AGP Executive Report

Ebola Diagnostics & Treatment: York-based Aptamer Group is developing a rapid field test for the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain using its Optimer® binders, as the outbreak in DRC and Uganda keeps expanding and responders still lack strain-specific tools. Clinical Trials in DRC: WHO and INRB have started participant enrollment for the PARTNERS clinical trial to test targeted Filovirus treatments for Bundibugyo, with trials beginning in Bunia and expected to run for months. Local Health Innovation: Uganda researchers report a low-cost catnip (Nepeta cataria) lotion that performed as well as DEET in field trials for repelling mosquitoes—an affordable malaria-fighting option for rural communities. Digital & AI for Youth: A new survey led by Makerere and Cambridge finds young adults in lower-income countries are more optimistic about AI’s benefits for education and work prospects. Clean Energy Finance: Equity Bank Uganda pushes green financing to make solar and clean cooking solutions more affordable, targeting the high upfront cost barrier. Water Security Tech: Ntungamo’s Kakukuru Town Council has commissioned a Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water underground for dry spells. STEM Education Spotlight: Uganda won gold at the 2026 International Greenwich Olympiad for a fruit-picking physics robot project. Governance & Tech Oversight: Uganda’s PPDA says it has begun digitally monitoring 1,296 public projects to improve contract execution and reduce procurement losses.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO says the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still expanding, with 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths, as limited protective gear, crowded treatment centres and population movement slow containment. New Treatments Move Forward: WHO and INRB have started enrolling participants for the PARTNERS clinical trial testing targeted options for Bundibugyo, while Africa CDC calls it a key step since there’s no licensed vaccine or targeted therapy for this strain. Uganda’s Health Tools: Island Pharma received approvals for compassionate use of galidesivir in Uganda’s Bundibugyo outbreak, adding another potential antiviral option as cases rise. Malaria Fight Gets Local Science: Uganda field trials found a homegrown catnip-based lotion (6% catnip oil) repels mosquitoes as effectively as Deet, pointing to cheaper, locally producible protection. Water Security Upgrade: Ntungamo residents in Kakukuru Town Council received an underground Managed Aquifer Recharge system to store rainy-season water for dry spells. STEM Talent Spotlight: Uganda won a gold medal at the 2026 International Greenwich Olympiad in London for a fruit-picking robot using Newton’s laws. Digital Skills and Access: Uganda’s digital divide is shifting from network coverage to affordability, smartphone access and skills that enable real opportunities. Language Tech for Inclusion: Uganda launched the Dawati la Kiswahili competition to boost Kiswahili use as a compulsory, examinable subject. Energy and Industry Watch: Dangote’s planned $17bn Kenya refinery on Lamu Island advances East Africa’s fuel-processing ambitions.

Ebola Treatment Push in Uganda: Uganda’s Ministry of Health-backed Island Pharmaceuticals says it has regulatory and ethics approvals to ship Galidesivir for compassionate use in the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, aiming to generate real-world human data where no approved options exist. Ebola Response Under Strain: Uganda also reported two Ebola suspects escaping an isolation unit in Arua, highlighting gaps in security, supplies and care conditions even as UVRI tests samples faster. Bundibugyo Trial Milestone (DRC): In the wider outbreak, WHO-backed clinical trials are underway for Bundibugyo-specific treatments, including PARTNERS testing two antivirals and a separate trial enrollment opening as deaths pass 450. Public Sector Pay for STEM: Government released the 2026/27 public service salary structure, keeping scientists and specialized technical professionals at the top of the pay priority list. Agritech Show Modernisation: Exhibitors at Uganda’s Jinja Agricultural Show urged UNFFE to upgrade stalls, training spaces and sanitation to match international standards and better showcase emerging technologies. Digital Payments (Regional): Liberia’s BanffPay secured a PSP license to launch a unified pay-in/pay-out API, a sign of fintech infrastructure scaling across Africa.

Ebola Response in Focus: Uganda’s border closure with Congo and other outbreak-control moves are being questioned as not strongly backed by epidemiological logic, as the Bundibugyo Ebola crisis grows across DRC and reaches Uganda. Clinical Trial Push: WHO-backed “Partners” trial has started in DRC to test two experimental therapies (MBP134 and remdesivir) plus improved supportive care, aiming to speed up answers for the rare strain. Frontline Strain & Trust: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya stresses speed, faster testing, safe isolation, and daily community trust work—warning that mistrust and weak infection control can derail containment. Local Health Alerts: In Arua, two Ebola suspects escaped from an isolation unit, prompting calls for tighter security and better support for isolation conditions. Public Sector STEM Pay: Government released the 2026/27 public service salary structure, boosting scientists and technical professionals, while leaving many other cadres largely unchanged. Energy Infrastructure: East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) passed 90% completion, moving into final commissioning steps toward Uganda’s first export route. Digital Finance & Policy: Uganda is highlighted in Africa’s push for blockchain-based settlement rails to reduce payment frictions, alongside broader ecosystem concerns about capital gaps.

