AGP Executive Report

US Visa Bond Policy: The US has made its refundable visa security bond permanent for selected B1/B2 applicants from 30 African countries, including Uganda, with deposits up to $20,000 (bond tiers now start at $10,000). Ebola & Travel Rules: New US Ebola-related travel restrictions add a 21-day return requirement for some travellers, raising compliance pressure for health workers and responders. Agribusiness & Trade Standards: Debate around the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is shifting toward a competitiveness angle for African exporters of coffee, cocoa and palm oil. Oil & Gas Countdown: Uganda’s oil push edges closer as EACOP is reported 90% complete, with first oil from Tilenga and other fields expected around September. Local Business Climate: Traders in Kampala warn that formalising businesses is being discouraged by tax-burden fears and a trust deficit with tax authorities. Energy Market Shock: Umeme shares have plunged about 85% since the concession handover, as losses mount and arbitration drags on. Industrial Support: Minister David Bahati toured Najjera Industrial Hub, backing local manufacturers and value addition. Public Services: KCCA plans central garbage collection points in every village after National Cleaning Day exposed waste system gaps. Health & Politics: Opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s health crisis after collapsing in court could complicate Uganda’s international trade and engagement agenda. Sports & Community: Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza tournament semi-final race heats up, with Kitagwenda Isaza booking a last-four spot.

US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective 3 August 2026, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourism applicants from 50 countries—30 of them African—raising the cost from the earlier $5,000–$15,000 pilot. Ebola Crisis in DRC: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths, spreading across five provinces with no vaccine for the specific strain driving the outbreak. Somalia Security Funding Push: African leaders meeting in Kampala backed AUSSOM but warned that sustaining the mission needs more reliable financing as U.S. and European support faces pressure. Uganda–Israel Commemoration: Uganda unveiled a Yonatan Netanyahu statue at Entebbe Airport marking 50 years since the 1976 Entebbe raid, highlighting evolving bilateral ties. Cashew Value Chain Training: Uganda’s cashew actors joined 81 experts from 11 countries in Mombasa to boost production, processing and market access under a continent-wide shift toward higher-value exports. Power Theft Crackdown: Police are hunting former Umeme employees over alleged vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure in Uganda’s Savannah region.

US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The U.S. will make its refundable visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, with consular officers able to demand deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 business and tourism applicants from 50 countries, including Uganda and many Africans—money is refunded if conditions are met, but forfeited for overstays. Ebola Shock in DRC: WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading at an “exceptional pace,” now across 49 health zones in five provinces, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30—Uganda’s earlier cases remain far lower, credited to preparedness. Gold Smuggling Pressure: A study says at least 435 tons of African gold left official channels in 2022, with artisanal undeclared production estimated even higher—highlighting lost tax revenue and tougher regulation as sanctions target gold trade in Sudan. Governance & Courts: A court ordered Smart Protus Magara to refund over $135,000 tied to the D9 Investment Club Ponzi scheme, while police hunt two former Umeme employees over alleged power infrastructure vandalism. Business & Trade: Xiamen’s reforms cut customs clearance time by 30%, offering lessons for East Africa’s logistics push as Uganda and the region compete for cargo flows. Local Economy & Services: Kampala’s garbage cleanup delays persist in several suburbs, raising public health concerns for residents and businesses.

US Visa Bonds: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, starting Aug 3, with consular officers able to demand refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourist visas for nationals of 50 countries, including Uganda—the money is returned if travellers leave on time and follow visa rules. Ebola Preparedness: Uganda is being credited for preparedness as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak worsens, with Virunga National Park stepping up health checkpoints to protect communities and mountain gorillas. Health Sector Accountability: Uganda’s Nurses and Midwives Council is under scrutiny after an Auditor General report flagged weak spending and poor execution despite collecting UGX 6.688bn in 2024/25. TB Project Scrutiny: Makerere’s STool4TB TB research project faces questions over unspent funds, reporting delays and procurement gaps despite receiving about €3m. Infrastructure Corruption Watch: IGG investigations into the troubled Busega–Mpigi Expressway add to Uganda’s growing compensation and contractor controversy. Governance & Civic Space: UN rights chief Volker Türk warns Uganda’s crackdown on fundamental freedoms is eroding rule of law and shrinking civic space. Business & Trade: Egypt and Uganda discussed boosting trade, investment and Nile cooperation, including energy, mining, agriculture and pharma ties. Finance & Inclusion: Pearl Bank (formerly PostBank Uganda) says its rebrand is pushing deeper digital inclusion and enterprise support. Telecom & Health Support: MTN’s Y’ello Storm campaign reaches Gulu Regional Referral Hospital with mattresses, protective covers and mosquito nets.

