AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 1,000 confirmed Ebola cases (1,003) with 254 deaths, as contact follow-up lags far below targets and misinformation is making containment harder. Heat Stress and Climate Risk: New research warns that many countries, including Mexico, Kenya and Italy, are now seeing one to two more months of heat stress than decades ago, with humid heat especially dangerous for people. Groundwater for a Hotter Future: Scientists are mapping Africa’s underground water to guide safer, fair extraction as droughts and extreme rainfall swings intensify. Uganda Tourism Push: Uganda’s embassy in Copenhagen launched an “Explore Uganda” outdoor campaign targeting Nordic travellers with gorillas, Rwenzori scenery, safaris and “sustainable tourism” messaging. Conservation Under Threat: Uganda Wildlife Authority received non-contact infrared thermometers, rain gear and smartphones to help monitor gorilla and visitor health amid regional Ebola fears. Agro-exports and Value Addition: Uganda’s green coffee output is forecast to rise slightly, while authorities signal a shift toward value-added exports; meanwhile avocado stakeholders urged better coordination to unlock international markets. Electric Mobility Growth: Spiro secured an extra $55m equity investment to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across African cities.

Wildlife & Health: Uganda conservationists are stepping up protection for mountain gorillas as Ebola spreads in the region, with the Uganda Wildlife Authority receiving non-contact infrared thermometers, rain gear and smartphones to help monitor both visitors and animal health. Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed over 1,000 Ebola cases, including 254 deaths, as response teams continue surveillance and prevention while contact follow-up rates lag. Urban Environment: Kampala Capital City Authority moves to enforce tree planting for developers by linking it to occupancy permits under the Building Control Act 2026, aiming to boost green cover and reduce flooding. Digital Rights: A major U.S.-Uganda health data deal is drawing backlash over “digital colonialism,” with concerns that aid could come with access to citizens’ health information. HIV Prevention: The U.S. Embassy says Uganda will receive lenacapavir for HIV prevention via PEPFAR, with two doses per year for people at high risk. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Zimbabwe and Uganda deepen agricultural ties through an exchange focused on youth, value addition and climate-smart farming. Circular Economy: SMART will join global talks on used textiles and circular economy rules, warning that tighter controls could disrupt reuse markets.

Wildlife Spotlight: World Giraffe Day (June 21) put a spotlight on the species’ “gentle giant” image versus real threats, as conservation groups push feedings, talks and fundraisers to reverse a silent decline. Ebola Watch: A fast-growing Ebola crisis in eastern DR Congo continues to hit vulnerable settings, with a 6-month-old girl dying at an orphanage as cases surge across Ituri amid conflict, limited resources and misinformation. Health & Data Rights: Uganda’s HIV prevention rollout got a boost as the U.S. announced lenacapavir for high-burden countries, but a separate ProPublica report flags “digital colonialism” concerns over U.S. demands for access to Africans’ health data tied to aid. Water & Climate Resilience: In Agago, a solar-powered water project failed to deliver due to dry geology, leaving communities struggling with hygiene and even forcing learners to fetch water. Circular Economy Policy: SMART will attend Basel Convention talks on used textiles and circular economy rules, warning that tighter controls could disrupt reuse markets. Local Conservation & Governance: A legal battle erupted inside the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands, with expelled members dragging leaders to court over how disciplinary decisions were made.

Maternal health in Karamoja: Stanbic-backed support is boosting maternal healthcare in Amudat, where Karita Health Centre IV struggles with high maternal mortality and long, costly referrals—sometimes to Kenya—highlighting how transport and access still decide outcomes. Menstrual hygiene access: Uganda’s Union transport sector launched “Kili Clear,” aiming to make quality sanitary pads affordable for girls and women, tackling school and work disruptions. Ebola pressure across the region: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with a 6-month-old dying at an orphanage and Africa CDC warning of response gaps amid conflict and misinformation; Uganda is also affected. El Niño and food risk: Global agencies warn El Niño could intensify climate shocks in East Africa, threatening floods, disease, and crop losses and putting food systems under strain. Circular economy policy: SMART will attend Basel Convention talks on used textiles and circular economy rules, as proposals could reshape the reuse market for secondhand clothing. Water failure in Agago: A solar-powered water project in Lamingonen, Agago, reportedly produced water only briefly before drying up, leaving communities and schools without clean water. Conservation and wildlife: Chester Zoo welcomed “Kris,” a rare northern giraffe, as part of efforts to strengthen breeding for a species facing habitat loss and poaching.

