AGP Executive Report

Health & Travel: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after the Kenyan patient who died travelled through the country from the DRC. Authorities have heightened vigilance, while Kenya says its imported case does not indicate widespread transmission and that the country remains open to tourists. Uganda also postponed Koffi Olomidé’s Gulu concert over concerns about expected cross-border travel from the DRC. Regional Tourism: At Nairobi’s Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Uganda called for a more integrated East African tourism market and a Schengen-style travel arrangement to ease regional movement and attract visitors from Kenya. Entry Update: Uganda has dropped the yellow fever certificate requirement for international travellers. Uganda’s Welcome: Independence coverage spotlights local people as a defining part of the visitor experience, and encourages Ugandans to explore destinations including the Nile, Lake Bunyonyi, Sipi Falls and Kidepo.

Health & Travel: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after Kenya’s first confirmed case travelled through Kampala; health officials say the traveller had a normal temperature at Entebbe. A separate suspected case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative. Uganda postponed Koffi Olomidé’s Gulu concert over concerns about cross-border travel from the DRC. Regional Preparedness: East African health ministers have agreed to strengthen joint surveillance and rapid responses to outbreaks, a key step for travellers moving across the region. Air Links: Jambojet has resumed flights to Entebbe, restoring a travel option between Uganda and Kenya. Visitor Advice: Uganda has dropped its yellow-fever certificate requirement for incoming travellers.

Regional Travel Health: Uganda has stepped up surveillance after a Kenyan Ebola patient travelled through Kampala before flying to Nairobi, where he died. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free; Kenya is tracing contacts and screening arrivals from 10 countries. WHO advises against blanket travel bans, urging screening and contact tracing instead. Tourism Cooperation: At Nairobi’s Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Uganda’s tourism minister called for regional unity, while Kenya reassured visitors that safety measures are in place. Officials also urged African destinations to use AI and digital tools to improve marketing. Travel Rules: Uganda has dropped its yellow fever certificate requirement for incoming international travellers.

Health & Travel: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after a man who later died in Kenya travelled through Kampala from the DRC. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and border screening; travellers should follow official health updates. Tourism Technology: At the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Uganda’s tourism minister joined calls for African destinations to use AI and digital tools to improve marketing and grow sustainable tourism. Easier Entry: Uganda has dropped the yellow fever certificate requirement for incoming international travellers, simplifying arrival procedures. Hospitality Investment: Kampala will host FHS Africa on February 2–3, 2027, bringing investors and hotel operators together to explore opportunities in Uganda’s hospitality sector. Air Links: Jambojet has resumed flights to Entebbe, restoring a regional connection for travellers.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: Uganda’s Ministry of Health says the country remains Ebola-free after a confirmed Bundibugyo case in Kenya reportedly transited through Uganda for under 24 hours, with screening teams noting normal temperature at Entebbe departure; authorities are intensifying cross-border surveillance and information sharing. Kenya’s First Imported Case: Kenya confirmed its first-ever Ebola case and first death after a Kenyan resident in DR Congo died in Nairobi; 28 contacts are being traced and 23 passengers plus crew are under follow-up, as WHO advises against travel or trade restrictions. Screening Questions for Travellers: Reports from Kenya highlight concerns about airport and border screening lapses, including allegations that the patient left the airport for hospital before results and that visible checks were missing at the Busia crossing. Tourism Security Scam: Uganda police arrested an online operator accused of scamming foreign tourists over car hire, gorilla permits and safari packages that were never delivered. Tourism Update: Uganda’s tourism sector hit new highs in 2025 with 1.64m international visitors and $1.62b receipts, even as some targets lagged.

