AGP Executive Report

Mobile Money Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have migrated MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform across markets including Uganda, boosting performance with up to 80% faster API responses and a scalable base for more digital financial services. Industrial Park Bottlenecks: MMP Industrial Park expansion in Buikwe is being slowed by unreliable electricity, delays in tax exemptions, and poor access roads—issues that could deter new investors. National ID Verification Glitch: MPs say new NIRA national IDs’ QR codes are failing verification, blocking some citizens from banking services, SIM registration and replacements, months after NIRA acknowledged the problem. SME Support Push: NCBA Bank Uganda and MAT Abacus launched a year-long Enterprise Development Program for 50 SME customers, offering workshops, coaching and clinics to make firms more “bank-ready.” Halal Certification Drive: Uganda is strengthening its halal certification ecosystem to meet export requirements for Middle East, North Africa and Asia, with Malaysian experts advising on upgrades. Ebola Watch: UN officials warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is growing exponentially, with over 2,500 deaths and a liquidity crisis hampering payments to health workers. Regional Trade & Transport: South Sudan released Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor after diplomatic pressure, easing fears for cross-border trucking operations. Entertainment Ticketing: Ticketmaster’s Quicket launches in Kenya and Uganda with digital ticketing integrated with M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money, aiming to cut fraud and speed entry. AFCON 2027 Infrastructure: Tanzania’s PM ordered contractors to complete AFCON 2027 training venues on time, calling it a major economic opportunity.

FX & Macroeconomy: Uganda shilling weakened 3.2% against the US dollar year-on-year in July 2026, averaging Shs3,709.51 per dollar, as US-Iran tensions hit sentiment and firms increased dollar demand; it still gained 0.2% month-on-month on inflows from mining, energy, exports and remittances. Aviation & Trade: Jambojet will resume Nairobi–Entebbe flights from October 1, 2026 after a six-year gap, running daily passenger services plus cargo/parcel to boost tourism and cross-border business links. Parliament Oversight: COSASE inspected Entebbe Airport over Auditor General concerns, including idle or delayed procurement assets worth about Shs17.4b, with MPs questioning why key scanners were not installed or delivered. Public Finance Discipline: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi urged planners, accountants and procurement officers to shift from spending-focused budgeting to results that Ugandans can see, warning against siloed work. Digital Commerce & Transport: Union Transport Alliance launched Union Online Duuka, a digital marketplace powered by RukaPay to connect transport operators to the digital economy with shopping and flexible financing. Land Rights & Women: In Apac, a customary land dispute continues to pit a mother against her sons, reflecting how family land wrangles persist even as Apac rolls out land formalisation steps. UN Leadership Race: Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki presented visions to UN member states as the race for the next secretary-general narrows. Health Funding: Gavi approved additional US$13m for DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola response, including 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses and support for routine immunisation.

Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with WHO and Africa CDC warning it could be escalated to a pandemic-emergency level as the fatality rate tops 46% and health services strain. Public Safety & Transport: Uganda launches a 100-day crackdown on unroadworthy taxis in Greater Kampala, targeting dangerous commuter vehicles and warning that commuter lives won’t be compromised. Regional Trade & Aid Logistics: DP World and WFP deliver 5,000 tonnes of rice to Burundi, DRC and Rwanda to support food-insecure communities, using Dar es Salaam as the maritime hub. Infrastructure Finance: Uganda seeks up to €207.7m from Citibank to upgrade the Jinja–Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road network, as debt-service pressure grows. Banking & Innovation: Standard Chartered unveils 20 women-led, tech-enabled startups for its Women in Tech Uganda Accelerator Programme, with a USD 50,000 catalytic grant pool. Health Breakthrough: Lenacapavir long-acting PrEP shows zero HIV acquisitions over one year in a PURPOSE 1 extension involving young women in Uganda and South Africa. Environment & Jobs: River Rwizi restoration gets a marathon push as authorities say over 60% of the catchment is degraded, with deforestation, waste and illegal mining driving the problem.

