AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO has cut the number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo to 116, while confirmed cases stand at 321 and deaths at 48; Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death, as health teams warn that fear and misinformation can slow care and contact tracing. Border Vigilance: Police and health authorities are urging tighter border monitoring and cooperation with prevention measures as the Bundibugyo strain spreads across eastern DRC and Uganda, with no licensed vaccine available. Conservation & Wildlife Memory: Peter Beard’s “The End of the Game” gets an expanded Taschen edition, revisiting how past wildlife loss reshaped Uganda and Kenya’s ecosystems. Climate-Linked Risk: A CDC-led Q&A highlights how deforestation and forest fragmentation can help predict where Ebola outbreaks may emerge, pointing to stronger land-use protection as part of preparedness. Sustainable Agriculture Push: Uganda’s Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic was launched at Namulonge to equip farmers with modern solutions amid climate pressures and post-harvest losses. Clean Transport Investment: Spiro secured $215m to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa, aiming to cut emissions and fuel dependence.

Ebola Watch: Doctors in DRC say the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with fear, misinformation, and insecurity making surveillance and contact tracing harder; Uganda has reported confirmed cases and deaths as WHO flags the situation as a public health emergency. Border & Church Measures: Uganda’s churches have tightened Ebola prevention ahead of Martyrs Day, while police and health authorities push for stricter border vigilance and quarantine rules to slow cross-border spread. Uganda Misinformation Crackdown: The Education Ministry dismissed viral claims that schools were closed over Ebola, warning parents and learners against recycled footage and false alerts. Smart Agriculture Push: Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic was launched at Namulonge to help farmers adopt modern practices amid climate and post-harvest challenges. Coffee Sustainability: Major coffee firms launched the Coffee Canopy Partnership to map coffee farms using satellite data and AI, aiming to meet EU deforestation rules and protect farmers. Water & Climate Stress: NWSC says climate shocks, urban growth, and ageing systems are forcing expansion and reform to secure reliable water and sewerage services.

Forest Restoration: Uganda Breweries (UBL) is investing Shs372m to revive the Namananga central forest reserve in Kayunga, planting 80,000 indigenous seedlings with NFA and Rotary to restore a 459-hectare degraded corridor linking Mabira and Musamya swamp. Wetlands Enforcement: NEMA, with security agencies and local authorities, moved against encroachment at Kajjansi wetland, arresting offenders and opening a criminal case file while warning more Environment Restoration Orders will follow. Ebola & Public Health Trust: Uganda’s Ministry of Education has dismissed viral claims of school closures over Ebola, pointing to recycled clips and edited misinformation; meanwhile NCDC has launched intensified Ebola watch for exposed travellers. Food Prices & Climate Stress: Matooke prices have surged across Tooro, Ankole and Kigezi as drought cuts banana supply, with bunch prices jumping from about Shs5,000–7,000 to Shs30,000–35,000 in many areas. Wildlife & Health Link: Experts highlight how Central Africa’s wild meat reliance can raise disease risk during outbreaks, adding pressure on conservation and public health systems. Ebola Vaccine Push: Moderna is advancing a potential Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine with CEPI funding as the outbreak spreads in the region.

Wildlife & Wetlands Protection: Uganda’s NEMA moved fast to stop encroachment at Kajjansi wetland, arresting offenders and opening a criminal case, with Environment Restoration Orders planned. Conservation & Forest Governance: A feature revisits Bugoma forest’s long fight, as management is set to shift toward national park protection under UWA—highlighting how persistent reporting helped push policy. Ebola Preparedness & Health Risk: Ebola remains a regional alarm as DRC cases surge and Uganda reports confirmed infections; CEPI says it will urgently accelerate three Bundibugyo vaccine candidates. Public Health Response in the Region: Brazil is monitoring suspected Ebola cases linked to travel from Uganda and the DRC, underscoring how quickly outbreaks can raise global concern. Clean Transport Investment: Spiro secured a $215m equity round to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across seven African markets, including Uganda. Weather Communication: Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment warned against misleading viral claims, reiterating a warmer and drier June–August outlook. Ecosystem & Climate Resilience: Uganda’s push to protect wetlands and forests comes as climate-sensitive planning faces misinformation and rising health threats.

