AGP Executive Report

Digital Rights & Consumer Protection: UCC has launched a nationwide enforcement drive against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspot operators, warning that some residents and businesses charge as little as Shs1,000 for 24 hours while bypassing licences. Ebola Preparedness: Uganda will deploy medical experts and set up more Ebola treatment centres in eastern DRC as bed occupancy hits 96% and health workers warn of service disruption over delayed salaries. Climate & Biodiversity: Ugandan farmers have filed a UK High Court case to stop EACOP, arguing the pipeline could harm water sources, wildlife and biodiversity and asking for an injunction under Ugandan climate and environmental law. Health Innovation: Researchers report a locally made catnip lotion can repel mosquitoes as well as DEET in Uganda trials, offering a cheaper malaria-fighting option for rural communities. Clean Energy Finance: Equity Bank is pushing green financing for solar and clean cooking, targeting the high upfront costs that block adoption. Water Security: Ntungamo’s Kakukuru Town Council received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells. Wildlife Crime Online: A new investigation says Meta platforms are being used as a major marketplace for illegal wildlife trade, powered by recommendation and monetization tools.

EACOP Legal Fight: Ugandan farmers have launched a landmark UK High Court case to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing Uganda’s environmental and climate laws should apply to the UK-registered operator and warning of harm to water, wildlife and biodiversity. Climate Risk Watch: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit Uganda among other high-risk countries, with drought and floods expected to worsen food insecurity, pushing for over $200m in support for climate-resilient farming and protection. Water Security Upgrade: Ntungamo’s Kakukuru Town Council in Uganda has received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells, boosting climate-smart supply. Malaria Fight Innovation: Uganda trials show a 6% catnip-oil lotion can repel mosquitoes as effectively as Deet, offering a cheaper, locally producible option for rural communities. Circular Economy Push: KCCA is exploring partnerships to build a plastic recycling facility in Kampala to turn waste into products like tiles, aiming to cut pollution and create livelihoods.

EACOP Legal Battle: Ugandan farmers have launched a landmark UK High Court case against the $5.6bn East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing it breaches Uganda’s environmental, climate and constitutional protections and could threaten water, wildlife and protected ecosystems. Artisanal Gold Crackdown: Uganda’s Ministry of Energy has suspended unlicensed gold mining in Kanungu’s Kayungwe area, citing environmental damage, public health risks and food security fallout from a gold rush. Regenerative Coffee Gains: In Masaka, coffee growers are seeing better drought resilience through regenerative agriculture “model farms” supported by a coalition including IUCN and Nespresso. Kampala Plastic Recycling Push: KCCA is exploring partnerships to build a plastic recycling facility to turn city plastic waste into products like tiles, aiming for a circular economy and cleaner streets. Ebola Alarm in the Region: DRC Ebola cases rose to 1,561 with 506 deaths, as health authorities warn the outbreak is unfolding amid insecurity and strained services. Climate Risk Funding: FAO and WFP are appealing for $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people across high-risk countries, including Uganda, from the return of El Niño-driven extreme weather. Wildlife Tourism Tip: Kayakers are being encouraged to explore Lake Victoria’s hippo territory safely, especially during the dry season.

Ebola Response in Focus: Bundibugyo Ebola in DRC and Uganda is infecting health workers too—at least 102 infected and 25 deaths reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with mistrust and cultural insensitivity still weakening control. New Treatments Push: A DRC-led clinical trial (PARTNERS) has started to test two antiviral therapies, as the outbreak toll climbs and no approved vaccine exists for this strain. Community Health Warning: An op-ed argues prevention is lagging because systems only spring into action after spillover, urging earlier detection where wildlife and livestock meet people. Climate Risk for Uganda: FAO and WFP are appealing for $200m+ to protect 8.8m people across high-risk countries from El Niño impacts, with Uganda listed among those at risk. Oil and Environment Tension: EACOP is now beyond 90% completion, but civil society is calling for transparency and safeguards over any Albertine Graben expansion. Local Environment & Governance: KCCA residents in Kiwatule demand better roads and streetlights, linking poor waste management and insecurity to everyday environmental neglect. Uganda Coffee Watch: Coffee export earnings fell sharply in May as global prices weakened and volumes dropped.

Oil Frontier Grievances: In Buliisa, Balaalo pastoralists evicted in 2010 say they still haven’t received compensation as Uganda moves toward first oil production, with families losing cattle and land during the “Justice” operation. Displacement & Markets: A new study argues Africa’s 43.1 million displaced people drive a “hidden” $27.7bn economy through farming, trade and small business—pushing private sector investment beyond humanitarian aid. Clean Cooking Push: Nabisunsa Girls’ School joins a growing list of Ugandan schools switching from firewood to LPG, as Vivo Energy expands safer, cleaner institutional cooking to cut deforestation and indoor smoke. Ebola Hope in Uganda’s Region: DRC’s top Ebola scientist Jean-Jacques Muyembe says there’s still hope for Bundibugyo Ebola, with work underway toward a monoclonal antibody as cases rise. Media Independence Under Pressure: Daily Monitor’s reopening talks face warnings from co-founder Wafula Oguttu not to trade editorial independence for government influence. Construction Jobs Bottleneck: A World Bank update says Uganda’s construction sector is held back by weak regulation and procurement delays, limiting job creation despite strong growth.

Wildlife Protection: Lola ya Bonobo in Congo is caring for orphaned baby bonobos rescued from poachers or kept for bushmeat, using education to push communities away from killing apes. Clean Cooking Push: Uganda’s schools are shifting from firewood to LPG—Nabisunsa Girls’ School has installed a Vivo Energy gas system—aiming to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Climate & Health Reporting: East and Southern Africa’s Health and Climate Change Journalism Awards spotlight how climate change is driving public health risks, with Uganda and Kenya among top winners. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Uganda’s UCSATP handed vehicles to 69 districts to strengthen local delivery and monitoring of climate-smart farming. Regional Energy & Industry: Uganda’s Museveni backs a proposed East African regional oil refinery for value addition, while Uganda’s national refinery plan in Hoima remains on course. Air Quality Watch: Kampala’s air was reported “moderate” in recent monitoring, a reminder that pollution can still affect sensitive groups. Disaster Risk & Migration: A Bududa story highlights how climate change is forcing families to weigh staying, moving, or rebuilding after landslide-linked losses.

Clean Cooking Push: Nabisunsa Girls’ School in Kampala has switched from firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after Vivo Energy Uganda installed a bulk storage and distribution system—part of a wider drive to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Climate Migration Reality: A new report highlights how climate change is forcing Ugandans to rethink where they live, with Bududa residents still weighing the risk of floods and landslides against fertile land and livelihoods. Ebola Response Update: WHO reports Bundibugyo virus Ebola has caused 452 deaths in the DRC, while Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases including two deaths—underscoring the need for fast, coordinated preparedness. Jobs & Construction: The World Bank says Uganda’s construction sector is expanding but creating too few jobs due to weak regulation, skills gaps, and procurement delays—calling for reforms to unlock employment. Climate-Smart Agriculture Support: MAAIF has handed vehicles to 69 districts under the UCSATP to strengthen supervision of climate-smart farming, with tracking, insurance, and training for drivers. Local Innovation: A Ugandan textile business is turning banana waste into eco-friendly products, employing dozens and showing how circular ideas can grow incomes. Air Quality Watch: Kampala’s air quality was reported in the “moderate” range in recent readings, a reminder to keep monitoring pollution risks.

Climate Migration in Bududa: A new report from Bududa shows families weighing whether to stay on landslide-prone slopes or risk rebuilding elsewhere as heavier rains and longer dry spells reshape where people can live safely. Climate-Smart Agriculture Push: MAAIF has handed over vehicles to 69 districts to strengthen monitoring and support for climate-smart farming under the UCSATP, with tracking, insurance and training for district teams. Ebola Response in the Region: WHO reports Bundibugyo virus Ebola has killed 452 people in the DRC, while Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases; WHO warns funding gaps and insecurity are slowing the response. Wildlife/Environment Advocacy: Greenpeace Africa joins a coalition urging presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Museveni to stop oil expansion in the Albertine Graben around Lake Albert. Water Stress Data: A global map highlights extreme water stress in multiple countries, underscoring how climate shifts and overuse can strain water supplies. Food Systems & Jobs: Kenya’s $21 trillion agri-food investment blueprint signals intensifying East Africa competition for irrigation, value chains and jobs—relevant for Uganda’s farmers and investors.

Climate Extremes: A record-setting worldwide ocean heat wave is driving extreme weather chaos, with farmers facing harsher, less predictable conditions. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Uganda’s UCSATP handed over vehicles to 69 districts to strengthen local supervision of climate-smart farming, with tracking chips and maintenance support to improve accountability. Wildlife & Health Risk: WHO reports Uganda has 20 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases (including two deaths) linked to DRC transmission, as funding gaps and insecurity continue to hamper the response. Ebola Diagnostics & Treatment Push: WHO granted emergency use listing for the first molecular test for Bundibugyo virus and began a clinical trial for treatment, even as an Ebola centre was attacked and burned. Food Systems & Markets: COCOFAR sets priorities for stronger coffee and cocoa aggregation, value addition facilities, affordable financing, and scaling irrigation and climate-smart practices. Agribusiness Innovation: Victory Farms says it’s boosting fish production by investing in human capital and technology to expand supply and tackle protein and malnutrition needs. Air Quality Watch: Kampala is among the more polluted cities in a global AQI list, underscoring ongoing air pollution health concerns.

Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): WHO says Bundibugyo-virus Ebola has killed 452 people in the DRC (1,460 confirmed cases) as transmission keeps moving into new health zones, while Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases including two deaths; WHO also notes Uganda’s outbreak remains linked to DRC transmission, with imported infections and secondary spread among contacts and healthcare workers. Diagnostics & Response (Ebola): WHO has granted emergency use listing for the first molecular diagnostic validated for Bundibugyo virus, and the first patient has been enrolled in a clinical trial—yet responders still face mistrust and violence, including an attack that burned an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri. Public Health Risk (Marburg): Uganda has recorded a laboratory-positive Marburg virus disease case, adding pressure to an already strained regional outbreak response. Climate & Land (Oil in Albertine Graben): Greenpeace Africa joins a coalition urging Museveni and Tshisekedi to reject oil expansion plans around Lake Albert and push for transparency and community consent to protect transboundary ecosystems. Cleaner Last-Mile Delivery: Airtel Uganda partners with SPIRO to roll out electric motorcycles for franchise distribution, aiming to cut fuel fumes and emissions. Climate Migration (Bududa): A Bududa resident story highlights how repeated landslides and unstable mountain slopes keep forcing families to live in fear, even after earlier resettlement. Coffee & Cocoa Resilience: COCOFAR sets priorities for stronger aggregation, value addition, affordable financing, irrigation, and climate-smart farming to help farmers reduce losses and reach better markets. Uganda Tourism & Waste: Uganda Waragi commissions solar flood lighting and waste management at Port Bell Landing Site to curb lakeshore dumping and protect livelihoods for fishermen and vendors.

Climate & Oil Accountability: A French court ruled against TotalEnergies in a climate “duty of vigilance” case, ordering the firm to update its plan to cover emissions from burning oil and gas (Scope 3). Albertine Graben Watch: Greenpeace Africa joined a coalition urging Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Museveni to reject oil expansion plans around Lake Albert unless transparency and community consent are guaranteed. Public Health Alerts: WHO says the hantavirus outbreak is officially over, but warns Ebola is worsening in the DRC—keeping the region on high alert. Uganda’s Health Risk: Uganda confirmed a Marburg virus case amid ongoing regional outbreaks, raising pressure on surveillance and response. Cleaner Transport in Uganda: Airtel Uganda partnered with SPIRO to roll out electric motorcycles for last-mile distribution, cutting fumes and lowering costs for franchise partners. Land & Conservation Tensions: Arua Airfield expansion landowners demand faster, clearer valuation and compensation after years of delays. Jobs & Livelihoods: The World Bank warns Uganda’s economy isn’t creating enough formal jobs for new entrants, with most work still informal. Coffee & Cocoa Value Addition: COCOFAR set priorities for aggregation, member registration, irrigation, climate-smart farming, and building value-add facilities.

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

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

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

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

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