AGP Executive Report

Sports: Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have been drawn into a tough Group A for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali, facing hosts APR FC, Gor Mahia and Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine, with the tournament running July 24–Aug 7. Running: Joshua Cheptegei says elite road racing is now a “team sport” as he targets history at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10K on Sunday, where he’ll line up against Stephen Mokoka, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Kenya’s Gilbert Kiprotich and Felix Masai. Arts & culture: A community-led photo exhibition in rural Uganda spotlights young photographers trained through recycled-equipment workshops, with images set to go on display July 11. Media: Uganda’s Nation Media Group shutdown has pushed its outlets fully digital after security forces blocked operations, raising fresh concerns about press freedom. Fashion/innovation: Stanbic’s National Schools Championship enters a do-or-die stage with appraisal visits underway for regional finalists, as schools pitch STEM projects ahead of the August finale. Entertainment & public life: Uganda completes phase one of voluntary repatriation of 1,102 nationals from South Africa amid xenophobic unrest, with returnees set for reintegration training.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola toll jumped again, with confirmed deaths now reported at 625 and cases rising to 1,792, as UN officials urge faster action to “break the back” of the outbreak and Uganda confirms 20 cases. Parliament & Politics: Uganda’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) endorsed a proposed amendment to the Administration of Parliament Act to set a legal process for removing the Leader of Opposition, while Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo quit NRM after his petition was dismissed. Football: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi vowed AFCON-and-2030 focus after France ended their World Cup run again with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat. Boxing: Jose Kadima faces Herbert Matovu in a WBC Africa heavyweight title fight at Emperors Palace. Fashion & Culture: Haute Afrika designer Gracia Bampile tied the knot in a fashion-forward Afro Fusion Black Tie wedding. Digital Entertainment: Kreed_Icon (Zziwa Abubakar) keeps growing on TikTok with skits and commentary, while Uganda’s media freedom debate continues after reports of raids on independent outlets. Royal/Charity: Prince Harry visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital as he marks Invictus-related milestones and supports WellChild Nurse work.

Fashion & Culture: Haute Afrika designer Gracia Bampile tied the knot in a fashion-forward Afro Fusion Black Tie wedding, designing the looks herself and turning the ceremony into a full-on style moment. Digital Creators: Kreed_Icon (Zziwa Abubakar) keeps climbing on TikTok with daily uploads, skits and social commentary, building a fast-growing Ugandan audience. Media & Freedom: Uganda’s media landscape stays tense after reports of military pressure on independent outlets, with online debate heating up around press freedom and control. Music & Events: I Am Hip Hop Festival 2026 is set to bring over 30 East African acts, spotlighting the region’s growing youth culture. Health & Safety (Ebola): Ebola headlines continue as WHO flags the outbreak’s spread across borders, keeping Uganda’s public health response in the spotlight. Community Giving: An Athlone teacher raised €7,638 for Hospice Jinja and Walukuba West Primary School, showing how arts and theatre can fund real local impact.

Uganda’s Destination Push: Uganda’s “Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa” campaign is turning buses in France into billboards, aiming to boost tourism and investment after a jump in French visitors since 2024. Parliament Watch: Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara has been granted leave to introduce amendments on how the Leader of the Opposition is elected and held accountable. Courtroom Update: Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale’s bid to stop their treason trial was rejected again, with the hearing set for July 13. Tech & Connectivity: MTN Uganda says Sunday’s major outage was caused by power disruption at a data centre, with services restored and compensation promised. Ebola Research: A South African firm says it’s preparing an Ebola treatment trial in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Media & Culture: The Simonetta Lein Show has surpassed one billion views worldwide, while Bone Thugs-N-Harmony received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Public Safety: A Kampala–Gulu highway crash left 14 dead and 28 critically injured.

