AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response & Travel Tech: The U.S. is rerouting every international flight arriving from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to four Ebola-screening airports (Dulles, Atlanta, Houston and JFK), as Bundibugyo cases rise and contact tracing struggles. Ebola Surge in Congo: DR Congo reports a record daily jump in new Ebola cases, with weak contact tracing, insecurity and funding gaps hampering containment. Vaccine Race: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine candidate (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI support, while regulators discuss trial designs and medical countermeasures. Health Data & Sovereignty: Human Rights Watch renews scrutiny of U.S.-Africa health agreements, warning that surveillance data and biological sample access could undermine privacy and health sovereignty. Medical Imaging Upgrade: Researchers in Uganda and Spain use Microsoft’s cloud platform (Tyger) to improve MRI clarity from ultra-low-field systems, aiming to expand access in underserved areas. Solar for Agriculture: Equity Bank Uganda backs solar-powered irrigation for tree nurseries in Lira, boosting climate-resilient seedling production. Road Safety Tech: WHO convenes experts to strengthen vehicle safety rules using emerging technologies, with Uganda among participating countries. Uganda Budget & STEM: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget pushes industrialisation and science, technology and innovation under the ATMS framework, alongside major investment in agro-industrialisation and infrastructure.

Ebola Response in Focus: Uganda and DR Congo are still grappling with the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, with Africa CDC reporting 708 confirmed cases and 141 deaths as community engagement and cross-border coordination are pushed harder amid insecurity and weak surveillance. Vaccine Push: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo vaccine candidate (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI support, aiming to close the gap where no approved vaccine exists for this strain. Health Data Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch renews concerns over US-Africa health deals, warning that data-sharing and access to biological samples could threaten privacy and health sovereignty. Medical Imaging Upgrade: Researchers in Uganda and Spain are using Microsoft’s cloud imaging platform (Tyger) to improve MRI scans from ultra-low-field systems, boosting access to clearer diagnostics. HIV Prevention Supply Pressure: Uganda’s Lenacapavir PrEP injection demand is outstripping available doses as a loading-dose tablet shortage delays the next consignment. Digital Learning Boost: Airtel Africa Foundation backs education and digital inclusion with $6.2m, including internet connectivity for schools and scholarships reaching Uganda. Malaria Treatment Update: Health experts flag a new anti-malaria drug aimed at tackling rising resistance to current therapies. Public Finance & Tech: Uganda’s budget and borrowing debate continues, with attention on how funds are used for infrastructure and science, technology and innovation. Procurement Reform Debate: Uganda’s procurement reset faces calls to protect small and medium suppliers as collaborative procurement consolidates government demand. Clean Energy & Innovation: A business-first environmental approach is gaining traction, including turning banana waste into reusable bags through Amahoro Coalition fellows.

Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still spreading across the DRC and Uganda, with 708 confirmed cases and 141 deaths as of June 11, plus 6,525 contacts identified and 34 infected healthcare workers—urging stronger community engagement, cross-border coordination, and faster frontline response. Vaccine Push (India–Oxford–CEPI): India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo vaccine candidate (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI, using the same viral-vector manufacturing approach as the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine to scale once clinical doses are ready. AI in Health (Cambridge): Researchers at the University of Cambridge report the first human testing of an AI-designed vaccine aimed at stable coronavirus features across variants and related bat viruses. HIV Prevention (Uganda): Uganda’s Lenacapavir twice-yearly PrEP injection is in short supply as demand outstrips available doses, with a delayed loading-dose tablet shipment affecting rollout timing. Digital Learning (Tororo): Safal Uganda Baati in Tororo received 30 donated computers to expand ICT access for students. STI & Research Integrity (Makerere): Makerere University reaffirmed plans for responsible AI adoption in research management, calling for stronger safeguards for integrity and quality. Malaria (New Drug): Health experts say a more effective anti-malaria drug is being introduced to tackle rising artemisinin-based treatment resistance.