Menstrual health access: Uganda’s transport union launched “Kili Clear,” a push to make quality, affordable sanitary pads available to girls and women, aiming to cut missed school and protect dignity. Community health push: Housing Finance Bank and C-Care Uganda ran a free Katanga/Wandegeya health camp with screenings for malaria, HIV and STIs, plus polio vaccination support. Ebola crisis in the region: A 6-month-old died of Ebola at an orphanage in eastern DRC, the third child fatality there, as cases surge and response teams face insecurity, limited resources and community resistance. New Ebola spillover findings: Ugandan and Congolese scientists report the 2026 Bundibugyo threat likely came from fresh wildlife spillover, not a hidden old outbreak—helping target labs and response areas. El Niño warning: Scientists say El Niño is back and could bring floods and disease risks to East Africa, raising the question of whether Uganda and neighbours are ready. Water failure in Agago: A solar-powered water project in Lamingonen, Agago, reportedly dried up after brief use, leaving learners and households without clean water. Wildlife & conservation: Chester Zoo welcomed “Kris,” a rare northern giraffe, to strengthen breeding for a species with fewer than 7,000 left in the wild. Oil pipeline concerns: A new report flags EACOP’s route through wetlands and black rhino habitat, warning of biodiversity and water-security risks. Tourism push: Uganda held Explore Uganda roadshows in Türkiye, drawing 200+ Turkish trade buyers per event to build travel packages and partnerships. Clean cooking in schools: St. Andrew’s Secondary School in Rubindi, Mbarara adopted cleaner cooking to reduce soot and improve staff health.

Ebola Update: Uganda and DR Congo are facing a worsening Bundibugyo Ebola crisis, with Africa CDC warning that response gaps—especially limited contact tracing, insecurity and funding shortfalls—are undermining preparedness as the death toll tops 200 and health workers keep getting infected. Wildlife Spillover: New findings suggest the 2026 Bundibugyo threat likely came from a fresh wildlife spillover into people, not a long-hidden old outbreak, with sequencing pointing to a new index case linked to travel from DR Congo to Kampala. Climate Shock Prep: El Niño is back, and East Africa—including Uganda—could see floods, drought impacts and disease risks again, prompting calls for stronger readiness and water and disaster planning. Oil vs Nature: A new report flags environmental risks from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, warning it runs through wetlands and black rhino habitat range and could threaten biodiversity and water security. Water Access Failure: In Agago, a solar-powered water project has failed to deliver clean water due to dry geology, leaving communities and schools struggling with hygiene and daily water fetching. Clean Cooking Push: In Mbarara, a school is switching to cleaner, energy-saving stoves to cut smoke and improve staff health, supported by financing and stove technology. Arua Airport Upgrade: The AfDB approved Sh650bn to upgrade Arua Airport into an international-standard facility, aiming to boost West Nile connectivity and trade with safer, climate-resilient infrastructure. Conservation Spotlight: Chester Zoo welcomed Kris, a rare northern giraffe, as part of a breeding push to help save one of the world’s most endangered giraffe populations.

Ebola Spillover Update: Ugandan and Congolese scientists say the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola threat likely came from a fresh wildlife jump into people, not a long-hidden old outbreak—genetic sequencing links it to a new variant and points to a male index case who travelled from DRC to Kampala before dying. Response Gaps: Africa CDC says the DRC-Uganda Ebola outbreak has killed 200+ and reached 894 confirmed cases, but contact tracing, insecurity and funding shortfalls are undermining containment. El Niño Watch: East Africa is entering another El Niño phase, raising fears of floods, landslides and crop losses—governments and partners are urged to prepare now. Oil vs Wildlife: A new report flags the East African Crude Oil Pipeline crossing black rhino habitat and wetlands in Uganda and Tanzania, warning spills could hit biodiversity and water-dependent livelihoods. Clean Cooking Push: Equity Bank and schools are scaling smart, cleaner stoves and solar irrigation in Uganda to cut smoke, save money and protect health. Climate Budgeting: Kenya and Uganda boosted climate spending for water, flood control and ecosystem restoration as droughts and floods intensify. Uganda Energy Transition: Experts warn oil revenues alone won’t finance Uganda’s energy transition goals, including cleaner cooking and emissions cuts.

