AGP Executive Report

World Cup & Ebola Watch: WHO says World Cup host countries have no Ebola cases and fans should “travel as normal” despite DRC figures climbing to 710 cases and 149 deaths, urging travellers to stay alert for symptoms. Uganda in the Spotlight: Uganda’s Ghetto Kids from Katwe (Kampala) are set to dance with Shakira at the July 19 final after she invited them following their “Dai Dai” performance, turning local street talent into a global halftime moment. Local Sports Culture: Nile Breweries’ “Cheers to Bars” campaign is rolling out World Cup watch parties across Uganda, spotlighting bars as community hubs for football excitement. Arts & Recognition: Uganda’s Katesi Kalange wins the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a supported residency and solo exhibition. Entertainment Industry Call: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania). Church Noise Rules: KCCA warns churches and bars about night-time noise pollution, pushing soundproofing as worship grows in residential areas. Celebrity Personal Life: Zari Hassan breaks silence after her split from Shakib Cham, sharing her first post since the breakup.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 710 with 149 deaths as officials denied lockdown rumours and pushed surveillance, contact tracing and targeted vaccination. Vaccine Race: India’s Serum Institute is fast-tracking a Bundibugyo-focused Ebola vaccine with Oxford and CEPI, aiming to close the gap where no licensed vaccine exists for this strain. Uganda Angle: Uganda is deploying medics to support the DRC response, while travel advisories and misinformation are already hitting tourism and hospitality. World Cup Culture in Uganda: Nile Breweries’ “Cheers to Bars” campaign is turning local bars into World Cup watch hubs, starting in Jinja and rolling out nationwide. Arts Spotlight: Uganda’s Katesi Kalange won the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a supported residency and an international solo exhibition. Music & Sports: Chiriku Maneti is remembered for the golden era of Vijana Jazz Band, while Uganda’s tourism push links up with the Africa Nations Cup UK. Celebrity: Zari Hassan confirms her split from Shakib Cham after five years.

Ugandan Arts Spotlight: Katesi Kalange has won the 2026 Cassirer Welz Art Award, earning a fully supported three-month residency at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios in South Africa, with a solo exhibition lined up for international audiences. Music & Culture: Mejja opened up about his long wait to release his debut album Mtoto wa Khadija and how his hit Siaka Siaka kept him relevant after two decades, following his electrifying Blankets and Wine performance. Tourism via Sport: Uganda plans to use the Africa Nations Cup in the UK to market its gorillas, Nile source, waterfalls and culture to the UK-based diaspora ahead of the 27–28 June tournament. Digital Governance: Uganda launched UGGov Agent, an AI platform letting citizens access services, track public projects and engage institutions in 16 local languages via WhatsApp and SMS. Health & Travel Impact: Uganda’s hospitality sector says Ebola-related travel advisories and misinformation are driving cancellations and flight disruptions, hitting hotels and airlines hard.

Ebola Update: UNHCR confirms the first Ebola deaths in a displacement camp in eastern DRC, warning the crowded Kpangba site (30,000 people) could fuel rapid spread as cases rise across provinces and Uganda reports linked infections. Uganda Travel & Tourism: Uganda’s hospitality sector says losses are mounting after travel advisories and flight suspensions tied to the DRC Ebola situation, with tourists cancelling trips over fear and quarantine rules. Uganda Airlines & Aviation: Uganda Airlines signs a Boeing commitment for 10 aircraft, positioning the carrier to grow into a regional aviation hub and boost trade, tourism and tourism-linked sectors. Arts & Culture: “Rewear Revolution” spotlights the second-hand clothing boom and how donated garments can harm local industries, with a Uganda segment on the real-life fallout. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan announces her separation from Shakib Cham after five years, saying they remain friends with mutual respect. Local City Life: KCCA and NEMA confiscate music equipment from bars in a crackdown on noise pollution.