Ebola Response in East Africa: Uganda is facing spillover pressure from the DRC outbreak, with public health teams racing to keep up as cases rise; Oxford researchers say the Bundibugyo strain work is behind where it should be, and India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo vaccine candidate (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI support. US Support and Controversy: The US has deployed personnel to Kenya’s Laikipia to set up a temporary Ebola isolation unit, but the plan has triggered protests and legal challenges. HIV Prevention Supply Crunch: Uganda’s Lenacapavir twice-yearly HIV prevention injection is in short supply; demand is outstripping the 19,200 doses initially secured, with a delayed loading-dose tablet affecting the next consignment. Malaria Drug Update: Health experts report a new anti-malaria drug is being introduced to tackle rising resistance to some artemisinin-based treatments. Digital Education Gap: UNICEF finds only 20% of Uganda’s secondary schools are ICT-ready, with most lacking electricity, internet, or trained ICT teachers. AI in Research Governance: Makerere University is pushing responsible AI adoption in research management, calling for stronger integrity safeguards.

Ebola Vaccine Push: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with Oxford and CEPI support, aiming to close a gap where no licensed vaccine exists for this strain linked to DRC and Uganda. Ebola Response Logistics: The U.S. has deployed troops to Kenya’s Laikipia to help build a temporary Ebola isolation facility, even as legal challenges and public opposition continue. Malaria Treatment Upgrade: Uganda’s Ministry of Health says a new anti-malaria drug could be rolled out soon after showing strong performance against parasites with reduced sensitivity to current ACTs. HIV Prevention Supply Strain: Uganda reports demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir is outpacing available doses, with delays tied to shortages of a required “loading” tablet. Education Digital Gap: UNICEF finds only 20% of Uganda’s secondary schools are ICT-ready, with most lacking reliable power, internet, or trained ICT teachers. AI in Research: Makerere University commits to responsible AI adoption in research management, calling for stronger integrity safeguards. STI for Livelihoods: Uganda’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is convening Busoga stakeholders to shift communities from subsistence farming toward more productive income options. Agri-Finance Boost: Pearl Bank highlights expanded financing for the agriculture value chain to support mechanization, processing, and rural incomes under ATMS. Refugee School Regulation: Education authorities warn of unlicensed refugee-run schools operating without required registration and standards in Kampala and surrounding areas.

Ebola Vaccine Push: India is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with WHO and Africa CDC backing, using Oxford-style viral vector tech to scale production as clinical doses near. Uganda Treatment Support: Gilead has donated over 2,000 vials of remdesivir to Uganda under compassionate and emergency use frameworks to back the Ebola response. Border Trade vs Health: Uganda’s border shutdowns aim to curb Ebola spread, but global health voices warn total closures can backfire on livelihoods—especially for coffee smallholders and exporters. School ICT Gap: UNICEF reports only 20% of Uganda’s secondary schools are ICT-ready; 39% are unplugged, with missing electricity, internet, labs, and ICT teachers. HIV Prevention Shortage: Uganda’s Lenacapavir PrEP injection demand is outpacing supply, with delays tied to missing “loading dose” tablet components. AI Quality Assurance: African universities are urged to update quality assurance systems for AI use—moving beyond “policing” to protect standards and integrity. STEM Education Funding: Airtel Africa Foundation’s $6.2m annual report highlights internet connectivity for 1,028 schools and STEM scholarships across multiple countries including Uganda.