Ebola Alert for East Africa: Kenya confirmed its first-ever imported Ebola case and death after a Kenyan resident returned from DR Congo via Kampala, Uganda, then flew to Nairobi; health officials are tracing 28 contacts and monitoring 23 passengers plus four crew, while WHO says it’s an imported case and backs Kenya, Uganda and DR Congo with contact tracing, surveillance and screening. Public Health Scrutiny: Consultant pathologist Ahmed Kalebi and former Chief Justice David Maraga questioned Kenya’s airport screening and urged audits, as KMPDU demanded protection and urgent support for health workers. Uganda Tourism Safety & Travel Fraud: Uganda Tourism Police arrested a suspect behind an online scam targeting foreign tourists with fake car-hire, gorilla permits and safari packages. Tourism & Travel Policy: Uganda’s yellow fever certificate requirement for travellers was dropped, easing entry for international visitors. Sports Tourism Hook: Uganda Sand Cranes stepped up training at Bunjako Beach ahead of the AFCON qualifier against Burundi (Oct 10 away, Oct 18 home). Uganda Development Finance: Uganda Development Bank commissioned its new UDB Tower in Kampala, a boost for investment momentum.

Medical Tourism & Health Capacity: Uganda Cancer Institute says radiotherapy machines have risen to eight operational units, but delays persist as patient numbers surge and staffing remains tight; Uganda also marked a milestone with a successful paediatric kidney transplant via Uganda–UK health partnerships, showing how skills transfer can cut the need for patients to travel abroad. Tourism & Local Development: Tororo Rock in Tororo District still draws 20–50 visitors daily but lacks basic tourism services like ticketing, guides and facilities—locals say proper development could unlock over Shs200m annually. Travel Policy & Entry Rules: Uganda dropped the yellow fever certificate requirement for travellers in 2026, easing entry for international visitors. Governance & Travel-Related Costs: Parliament arrested two officials over the digital number plate project after conflicting pricing breakdowns and claims under oath, raising questions about value for motorists. Sports Tourism: Zambia’s Copper Queens arrived in Kampala ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualifier against Uganda, with foreign-based players joining camp for the match. Currency Watch: The shilling slipped toward record lows near Shs4,000 per dollar as forex demand rises, which could affect travel and tourism spending.

Court Martial Update: Two former state informers, Hamza Lyavaala and Walusansa Adiil, have been convicted of murder over the staged Munyonyo and Kalerwe bombings, after pleading guilty in Makindye—an unsettling reminder of how “intelligence” can be weaponised. Tourism & Growth: Uganda’s “tenfold growth” push is being framed as an execution challenge, with tourism and value addition highlighted as key routes to move beyond low-productivity agriculture. Sports Tourism: The Copper Queens have arrived in Kampala ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualifier against Uganda, with Barbra Banda and other foreign-based players joining camp—expect travel demand around match week. Local Tourism Potential: Tororo Rock is drawing visitors but still lacks basic tourism services like ticketing, guiding and facilities, despite big revenue potential. Shilling & Travel Costs: The Uganda shilling hit a record low as seasonal dollar demand ramps up, likely to squeeze travel budgets and import-linked prices. Health Tourism: Uganda Cancer Institute reports successful bone marrow transplant outcomes and aims to attract more foreign patients, building on medical tourism earnings. Travel Safety & Access: Uganda has dropped the yellow fever certificate requirement for travellers, easing entry for international visitors.

Democracy Under Pressure: Ex-MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi says “all guardrails of democracy” were broken after his rearrest, describing police roadblocks, soldiers surrounding his vehicle, and detention linked to political circumstances. Local Government Watch: Isingiro District tops Uganda’s 2025 service delivery rankings (98.37%), while Tororo Municipal Council is worst (33.74%), with performance measured across infrastructure, education, health, water and sanitation. Tourism & Travel Ease: Uganda removes the yellow fever certificate requirement for travellers at entry points, and says it’s also dropped from the e-visa portal—good news for smoother arrivals. Road Safety for Visitors/Students: In Kampala, a bus carrying 73 Lubiri High School students narrowly avoided tragedy after mechanical failure on Mengo Hill; police arrested the driver, conductor and a school patron over multiple safety violations. Health Access Gap: Over 21,000 Kiyindi residents in Buikwe lack a government health facility, forcing long-distance travel or costly private care. Regional Air Connectivity: Kenya’s low-cost carrier Jambo Jet returns to Entebbe, aiming to scale regional connectivity after an eight-year break.

Road Safety for School Trips: Public vigilance helped prevent tragedy after a bus carrying 73 Lubiri High School students lost control near Cornerstone Plaza in Rubaga, Kampala; police say the vehicle was overloaded, had an expired PSV licence, and tyres were worn, with arrests made as investigations continue. Uganda Entry Rules Simplified: Uganda’s immigration authority says travellers no longer need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at points of entry, and the requirement has been removed from the e-visa portal—good news for smoother arrivals. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Uganda’s UN-supported wildlife forensics lab in Entebbe used DNA testing to link seized ivory to elephants, helping secure a 15-year sentence for an attempted trafficking suspect. Tourism & Travel Policy: Uganda’s tax incentives and exemptions are under scrutiny after a cost-benefit analysis put tax expenditures at Shs5.01 trillion in FY2024/25, raising the question of whether incentives are delivering enough value. Regional Travel Context: East Africa’s refinery push is heating up, with Kenya’s planned Dangote Lamu refinery and Uganda’s wider energy ambitions pointing to a new era for regional fuel supply. Sports & Travel (Women’s Football): Zambia’s Copper Queens and Uganda’s Copper Queens both head to Kampala for Olympic qualifier legs, with squads finalised for the high-stakes tie.

Uganda Entry Ease: Uganda has removed the yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for travellers entering the country, with immigration confirming the card is no longer mandatory and not listed on the e-visa portal—good news for tourists planning trips. Wildlife Justice: Uganda’s UN-supported wildlife forensics lab in Entebbe helped turn ivory seizures into convictions, using DNA testing to link trafficked material to elephants. Tourism & Events: Zanzibar is stepping up infrastructure for AFCON 2027, including roads and transport to handle visitors, while Uganda’s hospitality sector is also eyeing AFCON-related demand. Travel Safety & Transport: A Lubiri High School bus crash on Mengo Hill saw 70+ students narrowly escape after mechanical failure; police cited multiple safety violations. Health Access Gap: Over 21,000 Buikwe residents in Kiyindi face limited healthcare because no government health facility serves the area, forcing long-distance travel or costly private care. Education Mobility: NCBA Bank Uganda and MAC East Africa launched school bus financing to help schools buy buses with up to 100% financing and long repayment terms.

Yellow Fever Entry Rules Eased: Uganda’s immigration authority says travellers no longer need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate at points of entry, and the document has been removed from the e-visa portal and NCIC website—good news for smoother arrivals. Tourism & Conservation Boost: Uganda and WCS have signed a 10-year deal to co-manage the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with WCS taking on day-to-day roles like biodiversity management and tourism enterprise development while UWA keeps law enforcement. Travel Safety on the Road: Over 70 Lubiri High School students escaped a serious crash after a bus developed mechanical problems on Mengo Hill; police report multiple safety violations including an expired PSV licence and worn tyres. Health Access Gap in Buikwe: More than 21,000 Kiyindi residents lack a government health facility, forcing long-distance travel or expensive private care. Transport Costs Rising: Diesel prices surged, pushing up transport and food costs as diesel inflation climbed and rippled through Uganda’s economy. School Bus Financing: NCBA Bank Uganda and MAC East Africa launched a partnership offering up to 100% financing for school buses, with support like servicing, insurance and tracking. Visa Bond Update (US): The US State Department expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 tourist/business visas; Uganda travellers should note it’s about other nationalities, but it signals tighter US entry checks.

Yellow Fever Entry Update: Uganda has dropped the yellow fever vaccination certificate as a mandatory entry document, clarifying it’s not listed on the e-visa portal or NCIC website—though vaccination remains medically important. Tourism Receipts Push: Finance Minister Henry Musasizi says Uganda targets US$5bn in annual tourism receipts by 2030, up from about US$1.62bn in 2025, calling for longer stays and higher spending. Conservation & Tourism Jobs: UWA and WCS sign a 10-year deal to co-manage Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, with WCS handling day-to-day roles and tourism enterprise development. Digital Skills for Visitors & Locals: MTN Uganda Foundation’s Internet Buses train 406 learners in Lamwo and Pader on digital and financial literacy, supporting community readiness for a more connected tourism economy. Road Safety for Passengers: NIC Life launches “Route Cover,” a micro-life insurance for passengers on participating long-distance buses, offering death, disability and hospital cash benefits after accidents. Uganda Economy Watch: August data shows mixed performance—household spending and registrations rose, while investment and export earnings fell.