Telecom Expansion: Savanna Uganda officially launches as a Mobile Network Operator, rolling out unlimited voice and data for Kampala and Greater Kampala by linking SIMs to its fibre billing plans. Health & Biotech: In DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, WHO-backed experimental treatment trials begin, including a monoclonal antibody cocktail and remdesivir, while researchers stress there’s still hope for a workable cure. Public Health Impact: A UNDP assessment warns the Ebola outbreak could cost Africa $3.6bn, push nearly 985,000 people into poverty, and threaten about 300,000 jobs. Ebola Preparedness in Uganda: Uganda continues to monitor Ebola/Marburg risks as cases are reported amid the wider regional outbreak. Energy & Infrastructure: Power upgrades along the Masaka Road corridor commission new lines to improve reliability for multiple communities. Digital Services Disruption: MTN Uganda and Stanbic Bank report service disruptions linked to a major power outage affecting data centres and digital channels. Science Policy & Jobs: Uganda’s 2026/27 public service salary structure is released, prioritising scientists and specialised technical professionals. Oil & Industry: World Bank flags reforms to turn Uganda’s oil and infrastructure growth into job creation, including investment in science, technology and innovation. Clean Cooking: Vivo Energy expands LPG cooking systems in schools, with Nabisunsa Girls’ School among the latest to shift away from firewood. Healthcare Business: Unihealth Hospitals plans to raise its stake in Uganda’s Victoria Hospital to 99.81% via a strategic share swap.

Public Sector Pay: Uganda’s Ministry of Public Service has released the 2026/27 public service salary structure (CSI No. 3 of 2026), keeping scientists, teachers and specialised technical professionals at the top of the priority list, with the wage bill set at Shs 9.7 trillion. Oil & Industry: Uganda says its Hoima refinery plan remains on course as Aliko Dangote pushes expansion into East Africa after meetings with President Museveni on a regional oil refinery and value addition. Clean Cooking in Schools: Vivo Energy Uganda is expanding LPG for institutional cooking, with Nabisunsa Girls’ School among the latest to replace firewood using a bulk storage and safety-equipped distribution system. Power Upgrade: UEDCL has commissioned new integration lines along the Masaka Road corridor to improve reliability after demand strained older supply points. Health Alerts: WHO confirms Uganda registered a Marburg case in Kyegegwa (an 18-month-old girl), as the country continues Ebola response efforts. Regional Tech & Skills: Zanzibar is positioning itself as an Africa tech hub, backed by new AI and data science training at IIT Madras Zanzibar.

Clean Cooking Rollout: Nabisunsa Girls’ School in Kampala has switched from firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after Vivo Energy Uganda installed a Shell Gas bulk storage and distribution system, joining other schools adopting cleaner cooking to cut deforestation and indoor smoke. Power Reliability Upgrade: Along Uganda’s Masaka Road corridor, UEDCL commissioned new integration lines feeding the Mitala Maria and Mutundwe-1 feeders from the Maya 220kV/132kV/33kV substation, aiming to reduce frequent outages in Mpigi and surrounding areas. Health Alerts in Uganda: WHO confirmed Uganda’s first Marburg case in an 18-month-old girl from Kyegegwa, with response teams already on the ground while Uganda continues to manage Ebola risks. Ebola Diagnostics in Focus: WHO’s Emergency Use Listing added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus, a key step for faster lab confirmation as the DRC outbreak expands. Jobs & Construction Reform: The World Bank says Uganda’s construction sector needs stronger regulation, skilled labour and faster procurement to unlock more quality employment. Education Growth: Uganda Christian University reported rising enrolment and revenue, citing a break-even model for programmes and continued investment in research and infrastructure.

Electricity Upgrade for Masaka Road Corridor: UEDCL commissioned new integration lines feeding the Mitala Maria and Mutundwe-1 33kV feeders from the Maya 220kV/132kV/33kV substation, aiming to cut prolonged outages in Nsangi, Nabbingo, Namagoma, Mpigi, Buwama and other areas. Public Health Watch: WHO confirmed Uganda registered a Marburg case in Kyegegwa—an 18-month-old girl tested positive after dying as a suspected Ebola case—while the wider Central Africa Ebola/Bundibugyo response ramps up with new diagnostics and trials. Ebola/Bundibugyo Diagnostics & Treatment Push: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing and began the PARTNERS clinical trial to test antiviral therapies in DR Congo. Climate Migration Pressure: Reporting from Bududa highlights how shifting rainfall and landslide risk are forcing communities to weigh staying versus relocating. Tech for Food Security: Kenya-based Victory Farms (fish) says it’s boosting production through human capital and technology to expand supply. Misinformation Check: Kyambogo University dismissed social media claims that it would be shut down and converted into a military facility.