Kampala Waste Woes: A week after National Cleaning Day, residents in Bwaise, Lubaga, Kawempe and other areas say garbage is still rotting on roadsides, with fears of disease as flies and maggots move in. Banking & Inclusion: Pearl Bank (formerly PostBank) says its rebrand is starting to reshape its market position, pushing deeper digital inclusion and support for enterprise growth. Corporate Leadership: NICO Holdings appoints Dr. Kwanele Ngwenya as Deputy Group Managing Director, citing 30+ years of regional leadership experience. Health + Telecom Partnership: MTN extends its Y’ello Storm campaign to Gulu, handing mattresses, protective covers and mosquito nets to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. Justice Sector Reform: Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija unveils the Administration of Justice Programme strategy to cut case backlogs and improve access to justice. Governance & Accountability: IGG orders the interdiction of seven senior Parliament officials pending criminal proceedings. Regional Trade/Policy Debate: Rebecca Kadaga criticises Uganda’s negotiators over costly deals and slow progress on the regional currency push. Global Mobility Policy: The US makes its visa bond programme permanent, with bonds up to $20,000 for applicants from 50 countries, including many in Africa. EACOP Social Risk Management: EACOP launches a campaign to curb gender-based violence and harassment along the pipeline route, targeting SRHR risks in five districts.

Parliament Corruption Crackdown: Uganda’s IGG ordered the immediate interdiction of seven senior Parliament officials, including long-time communications boss Chris Obore, pending Anti-Corruption Court proceedings over alleged embezzlement and causing financial loss. Energy & Power Theft: Police in Luwero are hunting former Umeme staff over a suspected network stealing electricity wires across the Savannah Region, after recovering rolls of Solido wire and arresting suspects linked to a Kampala-bound sales trail. Rare Earths Push: Ionic Rare Earths launched a strategic review of Uganda’s Makuutu heavy rare earths project, weighing partners, new investment structures and possible listings as global demand rises amid China export restrictions. Oil Infrastructure Update: Petroleum Authority of Uganda reports steady progress: Tilenga at 74%, Kingfisher at 79%, EACOP at 90% overall completion, and Uganda Refinery studies at 28% ahead of first oil plans. Diaspora Investing: Equity Bank Uganda will host an Equity Diaspora Webinar with BoU Deputy Governor Augustus Nuwagaba, focusing on turning remittances into business and productive-sector investment. Regional Trade Friction: South Sudan’s authorities ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks to collect taxes or fees, directing revenue collection to authorized points. Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC outbreak is surging to record levels, with conflict and density complicating response efforts. Media Freedom: Nation Media Group Uganda says it will resume independent journalism after a month-long shutdown, pledging continued accountability. Commonwealth Games (Sports): Uganda’s netball team finished 6th after a 62-54 playoff loss to South Africa.

UK-Uganda Health Partnership: President Museveni urged deeper collaboration with the UK on public health, pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical research, saying prevention and local production can cut disease burdens and improve affordable care. Human Rights Pressure: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk condemned Uganda’s crackdown on dissent, citing enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests and the suspension of civil society groups since the January 2026 elections. Kitgum Graphite Investment: London-listed Blencowe Resources raised the Orom-Cross Graphite Project value to US$1.254bn, boosting prospects for financing and targeting construction and production from 2027. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council held its first secret straw poll, with UNCTAD head Rebeca Grynspan emerging early frontrunner as the race to replace António Guterres moves into closed-door rounds. AUSSOM Funding Worries: African troop leaders met in Kampala to discuss Somalia mission challenges as international funding pressure grows and UN logistical support is set to scale down. Uganda Industrial Park Progress: A media tour highlights Namanve Industrial Park’s infrastructure upgrade reaching about 80% completion, supported by UK Export Finance and Standard Chartered, aimed at unlocking Uganda’s industrialisation push. Regional Trade Push: East African businesses were urged to build regional value chains under AfCFTA, shifting from exporting raw materials to higher value-added production.