Ugandan Celebrity Buzz: Zari Hassan has confirmed she and Shakib Cham Lutaaya have ended their five-year marriage, citing irreconcilable differences and insisting there’s no bad blood. Entertainment & Culture: Kampala Capital City Authority and NEMA moved in to confiscate music equipment from bars over noise pollution, shutting down some venues without proper licences. Arts & Books: Otoniya J. Okot Bitek and Hajer Mirwali won the 2026 Trillium Book Awards, with Bitek’s novel drawing on stories of women abducted by a rebel militia in northern Uganda. Sports Spotlight: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was blocked from officiating at the 2026 World Cup after US visa denial, leaving Africa with six referees at the tournament. Health & Travel Impact: Uganda’s hospitality industry is counting losses as Ebola-related travel advisories and misinformation from abroad keep tourists away. Tech & Business: Tyms AI launched a human-first AI platform aimed at helping medium and enterprise businesses run operations faster across finance, sales, customer service and more.

Education & Arts Funding: Uganda’s 2026/27 Budget boosts education, skills and sports, with arts teachers and primary classroom teachers getting a 25% salary enhancement—primary minimum pay rises from Shs499,684 to Shs624,605, while secondary arts degree holders move from Shs960,288 to Shs1,200,360. Creative Economy Push: Government also earmarks Shs33bn to set up a revolving fund for musicians and other creatives, plus renewed focus on copyright protection and a “home for artists” idea to help creatives earn more from their work. Aviation & Tourism Momentum: Uganda Airlines plans to refresh its fleet with 10 Boeing aircraft (eight passenger jets plus two freighters) to strengthen Entebbe connections, while tourism gets Shs567bn for destination marketing, infrastructure, standards and conservation. Ebola Shockwaves: Coverage keeps returning to the expanding Ebola situation in eastern DR Congo and its spillover risk into Uganda, alongside fresh debate over travel restrictions and double standards. Court & Public Life: A Kampala High Court orders Gen Muhoozi to file his defence in the Besigye hanging case, setting deadlines for submissions and hearing. Sports Spotlight: Uganda’s sports budget is set at Shs460.78bn for AFCON 2027 preparations, with stadium upgrades and infrastructure work highlighted. Labour Migration Tracking: Government plans a digital tracking system for Ugandans working abroad under labour externalisation, aiming to locate workers and improve consular support. Music & Culture Buzz: Internationally, Skrillex drops SOMA, and Uganda’s cultural conversations keep heating up around Paul Kafeero’s DNA and the respect due to the dead.

Arts & Culture Funding: Uganda’s 2026/27 budget boosts education, skills and sports, including higher minimum pay for primary and arts secondary teachers—an upgrade that should ripple into arts teaching and creative training. Creative Economy: Government also earmarks Shs33bn for a revolving fund for musicians and other creatives, plus renewed push for copyright protection—aimed at turning fame into real earnings. Local Talent Spotlight: Kingston School of Art’s annual degree exhibition opens, showcasing student work across filmmaking, fashion, photography, illustration, graphic design and more. Sports & Entertainment: NCBA Bank launches the Uganda leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, while Uganda’s sports budget is set at Shs460.78bn as AFCON 2027 preparations move from planning to delivery. Global Pop Culture: New York mayor Zohran Mamdani looks back at South Africa’s 2010 World Cup as inspiration for the 2026 build-up. Ebola Watch (Public Health): Uganda and DR Congo report rising Ebola figures, with Uganda sending support teams as the outbreak expands.

Ebola Update: The DRC outbreak is nearing 600 confirmed cases and has killed over 100, with labs in key areas running out of Ebola test supplies while health teams struggle with insecurity and low community trust; Uganda is also reporting linked cases as WHO and CDC push for stronger coordination. Travel & World Cup Pressure: The US is urging Europe to tighten Ebola travel curbs ahead of the FIFA World Cup, warning that weak measures could trigger wider restrictions. Uganda in the Spotlight: A US doctor isolated in Czechia after Ebola contact has been released, and Uganda’s health response continues with medical support to the DRC. Music & Culture: Bunia artists are using songs and slam poetry to fight Ebola misinformation and promote prevention. Sports Entertainment: Uganda’s darts team has been removed from the PDC World Cup after visa denials, with replacements stepping in at the last minute. Film Review: Kenya’s documentary “Truck Mama” lands at Encounters, spotlighting a long-haul driver’s grit and loneliness on East Africa’s roads. Faith & Celeb: Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan’s son Pinto gets baptised, sharing his testimony online. Tech & Health Buzz: Cambridge researchers report an AI-designed vaccine has been tested in humans for the first time.