Marburg Alert in Uganda: WHO confirms a new Marburg case in Kyegegwa—an 18-month-old girl tested positive after dying as a suspected Ebola case—while response teams move to contain spread. Ebola Diagnostics & Trials: WHO’s Emergency Use Listing now includes the first molecular diagnostic for Bundibugyo virus, and clinical work continues under the PARTNERS trial to test antiviral options in DR Congo. Food Tech for Protein: Victory Farms says it’s boosting fish production by investing in human capital and technology, hiring and training 1,000+ workers to expand supply. Power Grid Upgrade Push: A Uganda electricity transmission and grid modernization push is framed as urgent for a future $500bn economy and fast-growing demand from e-mobility and data centers. AI & Research Quality Watch: A study reports a sharp rise in retracted AI/ML papers over the past decade, pointing to instability in publication oversight. Solar + AI Farming Win: Ugandan entrepreneur Shifra Ainomugisha wins Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for AI and solar-powered tools that cut post-harvest losses. Kyambogo Rumour Denied: Kyambogo University dismisses social media claims it will be shut down and converted into a military facility. Forensics in Uganda: DNA testing after the exhumation of Paul Job Kafeero confirms only 4 of 25 claimants as biological children.

Ebola Diagnostics & Trials: WHO has granted emergency use listing for the first molecular diagnostic for Bundibugyo virus in the DRC, and started the PARTNERS clinical trial testing two antiviral options (including remdesivir and MBP134) to find effective treatment for the outbreak. Health Emergency Pressure: The same response is facing setbacks, including attacks on treatment centres and rising case counts, as WHO and partners push diagnostics and drugs into hard-hit areas. Uganda Tech & AI for Farmers: Ugandan founder Shifra Ainomugisha won the 2026 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for AI and solar-powered agricultural tech that cuts post-harvest losses through cold storage and smarter irrigation. Digital Economy Boost: Uganda’s Dimension Data rebranded to NTT DATA, expanding services in AI, cloud, networking and cybersecurity for Uganda’s growing digital economy. Regional Payments Innovation: PAPSS is highlighted as a pan-African system enabling cross-border trade in local currencies, aiming to cut costly FX bottlenecks for businesses. Education & Misinformation: Kyambogo University dismissed social media claims that it is set to close, saying operations and admissions are continuing normally.

Ebola Research in DRC: WHO has launched a clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo to test two treatments for Bundibugyo Ebola—MBP134 and remdesivir—starting with the enrolment of the first patient, as cases and deaths keep rising. Ebola Diagnostics: WHO also added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing to speed up early, reliable detection. Ebola Response Support: A second Chinese medical team has arrived in the DRC to strengthen lab testing, clinical care, and response protocols. Marburg Alert in Uganda: Africa CDC confirmed a Marburg virus disease case in Uganda, raising the stakes for surveillance alongside Ebola. Digital Integration in East Africa: EAC partner states approved a harmonised framework for trusted cross-border data flows and stronger personal data protection, aiming to boost a unified regional digital market. Uganda Tech Business: Dimension Data Uganda rebranded to NTT DATA, expanding services into AI, cloud, networking, cybersecurity and managed IT. Digital Games Funding: Google Play launched a Sh129m Indie Games Fund for Africa to support independent studios across 32 countries. Clean Energy & Power: POWERGRID outlined growth driven by renewable energy evacuation, battery storage and HVDC networks. Biotech Knowledge Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launched a Biotec Africa Database portal to centralize biotech crop approval and biosafety regulatory information across countries.

Ebola Diagnostics Boost: WHO added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus to its Emergency Use Listing, aiming to speed up early detection and outbreak response. Ebola Treatment Trial: A new WHO-sponsored clinical trial for Bundibugyo Ebola treatments started July 2, testing a monoclonal antibody and an antiviral in Congo and partner institutions. Border Preparedness: KEMRI donated PPE and screening supplies to Kenya’s Malaba border and Kocholia Hospital to strengthen Ebola readiness for high daily cross-border movement into Uganda. HIV Prevention Research: Uganda-based scientists are studying whether Lenacapavir could be given once a year instead of twice yearly, with results from trials in Uganda reported as highly effective. Biotech Data for Africa: ISAAA AfriCenter launched a continental Biotec Africa Database portal to centralize biotech crop approval and biosafety regulatory requirements across countries. Parliament Corruption Probe: Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court remanded Parliament officials including Chris Obore over alleged embezzlement, money laundering and financial loss. Clean Energy & Power Systems: POWERGRID outlined growth plans for renewable evacuation using BESS and HVDC, highlighting transmission as key to the clean energy transition. Digital Trade Modernisation: AfCFTA signed an MoU to improve customs interoperability, helping African systems exchange declarations electronically.

