AGP Executive Report

Education & Tech Boost: Airtel Africa Foundation pledges $6.2m for FEED programmes, connecting 1,028 schools to the internet and funding digital learning, with scholarships reaching learners including in Uganda. Health & Community Safety: WHO reassures World Cup fans that Ebola risk in host countries is low, even as DRC cases rise and Uganda reports continue—urging travellers to stay informed and seek care if unwell. Culture & Faith: Uganda mourns Sheikh Abdul Kadir Mbogo, a 96-year-old cleric known for decades of teaching and service at the National Mosque. Politics & Security: Former Kampala lord mayor Erias Lukwago is arrested by SFC operatives at his Wakaliga home amid a wider legal standoff. Sports & Youth Inspiration: Shakira invites Kampala’s Ghetto Kids to perform at the World Cup final halftime show, spotlighting a troupe built from street and orphaned youth. Education Support: DTB Uganda and Furaha Finserve back a first Bona Basome beneficiary with sh1m school-fees support. Ebola Response Focus: HRW urges DRC to prioritize community engagement over heavy security roles in Ebola response. Cycling Spotlight: Lawrence Lorot and Claudette Nyirarukundo win LOOP Safari Gravel Series 100km titles in Naivasha after nail-biting finishes. Local Learning Access: Safal Uganda Baati donates 30 computers to expand ICT learning at a Tororo training institute.

Women’s Football & Empowerment: Majida Nantanda credits a US sports diplomacy link for helping her launch “Growing the Game for Girls,” using football to push education, leadership, and empowerment. World Cup Culture: Shakira will headline the 2026 final halftime show with Uganda’s Katwe “Ghetto Kids,” turning street dance into global spotlight. Ebola Watch (DRC/Uganda): WHO reassures World Cup fans that host countries and Europe have no Ebola cases, urging travellers to stay informed as the DRC outbreak grows. Ebola Response (Regional): Lagos launches “Operation Lagos BioShield” to boost preparedness and awareness ahead of possible Ebola entry. Sports Spotlight: Lawrence Lorot and Claudette Nyirarukundo win the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series 100KM legs at Hell’s Gate in tight photo-finishes. Education Support: DTB Uganda and Furaha Finserve back a first Bona Basome beneficiary, Mercy Aujo, with sh1m school fees support. Community Health & Faith: KCCA issues noise and worship guidelines, pushing churches toward soundproofing as Kampala residents complain about late-night worship noise. Arts & Recognition: Uganda’s Katesi Kalange wins the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning an international residency and solo exhibition. Tourism Push: Uganda plans to market its attractions in the UK through the Africa Nations Cup UK, targeting the diaspora with gorillas, Nile source, and landscapes. Health Systems: Uganda marks World Blood Donor Day with calls to strengthen the blood supply chain, especially for postpartum hemorrhage deaths.

Community Fitness: parkrun hit its millionth event, celebrating free weekly 5km runs that started in Bushy Park and now span 2,800 locations worldwide. Athlete Futures: Stephen Kiprotich urges Ugandan athletes to save and invest early, warning that careers are short and life after medals needs planning. Maternal Health: Uganda marks World Blood Donor Day with a push for voluntary blood donation and a stronger blood supply chain to cut postpartum hemorrhage deaths. Prison Education: 12 inmates in Mbarara sit for UCE exams, with prison schooling framed as rehabilitation and reintegration. Kingdom Health Outreach: Kabaka’s Tubeere Balamu camp in Kyaggwe County delivered free check-ups, dental care, cancer screening and vaccinations, with calls for health insurance. Arts & Culture: Katesi Kalange wins the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a residency and solo exhibition. Tourism via Football: Uganda plans to use the Africa Nations Cup UK to market gorillas, the Nile, and other attractions to the UK diaspora. Ebola & Faith: Museveni tells pastors to avoid close contact during prayers as Uganda responds to the Bundibugyo strain risk. Education Digital Divide: UNICEF finds only 20% of secondary schools are ICT-ready, leaving most unplugged or semi-connected. Malaria Fight: Uganda announces a new anti-malaria drug aimed at tackling rising resistance to current treatments. Infrastructure Accountability: MPs approve a fresh Shs730bn loan for the Lango Palace/solar irrigation project phase after earlier failures and stalled delivery raised accountability questions.

