, as fatal electrocutions in eastern villages point to governance failures—unconnected settlements, missing transformers, and risky “wire-on-wire” connections. SME Push for Formal Growth: Government urged MSMEs to formalize to unlock financing and support, highlighting tools like EFRIS, online registration, instant TINs and one-stop centres. Banking for SMEs: Equity Bank, KPMG and NMG launched the 2026 Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies Survey, while NCBA Bank partnered with MAT Abacus to offer free training, coaching and mentorship for SME customers. Ebola & Food Security in DRC: WFP is scaling up food assistance and logistics in eastern DRC as Ebola spreads amid conflict and hunger, with millions at risk if families can’t follow health measures. Climate & Nature Finance: Absa Uganda won NEMA’s Green Financial Institution award, and KCB Bank Uganda planted 300 trees at Lake Victoria Serena as part of climate action. Wildlife Update: Uganda’s giraffe conservation efforts show steady population growth, though snaring, poaching and habitat loss remain threats. Agriculture Pest Threat: Kitgum farmers face major pawpaw losses from an invasive mealybug, with dry-season infestations worsening yields and incomes. Youth for Agroecology: A schools agroecology poem competition is mobilizing students to advocate sustainable farming and climate action.

Green Finance Awards: Absa Bank Uganda won NEMA’s Green Financial Institution of the Year, with the bank pledging to scale green lending and climate-resilient support. Wildlife Monitoring: Uganda’s giraffe conservation work is showing steady population growth under the Giraffe Conservation Action Plan, though snaring, poaching and habitat loss remain threats. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A study in Kitgum shows invasive pawpaw mealybugs are cutting pawpaw yields by about 13% on average, with farmers relying mostly on traditional controls like wood ash. Plastic Pollution Cleanup: Lake Victoria gets a boost as a conservation centre pledges funding to remove 100,000 litres of plastic and microplastic debris from Uganda’s shoreline. Oil & Environment Court Fight: A Paris court ordered TotalEnergies to account for the environmental impact of emissions from its oil and gas products, amid wider scrutiny of Uganda’s Tilenga and the EACOP pipeline. Tourism Push: Uganda launched a two-week tourism promotion in Paris using branded buses highlighting gorillas and other attractions. Waste Solutions in Cities: Lira City’s youth-led “Wealth from Waste” project aims to turn garbage into jobs through recycling and composting. AfCFTA Implementation: Uganda set up an AfCFTA National Implementation Committee to speed up trade into Africa’s single market. Solar & Food Storage Innovation: Shifra Ainomugisha won Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for climate-smart, solar-powered cold storage and irrigation that cuts food loss and boosts incomes. Air Quality Watch: Kampala was reported among the more polluted cities in a daily air quality ranking, flagged as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Clean Cooking & Health: Coverage also highlights how mosquitoes keep malaria pressure high, even as research points to ongoing adaptation and the need for sustained control.

AfCFTA Push: Uganda has launched its African Continental Free Trade Area National Implementation Committee, bringing together government, private sector and civil society to speed up trade integration and help farmers, software firms and manufacturers reach new markets across Africa. Lake Victoria Cleanup: A global conservation group pledged 100,000 litres to remove plastic and microplastics from Lake Victoria’s Ugandan shoreline, warning pollution threatens livelihoods for millions who depend on the lake. EAC Budget: The East African Community tabled a $110.9m 2026/27 budget under a new financing formula, with partner states expected to shoulder a bigger share as climate and trade disruptions bite. Charcoal to Cleaner Cooking: Polland Food Centre says it cut fuel costs by 60% after switching from traditional charcoal stoves to commercial Ecostoves, aiming to reduce smoke and improve kitchen safety. Climate Heat Stress: A Nature study reports “feels-like” heat is rising faster than air temperatures, driving more dangerous heat periods and tropical nights. Ebola Watch: WHO says the Ebola risk remains low despite rising cases in DR Congo and Uganda, but response is struggling with contact tracing, isolation capacity and funding gaps. Air Quality Alert: Kampala was among the most polluted cities in a global AQI ranking, underscoring ongoing air pollution health risks.