Ebola Response Boost: Gilead Sciences says it has mobilized more than 2,000 vials of remdesivir for Uganda’s Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, with more supply being readied and support planned for DRC and regional partners. Uganda Aviation & Industry: Uganda Airlines’ Boeing deal locks in 10 aircraft (including four 787 Dreamliners) and sets up a new contest over engine power, with deliveries expected from 2027. Education & Skills: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget raises education funding to Shs 6.66tn and includes a 25% salary jump for primary and arts teachers, starting next financial year. STEM Scholarships & Connectivity: Airtel Africa Foundation’s inaugural report highlights US$6.2m across FEED pillars, including internet connections for 1,028 schools via UNICEF and STEM-focused tech fellowships reaching Uganda and other countries. Biodiversity Learning in Uganda: ACBA Biodiversity Academy launches as an African-led learning platform, with ECOTRUST among the local drivers pushing practical solutions to biodiversity loss and climate change. Oil Pipeline Scrutiny: A report warns the East African Crude Oil Pipeline threatens wetlands and wildlife corridors, raising long-term environmental and community risks. AI for Business in Uganda: Tyms AI launches a human-first AI platform aimed at automating routine work across finance, sales, HR, and compliance for medium and enterprise firms. Science Diplomacy: South Korea and Italy sign MOUs on advanced science and technology, including AI and space, with Uganda listed among prospective African partners.

Education & Skills: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget boosts education, skills development and sports, including a 25% salary enhancement for primary and arts teachers—primary minimum pay rises from Shs499,684 to Shs624,605, and arts teachers’ minimums increase too—bringing the sector to over Shs6.66tn. Digital Access: UCC boss George Nyombi Thembo says Uganda’s ICT push has expanded broadband and digital infrastructure, and he pledges accelerated progress toward universal digital access under new ICT leadership. Biodiversity Learning: ECOTRUST and the African CSOs Biodiversity Alliance launch the ACBA Biodiversity Academy, a continent-wide platform for practitioners, researchers and community leaders to share practical solutions to biodiversity loss and climate change. AI for Business: Kampala-based Tyms AI rolls out a human-first AI platform aimed at automating routine work across finance, sales, marketing, customer service and compliance for medium and enterprise firms. Ebola Watch: DRC and Uganda’s Ebola situation remains severe, with reports of hundreds of cases and shortages of testing supplies in parts of DRC—raising pressure on diagnostics, isolation and contact tracing. Oil + Tech: Uganda’s first-oil push is framed as a technology and connectivity story, with MTN highlighting digital systems supporting operations in the Albertine region.

Ebola Response Under Strain: DRC’s Ebola fight is hitting a wall as three labs in South and North Kivu run out of testing reagents while confirmed cases climb past 600, raising fears of delays in isolation and contact tracing. Public Health at Borders: Uganda’s Ebola situation is also being watched closely, with officials and leaders pushing stronger preparedness and safer practices. Budget for Science-Backed Growth: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget backs agro-industrialisation with Shs2.26tn for research, irrigation, extension, inputs and agro-processing, though it still falls short of the Maputo 10% target. Education Pay Boost: Government increases education, skills development and sports funding, including higher minimum salaries for primary and secondary teachers. Oil Meets Connectivity: MTN highlights how digital infrastructure and connectivity are supporting Uganda’s first oil journey, linking telecom systems to real-time operations. AI for Everyday Use: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to more African markets including Uganda, aiming to make information search and understanding more accessible. Refugee Livelihoods Tested: Uganda’s DREAMS programme results show entrepreneurship plus market access can cut extreme poverty and boost consumption, savings and assets for refugees and host communities.

AI in Browsers: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI help for searching and understanding information to more African users. Clean Cooking & Energy Access: Detra Energy is expanding results-based financing for cheaper, cleaner stoves in Uganda—cutting charcoal use from about one month to up to three months for households. Medical Imaging in Rural Uganda: A Spain–Uganda team is using cloud processing to improve MRI scans from ultra-low-field systems, aiming to make clearer imaging more accessible where computing is limited. Ebola Response Debate: Human Rights Watch urges community-first Ebola response in DR Congo and warns that heavy security roles can erode trust and slow care. Public Health at Mass Gatherings: Toronto health officials say they’re prepared for the World Cup by boosting translation, staffing and infectious-disease monitoring, with wastewater testing used to watch for outbreaks. Ebola Policy & Travel Controls: Analysis highlights concerns that some border and quarantine decisions are not strongly backed by epidemiological data. Uganda Investment & Growth: The World Bank plans to more than double lending to Uganda over the next decade, with a focus on jobs and private-sector-led transformation. STEM Education & Skills: Uganda’s Eastern Region Trade Fair showcased an Industrial Educational Pavilion with training in analog & digital electronics, STEM teacher training and VR for innovation marketing. Econ Research for Refugees: New trials on Uganda’s DREAMS programme report higher consumption, doubled savings and improved assets for refugee and host communities.