Ebola & Health Diplomacy: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI, as Uganda and DR Congo face rising concern; Israel also proposes temporary entry bans for travellers from Uganda and other affected countries. Malaria Update: Uganda is set to roll out a new anti-malaria drug aimed at beating artemisinin resistance, with officials warning the window to act is narrowing. Arts & Culture: Katesi Kalange wins the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a supported residency and international exhibition. Tourism & Sports: Uganda will promote tourism in the UK and diaspora through the Africa Nations Cup, using football as a storytelling platform. Education & Digital Divide: UNICEF finds only 2 in 10 secondary schools are ICT-ready, leaving most unplugged or semi-connected. Governance & Accountability: Parliament approves a Shs730bn loan for a solar irrigation and water project after probes flagged failures in the first phase. Community Safety: Tooro Kingdom issues guidelines to curb domestic violence, targeting protection for women and children. Lifestyle & Society: A new report highlights how travel advisories and misinformation are hitting hospitality businesses as Ebola fears spread.

Budget Watch: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget is being dissected after a post-budget dialogue, with economists and civil society praising production and wealth-creation plans but warning about tax choices and a rising debt load. Education & Courts: A Kampala High Court ordered Uganda Christian University to pay UGX 100m to a law student after ruling the university handled her transferred credits “irrationally” and unfairly. Healthcare Workers’ Pay: Uganda Medical Association rejects a government idea to give interns only lunch, arguing interns need full support like transport, meals and medical care. Ebola & Public Life: WHO says the DRC outbreak is expanding in both cases and geography, while Uganda and neighbours step up surveillance; meanwhile, misinformation and travel advisories are hitting tourism. LGBTQ Rights: Niger has introduced tougher punishments for same-sex relationships, adding prison terms and fines. Tech for Learning: Airtel Africa Foundation released its inaugural annual report, pledging $6.2m across education, digital inclusion, financial inclusion and sustainability, including school internet connections and STEM scholarships. Culture & Identity: Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan and Shakib Cham announce they’ve separated after five years. World Cup Lifestyle: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup visitors, but worry international patients may struggle with America’s complex healthcare system. Sports & Society: The FIFA World Cup final halftime show is set to be star-studded, with details on how fans can watch.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Uganda): WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo “is expanding,” with cases rising to 676 and deaths to 136, and new hotspots appearing almost daily—while Uganda reports 19 cases and authorities push tighter surveillance and border checks. Public Health & Travel Impact: Uganda’s hospitality sector says travel advisories and misinformation are already hurting bookings, as airlines suspend routes and require quarantine for travellers linked to affected areas. Local Response (Cross River): Nigeria’s Cross River state activated its Ebola emergency operations centre, intensifying border surveillance and active case searches, including monitoring travellers and unexplained bleeding deaths. Health Policy (Interns): Uganda Medical Association rejects a government idea to replace intern allowances with lunch, arguing interns need full support like transport and meals beyond what patients’ food provides. Education & Tech (Airtel Africa Foundation): Airtel Africa Foundation’s inaugural report highlights $6.2m investment across FEED pillars, including internet connections for thousands of schools and STEM scholarships reaching Uganda and other countries. Culture & Arts: A Ugandan teacher is staging a comedy fundraiser at Athlone Little Theatre for a hospice and a primary school in Uganda. Books & Identity: Otoniya J. Okot Bitek and Hajer Mirwali win the 2026 Trillium Book Awards, with Bitek’s work drawing on women abducted in northern Uganda. Lifestyle (Celebrity): Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan confirms she has split from Shakib Cham after five years.

Education Budget Boost: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget raises pay for arts and primary teachers by 25%, with primary minimum salaries moving from Shs 499,684 to Shs 624,605 and arts teachers also getting higher minimums, as the education sector gets over Shs 6.66tn. Digital Labour Tracking: Government plans a digital tracking system for Ugandan labour migrants, registering workers before departure to help locate them, monitor treatment, and strengthen consular support abroad. ICT Leadership Transition: UCC boss George Nyombi Thembo says Uganda’s digital push is accelerating, praising broadband growth and universal digital access efforts as new ICT leadership takes over. Security & Governance Spending: A Shs 10.21tn allocation targets UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, forensics, CCTV, cybersecurity, immigration services, and national identity systems. Ebola Focus: WHO says Ebola risk to 2026 World Cup host nations is low, with no cases reported in North America or Europe, while Uganda reports travel-linked cases and DRC remains the hotspot. Culture & Identity: Jajja Kasozi Batuuka urges cultural respect in the Paul Kafeero DNA dispute, warning against disturbing the dead for lineage questions. Climate Action in Kampala: Youth activists demand urgent action on flooding, waste management, and air pollution as Kampala reviews its climate strategy. Arts & Film: ChaiFlicks and Reboot Studios launch a June short-film festival spotlighting Jewish identity, migration, memory, music, and resistance.

