AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Conservation: President Museveni commissioned Mbale Zoo and unveiled an Elgon Sub-region Tourism Conservation Strategy, warning that forest, wetland and wildlife habitat degradation threatens Uganda’s tourism base as temperatures shift. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A fisherman in Kalangala survived a crocodile attack, renewing calls for stronger UWA action as incidents rise around Lake Victoria. Climate & Wildlife Science: A study on Mount Elgon reports elephants using medicinal plants and minerals, adding to growing evidence of self-medication in wild populations. Waste & Public Health: Tororo residents protested a garbage dump they say is contaminating soils and water and breeding mosquitoes, urging relocation and better enforcement. Energy & Regional Trade: Uganda officially launched the $254m South Sudan Uganda Power Interconnection Project, a 400kV line meant to boost cross-border electricity trading and reduce reliance on diesel. Governance & Environment: Wakiso District opened investigations into alleged wetland degradation and misconduct involving an environmental officer in Katabi/Kajjansi. Policy & Development: Uganda announced it will bid for the Universal Postal Union Council chairmanship, framing it as part of modernisation and connectivity for development.

Elgon Conservation Push: President Museveni commissioned Mbale Zoo and unveiled a new Tourism Conservation Strategy for the Elgon sub-region, urging protection of forests, wetlands and wildlife habitats as climate change and habitat loss threaten tourism and local incomes. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A 20-year-old fisherman survived a crocodile attack at Semawundo Landing Site in Kalangala, renewing calls for stronger UWA action as incidents highlight rising pressure between people and Lake Victoria wildlife. Tourism Funding Debate: The opposition FDC says Uganda’s World Tourism Day celebrations can’t hide underfunding and weak infrastructure, demanding more money for the tourism ministry, UWA and UTB to protect and market destinations. Garbage and Health: Kampala residents complained that uncollected garbage heaps remained after the National Cleaning Day, while government says it will strengthen waste sorting at source. Climate Science from Elgon: Researchers report elephants around Mount Elgon may use local plants and minerals as “medicine,” linking traditional knowledge with wildlife health. Regional Energy Trade: Uganda technically launched a $254m power line to South Sudan, aiming to expand cross-border electricity trading and reduce reliance on diesel.

Food & Climate Risk: East Africa is bracing for an El Niño-linked food squeeze, with Uganda running emergency deliveries to Karamoja after major crop losses, while forecasters warn conditions could persist into 2027. Clean Energy & Health: Experts and leaders are pushing clean cooking as a development priority, citing health harms from smoke and the environmental cost of wood and charcoal—while Uganda also faces a skills gap as demand for renewable energy training in Teso outstrips available slots. Wildlife & Conservation Science: Research from Mount Elgon suggests elephants may use specific plants as “self-medication,” echoing traditional knowledge from the Sabaot community. Tourism, Tech & Nature Protection: On World Tourism Day, President Museveni urged Uganda to use digital tools and AI to market destinations and boost arrivals, while warning that wetland destruction threatens both conservation and tourism income. Oil & Lake Victoria: Uganda is discussing oil spill preparedness with Denmark as commercial oil production nears, aiming to protect Lake Victoria’s fisheries and water uses. Governance & Regulation: Uganda’s aviation regulator warns it may kick out PearlSky from Entebbe over alleged illegal operations.

Tourism & Conservation: President Museveni marked World Tourism Day in Mbale, urging Ugandans to cash in on the sector’s $11.6 trillion global value while protecting wetlands and forests—warning that wetland destruction threatens both tourism and the future. Digital Push for Tourism: Uganda also doubled down on a “digital agenda and AI” approach, with Museveni saying tourists now discover, compare, book and share online—so businesses must be visible in the digital marketplace. Clean Cooking Momentum: The African Development Bank called clean cooking a top priority for Africa’s energy transition, linking it to health, environment and women’s time burdens. Clean Energy Skills in Teso: Makerere University Business School (Mubs) says demand for renewable energy and clean cooking training in Teso is overwhelming, with 500+ applicants chasing 100 slots. Elephants on Mount Elgon: New research suggests Elgon elephants may use medicinal plants and even prepare remedies for calves, based on long-term Sabaot community observations. Environment & Energy Access: Oyam market vendors welcomed free internet after a rural broadband rollout, while experts urged households and farmers to adopt biogas as a cleaner, cheaper energy option. Oil Spill Readiness: Uganda discussed oil spill preparedness for Lake Victoria with Danish officials as commercial oil production nears. Health Tech for Cancer Care: Uganda Cancer Institute introduced automated voice calls to monitor patients after treatment and flag side effects earlier. Governance & Compliance: Uganda’s aviation regulator warned PearlSky it could be kicked out of Entebbe over alleged illegal operations. Disaster Preparedness Funding Gap: Government says it needs Shs90.5b more to fully roll out anticipatory disaster action nationwide.

Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank says clean cooking must move to the centre of Africa’s energy transition, citing health, environmental and economic costs of charcoal and wood use. National Cleaning Day: Uganda’s Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba warned that skipping the monthly cleaning day will drive higher health spending, while Kampala saw low turnout as KCCA teams mobilised residents door-to-door. Clean Energy Access: Pride Bank and MOGAS launched a clean cooking financing drive using LPG, reporting about 40% lower cooking costs after switching from charcoal. Trees for Schools: Equity Bank and My Tree Initiative Uganda kicked off the Equi Green Schools Programme to plant 200,000 trees by Dec 2027, starting with 3,500 trees at Nakanyonyi SS. Disaster Readiness Gap: Uganda faces a Shs90.5b shortfall to fully roll out anticipatory action for disaster management, shifting from reactive response to early intervention. Health Tech: Uganda Cancer Institute presented an automated voice-call system that checks on cancer patients after treatment, helping doctors catch side effects earlier. Digital Inclusion: MTN Uganda opened an ICT hub in Palabek refugee settlement to expand internet access and digital skills. Wildlife Insight: Research from Mount Elgon suggests elephants may self-medicate using specific plants and minerals.

Clean Energy & Climate Action: Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative launched the Equi Green Schools Programme at Nakanyonyi Secondary School, Mukono, to plant and protect 200,000 trees across schools by Dec 2027, starting with 3,500 trees and rolling out in two phases. Wildlife & Conservation Science: New research from Kenya’s Mount Elgon suggests elephants may self-medicate by deliberately seeking medicinal plants and minerals, including preparing remedies for calves—raising conservation stakes for habitat protection. Health Tech for Uganda: Uganda Cancer Institute presented an automated, multilingual voice-call system that checks on cancer patients after treatment, helping doctors catch side effects early without requiring smartphones or internet. ESG & Green Investment: Kampala hosted Uganda’s first National ESG Conference and Expo, with leaders calling for ESG to guide investment decisions and support climate finance and green growth. Road Safety: Centenary Bank’s Rotary Club of Mapeera launched a Kampala road safety push, handing out helmets and reflector jackets to curb crashes and injuries.

Clean Cooking Finance: Pride Bank and MOGAS Uganda launched an LPG clean-cooking financing drive at Vienna College, Namugongo, offering 100% financing for LPG installations; School Kitchen Limited reports a 40% cut in cooking costs after switching from charcoal. Trees for Schools: Equity Bank Uganda and My Tree Initiative Uganda plan to plant 200,000 trees in schools by Dec 2027, starting with 3,500 at Nakanyonyi SS in Mukono; the programme targets 50,000 trees in 25 schools this year and 150,000 via school orchards in 2027. ESG Push: Kampala hosted Uganda’s first National ESG Conference and Expo 2026, where Kadaga urged a National ESG Framework to guide responsible investment and sustainability beyond “compliance.” Wildlife Insight: Mount Elgon elephants in Kenya may self-medicate with specific plants and minerals, with local Sabaot experts linking many of the resources to traditional human medicine. Conservation Access: Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Open Park Days (Sept 25–27) let Ugandans visit Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector free, aiming to build local ownership of protected areas. Food Security Alarm: Eastern Africa faces acute food insecurity affecting 40.3 million people across six countries, driven by conflict, climate shocks and shrinking aid.

Conservation & Wildlife Access: Kanungu residents are getting free entry during Queen Elizabeth National Park Open Park Days (Sept 25–27), with UWA and SaveWildlife Uganda pushing “neighbours first” so communities feel ownership of elephants and other wildlife. Trees & Climate Action: Equity Bank launched a two-year Green Schools Programme to plant 200,000 trees across Uganda by Dec 2027, starting with 50,000 trees in 25 schools in 10 districts. Green Jobs & Entrepreneurship: The GreenTech Accelerator graduated 106 green entrepreneurs, highlighting a pathway from climate solutions to jobs for women and youth. Food Security Crisis: IGAD warns that 40.3 million people across six countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, driven by conflict, climate shocks and shrinking humanitarian support. Health & Research: UCT leads a R95m pan-African programme equipping scientists with advanced microscopy to study TB, malaria and Buruli ulcer. Environment & Nature Knowledge: Mount Elgon research suggests elephants may use medicinal plants, based on long-term local expert observations. Inclusive Sports: TECNO Mobile Uganda refurbished a football pitch at Uganda School for the Deaf to expand access for children with different abilities.

Conservation & Tourism: Communities around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are planting trees for medicine, firewood and crafts to reduce pressure on gorilla habitat, as Uganda’s mountain gorilla numbers rise but forest space doesn’t. Wildlife Science: New research from Mount Elgon suggests elephants may “self-medicate” by mixing medicinal plants into breast milk for calves, using dozens of plant species. Climate & Food Security: A new IGAD-linked report warns acute food insecurity is worsening across East Africa, with El Niño conditions adding risk for hunger and livelihoods. Regional Trade & Agriculture: Eastern African horticulture players launch the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers, improve cold chains and tackle post-harvest losses. Youth Agribusiness: In Arua, young poultry farmers cut costs by about UGX25.2m through collective action, training and market support. Education for Jobs: Uganda’s Muni University is among inaugural winners of the Africa Higher Education for Transformation prize, pushing universities to link learning to employment and enterprise. Policy & Governance: Uganda is also pushing to turn culture into an economic driver by financing creative businesses and connecting them to tourism markets.

Clean Cooking in Mpigi: Mpigi communities are adopting biogas and energy-saving stoves, plus woodlots, to cut deforestation pressure while improving livelihoods. Extractives Transparency: Government was urged to strengthen transparency in mineral, oil and gas management as extractive revenues rose above Shs663bn. Early Action on Disasters: The Office of the Prime Minister pushed a shift from disaster response to anticipatory, forecast-based action, calling for clear triggers, roles and predictable funding. El Niño Health Risks: WHO warned a developing “Super El Niño” could hit Africa as a Grade Three emergency, with flooding, drought, disease outbreaks and food insecurity expected to worsen—Uganda is among high-risk countries. Road Safety Media Push: WHO and media partners launched a road-safety reporting initiative to cut Africa’s road deaths, targeting better public demand for lifesaving policies. Climate Finance for Farmers: EAC smallholder farmers urged climate funds to reach communities on time, with women and youth involved in planning and monitoring. Uganda Tourism & Gorillas: Bwindi gorilla tourism continues to support conservation and communities, though deforestation around park edges remains a concern. El Niño Hunger Forecast: Save the Children warned up to 8 million children in East and Southern Africa could face acute hunger by early 2027, with Uganda projected to have the highest numbers.

Climate Risk & Early Action: Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister urged a shift from disaster response to anticipatory action, calling for clear triggers, localised planning, and predictable financing to act before crises hit. Climate Security at COPs: COP29 pushed climate security mainstreaming, launching the Baku Call on climate action for peace, relief and recovery, with new hubs to link climate adaptation and conflict-sensitive planning. El Niño Health Threat: WHO warned a strengthening El Niño could become a Grade Three emergency, with flooding and drought expected to worsen disease outbreaks and food insecurity across countries including Uganda. Food Insecurity in Uganda: Save the Children projects acute hunger worsening in Uganda, especially Karamoja, with sharp rises in children needing malnutrition support as dry spells bite. Water & AFCON Readiness: NWSC briefed President Museveni on water preparedness for AFCON 2027 host venues, including supply works in Hoima and plans to stabilise water for stadiums and hospitality. Environment & Conservation: Uganda’s gorilla tourism continues to support conservation and community incentives, while deforestation pressure around park edges remains a key concern. Clean Energy Mobility: Africa Go Green Fund doubled its financing for Spiro to $36m to expand electric motorcycle deployment and battery-swapping infrastructure in Uganda and Rwanda. Waste Governance: KCCA faced scrutiny over Kampala’s waste management plans, including directives affecting the Buyala landfill.

Climate Diplomacy Watch: Fears are growing that the next UN secretary-general could downgrade climate action, with experts warning some candidates may be “disastrous” for fossil-fuel pressure and Paris goals. El Niño Hunger in Uganda: Save the Children says Karamoja’s acutely malnourished children could rise by 25% by October 2026 as El Niño-linked dry spells worsen food insecurity. Public Debt Pressure: Uganda’s public debt stock climbed to about Shs143.9 trillion (end-June 2026), with domestic borrowing driving the increase and debt-to-GDP rising to 54.3%. Nile Flood Alerts: Uganda warned South Sudan that Lake Victoria could reach record levels, raising risks of riverine flooding in low-lying areas including Juba. Water for AFCON: NWSC briefed President Museveni on water preparedness for AFCON 2027 host sites in Hoima, Masindi and airport areas. Kampala Waste Policy: KCCA says it has not received official orders to stop using Buyala landfill, even as government rethinks Kampala’s waste plan. Environment Research Funding: NEMA launched a research and innovation grant scheme for climate, pollution, waste, biodiversity and land-use solutions.

Climate & Disaster Risk: Uganda has warned South Sudan to prepare for possible Nile flooding as Lake Victoria levels rise, with above-normal rainfall expected to push record-high water levels and increase downstream riverine flooding risk. Drought Watch: An IGAD advisory says prolonged rainfall deficits across northern East Africa are worsening drought, with dry conditions extending into parts of Uganda and threatening crops, pasture and water for people and livestock. Environment Research: NEMA launched a Research and Innovations Grant Scheme to fund practical studies on climate change, pollution and waste, biodiversity loss and land degradation, supporting researchers and young innovators to turn findings into scalable solutions. Waste & Pollution: Government is considering replacing Kampala’s Buyala landfill with recycling and material recovery, including modern waste-treatment options like incineration, after concerns about the landfill’s proximity to the Kampala Storage Terminal. Wildlife Conservation: World Rhino Day coverage highlights Uganda’s role in northern white rhino reintroduction, with rhinos now surviving only as ageing females under intensive protection. Tourism & Nature Economy: Banyan Group’s majority acquisition of Newmark Hotels & Reserves adds 26 wildlife and nature-focused properties across Uganda and other African countries, betting on continued travel demand. Food Security for Refugees: A new needs assessment reports worsening food insecurity in Uganda’s refugee settlements as humanitarian funding shrinks, with food the top unmet need for most households.

UNGA Turmoil & Climate Agenda: As the UN General Assembly opens in New York, diplomats warn the world is in “deep uncertainty” with wars, AI fears, and climate shocks driving the agenda. Lake Victoria Flood Risk: Uganda’s warning about rising Lake Victoria levels has South Sudan on high alert for severe riverine flooding, including risks to Juba and other low-lying areas. El Niño Hunger Threat: A “supersized” El Niño could push up to eight million children into acute hunger across East and Southern Africa, with Uganda among the hardest hit. Coffee Under Pressure: Uganda urges coffee farmers to stay resilient as drought and heat cut yields while global prices fall due to higher supplies. Wildlife Safety: Crocodile attacks are escalating along Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands, leaving residents fearful and calling for urgent action from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Conservation Tech & Threats: A giant pangolin case highlights how electrified fences can kill wildlife, while a new malware campaign using torrent “film” downloads has reportedly reached victims in Uganda. Tourism Push: Uganda calls for a single African tourist visa to make cross-border travel easier and boost tourism revenue.

Climate & Health: A new report warns Uganda’s health system is being pushed by climate shocks, with hotter days linked to higher hospital admissions and ambulance shortages turning emergencies worse. Drought Fallout: In Kasese’s Nyakatonzi, nearly 1,000 cattle have died in a month as prolonged drought strips pasture and water, crushing milk output and livelihoods. Water Risk Across Borders: South Sudan is on alert for possible severe riverine flooding after Uganda warned Lake Victoria levels could rise and increase Nile releases. Wildlife Conflict: Chimpanzee attack victims in Kagadi say compensation is too low and based on outdated land rates, as a relocation plan targets communities near protected forests. Electric Mobility Push: Spiro secured an extra $18m from the AfricaGoGreen Fund to expand electric motorcycles and battery-swapping in Uganda and Rwanda. Coffee Prices & Climate Stress: MAAIF tells coffee farmers the price drop is temporary, driven by global supply, while Uganda’s drought and heat are still hurting quality and yields. Ranger Welfare Spotlight: Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge highlights ranger work and funding needs, with Uganda among participating hubs. Fisheries Debate: A report says nearly half of wild-caught fish could be diverted to aquaculture feed by 2040, intensifying calls for better fisheries management.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Residents in Kyamajaka Cell, Kagadi, say compensation for chimpanzee attack victims is too low and based on outdated land rates, urging President Museveni to review the valuation process as attacks linked to Katyobona and neighbouring forests have killed at least five people and injured others. Climate Preparedness Funding Gap: Uganda’s El Niño preparedness plan is costed but still awaiting Cabinet approval and funding, leaving government unable to pre-position relief supplies despite warnings that most of the country could see above-normal rains and higher flood and landslide risks. Ranger Welfare Spotlight: Tusk’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge at Lewa highlighted the danger and under-recognition of rangers, with calls for better pay, equipment and insurance as teams across Africa competed and raised support for frontline conservation. Waste & Clean Cities: Kampala’s waste system is under strain as monthly cleaning efforts clear streets but lack collection centres, while UN-Habitat also praised Kisii’s transformation of a dumpsite into a green park—an example Uganda cities can learn from. Agriculture Coordination & Mechanisation: Government says ministries must stop working in silos to support farmers’ full value chains, while 150 power tillers are being handed to groups to boost productivity. Water Access Push: Finance Minister Musasizi points to major water and sanitation investments to expand safe water for households and production.