Courtroom Decolonisation: Uganda’s judiciary has banned lawyers from calling judges “My Lord/My Lady” and ordered an end to bows in court, replacing them with “Your Worship/Your Honour/Chief Justice/Justice” as part of a push to modernize proceedings. Film & Media Finance: Afreximbank has launched a $1bn Pan-African Film Fund, appointing Lavaille Lavette as CEO to back African content production, distribution and infrastructure. Ugandan Screen Culture: Kenya’s sci-fi romance “Memories of Princess Mumbi” is set for a multi-country homecoming run starting Aug 7, with Uganda among the markets. Celebrity Boxing: Zahara Toto and Prima Kardashi will settle their feud in a celebrity boxing match in Kampala, moving rivalry from social media to the ring. Sports & Veterans: Prince Harry says the Invictus Games can reignite recovery and confidence, as Uganda signs up as the latest participating nation for Birmingham 2027. Ebola Watch: DRC reports Ebola cases rising to 1,708 with 580 deaths, while Uganda and the region keep preparing for possible spread. Road Safety: A Kampala-Gulu highway crash killed 14 and injured 28 after a bus collided with a trailer. Journalism Rights: The NUJ welcomed the release of photographer Klaus Thymann after five days in detention.

Invictus Games Spotlight: Uganda has officially joined the Invictus Games community as the first East African nation, with Prince Harry hailing the movement’s mission beyond sport and Uganda’s defence ministry calling it a major milestone ahead of Birmingham 2027. Sports & Talent Pipeline: UTTA President Muwanga Mark Cyrus met ITTF governance officials in Lausanne, pushing for stronger compliance, international partnerships, and readiness to host future senior championships. Ebola Update: Uganda says its Ebola outbreak is contained and is seeking removal of travel restrictions, while also sending support teams and mobile labs to help Congo’s cross-border response. Entertainment & Media Buzz: Glam influencer Lily Jay is accused of faking charity videos using AI-generated “impoverished kids,” sparking fresh debate on authenticity in social media giving. Uganda Language Push: Uganda launched the Dawati la Kiswahili competition to boost Kiswahili use nationwide, with more language events planned. Creator Economy Watch: A profile on Ugandan digital creator Zert Essential raises questions about unverifiable claims and the blurred line between public profile and public record. Regional Football Talk: Laryea Kingston says Ghana should hire a coach for a long-term five-year rebuild after World Cup exit, with patience over instant trophies.

El Niño Watch: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit Uganda and other high-risk countries with drought, floods and food shocks, as FAO and WFP appeal for over $200m to protect 8.8 million people. Courtroom Drama: Uganda’s High Court ordered a fresh inquest into the 2018 killing of Bobi Wine’s driver Yasin Kawuma, reopening scrutiny of one of the country’s most disputed political deaths. Ebola Update: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still expanding, with cases and deaths rising and response slowed by crowded centres and health worker strikes. Football Buzz: African teams’ record World Cup run is turning heads across the continent and diaspora, with Cabo Verde’s breakthrough among the standout stories. Uganda Language Push: Uganda launched the Dawati la Kiswahili competition to boost Kiswahili use, ahead of a national anthem contest. Tech & Media: A report claims Meta platforms have become a major marketplace for illegal wildlife trade, raising fresh concerns about online recommendations. Sports Development: Uganda confirms it will compete at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Beijing. Entertainment Spotlight: Vuyo Brown returns with “Imprint,” a faith-led album urging young people to resist social pressure. Royal/Global Culture: Prince Harry kicks off Invictus Games events in London, as royal headlines keep swirling.