Ebola & World Cup Shock: Uganda and DR Congo remain on high alert as Ebola cases surge in eastern Congo (598 cases, 115 deaths reported) and Uganda records 19 linked infections, while the WHO pushes back on blanket travel bans and the Trump administration urges Europe to tighten screening ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Arts for Public Health: In Bunia, two artists are using music and slam poetry to spread Ebola prevention messages and fight misinformation through community outreach. Uganda Parliament: Nineteen ministers were sworn in as ex officio MPs, marking the new parliamentary term. Business & Leadership: Stanbic Uganda shareholders praised Francis Karuhanga as he lands a top East Africa role within Standard Bank Group. Security Clarification: UPDF says repatriated returnees from South Sudan were SPLM-IO mercenaries, not LRA defectors. Film Industry: Durban FilmMart announced the Talents Durban 2026 lineup, spotlighting emerging African filmmakers.

Ebola Response in Focus: Uganda has sent health workers to the DRC as the Ebola outbreak climbs past 550 cases, with 101 deaths reported; Uganda is also setting up 50-bed treatment units and mobile labs at border towns like Bwera and Arua. Sports & Community: Kampala police have arrested a boda boda rider accused of striking rugby star Sydney Gongodyo with a log during the mob attack that led to his death, with nine suspects now in custody. Football Buzz: DR Congo’s final World Cup warm-up against Chile in France goes ahead after a Spanish town banned the match over Ebola fears. Road Safety Push: Vivo Energy Uganda donated 500 child helmets worth over Sh40m to police under the “HeadsUp! No Helmet, No Boda” campaign. Ugandan Talent Online: Ghetto Kids’ unity dance video about Africa and South Africa sparked heavy online debate, while their World Cup hype keeps growing. Labour Policy Watch: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries, banning several including Uganda.

Road Safety & Youth Focus: Vivo Energy Uganda donated 500 child safety helmets worth over Shs 40m to the Uganda Police Force under the “HeadsUp! No Helmet, No Boda” campaign, targeting school-going children using motorcycle taxis. Ebola Protests in the Region: In Kenya’s Nanyuki, police fired tear gas and detained demonstrators opposing a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine centre, after earlier deadly clashes; meanwhile, DR Congo’s Ebola toll has climbed to over 100 deaths from 550 cases, with conflict and attacks on health workers slowing response. Uganda’s Public Culture Moment: Uganda marks the 37th National Heroes’ Day with a scaled-down State House Entebbe ceremony as government austerity cuts spending on public functions. Entertainment & Sports Buzz: Entebbe Zoo is projected to welcome 650,000–700,000 visitors next financial year, with upgrades aimed at boosting its regional ranking. Online Privacy Shock: Ugandan socialite Kirabo Kisitu apologised after private images/videos circulated online, reigniting debate on consent and cyber harassment. Football Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Portugal in a friendly ahead of the World Cup, with Ronaldo and Iwobi set to draw major attention.

Ebola Update (Uganda-DRC): Uganda has deployed health workers to the DRC as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak worsens, with Uganda reporting 19 confirmed cases and two deaths while DRC figures climb past 500 and 100 deaths, amid insecurity and attacks on treatment sites. Sports (Golf): Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi booked a semifinal spot at the Stanbic Bank Match Play Golf Challenge in Entebbe after a hard-fought quarter-final win, setting up a tough clash with Tony Kisadha/Richard Mwami and other top pairs. Sports (Golf—Regional): KCB Bank Uganda launched the second KCB East Africa Golf Tournament (“Roar on the Green”) in Kampala, targeting 180+ players across the region for the June 27 tee-off at Lake Victoria Serena. Entertainment (Music): Don Jazzy says he went back to search for girls who rejected him in secondary school after he became successful, sharing how the rejection still affected him. Arts & Culture (Dance): Uganda’s Ghetto Kids continue to build global attention, spotlighting how a Kampala dance group grew from community support into a worldwide stage act. Rugby (Regional): Kenya Morans will compete at the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius, aiming to end a podium drought and feed talent into Shujaa.