Clean Cooking & Forest Protection: Detra Energy is helping Ugandan households cut charcoal use with eco-stoves, stretching a Shs 80,000 sack from about one month to nearly three, while easing pressure on forests and household air pollution. Aviation & Skills: Uganda Airlines’ Shs 3.7 trillion Boeing deal targets long-haul, regional and cargo growth, with support for pilot training and maintenance capacity including possible upgrades for Soroti Flying School. Ebola Preparedness & Travel Policy: Africa CDC urges stronger exit screening at airports, seaports and border crossings to reduce cross-border Ebola spread without blocking travel or trade, as Belgium rejects a blanket Congo entry ban ahead of the World Cup. Public Health After Ebola: A study warns Ebola survivors can face long-term neurological problems, including memory loss, shaping how care and treatment should be planned. WASH & Water Tech: CAFOMI is recognized for scaling WASH support to over 100,000 people using solutions like SkyHydrant ultra-filtration and ceramic filters in disaster-prone districts. Agroforestry for Resilience: A World Bank-backed IFPA-CD project is expanding climate-smart agroforestry in refugee-hosting areas to boost tree cover, landscape resilience and livelihoods. Digital Jobs & Outsourcing: Uganda’s outsourcing push is gaining traction, with new evidence of trained digital freelancers delivering international work and the country ranking in the global top outsourcing destinations. Ebola Vaccine Science: Cambridge researchers report an AI-designed vaccine tested in humans, aiming for broad protection against coronavirus families and related bat viruses.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO reports 515 confirmed Ebola cases and 91 deaths in DR Congo, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases and two deaths as cross-border spread and healthcare-worker infections remain a major worry. Local Health Preparedness: Lake Victoria leaders push for urgent Ebola screening points and stronger surveillance along busy trade routes linking Kenya, Uganda and DR Congo. Uganda Education Reform: Government plans to merge UNEB and NCDC under the Curriculum, Assessment and Admissions Bill to cut duplication and streamline curriculum and national examinations. AI Vaccine Breakthrough: Cambridge researchers report a first-in-human test of an AI-designed DNA vaccine aimed at broad protection across coronavirus families, including future bat-related threats. HIV Treatment Progress: A decade-long study supports hydroxyurea as standard care for children with sickle cell anemia in Africa, while new HIV prevention results highlight twice-yearly lenacapavir injections with near-zero new infections in trials. Digital Economy & Jobs: Uganda’s rise in global outsourcing rankings is celebrated, but the push now is turning that win into real employment at scale. Connectivity Investment: Amazon selects Kenya for its first African satellite internet gateway under Project Kuiper, signaling intensifying competition for rural connectivity. Fintech Expansion: MTN partners with China’s Ant to build a MoMo super app, aiming to deepen digital finance and inclusion.

Ebola Response Boost: WHO and Africa CDC have launched a unified $518m Ebola plan for the DRC and Uganda, using a “One-Response” approach to speed coordination, research, and community engagement as cases and deaths rise. Uganda Health Update: WHO reports 515 confirmed Ebola cases and 91 deaths in the DRC, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases and two deaths (plus one probable death), with surveillance and contact tracing intensified. Vaccine Pipeline Funding: Public Health Vaccines won an added BARDA option worth over $33m to advance Sudan ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates using an rVSV platform. Education & Tech Reality Check: A Uganda digital readiness assessment finds only 20% of secondary schools fully ICT-ready, and experts warn digitisation won’t work without better-trained, willing teachers. Agroecology on the Ground: Uganda’s IFPA-CD agroforestry project in Kamwenge District celebrated model farmers after distributing thousands of tree seedlings to restore degraded land and support climate-smart farming. Tourism Science & Tech: Entebbe Zoo expects 650,000–700,000 visitors next year as World Bank-backed upgrades aim to improve facilities and conservation. Digital Trade: East Africa’s digital customs reforms are reducing border delays and costs, helping cross-border commerce move faster.

Ebola Response in Focus: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still surging, with reports putting confirmed cases above 500 and deaths around 100, while attacks on health workers and mistrust keep response teams under pressure. Regional Health Strategy: Africa CDC and WHO have launched a unified six-month “One Response” plan, targeting $518m for surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care, community engagement, research, and cross-border coordination. Uganda Innovation for Hygiene: Makerere University student David Kaleebu showcased Pee-Gal, a disposable female urination device aimed at reducing contact with unsanitary toilet surfaces and lowering infection risk. AI Vaccine Breakthrough: Cambridge researchers report a new AI-designed vaccine that targets stable coronavirus features across variants and related bat viruses, with first human testing underway. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation says it’s expanding oncology training scholarships across multiple African countries to address late diagnosis and specialist shortages. Tech for Local Impact: UCC grants Shs182.6m to nine university-led projects, including cybersecurity, energy access, and agricultural productivity.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO reports Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have climbed above 500, with the Bundibugyo strain driving deaths and forcing tougher containment as insecurity and misinformation disrupt care; global partners are pushing a $518m WHO–Africa CDC plan, while Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical supplies to boost frontline response. Vaccine Race: Oxford researchers explain why making a new Bundibugyo vaccine is hard—early testing missed the strain, and public health measures are still “catch-up”—as CEPI funding calls and companies like Soligenix seek development support. Uganda Policy Debate: Uganda’s travel restrictions and border actions are sparking questions about why Uganda faces heavier measures than DR Congo despite cross-border spread, with MPs also urging Lake Victoria trade controls to reduce risk. AI for Ugandan Languages: A Fulbright scholar is returning to Uganda to study sensor networks for the Great Lakes, while separate reporting highlights how Ugandan developers are using open-source Chinese AI models to build language tools for local use. Digital & Energy Moves: Bank of Uganda caps daily cash withdrawals to speed digital finance and curb cybercrime, and Equity Bank expands green loans for solar and clean cooking. Sports Nutrition: BIRDC and UOC commit over Shs2.5bn to a Nutrition for Sports push, linking banana processing plans with athlete health.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m, six-month joint plan to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, stressing “one plan, one budget, one team” and faster testing, care, and community engagement as cases surge. Health Preparedness: Israel began hospital and staff readiness for a possible Ebola case, while the UAE imposed travel restrictions on DRC, Uganda and South Sudan to curb spread. Malaria Innovation: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a newborn/infant malaria treatment trialed across eight African countries including Uganda, aiming for safer dosing and faster rollout. Clean Energy Finance: Equity Bank Uganda is scaling green lending and results-based financing to expand solar and clean cooking access despite high upfront costs. Sports Nutrition & Biotech: BIRDC and UOC committed over Shs 2.5bn to a “Nutrition for Sports” initiative linked to a planned banana processing factory. AI & Work: Uganda urged a people-centred approach to AI at the ILO, arguing tech should create decent jobs and boost productivity. Energy Infrastructure: Uganda’s Entebbe fuel hydrant capacity expansion is highlighted as regional Middle East tensions strain jet fuel supply chains. Education Pressure: Uganda’s Baseline Education Census flags infrastructure and teacher shortages even as enrolment rises.