Agro-Industry Push: President Museveni pledged government support for the US$200M Nonda Coffee Park in Nakaseke, a 100-acre project expected to process 42,000 metric tons of coffee annually and boost value addition, jobs and exports. Northern Livestock Support: Government extended the Northern Uganda cattle restocking programme from 5 to 10 years to ensure all eligible households benefit, with 80bn shillings allocated in the 2025/26 phase and thousands already approved for cash grants. Consumer Protection & Standards: UNBS said complaints about underweight cement bags stem from tampering and contamination after leaving factories, not from licensed manufacturers, as it warns of siphoning and mixing by actors across the supply chain. Power & Payments Disruption: Kenya Power reported a technical failure in its prepaid token vending system hours after restoring electricity after a nationwide blackout, leaving customers unable to buy tokens. Banking Stress Signals: dfcu Bank posted a Sh15.8bn half-year loss, blaming massive legal bills tied to the Crane Bank dispute, raising fresh investor anxiety. Digital Banking Expansion: NCBA Bank launched NCBA NOW (retail) and NCBA ConnectPlus (corporate) in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania to deepen digital-first services. Energy Governance: Uganda’s Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi and PSST Irene Pauline Bateebe were appointed non-executive directors to Kenya Pipeline Company, strengthening Uganda’s representation in regional energy infrastructure. Legal Developments: Uganda’s High Court dismissed Erias Lukwago’s bail bid after it was overtaken by events following his committal to the High Court for trial. Exports & Industry Oversight: PACEID accused individuals of running a coordinated social media campaign of falsehoods targeting its chairman Odrek Rwabwogo amid a public dispute.

Public Procurement Watch: Kyambogo University paid about Shs 4.53bn for printing services based on minimum volumes, even when actual usage was far lower—PPDA flags excess payments and “unfavourable contractual terms,” raising fresh questions on value for money in public spending. Health & Policy: Makerere University and the Ministry of Health report that HIV stigma still blocks people from testing, disclosing status, and staying on treatment—showing Uganda’s HIV fight needs more than medicines. Ebola Update: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after 42 days without new transmission, with the Ministry citing strengthened surveillance and lab capacity—an important signal for confidence and tourism. Aviation & Governance: Uganda Airlines faces internal turmoil over management reshuffles, alleged “UNOcalising” of key roles, and claims of a stalled Shs 3bn media probe into use of funds. Regional Mobility: The AU approved Angola’s Josefa Sacko as FAO DG candidate, while Uganda’s Olara Otunnu is set to be included in the UN secretary-general straw poll—both underline Africa’s push for leadership in global institutions. US Visa Shock: The US will stop routine visa processing at its Abuja mission and 24 other African posts from Aug 1, reshaping travel and business travel planning.

EAC Monetary Union Push: East African Community central bank governors reaffirmed plans for a single regional currency by 2031, urging member states to speed up reforms to meet convergence targets, as inflation eases and growth stays resilient. Tourism After Ebola: Uganda’s Ebola-free declaration is being framed as a confidence boost for travel and hospitality, with tourism voices urging the world to move from fear to facts. Digital Banking Drive: NCBA Bank Uganda launched two tech platforms—NCBA NOW for retail and NCBA ConnectPlus for corporates, SMEs and institutions—aimed at remote transactions, better visibility and easier payments/approvals. Women Enterprise Financing: A new programme targets over 10,000 low-income women entrepreneurs in northern Uganda with affordable financing, business support and digital financial services, alongside horticulture support. HIV Prevention Manufacturing: Quality Chemical Industries Ltd (QCIL) secured an early manufacturing licence for an experimental once-monthly HIV prevention pill, signaling wider access efforts for long-acting PrEP. Uganda’s UN Bid: Government presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for UN Secretary-General, highlighting priorities around peace, human rights and sustainable development. Ebola Fund Probe: A report flags misappropriation linked to the FRIVAO compensation fund in Kisangani, raising accountability concerns around DRC-related funds. Banking Integrity/Media: Nation Media Group Uganda resumed operations after a month-long shutdown authorized by President Museveni, following talks tied to its ownership changes. Currency Pressure: A Reuters-style market report notes African currencies, including Uganda’s shilling, face further pressure as dollar demand rises, lifting import costs and inflation risks.