Ebola Update: Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have pushed past 500, with WHO reporting 534 infections and 93 deaths as insecurity, misinformation, and attacks on treatment sites hamper response. Uganda Response: Uganda has deployed health workers to support the DRC effort and is setting up 50-bed treatment units, plus mobile labs in border towns to speed up testing. World Cup Health Watch: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting soon, experts warn mass travel and crowds can fuel outbreaks, including the risk of imported cases like Ebola alongside more common threats such as flu and measles. Ugandan Sports Nutrition: BIRDC and the Uganda Olympic Committee committed over Shs2.5bn to a “Nutrition for Sports” push, including a banana-processing factory project and an Olympic Day Tooke Run. Music & Entertainment: Don Jazzy says he later tracked down the girls who rejected him in secondary school after he became successful. Global Stage: Apple Music released its “Africa Now” DJ mix featuring SPINALL, spotlighting Afrobeats across the continent. Arts Spotlight: Uganda’s Ghetto Kids continue to draw global attention as they head toward World Cup performances.

Ebola Watch: Uganda’s Ebola response stays in the spotlight as DRC figures surge and Uganda’s confirmed cases rise to 19, with health teams pushing faster testing and stronger border vigilance. World Cup Culture & Health: FIFA’s 2026 World Cup countdown is set to bring major African music acts like Davido, Tyla and Rema into the spotlight, while experts warn the massive crowds and travel could also fuel outbreaks. Music Spotlight: Jahfrican drops the soulful EP “Coming Back Home,” leaning into reggae and personal storytelling. Theatre Buzz: The Tony Awards celebrate The Book of Mormon’s 15th anniversary with a star cast reunion, including Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells. Sports Update: Vipers SC and Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert part ways after his contract ended following a league title defence. Local Life & Nature: A Uganda shoebill “dinosaur bird” moment goes viral after a guide captures it flying over a swamp group. Fraud Alert: Uganda’s Office of the President warns the public against scammers selling RDC job promises.

Ugandan Football: Vipers SC have mutually parted ways with Belgian head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert after his contract expired, ending a spell that saw the club defend the Uganda Premier League title (but miss the Uganda Cup). Ebola Updates: Uganda’s Ebola tally has risen to 19 after three new infections and one new death were reported; officials say the new cases are known contacts and are already under quarantine. Health Scare Abroad: A Ugandan woman isolated in Jaipur, India after Ebola-like symptoms has tested negative, easing fears. Community Support: CoRSU launched its Annual CoRSU Walk, aiming to raise Sh400m for surgeries and equipment for 300 children with disabilities. Sports (Regional): Wafalme Stars swept Zone Five volleyball qualifiers in Kampala to book a spot at the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kinshasa. Digital & Work: Uganda urged a people-centred approach to AI at the ILO conference, stressing decent jobs and skills alongside innovation.

Ebola Scare, Cleared: A Ugandan woman isolated in Jaipur after Ebola-like symptoms tested negative, with samples sent to Pune confirming no infection. Regional Health Pressure: Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported 3 new Ebola cases (contacts under institutional quarantine) and one new death, keeping the confirmed total at 19. Music Business Drama: Omega 256 and Cindy Sanyu are locked in a fresh dispute over ownership and royalties for “See You Tonight,” reigniting tensions in Uganda’s music industry. Viral Fashion Moment: Ugandan YouTuber Raymond Kahuma went viral in Nairobi for trousers made from 60 thick chapatis, sparking mixed reactions online. Sports Spotlight: Uganda won the right to host the 2031 African Games, beating Nigeria in the AU bidding process. Rugby Tragedy: Black Pirates star Sidney Gongodyo reportedly died after a mob attack, with police and rugby authorities investigating the circumstances. Music Breakthrough: Nigerian singer Jubet’s “Hardest Truth” debuted on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart, boosting visibility across African streaming platforms.