Ebola Watch: Uganda is facing renewed pressure as the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps spilling across borders, with WHO and Africa CDC reporting 43 deaths and 263 confirmed infections so far, plus more than 1,100 suspected cases under review—while health systems struggle amid conflict, displacement, and mistrust. Public Health & Travel: As summer travel ramps up, countries are tightening screening and passenger rules to slow spread, including calls for reduced passenger interaction and stronger airport safeguards. Climate Communication: Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment pushed back on viral TikTok claims of heavy rains, saying the official June–August outlook is warmer and drier, warning that misleading forecasts can disrupt agriculture, health, water planning, and disaster risk work. Wildlife & Forest Governance: A long-running push to protect Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is moving forward as government plans to transfer management toward national park status under UWA—highlighting how journalism and conservation policy can finally align. Energy Costs: Uganda’s business climate is under strain from Middle East-linked fuel price spikes, raising transport and production costs for traders and investors.

Ebola Cross-Border Alarm: Uganda and DR Congo are facing a fast-moving Ebola emergency, with WHO and Africa CDC reporting 43 deaths and 263 confirmed infections across both countries, while more than 1,100 suspected cases are under review; officials warn conflict, displacement, and strained health systems are making containment harder. Wildlife & One Health Link: Experts are pointing to the risk of Ebola spillover tied to hunting, butchering, and handling wild animals, stressing that protecting people also means managing human–animal–environment contact. Health Response in Focus: WHO says five patients have recovered and is opening/expanding treatment capacity in eastern Congo, as governments and partners push surveillance, border screening, and safer care practices. World Environment Day Message: A World Environment Day reflection urges nature-based solutions—forests, wetlands, mangroves—as practical climate and resilience tools, framing the crisis as partly about human behavior. Uganda Tourism Spotlight: Uganda showcased gorillas and local nature products in London during Africa Day events, highlighting conservation-linked tourism and trade. Business Pressure from Fuel Prices: Uganda’s business climate is being squeezed by Middle East conflict-driven fuel hikes, raising transport and input costs for traders.

Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda): A new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is again putting Uganda on the front line, with experts warning the risk is bigger than official figures and highlighting weak health access, conflict, and cross-border movement. Wildlife & “One Health” Link: Reporting from Congo Basin markets points to how hunting, butchering and processing wild animals can fuel zoonotic spillovers, renewing calls for a One Health approach that protects people and wildlife. Uganda Response (Borders & Media): Uganda is strengthening surveillance and prevention messaging, including calls for the Ministry of Health to fund Ebola awareness airtime since broadcasters say they can’t carry the cost alone. Electric Mobility (Kampala): Stakeholders in Kampala urged stronger government support and better infrastructure to speed up electric transport, especially within the boda boda sector. Conservation & Wetlands: NEMA concluded Lubigi wetland evictions, leaving hundreds homeless, while a separate study flags rare species in Uganda’s papyrus wetlands as human pressure grows. Air Quality: Kampala is among the cities with poor air readings in regional pollution reports, adding another health pressure on urban residents.

Ebola Response in the Region: Uganda is bracing for spillover from the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, with reports of seven cases and one death in Uganda, while WHO warns the situation could worsen and the world is “way behind.” Border and Travel Controls: Health screening is tightening across borders and airports, including enhanced checks for travelers arriving from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and Uganda’s own measures include stricter border actions amid regional risk. Wildlife, Health, and One Health: Experts link Congo’s Ebola surge to human contact with wild animals through hunting, butchering and processing, stressing a One Health approach that connects people, animals and ecosystems. Conservation on the Ground: NEMA has concluded the Lubigi wetland evictions in Kawaala, leaving hundreds homeless as restoration plans move to water-channel recovery. Wildlife Trafficking Watch: A new spotlight on wildlife trafficking highlights how illegal trade keeps moving through East Africa as enforcement struggles. Climate and Land Use: Uganda’s dry spell forecast is pushing farmers toward drought-tolerant crops and irrigation planning.

