AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Health Security: Uganda and South Sudan signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border disease surveillance, early warning, joint simulation exercises, and coordinated responses along their shared border. Maternal Health: Uganda’s health ministry urged expectant mothers to start antenatal care early, eat well, and avoid unskilled traditional birth attendants, citing postpartum haemorrhage as a major driver of maternal deaths. HIV & Malaria Funding Pressure: Global Fund monitoring in Bunyoro raised alarm over stubbornly high malaria and HIV rates despite major investments, pointing to sanitation and vegetation around homes that boost mosquito breeding. Childbirth Injury Care: Government commissioned Uganda’s first Fistula Foundation Treatment Network to expand prevention, surgical treatment, referrals, and reintegration for women living with obstetric fistula; officials cite about 74,000 women affected. Disease Outbreak Messaging: Africa CDC says managing rumours is key to stopping disease outbreaks, warning that misinformation can trigger deadly panic. Mental Health & Suicide Risk: Two suspected suicide-by-hanging deaths were reported in Kisoro within 15 hours; police urged people facing stress, depression, or financial strain to seek support. Safer Gambling: Uganda joined Africa Safer Gambling Week to boost player protection as online gaming grows. Public Health Safety: Uganda stepped up water-safety measures to curb drowning deaths, including stricter enforcement, community training, and faster marine police response.

Water Safety: Uganda is tightening enforcement and community training to cut drowning deaths, with plans for warning signs/barriers at high-risk water points and faster Marine Police response (aiming for about 20 minutes). GBV & Education: In Bugiri, Bishop Suubi linked domestic violence to school dropouts, child labour and early marriages, urging churches to intensify sensitisation. Cancer Watch: Uganda Cancer Institute reports a 10% rise in cancer cases from 2024–2025, with females leading (55%) and common cancers including cervical, breast and prostate. Ebola Lessons: Uganda’s rapid Ebola containment is highlighted in a Q&A, stressing early alert activation, local testing, quarantining, treatment and contact tracing. HIV Care Research: A study on CD4+ T-cell changes among people living with HIV adds to ongoing efforts to understand immune decline and care needs. Health Systems & Access: C-Care marks 30 years in Uganda and highlights quality awards, while a Mbale health camp targets free screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and cancer. Vital Data: UBOS urges cultural institutions to better register births, deaths and migration to strengthen planning and future censuses.

Ebola Preparedness: Uganda’s fast containment of the May cross-border Ebola case is highlighted in a Q&A with Action Against Hunger’s Margaret Nagawa, noting activation within 72 hours, rapid surveillance, a temporary lab in Bwera, border movement restrictions, and no cases after the last patient’s discharge. Cross-Border Health Controls: Uganda has barred mourners from eastern DRC from attending Tooro King Oyo’s burial, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak and keeping the border restricted while offering virtual access. Cancer Trends: Uganda Cancer Institute reports a 10% rise in cancer cases from 2024–2025, with females leading (55%); common cancers include cervical, breast and prostate, plus increases in oesophagus and colorectal cancers. Child Health Access: IAPB says a simple eye test and quality glasses for children around age five could boost lifetime earnings by about 137%, urging caregivers to test before school. Non-Communicable Disease Screening: Mbale is set for a two-day free medical camp targeting over 2,000 people, with undiagnosed high blood pressure and cancer flagged as major gaps. Pharma Supply: Dei BioPharma has been onboarded onto Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism for five years, strengthening Uganda’s role in continental procurement of essential health products. Public Health Safety: Police investigations continue after at least 10 deaths linked to illegally produced alcohol in India, with suspected methanol poisoning and arrests underway. Mental Health & Violence: A woman accused of stabbing her five children, killing two, has been referred to Butabika for mental state assessment as investigations proceed.

Ebola & Border Health: Uganda’s Ministry of Health has barred mourners from eastern DRC from attending the burial of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak and a restricted Uganda–DRC border, while urging people to follow proceedings virtually. Regional Health Aid: Tanzania delivered 52 tons of medicines and protective supplies to the DRC to support Ebola response, including items for healthcare workers and patient care. Ebola Status Watch: Africa CDC says it’s still too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak fully under control, with transmission continuing in many health zones despite a recent decline. Health Financing: Uganda is finalising a new 10-year health financing strategy (2026–2036) to raise domestic funding, cut reliance on donors, and protect households from catastrophic costs. Malaria Drug Resistance: Reports warn that malaria parasites with reduced sensitivity to key drugs are spreading rapidly in Uganda, raising concerns about treatment effectiveness. Air Quality & Health Risk: Kampala is listed among the world’s more polluted cities, with Dhaka also flagged “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” underscoring respiratory risks. Data for Planning: UBOS signed MoUs with Samia Bugwe and Tieng Adhola to improve community data collection, including births and deaths, to strengthen planning and population records. Mental Health & Violence: A woman accused of stabbing her five children in Kampala has been referred to Butabika Hospital for mental assessment as investigations continue. Sports Integrity: Uganda’s Herbert Kibet has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit over alleged prohibited substances, pending investigation.

Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: Uganda is seeing malaria parasites with reduced sensitivity to artemether-lumefantrine spread rapidly, especially in the north—raising alarm that a widely used first-line treatment may be losing strength. Ebola Update (DRC): Africa CDC says it’s still too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak under control, with cases still evolving across many health zones and deaths now above 3,000. Health Financing Push: Uganda is finalising a new 10-year health financing strategy (2026–2036) to boost domestic funding, cut reliance on donors, and protect households from catastrophic costs. Digital Health & AI: Uganda and Rwanda showcased AI tools to speed diagnosis (including malaria, TB and cervical cancer) using smartphone-linked microscopy, aiming to improve access in low-resource facilities. Sports & Doping: Ugandan runner Herbert Kibet was suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit over alleged prohibited substances, with the case still under investigation. Public Health & Safety: Uganda’s Ministry of Health advised that mourners from eastern DRC should not travel for King Oyo’s burial due to the ongoing Ebola situation. Child Online Safety: A UNICEF report flags high exposure of internet-using children to unwanted sexual content in Uganda and across the region, linking abuse to serious mental harm.

Health Financing: Uganda is finalising a new 10-year health financing strategy (2026–2036) to boost domestic funding, cut reliance on donors, protect vulnerable households from catastrophic costs, and tighten accountability to curb leakages and corruption. Public Health Tech: Ugandan and Rwanda researchers showcased AI tools to speed diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cervical cancer using smartphone-linked microscopes, aiming to improve access in facilities with limited lab expertise. Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says it is still too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak under control, even as cases decline toward a plateau; transmission continues in many health zones. Community Health & Care Access: C-Care Uganda supported the Rotary Cancer Run with first aid, emergency response and wellness messaging, reinforcing prevention, screening and early diagnosis. Water & Disease Prevention: McFarland Lutheran’s Walk4Water targets five new freshwater wells in rural Uganda, replacing polluted water sources linked to illness and childhood deaths. Safety & Health Services: Deputy FFU police commander CP Ecotu Agapitus died at Mulago Hospital; the cause of death remains unknown.

King Oyo’s Return & Burial Prep: Uganda’s world’s youngest reigning monarch, Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, died at 34 after treatment for aggressive cancer in the US and his body has arrived at Entebbe, with President Museveni and royal officials paying respects; the nine-day mourning period begins as crowds line the route to Fort Portal, where he will be buried on September 12. Police Health Loss: Deputy police field commander CP Ecotu Agapitus has died at Mulago National Referral Hospital, a blow to senior public order and tactical operations leadership. Court & Health-Related Justice: Socialite Bryan White (Bryan Kirumira) was granted mandatory bail after 293 days on remand in a human sacrifice case, with the court citing constitutional limits on detention before committal. Digital Care for Rural Patients: Chil Group launched a digital “E-Ward Round” platform to connect rural facilities with urban specialists for real-time inpatient care, aiming to reduce long-distance travel for specialist services. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO and UN-linked updates warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains out of control, with deaths still occurring in communities and calls to break transmission chains. Water & Disease Prevention: McFarland Lutheran’s Walk4Water targets five new freshwater wells in rural Uganda, linking clean water to fewer disease outbreaks and child deaths. SGBV Justice Pressure: A coalition petitioned Parliament and police over resourcing gaps that block survivors of sexual and gender-based violence from getting timely investigations and survivor-friendly support.

Ebola Update (DRC): Africa CDC says it’s still too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak under control, even as cases appear to be stabilising; health authorities report about 6,250 confirmed cases and 3,039 deaths as of Sept 1, with transmission active in many health zones. Health Financing (Uganda–US): Uganda and the US signed a $1.7b (Shs6.4trn) five-year health deal for 2026–2030, shifting more funding through government systems to strengthen health systems, workforce capacity, surveillance and outbreak response. National Health Insurance Push: Healthcare stakeholders renewed calls to fast-track a National Health Insurance Scheme, citing petitions over unharmonised medical charges and the debt burden from high costs. Child Safety Online (UNICEF): UNICEF warns that about 1 in 5 children (20m) aged 12–17 in 21 countries experience technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse. Air Quality (Kampala): Kampala is listed among the world’s worst polluted cities, with AQI readings putting residents at risk—especially children and people with heart or lung conditions. Food Safety (UNBS): UNBS raises concerns about contamination from worn milling machines, urging safer processing and oversight of grain products. El Niño Warning (UNICEF): UNICEF warns 162m children across Eastern and Southern Africa face risks from the next El Niño, including malnutrition, unsafe water and disease outbreaks. Tooro King Oyo (Health & Community): Parliament and government officials continue burial arrangements for late King Oyo, including coverage of medical and repatriation costs—while Tooro leaders urge unity and restraint during mourning.

Uganda–US Health Financing: Uganda and the United States signed a landmark $1.7b (about Shs6.4trn) five-year health deal for 2026–2030, shifting more funding through Ugandan government systems to strengthen health systems, workforce capacity, surveillance and supply chains. Ebola Update (DRC): Africa CDC says it’s too early to declare the DRC Ebola outbreak under control even as cases decline; authorities report over 6,250 cases and 3,039 deaths across 60 health zones, with transmission still active in many areas. National Insurance Push: Healthcare providers renewed calls to fast-track a National Health Insurance Scheme after petitions over unharmonised medical charges and rising patient debt. Food Safety & Nutrition Risks: UN warns El Niño could disrupt nutrition, clean water and health for 162m children across Eastern and Southern Africa, while Uganda’s UNBS raised concerns about quality of food from milling machines. Community Health Funding: MTN Uganda pledged UGX 500m for the MTN Changemakers health and water projects. Public Health & Access: Stakeholders also flagged milk shortages linked to drought conditions.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths, with WHO warning the epidemic remains out of control and safe burial gaps are worsening spread. Ebola Support (Uganda): The US has donated experimental Ebola antibody treatment vials (MBP134) to Uganda’s Ministry of Health as a preparedness move despite no active cases. HIV Prevention Safety: Ugandan researchers warn men using Viagra must tell clinicians before the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, due to a possible sildenafil interaction that could cause dangerous side effects. Maternal & Child Health: Uganda has launched mandatory newborn sickle cell screening, but experts note delays and missed cases beyond birth still need stronger linkage across public and private facilities. Health Access (Blood): Bududa District reports a major blood shortage, sending over 150 patients to Mbale; a new 24-hour transfusion service at Bulucheke Health Centre IV aims to cut delays. Public Health & Climate: UNICEF warns 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa face El Niño-linked risks to nutrition, health, learning, and safe water. Local Health System Strain: Rwampara District says it is operating with only 46% of required staff, with health facilities hit hardest. Community Health & Safety: Traders in Kampala confronted a man allegedly faking a child’s eye tumour to solicit money, raising concerns about exploitation of illness. Mobility & Health Services: Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda effective Sept 2, affecting transport access for riders and drivers. Oil & Health Economy Link: President Museveni unveiled Uganda’s crude oil name “Pearl Sweet,” a step toward commercial production that could shape future health financing.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 6,186 confirmed cases and 3,007 deaths, with WHO warning the virus is spreading faster than containment and that safe burial practices are still a weak link. Vaccine Policy: WHO has rejected a wide rollout of the Ervebo vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, saying protection evidence is still not strong enough, while DRC continues vaccination efforts and trials. Uganda Health Security: The US has donated an experimental Ebola antibody treatment (MBP134) to Uganda’s Ministry of Health as a precaution, even though Uganda has no active cases. HIV & Sexual Health: Ugandan researchers warn men using Viagra (sildenafil) must tell clinicians before the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, due to a possible drug interaction that could raise Viagra levels dangerously. Community Safety & Health: In Wakiso, a boda rider was shot dead during National Cleaning Day enforcement, sparking calls for accountability and safer policing. Maternal & Child Health: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda via CURE Uganda and Mission Aviation Fellowship. Public Health Under Climate Stress: UNICEF warns 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa face worsening El Niño risks to nutrition, health, schooling, and safe water.

Health System Integrity: Kigezi health services are under strain as a joint review flags drug theft, weak monitoring and staffing gaps, with some districts at only 21–40% of required workforce—raising fears of reduced access and quality. Hospital Safety & Access: Iganga General Hospital warns that frequent power blackouts are endangering maternity, theatre, lab and oxygen services, forcing costly generator use and triggering debts. Public Health & Transport: Kampala’s air quality improved after a crackdown on mechanically defective DMC taxis, with PM2.5 dropping from 36.8 to 32.4 µg/m³—highlighting respiratory and heart risks from vehicle emissions. Maternal Health & Youth Resilience: In Kitgum, teenage mothers are rebuilding lives through peer support and self-help groups after stigma and trauma disrupted schooling and livelihoods. Mental Health & Harmful Alcohol: Lira authorities arrested two suspects over toxic cheap liquor, after investigations found products labelled 12% alcohol may contain far higher industrial spirit. Ebola Watch (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 6,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths, with UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warning the response must outpace spread. Violence & Community Safety: Parliament is urged to investigate the shooting of a boda boda rider during the national cleaning exercise and compensate his family. Health Tech Policy: Uganda’s Health Minister says government plans to integrate AI into healthcare as digital services expand.

Gender & Health Rights: Ahead of UNGA81, a SHE & Rights session warned that “family, values, culture, religion and sovereignty” narratives are being used to weaken women’s and girls’ rights, stressing that strong African human-rights laws still need real implementation and community accountability. Ebola Crisis in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, with spread across about 60 health zones; officials cite conflict, displacement, health worker strikes and attacks on response teams as major barriers to containment. Uganda Health Tech: Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi says Uganda plans to integrate artificial intelligence into healthcare to improve diagnosis and disease management, alongside expanding digital health services. Cancer Care Funding: Rotary’s Cancer Run has raised over Shs5bn toward equipping a cancer treatment centre at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, moving the project ahead of schedule and targeting wider cancer support beyond Kampala. Public Health & Safety: Uganda’s national cleaning exercise sparked calls for investigation after a boda boda rider was shot dead during enforcement, with lawmakers questioning rules, exemptions and use of live ammunition. Cross-border Health Measures: Updated US CDC guidance tightens travel rules for people recently in DR Congo, with screening and monitoring requirements for those allowed to fly.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: Congo authorities report Ebola has crossed 6,000 confirmed cases with nearly 3,000 deaths, as insecurity, displacement, and health worker shortages keep transmission hard to stop; WHO warns the outbreak is still out of control and may surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll. Uganda Health System & Care Access: Uganda’s Minister of Health “Sarah” reportedly went undercover at a public hospital to expose extortion over free services, leading to arrests of health workers. Court-Backed Medical Accountability: Kampala High Court ordered Paramount Hospital to pay Shs48m to Medequip Uganda over unpaid X-ray machine debt, with interest and costs. Cancer Services Pressure: Opposition leaders renewed calls for regional cancer centres, saying patients still travel long distances for radiotherapy and specialised care. Health Tech in Communities: An AI-assisted febrile illness surveillance pilot in Mpigi, Moyo, Buikwe and Lira shows high agreement with Village Health Teams and is moving into a tougher phase on whether AI improves decisions. Food Prices & Nutrition Stress: UBOS says August inflation rose to 0.3%, driven by food and communication costs, with sharp jumps in matooke, mangoes and pineapples—raising pressure on household nutrition.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 6,000 confirmed Ebola infections with deaths nearing 3,000, as student groups push for urgent classroom hygiene ahead of reopening and WHO warns the outbreak remains out of control, with Bundibugyo strain still lacking a specific licensed treatment. Uganda Ebola Milestone: Uganda’s Bundibugyo outbreak is formally declared over by WHO and Africa CDC after 42 days without new cases, a rare win that still leaves regional risk in focus. Cancer Care Access: FDC renews calls for regional cancer centres, arguing many Ugandans still travel long distances for radiotherapy and specialised treatment, while Rotary Cancer Run organisers push funding for radiotherapy infrastructure. HIV Services Under Strain: Wakiso District faces stock-outs of free condoms and HIV testing kits, threatening prevention and early diagnosis just as infection rates remain high. Clean Energy in Schools: Ugandan schools and prisons are shifting away from firewood toward cleaner fuels, aiming to cut smoke-related health risks. Digital Health Pilot: An AI-assisted community health surveillance system in Uganda shows high agreement with Village Health Teams and is moving into a harder phase to test real decision impact. Water Safety Push: Reports from Busoga highlight unsafe water sources shared with livestock, raising risks of cholera and typhoid. Cancer Screening Reminder: Health Minister Baryomunsi urges regular cancer screening as public awareness events gain momentum.

Ebola Update: WHO and Africa CDC have formally declared Uganda Ebola-free after 42 days without a new confirmed case, but officials stress the risk remains as the Bundibugyo outbreak rages in DRC. Cancer Care: Nebbi leaders and the Rotary Cancer Run push early screening, warning that “cancer is not witchcraft” and urging patients to seek qualified treatment instead of shrines. HIV Prevention: Wakiso faces a shortage of free condoms and HIV testing kits, even as Marie Stopes Uganda slashes Lifeguard condom prices to Shs700 to curb the infection spike. Oncology Diagnostics: Government has approved about Shs244b to procure PET scan machines for regional referral hospitals in Arua, Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara, aiming to cut costly medical travel. Adolescent Health: Uganda is institutionalising adolescent healthcare by embedding District Committees on Adolescent Health into Prime Minister’s performance checks to survive donor funding cuts. Maternal Health: Experts warn teenage pregnancy is undermining gains in saving mothers’ lives, calling for stronger postpartum care and youth-focused prevention. Public Health & Safety: National Cleaning Day enforcement sparked controversy after a boda rider was shot dead; church leaders urge sensitisation over force.