Ebola Crisis: Uganda and DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 200 deaths, with Africa CDC warning the spread is accelerating fast and now reaching dozens of health zones—while fear is also driving pregnant women to avoid hospitals, raising alarms for maternal deaths. Wildlife & Conservation: Rare Rothschild giraffe Setanta has arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after a 75-mile move, while Chester Zoo welcomed Kris, a northern giraffe aimed at strengthening an endangered-species breeding programme. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a $202m anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-linked droughts, floods and storms—Uganda is listed among the most exposed. Governance & Environment Policy: Uganda’s tensions around security and politics continue to spill into public life, including renewed scrutiny of high-profile legal cases tied to opposition figures. Blue Economy: A new push highlights how Africa’s food future depends not just on land farming but also on waters—lakes, rivers and fisheries that support protein, jobs and trade. Minerals & Value Addition: Africa’s solid minerals leaders urged a shift from exporting raw minerals to local processing and industrialisation, tying resource wealth to jobs and long-term prosperity.

Climate Risk for Uganda: FAO and WFP have launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for US$202m to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries, including Uganda, from looming El Niño impacts like drought, floods and storms. Early Action for Food Systems: The plan targets early support such as cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection and flood control—aimed at acting before disasters hit. Local Resilience in Practice: In Agago, a community-backed sunflower processing machine is set to cut transport costs and boost local value addition, but farmers are urged to increase production so the plant doesn’t sit idle. Digital Backbone: Seacom has launched a new high-capacity terrestrial route linking Nairobi and Kampala, aiming to ease capacity constraints for cloud services and cross-border trade. Education Finance: dfcu Bank says it is deepening support for Uganda’s international schools sector through an International Schools Forum focused on sustainability and regulatory clarity.

Wildlife & Tourism: Doncaster’s Yorkshire Wildlife Park unveiled “Setanta,” a Rothschild giraffe transported from Twycross Zoo, with plans to introduce him to the resident bachelor group—another boost for conservation-focused visitor interest. Climate Risk & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a joint anticipatory appeal for $202m to protect about 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-driven extreme weather. Uganda’s Environment & Health: Uganda began compulsory emissions checks for vehicles in Kampala after air pollution was linked to more adult deaths than HIV, with exhaust tests showing nitrogen oxide far above limits. Biodiversity & Governance: UWA staff go on trial over a Shs9.3bn gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permit revenue scandal, with key documents admitted. Community Climate Action: Reach A Hand Africa and Rotary Club of Lungujja planted trees in households and schools for World Environment Day, pushing “Act For Climate” at grassroots level. Livestock Biosecurity: Uganda introduced compulsory Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination every six months under a cost-sharing model to curb recurring outbreaks. Regional Health Watch: Burundi’s AU chair urged science-led Ebola response and warned against travel bans and border closures as cases rise across Uganda and DRC.

Ebola Response: G7 leaders and partners urged a coordinated push to contain a re-emerging Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and Uganda, warning vaccines and tools may not fully match the strain and stressing strict border surveillance, quarantine, contact tracing, and community engagement. Air Pollution Crackdown: Uganda has started compulsory emissions checks for vehicles in Kampala after findings showed air pollution deaths outpacing HIV, with exhaust emissions far above limits—aimed at reducing respiratory and cancer risks. Livestock Health Policy: Uganda launched a nationwide Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination drive, moving to compulsory, twice-yearly vaccination with cost-sharing—farmers pay per dose while government covers logistics and surveillance. Climate Action at Community Level: Reach A Hand Africa and Rotary Club of Lungujja planted over 50 trees in households and schools under World Environment Day’s “Act For Climate. Act For Our Future” theme. Power Access Milestone: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected 50m+ Africans to electricity across 40 countries, accelerating electrification through coordinated investment.

Electrification Push: World Bank and AfDB’s Mission 300 says it has connected over 50 million Africans to electricity across 40 countries, delivering power access at nearly double the pace since 2024 and aiming for 300 million by 2030—an energy shift that can also support cleaner services and safer health and education. Ebola Watch: WHO praises Uganda’s Ebola response but stresses vigilance and cross-border cooperation as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to test health systems in Uganda and DRC. Cholera Accountability: Uganda’s Kadaga blasts the Ministry of Health for not declaring a cholera emergency in Amuru despite rising deaths and cases along the Uganda–South Sudan border. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Uganda plans its first nationwide foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign for July–August 2026, targeting about 45.5 million animals and rolling out a new preventive livestock vaccination model. Food Safety Crisis: Food Rights Alliance warns unsafe food is sending about 1.3 million Ugandans to hospitals yearly, calling for urgent action on aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and handling. Wildlife Spotlight: A World Giraffe Day reminder: only about 117,000 giraffes remain across Africa, with habitat loss and other pressures still driving declines.