Ebola Response & Border Measures: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda is driving new travel and health actions, including Ebola screening at New York’s JFK for passengers from affected countries and continued warnings that the world is “way behind” on containment. Aid Under Pressure: Aid teams are racing into Congo’s outbreak areas as supplies run short and community distrust and armed-group threats complicate response. Uganda Conservation & Biodiversity: A study flags rare species in southwestern Uganda’s high-altitude papyrus wetlands as under threat from encroachment, agriculture, and wetland degradation. Weather & Food Security: Uganda’s meteorology authority warns of a dry spell from June to August, urging farmers to shift to drought-tolerant crops and plan irrigation. Climate-Smart Cities: A new Africa-wide book argues urban trees and green spaces can help tackle climate risk, biodiversity loss, and inequality. Wildlife Law: India’s Supreme Court refused to reopen investigations tied to wildlife transfers involving Vantara, citing a “bar of finality.” Tourism Momentum: Uganda is positioning AFCON 2027 as a major tourism catalyst, betting on people, hospitality, and wildlife to pull visitors in.

Ebola Response in Uganda & DRC: Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and tightened mass-gathering rules as suspected Bundibugyo Ebola cases rise, with the US CDC upgrading Uganda’s Ebola travel notice to Level 2 and urging enhanced precautions. Public Health Measures at Tourism Sites: Uganda Wildlife Authority says national parks remain safe for visitors, citing screening, sanitisation and handwashing SOPs, even as some tourists reschedule travel. Regional Health Diplomacy: The WHO chief calls for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC to let health workers reach communities, while UNICEF urges stronger community engagement and prevention to protect children and families. Health Supplies & Preparedness: The EU delivered Favipiravir tablets for Hantavirus response to member states, and Kenya approved a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia to support preparedness. Community & Livelihoods: In northern Uganda, over 800 farmers in Agago and Pader are trained in coffee growing to boost incomes, while Uganda’s Church of Uganda considers a limited, virtual Martyrs Day service at Namugongo due to Ebola risks.

Ebola Response Escalates: Uganda raised its Ebola risk posture, with the US CDC moving Uganda’s Ebola travel notice to Level 2 and Uganda closing the border with the DRC while restricting mass gatherings in Kampala and border districts. Cross-Border Health Pressure: WHO chief Tedros called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC so health workers can reach communities as suspected cases near 1,000 and deaths climb. Tourism Safety Message: Uganda Wildlife Authority says national parks and tourist sites remain safe, citing strengthened SOPs like screening, sanitisation and handwashing. Environment Enforcement: NEMA has resumed operations to evict encroachers from Lubigi Wetland in Kampala, with police and UPDF supporting demolitions that disrupted traffic and led to arrests. Education Welfare: In Rubanda West, NRM flag bearer Bruce Balaba Kabaasa unveiled a school feeding plan for P7 candidates during PLE to reduce exam-day hunger and extra school demands.

Ebola Crisis in Central Africa: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading in an environment where insecurity, attacks on health facilities and population movement make it “nearly impossible” to trace contacts and isolate cases, with nearly 1,000 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths reported; Uganda has confirmed seven linked cases, including two health workers and one death. Cross-Border Response Pressure: India has dispatched emergency pharmaceutical supplies to Africa CDC for onward delivery to affected areas, while WHO and partners warn the outbreak is a “catastrophic collision” of disease and conflict. Travel and Border Measures: Countries are tightening travel rules; the CDC raised advisories and the U.S. plans to send exposed Americans to a quarantine facility in Kenya, triggering anger over using the country as a “dumping ground.” Uganda Environment Enforcement: Traffic on Kampala’s Northern Bypass stalled as UPDF and police supported NEMA demolishing illegal structures in the Lubigi wetland, with over 150 houses and businesses targeted. Pandemic Preparedness Funding: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen regional pandemic response using a One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health. Tourism and Conservation Angle: Uganda’s AFCON 2027 push is being pitched as a major tourism moment, with organizers at POATE highlighting the economic upside for host countries.

Ebola Crisis in Congo and Uganda: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak is nearing 1,000 cases and 220 deaths, with spread made worse by insecurity, attacks on health facilities, and population movement—Uganda has confirmed seven linked cases, including health workers. Cross-Border Response: Governments are tightening travel rules to slow spread; Uganda has closed its border with the DRC for four weeks (with key exemptions), while reports say the US may send exposed Americans to a quarantine facility in Kenya. Uganda Cabinet Reset: Museveni unveiled a new 2026–2031 Cabinet, retaining VP Jessica Alupo and PM Robinah Nabbanja, while reshuffling key portfolios including foreign affairs, internal affairs, and defense. Conservation Tech for Biodiversity: Rwanda is testing environmental DNA (eDNA) to track endangered species like mountain gorillas with less disturbance—an approach relevant to the Virunga region shared with Uganda. ECOTRUST at 27 Years: ECOTRUST launched its 27th anniversary, highlighting conservation finance, community impact, and restoration across Uganda’s landscapes. Wildlife and Livelihoods: A new analysis warns that outright wild-meat bans can threaten food security for millions who rely on bushmeat in central Africa.

Ebola surge, Uganda on high alert: Canada has tightened Ebola entry rules for travelers from affected regions, while immigration decisions for people from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda are paused—showing how fast the Bundibugyo outbreak is reshaping borders. Regional containment pressure: In the DRC, suspected cases and deaths are climbing faster than teams can track, with reports of attacks on Ebola response sites and Red Cross workers dying while handling bodies. Uganda’s local risk lens: Western Uganda’s human–bat contact and spillover risk are back in focus as Uganda reports confirmed cases and prepares for strain-specific gaps in vaccines and treatments. Policy and governance moves: Uganda’s cabinet reshuffle dropped 28 ministers and swapped key health leadership—while EAC talks push harmonised mobile roaming to cut cross-border communication costs. Climate + water stakes: New reporting warns warming is heating rivers and threatening dissolved oxygen, while Uganda’s water agencies push resilience as climate and urban pressure mount.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is surging across eastern DRC and into Uganda, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and over 200 deaths reported, while three Red Cross workers have died and attacks on health facilities are hampering response. Drug Discovery Push: In parallel, SwRI and Texas Biomed are using AI-driven screening to identify nearly two dozen antiviral candidates against the Bundibugyo strain—an urgent bet as no approved vaccine or targeted treatment is available. Regional Coordination & Funding: Africa CDC says governments and partners have pledged about $498.8m to speed up response, as WHO warns the epidemic is outpacing containment. Uganda’s Wider Reality: Uganda also confirmed new Ebola cases and is tightening preparedness, while a separate conservation flashpoint hit headlines: three people died after a URA van collided with an elephant in Murchison Falls National Park. EAC Digital Trade: Away from the outbreak, the EAC is pushing a harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut cross-border communication costs.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO says the DRC–Uganda Ebola outbreak “will get worse before it gets better,” as the epidemic outpaces tracking and trust-building, with Uganda confirming new cases among health workers and DRC reporting surging suspected numbers. Border Pressure: African leaders warn that porous borders, insecurity, displacement and busy trade routes are making rapid containment harder, pushing governments to tighten screening and coordination. Aid Workers Under Fire: In eastern Congo, responders face a dangerous mix of community suspicion and attacks, adding a human threat to the public-health fight. Human-Wildlife Collision: In Murchison Falls National Park, a van hit an elephant, killing three and injuring four—another reminder that protected areas are increasingly shared with fast-growing traffic. Regional Preparedness: Countries beyond Africa are stepping up screening and monitoring after WHO’s emergency declaration, while Uganda continues mobilising its Ebola know-how. Conservation & Culture: Uganda’s tourism push for AFCON 2027 and POATE 2026 continues, even as health fears loom.