Aviation & Governance: COSASE hit a snag in its probe into alleged corruption at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority after UCAA’s Director General, Fred K. Bamwesigye, failed to appear, triggering debate over acting appointments and accounting responsibility. Industrial Investment: Nytil’s Shs144b Jinja spinning plant is stalled by a land dispute and an access road allegedly built on reserved project land, threatening jobs and cotton value addition. Trade & Border Tensions: Kenyan fish exporters demand Shs22bn compensation over Uganda’s impounding and disposal of transiting fish at Mpondwe, warning of wider border disruptions. Digital Economy & Risk: ISACA urges Uganda’s boards and CEOs to take direct charge of cybersecurity risks as losses to cybercrime topped Shs72bn in 2024. Public Health & Households: The IEA warns Africa’s LPG crisis is pushing prices beyond reach, risking a slide back to polluting cooking fuels. UN Diplomacy: Ugandan UN candidate Olara Otunnu calls for continued UN reform and moral authority ahead of the next secretary-general race. Aviation Rights: A disability rights activist condemns Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a flight in Juba despite check-in. Court Case: A treason trial witness told court he used a covert camera in a power bank to record alleged plans to acquire weapons and overthrow government.

Health Policy & NCDs: African health leaders urged faster integration of non-communicable disease services, essential medicines and diagnostics into Universal Health Coverage reforms, warning NCDs now drive over a third of deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical Research: A Uganda trial found daily zinc supplementation cut infection rates in young children with sickle cell anemia by 38%, with severe bacterial infections reduced by two-thirds. Banking & Finance: Equity Group reported a 31.5% half-year profit jump to Sh43.7bn but skipped an interim dividend to build capital for expansion across new markets. Banking Performance: Stanbic Uganda posted a 28.2% rise in first-half net profit to Sh356.8bn and declared an interim dividend of Sh220bn. Digital Payments & Trade: UnionPay International and Standard Bank expanded UnionPay e-commerce acceptance to nine African markets, including Uganda, boosting cross-border merchant sales. Governance & Corruption: Uganda’s IGG ordered interdiction of URSB boss Mercy Kainobwisho and other officials amid graft probes, while an audit exposed Sh1.6bn losses at Uganda Airlines. Business & Industry: Metro Cement Uganda won a Gold Award for Best Cement Manufacturer at the 2026 Business Excellence Awards, as the firm weighs the impact of proposed cement excise duty changes. Sports Sponsorship: Betika Uganda pledged Sh100m to Ntugasaze FC ahead of its Uganda Premier League debut. Public Health Threat: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases, with WHO warning it could become the deadliest in the country’s history.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki, nominated by Tonga, has entered the race to become the next UN secretary-general, adding to a crowded field as the UN faces divisions and budget pressure. Energy & Industry: Uganda’s Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna warns rapid industrialisation could trigger an electricity shortage unless generation keeps up, urging more investment in power. AFCON 2027 Business: Kenya’s AFCON 2027 chair Nicholas Musonye says hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania must prepare early for strong squads, while also stressing corruption-free delivery and local procurement that can create lasting East African business opportunities. Green Finance for Farmers: aBi Finance and ASA Microfinance launch the Shs2bn SPROUT green finance project, with a Shs10bn lending facility for irrigation, improved seeds and climate-smart farming, targeting underserved Northern and Eastern Uganda and women. SME Credit in Mbale: Equity Bank Uganda and Tian Tang Group partner to expand access to working capital and loans for manufacturers at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, alongside training to improve cash-flow and governance. Tax Waivers Scrutiny: MPs question a proposed Shs30.4bn tax and arrears relief for Fresh Cuts, New Plan and Kilembe Mines, amid concerns over accountability and what taxpayers gain. Transport Professionalisation: Kamuli drivers and conductors form a new association to push retraining, passenger safety, financial literacy and stricter discipline. Public Health Watch: WHO warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading at “unprecedented speed,” nearing 5,000 infections and 2,300 deaths.

Electricity Access Push: Over 270,000 prepaid electricity metres are undergoing quality testing before deployment under the World Bank-backed Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, targeting one million new connections nationwide. Anti-Corruption at URSB: The IGG has ordered the interdiction of URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials over allegations including embezzlement, abuse of office and money laundering, with interim arrangements ordered to keep URSB running. Water Security in Sembabule: A Shs10bn solar-powered facility is set to ease water stress in Sembabule households, where residents say they trek long distances and share unsafe water with livestock. Digital Lending Oversight: Government is considering tighter regulation of digital lenders as mobile money credit grows, with concerns over high charges and aggressive debt collection. Kampala Waste Fees: KCCA has introduced new garbage collection charges and tightened waste rules under the Weyonje campaign ahead of National Cleaning Day, with households in informal settlements paying Shs1,000 per 50kg. Health & Food Safety Watch: A UK salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs has killed one person and sickened hundreds, raising food safety concerns for cross-border supply chains. Capital Markets: I&M Capital is launching in Uganda as a licensed fund manager, signalling fresh competition and deeper long-term financing options. Solar Street-lighting Deal: SOKOYO completed 252 solar street-light units for QatarEnergy’s project, pointing to expanding off-grid lighting opportunities across Africa.

Migrant Workers Accountability: Uganda’s PAC questioned the Gender, Labour and Social Development ministry after Auditor General findings showed only 172 of 1,012 complaints by Ugandans abroad were resolved, with trafficking and abandoned-job cases largely left hanging. Public Finance & Corruption: URA detained a staff member over an alleged $60,000 bribe tied to a taxpayer’s audit, as courts also grant bail to a TikToker accused of falsely claiming a Shs7b theft. Health & Safety: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is now the deadliest in the country’s history, with WHO warning of intense transmission; meanwhile, CPJ says internet and mobile services were cut in Fizi Territory for over a month. Business & Trade: Kenya’s regulator wants Diageo’s EABL sale to Asahi backed by up to KSh15b in reserves, while MTN Uganda expands maternal and newborn support in Luuka under its 21 Days of Y’ello Care. Land & Investment Risks: Disputes in Njeru Municipality threaten investor expansion, and NSSF’s Temangalo land standoff remains a long-running accountability headache. Agriculture & Climate: Karamoja’s first wheat attempt collapsed after a dry spell, and stakeholders push for better, timely funding to protect food security. Innovation & Services: Propsy is pitching WhatsApp-based property search to reduce middlemen, and MTN MoMo’s new boss pledges more SME innovation and easier credit access. Environment & Urban Services: Kiteezi landfill rehabilitation advances, with a phase handed over to KCCA after Japan-funded UN-Habitat work.

URSB Corruption Fallout: President Museveni has ordered senior Uganda Registration Services Bureau officials, including Commissioner Gilbert Agaba, on leave as investigations into alleged embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering and mismanagement intensify. Housing Affordability Debate: Kyambogo University students say a decent home can be designed for about Shs13.2m, challenging claims that “affordable” housing should cost around Shs100m, after a Habitat for Humanity Uganda/Citi Foundation competition. Power Sector Scrutiny: Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee questions UEDCL’s readiness to take over distribution from Umeme, citing low investment and rising losses since the transition. Land & Pensions: NSSF moves to court to secure full possession of Temangalo land in Wakiso, seeking to evict a businessman over a long-running dispute. Tax Administration Crackdown: URA arrested a senior customs manager, Geoffrey Ssozi, allegedly caught receiving about Shs220m to suppress a tax audit, with more suspects under probe. Agribusiness Trade Rules: EU’s deforestation-free requirements (EUDR) are set to reshape Africa’s agricultural exports, with compliance deadlines approaching for coffee and other key commodities. Oil & Investment Watch: Uganda’s first-oil timeline again faces pressure as the mid-2026 target is pushed, raising investor concerns. Regional Integration Funding: Germany commits about Shs167bn to the EAC for trade systems and SME support, with potential knock-on benefits for Uganda’s business financing and quality checks. Digital Finance Deal: dfcu Bank and Double Q partner to expand vehicle and equipment financing, with up to 90% asset funding and longer repayment options. Ebola Alert: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths and case fatality rising sharply, prompting calls for faster, scaled response. Tourism Through Sport: Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Golf Series gains Official World Golf Ranking status, expected to boost tourism and related business activity in September. Green Mobility Push: Spiro partners with the Rwenzori Marathon as official Green Mobility Partner, deploying electric riders to promote cleaner transport.

Trade & Industry: Minister Sanjay Tanna urged the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) to widen service delivery, noting that while the Namanve facility produces advanced industrial outputs, few products are reaching the market. Agri-Processing Push: State Minister David Bahati inspected Pristine Foods in Kamuli as government moves to revitalize Uganda’s egg and baby food industry, aiming to cut imports (including $30m mayonnaise) and create jobs. Skills & Education: NCDC called for continuous curriculum reviews to keep education aligned with Uganda’s development priorities and global change, while industry leaders warn mining growth targets could be hit by a shortage of metallurgists, engineers and mining economists. Digital Economy: Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026 focused on building an inclusive, safe and AI-ready internet, stressing digital skills and cyber safety beyond just connectivity. Transport & Infrastructure: Uganda Railways Corporation remains loss-making, with the Auditor General citing weak revenue collection, idle assets and unresolved land issues. Regional Business & Data: Uganda flagged plans to host the East African Statistics Bureau, with a new Statistics House Entebbe block to support regional data harmonization. Public Health: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in its history, with spillover cases reported in Uganda. Sports & Youth: Uganda’s U-19 cricket qualifiers saw Robert Owilli named Best Batter as Uganda, Nigeria and Rwanda advanced to the next stage.

Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) Under Pressure: The Auditor General’s 2025 report shows URC still running at a loss, citing weak revenue collection, idle assets, missing wagons, stalled rehabilitation and unresolved land issues—highlighting a widening gap between monthly income and spending. Digital Economy Push: Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026 called for more investment in digital skills, online safety and responsible AI use, arguing connectivity alone won’t deliver an inclusive digital future. Land Administration Crackdown: The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development suspended issuance of special certificates of title after complaints of abuse, promising tougher guidelines before resuming. Electricity Access in the Region: South Sudan’s Nimule Electrification Project has connected 400 customers, aiming to boost services and business activity in the border town. EAC Trade Tension: Uganda and Kenya are challenging Rwanda’s suspension of alcoholic imports, with UNBS saying affected products carry valid harmonised EAC certification and Rwanda failed to provide scientific justification. Clean Cooking Financing: Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company urged faster transition to cleaner cooking fuels, warning firewood and charcoal are harming health and driving deforestation. Banking Deal: Equity Bank Uganda is deepening ties with Modern Group, citing responsive local support as a key factor in the partnership. Livestock Boost for PDM Farmers: NAGRC&DB launched a five-year plan to expand access to quality dairy, piggery and poultry breeding stock, targeting higher productivity and better genetics for farmers. Informal Traders Seek Relief: Kampala’s informal traders petitioned government for a bailout after trade order evictions left many without selling spaces, pushing them to request support to relocate and restock.

EAC Trade Tension: Uganda has joined Kenya in challenging Rwanda’s suspension of several alcoholic imports, with UNBS saying the affected brands carry valid harmonised EAC quality marks and that Rwanda FDA acted without formal scientific justification or proper notice. Regional Data Governance: Uganda is pushing to host the East African Statistics Bureau, with Finance Minister Henry Musasizi flagging off construction of a new Statistics House Entebbe block for UBOS, aimed at harmonising methods and boosting cross-border data sharing. Electricity & Border Growth: South Sudan’s Nimule Electrification Project has connected 400 customers after launch in Eastern Equatoria, a move expected to support businesses and public services in the border town. Clean Cooking Push: Government and partners are urged to scale clean cooking access as firewood and charcoal continue to drive health risks and deforestation, with calls for wider adoption of LPG, electric stoves and improved charcoal technologies. Banking & Business Expansion: Equity Bank Uganda is deepening ties with Modern Group of Companies, citing responsive local support as the partnership targets multi-sector growth. Energy Sector Scrutiny: Parliament’s Natural Resources committee is demanding clarity on how UEDCL is using a US$50m loan for distribution upgrades, after concerns about weak absorption and limited investment since taking over from Umeme. Agriculture Livestock Boost: PDM farmers are set for a major livestock breeding stock upgrade under NAGRC&DB’s five-year plan, targeting better genetics and higher productivity for dairy, pigs and poultry. Media Restructuring: Apex Media Services has rebranded to Block Media Services Ltd and appointed Aloysious Ssekanjako as CEO, marking a leadership shift and new management setup. Clean Energy/Policy: Uganda also faces a fresh legal test at the EACJ over its Protection of Sovereignty Act, with civil society asking the court to suspend key provisions they say could undermine regional cooperation and cross-border funding.

Digital Trade & AfCFTA: Kenya is set to host the Digital Trade Congress 2026 in Nairobi on Aug. 28, aiming to position the country as Africa’s digital trade hub and boost cross-border e-commerce for SMEs, women-led firms and young entrepreneurs, with over 200 policymakers and investors expected. Power Sector Scrutiny: Uganda’s Parliament is pressing UEDCL over a US$50m loan secured in January 2026, demanding project-by-project spending details and an absorption plan amid concerns about weak distribution improvements and rising power losses. Agribusiness Boost: NAGRC&DB is rolling out a five-year plan to expand access to quality dairy, piggery and poultry breeding stock for PDM farmers, targeting higher productivity, better genetics and stronger commercialisation. Development Finance: Government has authorised Uganda Development Bank to retain Sh3bn from 2024/25 profit to strengthen lending capacity, with UDB reporting Sh502.2bn disbursed and job creation across sectors. EAC Legal Challenge: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act is being challenged at the East African Court of Justice, with civil society groups seeking suspension of key provisions they say could undermine regional cooperation and cross-border funding. Ebola Impact on Communities: Reporting from Mongbwalu in DR Congo highlights how the Ebola outbreak is reshaping life in a gold-mining town, with thousands of cases and deaths reported. Media Leadership Change: Apex Media Services has restructured and rebranded to Block Media Services Ltd, appointing Aloysious Ssekanjako as CEO. Sports & Security: UPDF leadership reshuffles and 19 generals retire next week, while Uganda football mourns SC Villa captain David Owori after an attack near his home.

Uganda Development Bank Boost: Government has authorised UDB to retain Sh3bn from 2024/25 profit after tax as extra capital, saying UDB disbursed Sh502.2bn to businesses and helped create 69,202 jobs—aimed at expanding lending for manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. Kampala Waste Push: KCCA unveiled a new waste collection plan ahead of National Cleaning Day (Aug 29), adding nine private collectors and raising daily capacity to about 2,169 tonnes, with residents and businesses paying approved charges under the polluter-pays principle. Youth Finance in Kampala: Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga reiterated plans to inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO across five divisions, alongside calls to deepen PDM funding and youth entrepreneurship. Cybersecurity Alarm: Airtel Uganda and Roke Telkom urged a national cyber resilience framework and stronger coordination after warnings that cyberattacks increasingly threaten Uganda’s economy and critical digital services. Export & Free Zone Readiness: UFZEPA and UMA met at the Entebbe International Airport Free Zone, highlighting export potential but warning that an EU SPS grant worth about UGX 8bn is at risk because the tenancy agreement remains unsigned. EAC Trade Fair: Eight countries are set for the 10-day EAC Trade Fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6) with projections of 600+ exhibitors, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and Egypt. Regional Context: WHO warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with Uganda and the region facing renewed pressure on preparedness and response.

Youth Finance & Jobs: Senior Presidential Adviser Moses Byaruhanga says government will inject Shs200m into each Kampala youth SACCO across five divisions, while also pushing higher PDM funding to Shs300m per parish. Transport & Energy Transition: Kampala taxi operators plan to start switching to electric taxis in November after a feasibility study and China visit, citing rising fuel costs and cleaner mobility. Cybersecurity & Digital Economy: Airtel Uganda and Roke Telkom call for a national cyber resilience framework and stronger cross-sector drills as AI-driven attacks rise. Business & Trade Facilitation: A “Trading with Uganda” networking event in Johannesburg brought together firms and officials on market access, compliance, finance and logistics. City Services: KCCA unveils a new waste management plan ahead of National Cleaning Day, adding private collectors and trucks and using polluter-pays charges. Health Funding: The Health Ministry seeks Shs40bn to buy 108 ambulances for constituencies still without emergency vehicles. Governance & Civil Society: Uganda is sued at the EAC court over the Protection of Sovereignty Act, with groups arguing it conflicts with EAC Treaty obligations. Skills for Livelihoods: Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and Rotary launch a Skills for Change cohort to train vulnerable youth in tailoring and entrepreneurship.

Banking & Investment: Standard Bank says its Africa Regions franchise drove N$10.4bn of first-half earnings, up 10%, with ROE at 19.8% and a record interim dividend as it targets a possible R50bn full-year profit. Digital Finance & Security: Uganda is tightening safeguards for mobile money and digital banking after cyber-enabled fraud concerns, including SIM-swap checks and tighter controls urged by industry and regulators. Public Finance & Development Finance: Government authorises Uganda Development Bank to raise its capital base to UGX 5trn and lets the UDB board retain UGX 63bn from 2025 profit to expand “cheap credit” goals. Regional Security: Uganda pledges to rally EASF support and strengthen Eastern Africa Standby Force cooperation as security threats evolve. Ebola & Health Systems: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,000+ cases, with WHO warning response teams are “chasing” the virus; Moderna has also started a first human trial for a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine. Trade & Infrastructure: Kenya and Tanzania renew efforts to link SGR rail projects with Uganda and neighbours, pushing cross-border connectivity. Skills & Jobs: 350 students begin a six-month free vocational training at Kampala’s Subway Skilling Centre under the Presidential skilling initiative. Agribusiness: IDH launches a regenerative coffee investment platform focused on Uganda and other origins, aiming to reach 300,000 farmers by 2030. Business & Mobility: Kampala could see electric taxis before end-2026, pending battery-swapping infrastructure. Cross-border Travel: Uganda withholds Taiwanese passports at Entebbe, citing the “One China” principle, triggering diplomatic friction.