AGP Executive Report

Regional Tourism: More than 50 Ugandan tourism operators are visiting Kenya’s coast ahead of an October 26–27 summit, with plans to build joint packages pairing Uganda’s wildlife and adventure experiences with Kenya’s beaches. Kigezi Access: Tourism players are calling for an international airport, airfields near Bwindi and Mgahinga, and better roads to help turn the region from a gorilla-tracking stopover into a longer-stay destination. Health & Travel: Uganda has tightened Ebola screening at borders and the airport after Nigeria confirmed a case in a woman recently returned from Uganda. Switzerland believes she may have contracted the virus there, but the source remains unconfirmed; Uganda says it has no active cases. Air Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch Entebbe–Accra flights on October 27, opening a new route into Ghana.

Travel Health: Uganda has tightened Ebola screening at Entebbe after infected travellers transited through the country, while the Health Ministry says there are no active cases. The heightened checks come as officials investigate the source of Nigeria’s imported case; travellers should follow current airport guidance. Air Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch four weekly Entebbe–Accra flights on October 27, opening a new connection to Ghana. Tourism Partnerships: Uganda and Kenya are working to grow cross-border tourism, with 50 Ugandan operators visiting Kenya’s coast. Bwindi Access: Government is seeking a Shs674 billion loan for road upgrades to Bwindi, a key step for access to the gorilla-tourism region.

Regional Health Alert: Uganda has intensified Ebola screening at Entebbe after Nigeria confirmed an imported case in a woman who travelled through Uganda. The infection source remains unconfirmed, and Uganda says it has no active cases; WHO warns the outbreak is becoming more complex across Africa. Air Links: Uganda Airlines will launch Entebbe–Accra flights on October 27, opening a new route into Ghana. Tourism Partnerships: Uganda and Kenya are working to grow tourism, with 50 Ugandan operators visiting Kenya’s coast. Access to Bwindi: The government is seeking a Shs674 billion loan to upgrade roads serving the gorilla tourism region.

Travel Health: Uganda has stepped up Ebola screening at Entebbe International Airport after a woman who tested positive in Nigeria was reported to have transited through the airport. The Health Ministry says Uganda has no confirmed active cases and that her transit does not establish where she was infected; thermal scanners are being added at key entry points. Mountain Exploration: New glacier mapping work in the Rwenzori Mountains is bringing fresh attention to the “Mountains of the Moon,” where cloud cover and steep peaks have long made scientific surveys difficult. Tourism Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch Entebbe–Accra flights next week, while a partnership with Infront aims to promote Uganda to Swiss visitors through ice hockey. Regional Strategy: East African countries have adopted a 10-year tourism promotion strategy ahead of AFCON 2027, as Ugandan tourism leaders also urge more domestic travel to strengthen the country’s brand.

Ebola and Travel: Uganda says it has no active Ebola cases after Nigeria confirmed an infection in a woman who travelled from Uganda. The source of infection remains under investigation; travellers should follow official health updates. Hotel Investment: A new green hospitality plan, backed by Equity Bank financing, aims to help Ugandan hotels invest in energy efficiency as operators seek more flexible loans. Air Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch Entebbe–Accra flights next week, adding a direct connection for travellers between the two cities. Tourism Promotion: Uganda is partnering with Infront to showcase the country in Switzerland through ice hockey, while East African states are working to harmonise tourism policies and services ahead of AFCON 2027.

Health & Travel: Uganda says it has no active Ebola cases and that a Nigerian woman’s transit through the country does not show she was infected there; the exposure location remains under investigation. Health screening at entry points is being strengthened, while WHO advises against travel restrictions. Air Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch Entebbe–Accra flights next week, adding a new connection for regional travellers. Cross-Border Travel: A Kampala–Nairobi bus was detained at Malaba after cocaine was found during screening; passengers were provided alternative transport as police investigated. Tourism Promotion: Uganda is promoting its attractions in Toronto and Switzerland, including through an ice hockey partnership, as tourism leaders also encourage more domestic travel.

Regional Health Alert: Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case of the current outbreak in a woman who travelled from Uganda. She is in isolation, with 44 contacts identified. Uganda says it has no Ebola and was declared free of the virus in August; travellers should follow official health updates. Kenya has reported nine cases. Air Links: Uganda Airlines is set to launch Entebbe–Accra flights next week, operating four times weekly with a stop in Lagos. Tourism Promotion: Uganda is partnering with Europe’s top ice hockey league to attract Swiss visitors, while a recent Lake Victoria-to-Murchison Falls itinerary showcased the country’s mix of lakeside stays and safari experiences.