Yellow Fever Entry Update: Uganda has dropped the requirement for travellers to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry, with the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control saying it’s no longer listed on the e-visa portal or NCIC website—though vaccination remains medically important. Tourism Push: Uganda targets US$5bn in annual tourism receipts by 2030, up from about US$1.62bn last year, with government stressing longer stays and higher spending. Conservation & Tourism Jobs: UWA and WCS sign a 10-year deal to co-manage Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, with WCS handling day-to-day roles and UWA keeping law enforcement. Travel Safety & Comfort: NIC Life launches “Route Cover” for passengers on participating long-distance buses, offering death, disability and hospital cash benefits after accidents. Roads & Access: In Omoro District, locals repair collapsed bridges and access roads with temporary crossings to keep travel and trade moving. Digital Skills for Visitors’ Communities: MTN Uganda Foundation’s Internet Buses train 406 learners in digital and financial literacy across Lamwo and Pader. HIV Progress Check: A new UPHIA analysis says national HIV prevalence remains at 5.9%, with only a few regions showing declines.

Air Connectivity: Jambojet has resumed daily flights between Nairobi and Entebbe, restoring a key Kenya–Uganda route and targeting growth in business, tourism and cross-border travel. AFCON Hospitality Funding: President Museveni has directed the AfDB to immediately release Shs102bn for upgrades to Bunyoro hotels ahead of AFCON 2027, easing fears that delays could hurt accommodation readiness. Tourism Tech Push: Uganda’s tourism sector is turning to AI and digital tools to boost destination marketing, improve visitor experiences and strengthen data-driven planning. Gorilla Tourism Conservation: Uganda’s mountain gorilla population is reported to be growing, with conservation efforts and community benefit-sharing cited as key drivers, even as disease and insecurity remain threats. Regional Trade & Travel Ease: Uganda and South Sudan signed a one-stop border crossing deal to cut stops and costs for cross-border business, with a focus on empowering women traders. Infrastructure for Visitors: Hoima’s hotel upgrades and the wider push for better facilities underline how AFCON preparations are shaping Uganda’s travel and lodging landscape. Health & Community Camps: dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda expanded free health services in Mutungo, supporting referrals and screenings that can improve traveler and community wellbeing.

Tourism Tech Push: Uganda is turning to AI and digital tools to boost destination marketing, visitor experiences and data-led service delivery at the 4th Annual Tourism Development Programme Performance Review Conference. Gorilla Tourism Update: Uganda’s mountain gorilla population is reportedly growing, with preliminary census data pointing to an increase, while threats like disease, insecurity and climate change remain. Hospitality Investment: NSSF has acquired a 30% stake in Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments for about UGX 180bn, underlining continued confidence in Uganda’s accommodation sector. AFCON Readiness Funding: President Museveni ordered the release of Shs 102bn to upgrade Bunyoro hotels ahead of AFCON 2027, responding to concerns over delayed financing. Cross-Border Trade Deal: South Sudan and Uganda signed a one-stop border crossing agreement to cut travel time and costs for businesses, including support for women traders. Eastern Uganda Tourism Finance: UDB urged tourism players in Eastern Uganda to use “patient capital” to grow the region’s accommodation, transport and value-chain businesses. Future Hospitality Summit Africa: Uganda will host FHS Africa in February 2027 in Kampala, aiming to bring investors and hotel developers to turn tourism assets into new projects. Infrastructure Gap at Namanve: A report highlights Namanve Industrial Park’s lack of public toilets, raising public-health and urban-planning concerns as activity expands.