Budget & Security: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget sets aside Shs10.21trn for security, governance and rule of law, including UPDF modernisation, border security, crime intelligence, CCTV, cybersecurity and immigration services. Education & Pay: Government boosts education, skills and sports funding to Shs6.66trn and raises minimum teacher pay; meanwhile, medical interns’ allowance remains under debate after UMA rejected a “lunch instead of allowance” proposal. Ebola Watch: WHO says Ebola risk in World Cup host countries is low, with no cases reported in North America or Europe, but Uganda and DR Congo continue to report infections and deaths; WHO and Africa CDC warn that contact tracing gaps could worsen spread. Culture & Identity: Traditional healer Jajja Kasozi Batuuka urges respect for the dead amid the Paul Kafeero DNA and exhumation dispute. Sports & Community: Airtel and Buganda renew the Masaza Cup partnership; Centenary Bank backs the tournament with Shs200m, as Uganda also allocates Shs460.78bn for AFCON 2027 preparations. Lifestyle & Safety: Kampala students demand stronger security after a viral robbery incident at Nsambya traffic lights. Tourism & Health Infrastructure: Tourism gets Shs567.32bn for marketing and standards, while Lubowa Hospital is 75% complete with Shs5.23trn for health in the budget.

Clean Cooking & Energy Access: Detra Energy is helping Ugandans cut charcoal costs with eco-stoves, with one user saying a Shs 80,000 sack now lasts up to three months—saving money while easing pressure on forests. Ebola Response & Community Safety: Human Rights Watch urges DR Congo’s Ebola fight to prioritize community engagement and limit security forces’ role, warning that abuse and distrust can derail prevention. Ebola After-Effects: A new study flags long-term neurological issues for Ebola survivors, including memory problems, pushing for better treatment that protects the nervous system. Health Workforce Policy: Uganda’s government says it will review a controversial plan affecting medical interns’ allowances, after opposition leaders warned it could disrupt staffing in public hospitals. Education & Youth: The Eastern Region Trade Fair opens in Mbale, spotlighting local manufacturers and an industrial education pavilion for skills in analog/digital electronics, STEM teacher training, and innovation. Finance & Development: The World Bank plans to more than double its lending to Uganda over the next decade, aiming to back jobs and private-sector-led growth. Culture & Faith: A Ugandan student’s account of fleeing Belfast unrest highlights how violence can spill into migrant lives, while Uganda’s Catholic community marks a return to services at the Bicentennial Chapel.

Clean Cooking Push: Detra Energy and partners are delivering cheaper, cleaner stoves to Ugandan homes and institutions, cutting charcoal costs for households like one Arua resident who says the same charcoal now lasts up to three months. Ebola Awareness Through Culture: In Bunia, artists are using songs and market outreach to fight misinformation and push simple prevention steps as Ebola cases rise in eastern DR Congo. Health Policy Shake-up: Government says it will revisit the controversial plan to remove medical interns’ allowances, after MPs warned it could disrupt staffing and weaken public healthcare. Parliament & Appointments: Nineteen ministers took oath as ex officio MPs, signalling the start of the new Cabinet lineup. Women & Peacebuilding: A new piece highlights how Uganda’s gender-inclusive peacebuilding approach is evolving under UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Youth & Inclusion Stories: A profile follows Geria Cosmos, a child with a disability in Arua who still makes the tough daily journey to school. World Bank Support: The World Bank plans to more than double its lending to Uganda over the next decade, aiming to back jobs and development. Sports & Travel Lifestyle: With the World Cup looming amid health concerns, health systems prepare for large crowds and cross-border risks.

Ebola at the frontline (DRC): Health workers in Ituri say they’re treating Ebola-like cases without tests or enough protective gear, warning “we live with fear” as deaths rise and the outbreak spreads into Uganda. Cross-border pressure (Lake Victoria): Kenya’s leaders and MPs are calling for stronger Ebola screening and emergency preparedness along busy water routes linking Kenya, Uganda and DR Congo, warning porous borders could turn trade into a pathway for disease. Uganda health system moves: Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports is also pushing reforms to merge UNEB and NCDC into one institution, aiming to cut duplication and improve how curriculum and exams are managed. Regional governance & youth: Uganda Freedom Front (UFF) has launched in Wakiso as a non-electoral civic pressure group focused on youth empowerment and governance accountability. Jobs and development finance: The World Bank says it will lend Uganda about $6bn (Shs 23 trillion) over 10 years to drive private-sector growth and job creation. Culture & community: Vivo Energy Uganda donated 500 child safety helmets worth over Shs 40m to police to boost road safety for school-going boda riders. Sports amid health fears: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up in France went ahead after a Spanish town refused to host due to Ebola concerns.