Ebola Watch: WHO praised Uganda’s Ebola response but urged continued vigilance and cross-border cooperation as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda strains contact tracing, labs, and infection-control supplies. Global Health Funding: G7 leaders pledged coordinated action on Ebola and cancer, while Africa CDC warned the response is operating in a difficult environment with key gaps in tracing, logistics, and supplies. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Conservation groups say only about 117,000 giraffes remain, with habitat loss, poaching, and climate pressures driving declines—plus a Uganda-focused look at what albinism teaches about diversity. Food Safety: Uganda marks World Food Safety Day as advocates warn unsafe food is sending 1.3 million people to hospital yearly, driven by aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and poor handling. Climate & Land: World Desertification and Drought Day spotlights rangelands as a major climate battleground, with calls to recognise, respect, and restore drylands. Waste & Environment Tech: Kampala’s Buyala waste facility is set for digital transformation to move from dumping toward composting, waste-to-energy, and material recovery. Water & Health: Commentaries stress that safe water, sanitation, and hygiene are still out of reach for millions of children, affecting school attendance and health.

Ebola Watch: WHO says Uganda’s Bundibugyo Ebola response is robust, with new labs and rapid testing helping contain spread, but the wider region remains high risk as DRC cases surge and contact tracing gaps persist. Waste & Clean Cities: KCCA’s Buyala Waste Management Facility is set for digital transformation, moving from emergency dumping toward composting, waste-to-energy and material recovery as it handles 1,500–2,000 tonnes of waste daily. Climate-Smart Trees: Adjumani marked World Environment Day with 5,000 clonal eucalyptus seedlings planted on school woodlots under a World Bank-funded IFPA-CD project, exceeding institutional woodlot targets. Water for Children: A reminder that safe water, sanitation and hygiene are still missing for millions of children, with girls often losing school time to long water walks. Food Safety: Kampala’s everyday food handling is under strain, with unsafe practices in markets and street stalls raising health risks. Solar for Livelihoods: Equity Bank’s results-based financing is helping nurseries in Lira scale up with solar-powered irrigation for climate-resilient seedlings. Energy & Growth: A major $140m AfDB-backed irrigation and agro-industrialisation push targets climate-resilient farming and value chains in Uganda’s Bunyoro region. Conservation & Tourism: Gorilla habituation research highlights how poaching trauma can delay trust in the wild, shaping future wildlife tourism planning.

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: DR Congo reported 72 new Ebola infections in 24 hours, pushing confirmed cases to 782 and deaths to 181, as weak contact tracing, insecurity and funding gaps hamper response; Uganda also faces confirmed Bundibugyo cases, with Africa CDC urging stronger community engagement and cross-border cooperation. Human Rights & Civic Space: Uganda’s opposition lawyer and former Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago was reportedly detained after preparing legal action against army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, raising alarms over political repression. Uganda’s Budget Push: Uganda unveiled an Ush84.4tn (2026/27) budget anchored on agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based industry and science/tech, with agriculture receiving a record Shs2.26tn. Climate & Clean Energy at Community Level: Equity Bank’s solar irrigation support is helping Lira’s Dopla Tree Nurseries expand climate-resilient seedling production, while Lacor Hospital in Gulu explores waste recycling to cut disposal costs. ESG Rules Coming: Bank of Uganda plans mandatory ESG reporting for financial institutions from January 2027, following an East Africa ESG summit.

Public Debt Use-Case: Uganda’s Ministry of Finance says public debt hit about $34.86bn (Shs126.19tn) by Dec 2025, with borrowing mainly funding long-term infrastructure—integrated transport (31.1%), electricity (19.3%) and water (10.3%)—and insists the debt is sustainable. ESG Rules for Banks: The Capital One Group’s East Africa ESG Summit wrapped up as Bank of Uganda prepares mandatory ESG reporting for all financial institutions from January 2027, pushing firms toward measurable sustainability delivery. Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda): WHO warns Bundibugyo Ebola is spreading fast across DRC and Uganda, with cases rising and transmission reported across many health zones, while Africa CDC urges stronger community engagement and cross-border response. Health Data Concerns: Human Rights Watch renews scrutiny of US–Africa health agreements, flagging risks around health data access, pathogen samples, and health sovereignty. Waste to Savings: Lacor Hospital in Gulu is turning to waste recycling and composting to cut disposal costs and protect the environment. Wildlife & Land: A study maps Uganda’s biodiversity “must-keep” sites, stressing how past forest, savanna and wetland loss has shrunk threatened species’ survival areas. Conservation in Practice: Amahoro Coalition fellows are tackling pollution and resource scarcity with business models, including turning banana stems into reusable bags.