Ebola Update: Uganda has declared itself officially Ebola-free after completing the 42-day surveillance period with no new infections, while DR Congo’s outbreak keeps accelerating toward record levels, raising fresh pressure on regional health financing and preparedness. Media & Business Continuity: Nation Media Group Uganda resumes operations after a month-long shutdown, with staff told to keep working remotely until offices are assessed, a move that matters for advertisers, jobs and the wider information economy. Trade & SME Readiness: A new lesson for regional exporters: selling across Africa starts at home—Kenyan SMEs are urged to strengthen product consistency, compliant labelling, reliable delivery and digital invoicing/records before chasing cross-border orders. Digital Trust: Côte d’Ivoire rolls out a national public key infrastructure to secure electronic transactions and reduce reliance on foreign certificate authorities, a signal for Africa’s push toward digital sovereignty. Health & Innovation: Makerere’s fertility bank hits a wall—sperm banking is running, but egg banking can’t start due to missing storage-facility funding, despite rising infertility demand. Policy & Governance: Uganda’s EACC rejects reopening the Finland/Canada scholarship fraud probe, directing victims to pursue court remedies. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: Makerere hosts the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo with a strong focus on scaling youth innovations in the coffee value chain. Construction & Industry: Uganda Baati boosts the St Paul Church of Uganda roofing project in Koboko with materials worth about UGX 515m, showing how local manufacturing keeps community projects moving.

Ebola Update: Uganda’s Ministry of Health has declared the country Ebola-free after completing the WHO 42-day monitoring period, with no new cases detected since June 22, as DR Congo’s outbreak continues to surge. Media & Business Climate: President Museveni has cleared Nation Media Group (NMG) to resume operations in Uganda after a month-long disruption, with Taifa Group saying the return supports regional investment and media development. US Visa Policy: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from August 1, redirecting applicants to 20 regional hubs including Kampala—an important shift for business travel and hiring. Social Protection: Minister Jacqueline Mbabazi highlights the Senior Citizens Grant as Uganda expands social protection, aiming to improve livelihoods and dignity for older women and men. Court & IP: Uganda’s High Court ruled that social media posts can be protected by copyright, in a case involving Monitor Publications and NTV Uganda. Banking Dispute: PostBank Uganda wins an appeal in a wrongful payment case over UGX15.3m, overturning a lower court refund order. Energy/Health Tech: Longevity AI and Meir Medical Center (Clalit) announce research to refine chronic disease risk prediction for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Agro-Industry: Museveni backs the Nonda Coffee Park project in Nakaseke, targeting large-scale coffee value addition and jobs. Mining Investment: Blencowe Resources raises the Orom-Cross graphite project valuation to about US$1.254bn, strengthening prospects for financing and production from 2027. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS reports Kenya’s HIV gains while warning the global fight against AIDS is fragile due to funding cuts.

Uganda’s Energy Push: Absa Bank Uganda says blended finance and bankable structures are key as Uganda targets universal power access and a $9.4bn energy future, citing 2026/27 budget allocations to power and renewables and support across the value chain. HIV Prevention Supply Boost: Merck has granted generic licences for a once-a-month HIV prevention pill (alimatravir/MK-8527), with three licences going to African manufacturers including Uganda—aiming to speed access and cut future infection burdens. EAC Single Currency: EAC central bank governors reaffirm commitment to a single East African currency by 2031, noting progress in payments and policy reforms but uneven convergence. Regional Trade & Agriculture Ties: Egypt and Uganda discussed expanding a strategic agricultural partnership, including aquaculture, livestock genetics, veterinary vaccines and irrigation, plus a joint integrated model farm. Public Health Implementation: Africa CDC released a practical hepatitis B toolkit for prevention, diagnosis and management at district level, highlighting low screening and treatment rates across the continent. Governance & Security: Parliament is set to vet gold dealer Juma Witonze Kisekka as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, filling a vacancy after a prior nomination failed. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports warn humanitarian logistics and funding constraints are reshaping Ebola response capacity in DRC, as cases and deaths continue to rise. Digital & Cyber Risk: Binance says it runs monthly simulated phishing on its own staff to improve security hygiene, while India orders GitHub to remove BitChat repositories. Refugee Water Crisis: Nakivale camp faces severe drinking water shortages, with refugees traveling long distances and some selling water by bicycle.

Civic Space Under Pressure: Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act, signed in May, is drawing sharp backlash for tightening rules on foreign funding and engagement with civil society and media—critics say it could criminalise broad civic activity and chill public participation. Parliament & Security Appointments: President Museveni has sent gold dealer Juma Witonze Kisekka’s name to Parliament for vetting as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, reviving attention on the key security docket. EAC Monetary Integration: EAC central bank governors reaffirm the push for a single East African currency by 2031, while admitting progress on convergence criteria is uneven. Banking & Regulation: Eleving Group has started operations in South Africa after getting an operating licence, signalling more fintech competition and consumer lending expansion across the region. Police & Consumer Tech: Uganda Police says most recovered stolen phones in Kampala are iPhones because criminal networks specialise by device type, not because of any brand bias. Public Health Shock: Ebola in DR Congo has hit 3,200 confirmed cases with major workforce disruption at treatment centres, raising urgent concerns for Uganda and the wider region. Regional Trade & Energy: Tanzania is planning a natural gas pipeline to Uganda and Kenya, aiming to boost energy security and deepen East African cooperation.

Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 3,000 confirmed cases (2,994), with 97 new infections and 62 more deaths reported in a day, as transmission spreads across Ituri and North Kivu and raises fresh fears of spillover toward South Sudan and the Kenya border. Tourism & Aviation: Uganda Airlines’ first direct Boeing order—four 737-8 MAX and four 787-9 Dreamliners—signals a major connectivity boost after the airline’s US tourism push, with knock-on benefits for trade and travel. HIV Prevention Manufacturing: Merck’s voluntary licensing expands access to a once-monthly HIV prevention pill, with Aspen Pharmacare securing rights for 129 low- and middle-income countries including Uganda, if late-stage trials succeed. EAC Monetary Union: EAC central bank governors say progress toward a single regional currency remains on track for the 2031 target, while noting no partner state yet meets all convergence criteria. Business & Standards: Parliament’s Tourism, Trade and Industry committee intensifies its probe into UNBS over alleged weak enforcement, delayed certification and governance issues affecting SMEs. Transport Disruption: Uganda’s inaugural mandatory monthly National Cleaning Day shut down roads and delayed travel across Kampala and major highways, with enforcement teams stopping vehicles for the cleaning period. Local Governance: Engineers’ body UIPE warns that anti-corruption arrests of district engineers risk missing systemic causes behind poor infrastructure, calling for due process and technical-led investigations. Digital Transformation: AI adoption is accelerating in Uganda—from farming and health to business tools—supporting national goals for AI jobs and skills by 2030. Regional Security: Uganda and South Sudan leaders urge border communities to respect joint resolutions and support renewed security and trade cooperation after recent border tensions.

UN Leadership Bid: Uganda has nominated veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu to run for UN Secretary-General, pitching institutional reform, conflict-ending focus, and a UN AI oversight body as priorities. Regional Trade & Border Revenue: South Sudan’s economic reform committee is in Nimule to review operations at the main Uganda-linked border, aiming to boost customs revenue and curb malpractice. Public Health & Policy in Focus: Uganda’s National Cleaning Day is rolling out with KCCA saying it complements the weekly Weyonje campaign, while implementation sparks disruption and legal pushback over mandatory participation. Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola surge is straining response capacity, with contact tracing coverage dropping and lab testing kits running low, raising cross-border containment concerns. Business & Procurement: Uganda’s AFCON 2027 local organising committee invites firms to pre-qualify for tournament-linked procurement across hospitality, transport, IT, security, media and medical services. Health Access: WHO reports PEN-Plus is expanding specialised care for severe chronic diseases across 20 African countries, reaching over 170,000 people. Trade Logistics Spotlight: Kisumu Port’s revival is highlighted as cargo volumes jump sharply, positioning the lake gateway as a growing regional trade hub.