Wildlife & Conservation: Tourists in Uganda’s forests watched a rare mountain gorilla birth unfold right before their eyes, a moment now going viral and drawing attention to gorilla protection. Anti-Corruption in Public Institutions: Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government has preferred charges and arrested several Parliament officials over alleged embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss, including senior communications and HR staff. Public Health Surveillance: Africa CDC reports Uganda has confirmed an isolated Marburg virus case in Kyegegwa district; the child died and no contacts developed symptoms, with response measures aligned to Ebola protocols. Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Russia and Rwanda signed a roadmap to advance small modular reactors and civilian nuclear energy, building on Rwanda’s planned nuclear programme and research reactor plans. Insurance & Consumer Access: Britam Insurance Uganda launched a flexible premium plan for comprehensive motor cover, letting customers pay monthly, quarterly or semi-annually to reduce upfront cost barriers. Ebola Watch (Regional): Reports highlight the fast-moving Ebola situation in the DRC, with deaths rising and health systems under strain across provinces. Digital Skills & Jobs: ILO and Microsoft-backed programmes are expanding digital training for youth in East Africa, aiming to close skills gaps and improve employment pathways.

Ebola & Marburg Watch: Uganda’s surveillance has confirmed an isolated Marburg virus death in Kyegegwa, as the wider Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo continues to spread and strain regional response capacity. Digital Skills for Youth: The ILO and Microsoft launched a 1,700-youth digital skills and employment programme in Kenya for refugee and host communities, with Microsoft certification vouchers and blended training. Cybersecurity Cooperation: IGAD’s 2026 regional cyber drill in East Africa ended with calls for stronger cooperation, harmonized policies, and plans for a regional information-sharing and analysis center. Data Protection Push: Tanzania ordered public and private data collectors to comply with its personal data protection law, aiming to strengthen privacy and trust in the digital economy. Uganda Science & Health Policy: Uganda’s Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara cited high paternity DNA mismatch rates from ministry petitions, renewing debate on DNA testing. STEM & Innovation Funding: Google opened a Ksh129.5m fund to support independent African game studios with equity-free grants, mentorship, and technical support. Labour Justice & Tech: ILO reaffirmed labour justice cooperation in Tanzania during a judicial transition, highlighting partnerships that support decent work.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Bundibugyo Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 1,333 confirmed cases with 399 deaths, with agencies warning the response is lagging behind spread and could trigger wider socioeconomic damage across the region. Research Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says clinical trials for Bundibugyo therapeutics risk collapse without an urgent $18m financing gap, as no licensed vaccine or treatment exists for this strain. Regional Cybersecurity: IGAD’s 2026 cyber drill ended with calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, harmonized policies, and a proposed regional information-sharing and analysis center to improve coordinated responses to cyberattacks. Environmental Rights Research: ERA will launch 20-country environmental rights case studies, using a shared method to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Uganda Media & Tech Governance: Uganda’s ICT ministry says the Nation Media Group shutdown followed a presidentially sanctioned security inquiry, while Tanzania ordered full compliance with personal data protection laws to strengthen trust in the digital economy. Agriculture Investment (Kenya): Kenya unveiled NASIP 2026–2030, a Sh1.081tn plan covering crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, agro-processing, digital agriculture, research, and climate resilience. Digital Finance Access: A report highlights that mobile money is widespread, but many Africans still lack bank access needed for saving, borrowing, and building long-term security.

Ebola Research Funding: Africa CDC says clinical trials for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in DR Congo are “at risk of collapse” without an urgent $18m, warning no licensed vaccine or treatment exists for this strain. Ebola in Uganda & Neighbours: A SciDev.Net Q&A highlights “still hope” as cases rise past 1,000 in DR Congo and Uganda reports confirmed Bundibugyo cases, with fears of spread toward South Sudan. Ebola Scare in the UK: A suspected Ebola patient at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital was tested and reportedly came back negative, while Scotland says there are no confirmed cases. Local Health Innovation: Bugema University researcher Irumva Gad is turning eggs, mukene and cornsilk into cheaper nutrition products to tackle malnutrition with locally available ingredients. Climate-Smart Farming Tech: Government launched Japan’s Skeepon plant biostimulant to help crops resist drought and heat stress for up to three months. Clean Cooking & Jobs: Uganda’s clean cooking sector gets a boost as enterprises like Elsmart, Enersave and Mubende Stoves scale improved stoves and briquettes, supported by financing and partnerships. Energy Access Warning: A global report flags 655m people still without electricity, urging Uganda to make power affordable and expand rural electrification. Transport Infrastructure: Uganda secured Shs481b (€110.5m) for the Kitgum–Kidepo Road to cut transport costs and open trade and tourism. Cybersecurity: ESET’s Allan Juma warns cryptocurrency scams are surging across Africa, driven by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics.