AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: Kenya reported no new cases by October 11; 108 of 122 contacts linked to its imported case are quarantined and symptom-free, and 293 tests found no other positives. The patient travelled through Uganda from the DRC, where the outbreak has caused more than 4,200 deaths. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free, with vaccine trials and heightened surveillance underway. Medical Training: President Museveni ordered a review of the proposed policy requiring medical students to complete internship before graduating, saying graduation and housemanship should be separate. Maternal Health: Organisers of the Corporate Run are aiming to raise 5,000 Mama Kits for mothers in Buvuma, Karamoja and Mukono. The Health Ministry says it provides about one million kits a year, against national need of two million. Diabetes Prevention: The Makindye City Marathon promoted exercise to help prevent and manage diabetes. Mental Health: Uganda has about 100 psychiatrists for a population of 46 million, prompting calls for more specialists.

Ebola Alert: DR Congo reported 8,787 confirmed cases and 4,242 deaths by October 7, as infections spread to another health zone. Kenya’s first imported case has sharpened regional concerns: the patient travelled from DR Congo through Uganda to Nairobi before Ebola was diagnosed. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free, but the journey highlights the need for strong cross-border surveillance. Vaccine Research: Phase Ib trials of an Oxford-developed vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain began in Uganda on October 6; Moderna’s candidate also received ethical approval for trials here. No vaccine is specifically approved for this strain. Health Workforce: An East African training programme has upskilled 550 doctors, including Ugandans, in cancer and neurological care since 2016. Maternal Health: Stanbic Bank donated Shs10 million to Uganda’s Corporate Run campaign, which aims to provide 5,000 Mama Kits to expectant mothers.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says Kenya’s first Ebola patient travelled through Uganda after weeks of illness, passing health facilities and airport screening without detection. Uganda’s Health Ministry says the country remains Ebola-free, but the case highlights the need for stronger regional surveillance and prompt care for people with symptoms. Vaccine Research: Phase Ib trials of two candidate vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain have begun or received ethical approval in Uganda. The strain driving the DRC outbreak has no specifically approved vaccine or treatment. Medical Training: An East African programme has trained 550 doctors, including Ugandans, in cancer and neurological care since 2016, strengthening early diagnosis, referrals and treatment skills. Maternal Health: Stanbic Bank has donated Shs10 million to Uganda’s Corporate Run, which aims to provide 5,000 Mama Kits to expectant mothers.

Ebola Alert: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after a Kenyan patient with Bundibugyo Ebola travelled through Kampala before dying in Nairobi. The case has sharpened concerns about cross-border screening as infections continue near Uganda in DR Congo, where more than 8,700 cases and 4,200 deaths have been reported. Vaccine Research: Phase Ib trials of two candidate vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain have begun in Uganda, where no approved vaccine specifically targets the virus. HIV Services: Soroti young people are avoiding HIV tests over reported privacy breaches by health workers, a concern that could hinder Uganda’s push to eliminate HIV. TASO is also delivering HIV medicines in Gulu amid funding gaps. Mental Health: Uganda has about 100 psychiatrists for a population of 46 million, prompting experts to call for more specialists.

Ebola Watch: The outbreak in eastern DRC remains severe, with 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths by October 6. New infections in provinces bordering Uganda and Kenya’s imported case—whose patient travelled through Uganda—underscore the risk of cross-border spread. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free and has begun vaccine trials; a suspected case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative. HIV Services: Young people in Soroti say breaches of confidentiality are discouraging HIV testing and treatment. A recent study also found sharp drops in HIV testing and treatment at providers in Uganda and Zimbabwe following US aid cuts. Maternal Health: Uganda’s Independence Marathon is raising funds for a cold-storage facility at Mengo Rotary Blood Bank to support mothers facing childbirth complications and others needing transfusions.

Regional Ebola Watch: A suspected Ebola case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative for the virus; the patient, who has malaria, travelled from DR Congo through Uganda. Kenya is tracing contacts after its first confirmed case, while Uganda says it remains Ebola-free. Vaccine Research: Uganda has begun Ebola vaccine trials as the deadly Bundibugyo outbreak continues in DR Congo, underscoring the need for regional preparedness. HIV Services: A study found US aid cuts coincided with HIV testing dropping by more than 60% at four providers in Uganda and Zimbabwe, while treatment fell by about a third. Long-acting HIV injections every eight weeks also showed promise for adolescents, with Uganda among four trial countries. Health System Pressures: Experts say Uganda has only about 100 psychiatrists for 46 million people, while health officials warn postpartum haemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal deaths.

Ebola Watch: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after a man later confirmed to have Bundibugyo Ebola travelled through Kampala before dying in Nairobi. Kenya is tracing contacts, while East African health ministers have agreed to strengthen cross-border outbreak response. Vaccine Research: Clinical trials of two candidate vaccines for Bundibugyo Ebola are advancing in Uganda. Oxford’s Phase Ib trial began on October 6; Moderna’s candidate has received ethical approval for a Phase Ib trial. HIV: Uganda is nearing its 2030 HIV goals: 86% of adults living with HIV have suppressed the virus, but about 15,000 people remain unaware of their status. A four-country trial that included Uganda also found fewer adolescents experienced viral rebound on eight-weekly injections than on daily pills. Drug Supply: Four people, including a Luweero hospital midwife, have been arrested over the alleged theft of more than 12,000 doses of HIV drugs and other government medicines.

Ebola Alert: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after a man with Bundibugyo Ebola travelled from the DRC through Kampala to Nairobi, where he later died. Health officials say he had a normal temperature when screened at Entebbe; Uganda is intensifying cross-border surveillance and information-sharing. Regional Preparedness: East African health ministers have agreed to strengthen coordination to detect and respond to outbreaks that cross borders, as Kenya traces the deceased man’s contacts. Mental Health: Uganda now has 100 psychiatrists, but experts say the country still needs more mental-health professionals; about 12% of adults are estimated to have a mental illness. Water and Sanitation: Tooro Kingdom is joining civil society groups to promote hygiene and protect water sources as a funding squeeze threatens WASH programmes.

Ebola Alert: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free but has heightened surveillance after a man with Bundibugyo Ebola travelled from the DRC through Kampala before dying in Nairobi. The route has raised questions about screening and cross-border monitoring as Kenyan officials trace contacts. Child Health: Uganda vaccinated more than 8.28 million children in its measles-rubella campaign, surpassing its target by about 669,000 amid recurring outbreaks. Disability Support: Government has launched a pilot programme in 25 districts to support children with severe disabilities and their families. HIV Services: TASO’s Gulu team says funding gaps are disrupting community drug delivery and patient follow-up; it is integrating HIV services with other care to help sustain access to treatment.

Ebola Watch: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after Kenya confirmed its first Bundibugyo virus case and death. The patient travelled through Uganda for less than a day before flying to Nairobi; officials say he had a normal temperature at Entebbe. Uganda is working with regional partners to strengthen surveillance and information-sharing. HIV Services: Funding cuts are straining TASO’s community drug deliveries in Gulu. The organisation is grouping clients to ease access, while health officials are integrating HIV services with other care, including TB screening. Immunisation: West Nile leaders want cross-border vaccine zones so children in neighbouring communities can join national campaigns and reduce the risk of imported outbreaks. Health workers say the approach would need extra resources. Maternal Health: Ugandans ran the Independence Marathon in support of life-saving maternal care, with proceeds directed to the “Save a Mother” initiative.

Ebola Alert (Regional): Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a Kenyan resident who had lived in DR Congo died in Nairobi, with authorities tracing 28 contacts and monitoring 23 flight passengers; the case has triggered fresh scrutiny of screening at entry points and calls for stronger contact tracing and health-worker protection. Uganda Response (Cross-border Health): Uganda’s health authorities urged calm after reports the patient transited through Kampala, saying investigations are ongoing and public health systems remain robust. Public Health Systems (Accountability): Doctors and legal voices in Kenya questioned how the patient left the airport for hospital despite symptoms, while WHO praised Kenya’s swift isolation and response and advised against panic or travel bans. Drug Safety (Local Health Governance): Uganda’s Ministry of Health plans to digitise the medicines supply chain from Joint Medical Stores to facilities and patients to curb diversion and theft, with a dashboard for tracking and investigations for suspected leakages. Health Services Preparedness (Local Facilities): Lira Regional Referral Hospital is benchmarking with Hoima as AFCON 2027 preparations intensify, aiming to strengthen emergency readiness for large crowds. Security & Health Infrastructure (Terrorism Case): A man was jailed for terrorism over destruction of electricity transmission lines, with reported impacts on services including health care and communications.

Ebola Alert in the Region: Kenya confirmed its first-ever imported Ebola case (Bundibugyo strain) after a Kenyan man returned from the DRC via Kampala and died in Nairobi; health officials say he was isolated at Nairobi Hospital, tested positive at national labs, and that 28 contacts are being traced while 23 passengers and crew are followed, with monitoring/quarantine planned for 21 days and a safe burial within 24 hours. Cross-Border Preparedness: The case highlights how routine travel routes can spread outbreaks fast, with Kenya urging the public not to panic and stressing that screening and contact tracing are already underway. HIV Services Under Pressure: A new study links US aid cuts to sharp, lasting drops in HIV prevention, testing and treatment services in Uganda and Zimbabwe, including major declines in PrEP use and antiretroviral therapy. Cancer Care Capacity: Uganda is seeing radiotherapy capacity rise amid a surge in cancer patients, pointing to growing demand for stronger oncology services. Adolescent Health Needs: Learners in Koboko called for free sanitary pads to keep girls in school and reduce vulnerabilities tied to teenage pregnancy. Sickle Cell Focus in Lango: Stakeholders in Lango urged better awareness, early testing and improved access to long-term care as Uganda steps up sickle cell response.

Ebola Alert (DRC): Médecins Sans Frontières warns of an “alarming surge” in Ebola cases in North Kivu, saying the outbreak has intensified since early September and is now driving nearly 40% of newly confirmed cases, with children among the hardest hit. Road Safety (Kampala): A Namirembe Road crash left three dead and four injured, as police continue enforcement against public transport vehicles with dangerous mechanical conditions. Community Health (Mitooma): Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa told 155 newly trained CHEWs not to treat patients or run informal clinics, urging them to focus on health education, disease prevention, and referrals to facilities. Health Systems & Cancer Care (Uganda): Uganda Cancer Institute discharged a second patient after a successful bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma, highlighting efforts to attract more regional patients. Public Health & Immunisation (Uganda): Uganda begins/continues measles-rubella vaccination efforts, with reports of resistance in some areas. Food Security (Policy): Nigeria and Germany-backed talks push coordinated agrifood policies and financing to strengthen food security and resilient livelihoods. Counterfeit Medicines/Products: Uganda faces a growing counterfeit and substandard goods problem, with warnings that unsafe products are harming health.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with WHO noting transmission has declined in some areas but remains high, as teams push surveillance, rapid detection, contact monitoring, treatment and vaccination across 63 health zones in seven provinces. Measles-Rubella Vaccination (Uganda): Uganda is in the final stretch of a nationwide measles-rubella drive, with 5.5m children already vaccinated (72%) against a 7.6m target, as health teams work in districts and community outposts despite reports of hesitancy in places like Wakiso. HIV Testing Strategy (Uganda): Experts urge Uganda to rethink HIV testing beyond facility-based approaches, using community and population “hotspots” and outbreak-style contact tracing to reach the 1 in 7 people who still don’t know their status. Cancer Care & Access (Uganda): Uganda Cancer Institute reports successful bone marrow transplant outcomes, highlighting efforts to reduce medical travel by attracting more foreign patients, especially from EAC neighbours. Health System Gaps (Uganda): A delayed diabetes diagnosis story shows how long symptom delays and cost fears can end in severe outcomes like double amputation. Cancer Screening (Uganda): More men in Busoga are turning up for prostate cancer screening after programme rollouts, with organisers targeting thousands for screening alongside cervical, breast and HPV services. Public Health Workforce (Uganda): Reports highlight concerns over radiographer staffing deficits and health worker recruitment pressures, raising delivery risks in public hospitals. Medicines & Safety (Uganda): Uganda warns cannabis investors against licence diversion into illicit markets, while another report tackles the dangers of counterfeit products on shelves. Health Policy & Governance (Uganda): Parliament orders an audit of the delayed Lubowa Hospital project, as oversight concerns continue.

Ebola response tragedy: A Uganda Red Cross Society driver, Ismael Mulindwa, has died after nearly a month of treatment following an attack while supporting the Ebola response in DRC. Immunisation push: Uganda’s measles-rubella campaign is in its final stretch, with 5.5m children (72%) vaccinated toward a 7.6m target; health teams are urging parents to bring children aged 9–59 months. HIV testing rethink: Experts say Uganda must move beyond facility-only HIV testing and use targeted, community-focused approaches to reach people who still don’t know their status. Delayed diagnosis costs lives: A father of five in Kampala-area delayed diabetes care after years of self-treatment, leading to double amputation. Cancer screening shift: More men in Busoga are embracing prostate cancer screening after programme roll-out, with plans to screen thousands during the Nile Cancer Run in Jinja. UNAIDS scrutiny: Dutch MPs are set to probe allegations of financial mismanagement and whistleblower retaliation at UNAIDS. School health access: Soroti City reports some schools resisting measles-rubella vaccination, prompting calls for enforcement. Adolescent protection: Yumbe launches the Brave Girls 2026 campaign to curb teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and school dropout.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo says the Ebola outbreak has passed its peak, with response teams accelerating vaccination, treatment and contact tracing even as WHO warns transmission remains high in parts of the country. Immunisation Access (Uganda): Soroti health teams report some schools are resisting the measles-rubella campaign, prompting continued engagement with school leaders and parents to protect children aged 9–59 months. Health Services Gap (Buikwe): Over 21,000 Kiyindi residents lack a government health facility, pushing families to travel long distances or self-medicate, with leaders warning the growing fishing community is being left behind. Public Health Policy (Yellow Fever): Uganda has removed the yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for travellers entering the country, simplifying entry procedures and e-visa conditions. Maternal Health Support (Independence Marathon): A charity marathon and 10km race will channel proceeds to Mengo Hospital to help set up a blood bank for the labour ward. Adolescent SRH (Yumbe): The Brave Girls 2026 campaign targets teenage pregnancy, early marriages, school dropout and gender-based violence with community outreach and sexual and reproductive health information. Sickle Cell Testing (Alebtong): A sickle cell testing machine has been delivered to Alebtong District as prevalence remains high in Lango.