CAF Football: CAF has rejected a plan to expand AFCON from 24 to 28 teams, keeping the tournament size unchanged from 2028 onward. Uganda Courts & Justice: The General Court Martial at Makindye remanded former CMI/DIS boss Maj Gen James Birungi on treachery and security-related charges, with media restrictions during the proceedings. Family Justice Push: High Court judges launched a mediation drive under the Family Division Case Settlement Fortnight, urging faster, cheaper settlement of divorce and inheritance disputes. Art & Culture Loss: Uganda-linked painter Patrick “Panye” Mukabi is remembered for mentoring young artists and shaping creativity at the Railway Museum. Sports Diplomacy: Uganda’s embassy in Addis Ababa promoted the 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon with a run drawing 500+ Ethiopian participants. Ebola Response: Uganda-linked coverage highlights how mistrust and cultural insensitivity weaken Ebola control, as DR Congo’s outbreak keeps worsening. Music Business: Ugandan artists are increasingly training and collaborating across Africa, with a pan-African Lagos programme focused on copyright, branding and cross-border deals. Public Service Pay: Government released the 2026/27 salary structure, prioritising scientists and technical professionals.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Uganda’s media crisis stays in focus as Daily Monitor co-founder Phillip Wafula Oguttu warns NMG reopening talks must not trade away editorial independence, amid reports negotiations are being handled through the military. Police SACCO Shake-up: Exodus SACCO in Uganda has sacked nearly 30 staff in a restructuring that left long-serving department heads and junior workers out of jobs. Public Service Pay: Government released the 2026/27 salary structure, keeping scientists and technical professionals as top earners while many other public servants see limited changes. Court Martial Case: Maj Gen James Birungi has been remanded over treachery and security-related charges, with media barred from parts of the proceedings. Ebola Response & Trust: New commentary highlights how mistrust and cultural insensitivity can weaken Ebola control in the DRC and Uganda. Sports & Culture: CAF invited bids to host AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, while Uganda’s football fans get more buzz around Hearts’ Ugandan star Rogers Mato insisting on a title push. Tech/Connectivity: Savanna Uganda launches an unlimited mobile voice-and-data offer in Kampala and Greater Kampala, extending beyond its fiber footprint.

Media & Rights: Daily Monitor reopening talks are heating up as co-founder Wafula Oguttu warns against any deal that gives government control over editorial decisions, while the Uganda Law Society also condemns President Museveni’s comments in the Besigye treason trial for risking interference with justice. Tech & Entertainment Life: MTN Uganda and Stanbic Bank users reported major service disruptions after an MTN power outage hit voice, internet and Mobile Money. Sports (Ugandan talent): Hearts’ Ugandan winger Rogers Mato insists the club’s title challenge is “ON” after last season’s heartbreak, as the team returns from pre-season in Spain. Boxing Glam: Zahara Totto and Prima Kardashi sparked a brief scuffle at Lugogo during the Uganda Boxing Champions League, with security stepping in and no injuries reported. Health (Regional impact): Uganda says its Ebola outbreak is contained and is pushing to lift travel restrictions, while Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola trial begins with experimental treatments. Business/Health: Unihealth Hospitals approved a share-swap to raise its stake in Uganda’s Victoria Hospital to 99.81%. Music/Global Spotlight: Davido explains why he paid tribute to abducted Oyo schoolchildren during the FIFA World Cup, saying “silence is not an option.” Society & Safety: Uganda suspended unlicensed gold mining in Kanungu, citing environmental and public health concerns.

Ebola Update: Uganda says it has contained the Ebola outbreak after May’s importation from DR Congo, citing treatment of all imported cases, contact tracing and quarantine, and supportive care—while also engaging countries that imposed travel restrictions and sending a joint Uganda-DRC response team with mobile labs. DR Congo Crisis: The DRC reports 1,528 Ebola infections and 492 deaths as WHO warns the outbreak remains severe, with community resistance, limited treatment capacity, and insecurity slowing containment. Telecom Disruption: MTN Uganda apologises after a power failure at a data centre disrupted calls, mobile data, and Mobile Money services nationwide. Sports Spotlight: Kenya Legends defend the SportPesa Legends Cup title, beating Uganda Legends 17-10 in Kampala for a 32-26 aggregate win. Digital & Culture: Zanzibar pushes a digital transformation agenda, pitching itself as an Africa tech and innovation hub through AI and new education links. Entertainment & Media: Uganda’s media practitioners are increasingly using TikTok, Facebook and X to extend stories beyond broadcasts and mobilise communities.

Media & Digital Journalism: Ugandan journalists are leaning into TikTok, Facebook and X to keep stories alive after airtime, mobilise communities and deepen public impact, with Galaxy FM/TV’s Nareeba Washington Steven highlighted for his fast-growing online reach. Sports Spotlight: Winfred Yavi grabbed a strong second-place finish in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Prefontaine Classic, while Faith Kipyegon suffered a rare defeat in the women’s mile as Nikki Hiltz surged to win. Music & Pop Culture: Beyoncé dropped surprise track “Morning Dew (Donk)” to kick off the countdown to the 20th anniversary reissue of “B’Day,” and Durban July turned fashion heads as DJ Fresh appeared with a mystery woman. Football & Events: CAF invited bids to host AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036, with PAMOJA 2027 set for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Uganda-Regional Attention: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 1,500 cases, with Uganda watching closely as the crisis spreads.

Ugandan Media Under Pressure: Uganda’s army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered shutdowns of major outlets including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, with international rights groups and journalists calling for restoration. Legal Drama: Kenya’s Martha Karua has sued Muhoozi after her deportation, seeking court intervention tied to the Besigye treason case. Entertainment & Pop Culture: South Africa-based Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan denies Kenyan claims she’s the “female version of Jonasi” from Netflix’s The Polygamist, pushing back in a TikTok video. Romance Scam Alert: Betty Kyallo reacts after scammers use her photo to lure victims on an online dating platform. Music & Film Spotlight: George the Poet shares his journey from grime rapper to acclaimed spoken-word artist and author. Sports: Uganda’s World Cup qualifier path is outlined, with Egypt’s next steps affecting Uganda’s chances. Health Watch: WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest on record, with Uganda reporting follow-up progress and cases under scrutiny.

Ugandan Pop Culture & Scams: Betty Kyallo says scammers are using her photo on an online dating profile to lure victims, a fresh reminder of how romance fraud is spreading. Sports Drama: Mildred Cheche’s Junior Starlets face a crunch, two-leg battle for a golden ticket to Morocco after earlier East Africa clashes with Uganda. Music & Legacy: Nearly 20 years after Paul Job Kafeero’s death, his body was exhumed for DNA testing to settle an inheritance dispute—only 4 of 25 claimants were confirmed as biological children. Media & Rights: Veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira has been granted Shs650,000 cash bail over alleged operation of online media without a broadcasting licence. Health Headlines: WHO reports Ebola in DRC has surged to its highest weekly level since the outbreak began, while Uganda records new cases including imported ones. History in the Spotlight: Israel unseals thousands of Operation Entebbe records ahead of the 50th anniversary, adding new detail to the 1976 rescue story.

Uganda–South Africa Xenophobia: Uganda received its first evacuees from xenophobic violence in South Africa as 273 nationals landed at Entebbe, with more flights planned after tens of thousands were processed at Beitbridge. Ugandan Music & Culture: Nearly 20 years after Kadongo Kamu star Paul Job Kafeero died, his body was exhumed for DNA testing to settle an inheritance dispute, with only 4 of 25 claimants confirmed as biological children. Media & Rights: Veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira was granted Shs650,000 cash bail over alleged operation of online media without a broadcasting licence, while the UN urged Uganda to end detention of political and civic actors and protect media freedom. Sports & Entertainment: TNT Sports is set to deliver 600 hours of Commonwealth Games coverage in Glasgow, with Uganda among participating nations. Viral Pop Culture: Ugandan children from Hypers Kids Africa received official Paraguay national team shirts after their viral World Cup-support videos. Tech & Business: Dimension Data Uganda rebranded to NTT DATA, expanding AI, cloud, networking and cybersecurity services.

Uganda Media Crackdown: Uganda’s military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba says he “does not believe in a free press” and orders Nation Media Group outlets (NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and others) shut, with soldiers guarding offices and staff barred from entry—sparking fresh rights and press-freedom alarms. Journalist Detained: Veteran commentator Timothy Kalyegira has been remanded after being charged over operating digital news outlets without licenses, as watchdogs urge his release. Parliament Corruption Case: IGG reports seven senior Parliament officials sent to Luzira pre-trial detention over alleged embezzlement and money laundering. Health Watch: WHO confirms a Marburg case in Uganda and says no symptoms have appeared among monitored contacts; meanwhile, WHO also declares a hantavirus outbreak over and a new Ebola treatment trial begins in Congo. Sports (Regional): South Africa’s Hugo Broos says Bafana must focus on Afcon and World Cup qualification, with SAFA set to hold talks about his future. Arts & Culture: A new international cleft surgery mission brings free operations to children in Juba, while Uganda’s creative scene continues to draw attention across the region.