Ebola Response in the Region: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and released N10 billion for emergency intervention, with plans to boost airport and border screening as cases continue to rise in DR Congo and Uganda. Ebola Reality Check: WHO reports 515 confirmed Ebola cases and 91 deaths in DR Congo, while Uganda has 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, with health workers among those at risk as surveillance and safe burials ramp up. Community Safety & Youth: Vivo Energy Uganda donated 500 child safety helmets worth over Shs 40m to Uganda Police for school road-safety enforcement under “HeadsUp! No Helmet, No Boda.” Uganda Education Debate: A new assessment warns Uganda’s secondary schools are only partly ICT-ready, and experts say digitisation won’t work without improving teacher skills and readiness. Tourism Spotlight: Entebbe Zoo is projected to welcome 650,000–700,000 visitors next year as upgrades aim to lift its ranking across East, Central and West Africa. Heroes Day in Bukedea: MP David Beecham Okwere marked Uganda’s Heroes’ Day by graduating 1,087 “patriotism trainees” from two schools in Bukedea County.

Youth & Governance: Over 50 young leaders from across Africa have started the 13th YPLS Africa cohort in Liberia, pushing youth-led, ethical leadership under the theme “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063.” Uganda Politics: Jailed opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale have filed a fresh High Court bid to stop treason proceedings, alleging unlawful abduction, torture, and unfair statements. Cabinet Update: President Museveni presided over the swearing-in of Uganda’s new Cabinet, with four ministers delayed over dual citizenship issues. Health & Community Safety (Ebola): Uganda continues to assure the WHO it’s ready to contain Ebola, as the DRC reports rising deaths and new cases amid armed-group interference and mistrust. Culture & Faith: Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations are being marked even as Ebola disrupts normal plans, with faith communities keeping outreach going. Lifestyle & Tech: An Ugandan Fulbright scholar is returning to study Great Lakes monitoring with Makerere and Lake Victoria partners, aiming for better environmental tracking. Music & Entertainment: Apple Music released its “Africa Now” DJ mix featuring SPINALL, spotlighting Afrobeats and cross-genre club sounds.

Ebola Update: WHO reports 534 confirmed Ebola cases and 93 deaths in eastern Congo, with Uganda now recording confirmed cases and deaths as responders face insecurity, misinformation, and attacks on treatment sites. Uganda’s Response: President Museveni met WHO’s chief, assuring readiness and pushing stronger regional collaboration to stop cross-border spread. Cabinet Watch: Uganda’s new Cabinet swearing-in went ahead with 78 ministers sworn, but 5 ministers missed the oath due to citizenship-related issues. Health Aid Debate: Human Rights Watch says US bilateral health agreements tie aid to access to surveillance data and pathogen samples, raising rights concerns for Uganda and other partners. Culture & Lifestyle: “Silverback Mountain: A New Gay Jungle Play” sparks debate by setting a comedy in Uganda’s anti-gay legal reality, while Apple Music’s Africa Now DJ Mix spotlights SPINALL’s Afrobeats-to-club sound. Community Stories: UNICEF is rushing over 100 metric tons of Ebola supplies into DRC, and Uganda’s Ghetto Kids keep building global attention through dance.

Ebola Response: Uganda’s Interior Ministry has ordered governors to intensify Ebola surveillance, screening, isolation and quarantine measures after WHO-linked outbreaks in Uganda and DR Congo, with 21-day observation for suspected cases and tighter coordination at borders and airports. Cross-Border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda also launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures compliance. Education Strain: In Moroto, schools are reporting low term-2 attendance as hunger, child labour and domestic work keep learners at home, though some partners are supplying free learning materials. Clean Energy Push: Equity Bank Uganda is expanding green financing for solar and clean cooking, using green loans and results-based financing to cut upfront cost barriers for households and businesses. Citizenship & Politics: Uganda Law Society cautioned Dr. Lawrence Muganga to avoid inflaming ethnic tensions while addressing legal questions around his citizenship eligibility. Culture & Music: Reggae artist Jahfrican released the EP “Coming Back Home,” blending reggae and Afro-fusion with themes of love, loss and legacy.

Ebola Preparedness at the Border: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment mission at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures, aiming to stop any viral threat crossing undetected. Education & Child Welfare: In Moroto, schools recorded low turnout in term two’s third week as hunger, child labour and domestic work keep learners at home, though some partners are supplying free learning materials. Disability Inclusion Push: CoRSU Hospital in Entebbe launched its Annual CoRSU Walk to raise Sh400 million for surgeries, equipment and outpatient renovations for children with disabilities. Law & Identity Tensions: The Uganda Law Society cautioned Victoria University VC Dr Lawrence Muganga to avoid inflaming tribal or ethnic tensions while addressing legal questions around his citizenship eligibility. Digital Inclusion Lesson: A look at what Ugandan telecoms can learn from Kenya’s Safaricom and South Africa’s Vodacom on making services more accessible for persons with disabilities. People Before Tech: Uganda urged a people-centred approach to AI at the ILO conference, saying technology should create decent work and strengthen skills—not replace workers. Sports & National Pride: Uganda won the right to host the 2031 African Games, beating Nigeria, with plans anchored by Hoima City Stadium and Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium.