AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns that gaps in surveillance and contact tracing could let the DRC and Uganda Ebola situation worsen, urging urgent funding and tighter monitoring as cases rise. Wildlife & Conservation: A new study highlights how gorillas can take years to relearn trust after past hunter threats—an important reminder for Uganda’s tourism and protection models. Forests & Media: An African Forest Forum study says forestry and science reporting still has major gaps across Anglophone Africa, including coverage weaknesses in countries like Uganda. Climate & Risk: NOAA says El Nino is back, with uneven impacts that can mean drought and extreme weather risks across regions. Green Finance: KCB says it disbursed about Sh49b in green loans and screened hundreds of billions for environmental and social risk across East Africa, including Uganda. Uganda Budget & Oil: Uganda projects 10.2% growth in 2026/27 as commercial oil production is expected to kick in, with big spending plans that also touch tourism and conservation. Tourism Push: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget allocates Sh567b for destination marketing, wildlife conservation, and tourism infrastructure. Air Quality Alert: Kampala is reported among the world’s most polluted cities, with an AQI reading in the “unhealthy” range. Solar Irrigation Loan: Parliament approves a €168.9m loan for solar-powered irrigation to boost coffee production and climate resilience. Uganda Airlines Expansion: Boeing signs a major aircraft order with Uganda Airlines, aiming to strengthen trade and tourism connectivity.

Air Quality Alert: Kampala is being flagged as “unhealthy” after Dhaka ranked 2nd globally for pollution with an AQI of 167, while Kampala sits close behind at 162—raising health concerns for residents. Ebola Update: In eastern DRC, Ebola deaths have passed 100 and confirmed cases are nearing 600, with experts warning containment is still behind due to security and incomplete contact tracing; Uganda is also mentioned among affected areas. Illicit Gold & Conflict: A new GI-TOC report says illicit gold markets are outpacing regulation, fueling organised crime, sanctions evasion and conflict financing across Africa. Clean Cooking Push: Detra Energy is expanding cleaner, cheaper stoves that cut charcoal use—helping households save money while easing pressure on forests. Climate-Smart Irrigation Finance: Parliament approved a €168.9m loan for solar-powered irrigation to boost climate-resilient coffee production and protect farmers from dry spells. Wildlife & Conservation Tech: Researchers are using environmental DNA to better monitor endangered primates and strengthen biodiversity protection in the region. Investment & Trade Climate: SHIPU hosted stakeholders including Huawei Uganda to improve the investment environment and link policy with manufacturing and digital growth. Aviation Expansion: Boeing signed a major aircraft deal with Uganda Airlines worth $985m, aiming to grow passenger and cargo capacity.

Clean Cooking & Forest Pressure: A young Ugandan clean-energy push is cutting charcoal use fast—one household says a sack that once lasted a month now lasts nearly three months thanks to Detra Energy’s eco-stoves and results-based financing, aiming to ease deforestation and household air pollution. Climate-Smart Landscapes: Uganda’s World Bank-backed Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development project is scaling agroforestry in refugee-hosting areas, with MAS household-plot systems targeting more resilient livelihoods across districts. Water & Irrigation Finance: Parliament has approved UGX 735.7bn for phase two of solar-powered irrigation, adding 427 systems to boost rural incomes and protect farmers—especially coffee growers—from dry spells. Biodiversity Tech for Conservation: Researchers are using environmental DNA to detect wildlife with less disturbance, with the approach highlighted in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park—relevant for the wider Great Lakes region’s biodiversity monitoring. World Bank Push for Jobs: The World Bank plans to more than double its lending to Uganda over the next decade, with a strong focus on private-sector-led transformation and job creation. Green Finance & Tree Growing: dfcu Foundation and UTGA marked World Environment Day with tree planting and grower training, tying tree planting to longer-term tree growing and farmer income.

Ebola Preparedness: Uganda’s Ministry of Health is again under the spotlight as regional Ebola risk rises, with a new focus on how leadership, surveillance and district coordination hold up when outbreaks cross borders—highlighted through the experience of Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary repeatedly managing Ebola responses. Environmental Impact Scrutiny: A new Uganda-focused study questions whether Environmental Impact Assessments are truly protecting biodiversity or just ticking boxes, after reviewing 108 project assessments from 2001–2023 and finding gaps in required alternatives. Wildlife & Community Benefits: Bwindi and Mgahinga conservation is being tied to cleaner water, energy-saving stoves and livelihood support for surrounding communities, including Batwa households, under climate-smart conservation programming. Tourism & Conservation Infrastructure: Entebbe Zoo (UWA) is projecting 650,000–700,000 visitors next year as facilities expand and endangered species restoration continues, with World Bank support. Lake Victoria Protection: Uganda’s water and environment leadership was recognized for pushing cross-border Lake Victoria management, warning that a degraded lake would mean energy and economic shocks for the region.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: WHO says the DRC outbreak is “very high risk,” with 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths in eastern DRC, while Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths linked to travel from the DRC; response efforts face insecurity and community mistrust. Uganda’s Preparedness Push: Uganda’s water and environment leadership also drew attention this week, with Lake Victoria basin efforts highlighted by a regional Lake Victoria Day award to Dr Alfred Okot Okidi. Conservation With Community Benefits: Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla conservation is now tied to cleaner water, energy-saving stoves, and livelihood support for surrounding communities, including Batwa households. Agroforestry for Climate-Smart Farming: In Kamwenge, ECOTRUST and the IFPA-CD project celebrated model farmers after distributing 5,000 tree seedlings each, aiming to restore degraded land and boost sustainable farming. Tourism and Wildlife: Entebbe Zoo projects growth toward 650,000–700,000 visitors next financial year, supported by World Bank funding and upgrades. Green Finance & Trade: Uganda secured a €270m Afreximbank loan for infrastructure and export growth, while regional trade moves toward faster digital customs.

Ebola Update: WHO data shows DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has hit 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, with Uganda reporting at least 19 cases and two deaths—amid conflict, mistrust, and attacks on health workers. World Cup Health Risk: With DR Congo’s World Cup preparations disrupted and US entry rules tied to recent travel in DRC/Uganda/South Sudan, experts warn the tournament could amplify infectious disease spread through mass mixing. Uganda Funding & Infrastructure: Uganda signed a €270m Afreximbank loan (10 years) to push agriculture value addition, energy, export zones, and transport links like roads, railways, and ports. HIV Prevention Integration: Experts caution that folding HIV prevention into underfunded public systems could weaken access for key populations. Conservation & Community Action: My Tree Initiative and Jubilee Insurance Uganda marked World Environment Day with tree planting, while C-Care and KCCA ran clean-up drives in Kampala to cut disease risk. Climate-Smart Farming: IMIC-Africa is strengthening maize breeding for resilient seed systems as climate pressures reshape yields.

Great Lakes monitoring: Fulbright Scholar Anthony Vodacek will work with Makerere University and the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization to design a sustainable sensor network to track environmental change across the African Great Lakes. Ebola response pressure: WHO-linked updates show the DRC outbreak is still accelerating, with confirmed cases and deaths rising, while Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of Ebola medical aid to support hundreds of frontline centres. World Cup health risk: Health experts warn the 2026 FIFA World Cup could amplify infectious disease spread through mass travel and crowds, as Ebola precautions tighten around participating teams. Preventive health in Kampala: C-Care Uganda and KCCA ran community clean-ups in Kasanvu and Namuwongo Bukasa to clear waste and drainage blockages that fuel disease. Wildlife conservation: UWA reports a healthy newborn lion cub in Ishasha, a hopeful sign for lion protection in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Coffee export hit: Uganda’s coffee export earnings fell about 10% in April as global prices weakened, despite stronger 12-month performance. Clean energy finance: Equity Bank Uganda expands green loans and results-based financing to help households and schools adopt solar and clean cooking.

Wildlife Conservation: Uganda Wildlife Authority reports a newborn lion cub in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotted in good health feeding alongside its pride—an encouraging sign for big-cat protection and tourism in the tree-climbing lion area. Clean Energy & Education: In Mbale’s Kilulu B Village, a new solar system at Good Journey Nursery and Primary School is restoring reliable evening study time for Primary Seven candidates after frequent power cuts disrupted learning. Green Finance: Equity Bank Uganda is rolling out Equi-Green Loans and Green Enterprise Financing, plus results-based financing, to help households, schools, farms and SMEs afford solar and clean cooking—aiming to cut reliance on charcoal and firewood. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO says Central Africa’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 confirmed cases, with Uganda reporting 19 cases and two deaths, as health systems brace for wider spread amid conflict and displacement. Environment Governance: A study questions whether Uganda’s environmental impact assessment process is more than box-ticking, finding developers often don’t seriously consider alternatives. Climate Justice: A UN court decision on states’ climate duties is gaining traction, with activists pushing for stronger protection of people targeted for climate action.

Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Uganda Wildlife Authority has received 8.9 tonnes of seized wildlife contraband from Entebbe Airport for destruction, a major step to stop illegal trade from returning to circulation. Ebola Watch (Uganda & region): WHO reports nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in Central Africa, with spillover into Uganda (19 cases, 2 deaths) as the outbreak spreads amid conflict, displacement and weak health systems. Cross-border Health Measures: Uganda has closed the Congo border over Ebola outbreak fears, disrupting trade and raising pressure on border communities. Tourism & Conservation Access: Construction of Kidepo International Airport has kicked off in Karenga, expected to improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park and boost jobs and tourism in Karamoja. Environment Governance: A study questions whether Uganda’s environmental impact assessment process is more than box-ticking, finding developers often fail to consider alternatives properly. Clean Energy Finance: Equity Bank Uganda is pushing green financing to make solar and clean cooking more affordable, aiming to cut reliance on charcoal, kerosene and firewood. World Environment Day: A young advocate in Kampala donated 1,000 tree seedlings to local pupils and residents, urging community action on climate and conservation.

Ebola Watch (Central Africa): WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 confirmed cases, with Uganda also reporting infections as health teams push harder to contain spread amid conflict, displacement, and weak systems. Uganda Border & Response: Uganda has closed the Congo border over Ebola fears, while aid groups and health partners scale up PPE, handwashing, and community surveillance to fight misinformation and reach frontline workers. Environmental Governance (Uganda): A new study questions whether Uganda’s environmental impact assessment process is more than box-ticking, finding developers often fail to seriously consider alternatives. Wildlife Under Pressure (DRC): Virunga National Park says Ebola and rebel violence are hitting conservation hard, even as rangers build screening posts to protect primates and communities. Tourism & Infrastructure (Uganda): Construction of Kidepo International Airport begins in Karenga, with promises of better access to Kidepo Valley National Park and jobs for youth. Clean Energy Finance (Uganda): Equity Bank Uganda rolls out green financing to make solar and clean cooking more affordable through longer, flexible repayment plans. World Environment Day (Kampala): A young advocate donates 1,000 tree seedlings to local pupils and residents, urging youth-led conservation action.

Ebola Response in Uganda and DRC: WHO reports nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in central Africa, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases (including two deaths), as health authorities push stronger interventions and preparedness. Cross-Border Health Measures: Uganda has closed the Congo border over Ebola fears, while enhanced airport screening and traveller monitoring continue across the region and beyond. Tourism and Conservation Infrastructure: President Museveni has kicked off construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga, aiming to boost access to Kidepo Valley National Park, create jobs, and support wildlife-based tourism. Green Finance for Clean Energy: Equity Bank Uganda is rolling out green financing to make solar and clean cooking more affordable, using longer repayment terms and supplier-linked installation models. World Environment Day Trees: A young Kampala environmental advocate donated 1,000 tree seedlings to pupils and nearby residents, urging youth-led conservation action. Health Systems Support: KOICA, WHO and Uganda’s Ministry of Health upgraded Wandago Health Centre II in Buyende with solar power, oxygen, improved facilities, and training—plus skills support for young mothers.

Ebola Response at the Border: Uganda tightened cross-border movement over Ebola fears, with traders stuck at Mpondwe as authorities halted truck entry/exit, raising urgent concerns for food and livelihoods. Aid to Fight Ebola: Dubai Humanitarian airlifted 20 metric tonnes of WHO medical supplies via Uganda to support hundreds of patients and about 280 healthcare facilities in eastern DRC, while Cafod launched an emergency fundraising push to scale community surveillance, handwashing stations, and PPE in Ituri. Wildlife & Disease Risk: Virunga National Park leaders say Ebola plus rebel violence is stretching resources, as rangers build screening posts and protect gorillas from infection. Health & Nutrition: A new Uganda study links geriatric malnutrition with higher dementia risk, spotlighting nutrition as a public health lever for ageing populations. Karamoja Tourism Boost: President Museveni launched Kidepo International Airport works in Karenga, promising better access to Kidepo Valley National Park, jobs, and investment. Local Environment Action: NCBA Bank Uganda, Dentons and KCCA marked World Environment Day with tree planting at Nakasero Primary School. Education Access in Kampala: KCCA urged parents to use free government schools as enrolment rises but under-enrolment persists.

Ebola Response in Focus: Dubai Humanitarian airlifted 20 tonnes of WHO medical supplies to support the fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC via Uganda, including PPE, disinfectants, tents and thermometers for hundreds of patients and about 280 healthcare facilities. Local Health Preparedness: UKHSA warned NHS staff to brace for possible Ebola cases, while Milwaukee health officials said three low-risk travellers from central Africa are being monitored; Uganda is also named among affected areas. Environment & Conservation: Uganda marked World Environment Day with a push to restore forests, reporting forest cover rising from 9% (2015) to 13% today and targeting 5 million hectares by 2040; NCBA Bank Uganda also planted trees with KCCA and Dentons. Land, Water & Community Impacts: A Lubigi wetland demolition by NEMA left a woman homeless, with Prime Minister Nabanjja later delivering aid—highlighting how conservation enforcement can collide with livelihoods. Tourism Infrastructure: President Museveni launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja, promising boosts for tourism, trade and wildlife conservation.

Ebola Preparedness: UKHSA has urged NHS hospitals and clinics to brace for suspected Ebola cases, posting airport and station warnings and telling staff to check PPE and training as the DRC outbreak grows; WHO says the risk to the UK public is low, but Uganda has recorded confirmed cases. Ebola-DRC Link to Deforestation: A new analysis argues Ebola’s changing ecology—shaped by habitat disruption and demand for minerals—may be helping outbreaks expand, while another report highlights how deforestation and wildlife exposure can raise risk. Climate Justice in Refugee Districts: As Uganda marks World Environment Day, a commentary stresses climate action must start with women and refugees in host districts where drought, water stress, and forest loss are already reshaping daily life. Climate Finance for Farmers: Britam says it paid Sh97.3m in claims to over 400,000 farmers and livestock keepers across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania after weather shocks, showing how extreme conditions are hitting livelihoods. Uganda EIA Scrutiny: A study questions whether Uganda’s environmental impact assessments are more than box-ticking, finding developers often fail to properly consider alternatives. Youth SRHR Alarm: A regional conference in Mombasa warns Africa’s institutions are failing adolescents, with Uganda listed among official partners.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the Congo outbreak is still outpacing response, with the Bundibugyo strain spreading across eastern DRC and into Uganda, as health leaders push for faster testing, contact tracing, and community trust. Public Health Preparedness: Uganda and partners are ramping up readiness, including on-the-ground disinfectant production hubs in affected areas and training rapid response teams to detect and manage alerts early. Environment & Accountability: A Ugandan court fined NYTIL UGX 180m for illegally discharging industrial effluent into land and the River Nile, ordering restoration within 30 days—another reminder that environmental impact rules must bite. Climate Risk Support: Britam reports payouts of Ksh97.3m to 402,681 farmers and pastoralists across East Africa after climate-related shocks, using parametric insurance triggered by weather thresholds. Water & Health Systems: WaterStep is expanding emergency bleach production in DRC, Uganda, and Kenya to reduce reliance on fragile supply chains during the Ebola surge. Biodiversity Monitoring: A Fulbright scholar plans a sensor network to continuously monitor the African Great Lakes, aiming to close long-standing gaps in environmental data.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says the DRC outbreak is still outpacing containment, with suspected cases falling but contact tracing lagging, while rebel attacks in eastern Congo are killing civilians and disrupting health work. Uganda Health Monitoring: Uganda’s Ministry of Health says it has concluded surveillance of BA253 passengers after Ebola tests came back negative, and continues monitoring at the border. Preparedness Training: Kenya’s KNPHI is running Integrated Rapid Response Team training in high-risk counties to strengthen detection, reporting, and safe case management. Wildlife & Disease Risk: In DRC’s Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center, Ebola fears have triggered lockdown and confinement of hundreds of primates to protect both animals and surrounding communities. Environment & Accountability: Uganda’s court fined NYTIL UGX 180m for illegal industrial effluent discharge into the River Nile and ordered restoration of polluted land. Clean Energy Transport: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure across Africa, including plans for DRC and Ethiopia. Climate/Health Link: Uganda’s malaria vaccine rollout is showing strong progress after one year, with next steps focused on sustained supply and wider access.