Travel Advisories: Kenya has confirmed eight Ebola cases, all linked to the initial patient, who travelled from the DRC through Uganda; officials report no community spread. The US has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Kenya, while its separate Level 4 advisory for Uganda cites security risks. Tourism Promotion: Uganda is partnering with Europe’s top ice hockey league to attract Swiss visitors, using the sport to showcase the country. Regional Travel: East African countries are advancing a common visa ahead of AFCON 2027, while a new 10-year EAC tourism strategy aims to harmonise visitor services and promote the region. Community Tourism: Gorilla tourism around Bwindi is helping rebuild local communities, adding to Uganda’s appeal beyond its best-known wildlife attractions.

Tourism Promotion: Uganda has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with Europe’s Champions Hockey League, showcasing the Explore Uganda brand to Swiss and wider European audiences. Regional Health Watch: Kenya’s Ebola tally has reached eight, with all cases linked to the first patient and no community spread reported. He travelled to Kenya via Uganda; travellers should follow official health updates. Travel Advisory: The US lists Uganda under its highest-level “Do Not Travel” warning, citing security and health risks. US visitors should check current guidance before planning trips. Easier Regional Trips: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are pursuing a common visa ahead of AFCON 2027, while East African countries work on a regional tourism strategy. Murchison Falls Spotlight: A new feature recalls Ernest Hemingway’s two plane crashes during a 1954 sightseeing trip to the falls, bringing attention to the park’s dramatic history and wildlife.

Tourism Promotion: Uganda has signed a one-year deal with Europe’s Champions Hockey League, putting the Explore Uganda brand before Swiss and international audiences in stadiums, broadcasts and social media to attract more visitors. Travel Health: Kenya’s Ebola cases rose to eight, all linked to the initial patient; authorities say there is no reported community transmission. Tanzania now requires incoming travellers to complete a health declaration and screens arrivals, with 21-day monitoring for high-risk travellers — a reminder to check current entry guidance before regional trips. Regional Travel: East African countries are advancing a 10-year tourism strategy and plans for a joint visa to ease travel for AFCON 2027 fans. Domestic Tourism: Tourism leaders are also urging Ugandans to explore at home and help build the country’s tourism brand.

Regional Travel Health: Kenya confirmed an eighth Ebola case on October 18 as authorities continue testing and contact tracing. Tanzania has introduced health declarations and entry screening, with 21-day monitoring for high-risk travellers; the measures are not a travel ban. Uganda Tourism: Tourism leaders are urging Ugandans to explore the country to strengthen its tourism brand, while gorilla tourism around Bwindi is helping rebuild local communities. Regional Access: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are pursuing a common visa for AFCON 2027, alongside wider EAC plans to harmonise tourism policies and services for visitors.

Tourism Branding: Uganda’s tourism leaders are urging stronger destination marketing, more domestic travel and better access to attractions, with UTB chief Juliana Kagwa saying promotion must be matched by improved connectivity, hospitality and visitor services. Regional Health Watch: Kenya’s Ebola total rose to seven, including three health workers and a relative of the first patient. All new cases were found among people already quarantined; authorities report no evidence of wider community transmission. Regional Tourism: East African Community members have adopted a 10-year tourism strategy and agreed to harmonise policies, licensing and visitor-service standards, while Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are pursuing a joint visa ahead of AFCON 2027. Travel Access: The newly commissioned Katonga Bridge restores a key route between Kampala and southwestern Uganda, easing travel along the Kampala–Masaka corridor. Lake Bunyonyi: Officials and tourism stakeholders warn that pollution and siltation threaten the lake’s ecosystem, calling for coordinated action to protect the attraction.

Regional Travel Alert: Kenya’s Ebola cases rose to seven, including three health workers, but all new infections were found among quarantined contacts; officials report no wider community transmission. Uganda-bound travellers should follow current border health guidance. Tourism Growth: Ugandan tourism leaders want more domestic travel, stronger destination marketing and better access to attractions, including improved domestic air links and hospitality services. East Africa Promotion: EAC states adopted a 2027–2036 tourism strategy to market the region as one destination, with AFCON 2027 an opportunity to draw visitors across the region. Road Access: The new Katonga Bridge is open on the Kampala–Masaka highway, restoring a key route to southwestern Uganda. Conservation: Stakeholders warn that pollution and siltation threaten Lake Bunyonyi, urging joint action by government, tourism operators and communities to protect the lake.

Road Access: The permanent Katonga Bridge on the Kampala–Masaka highway reopens today, ending a long period of disruption on a key route for travellers. Health & Travel: Kenya has confirmed a third Ebola case in a relative who was already quarantined. The first patient travelled from DR Congo through Uganda before reaching Nairobi; contact tracing continues, with no wider community spread reported. Regional Tourism: East African ministers have approved a 2027–2036 tourism strategy to promote shared attractions and multi-country tours. They also want a common visa to ease travel for AFCON 2027 fans. Nature Tourism: Gorilla tourism around Bwindi is helping rebuild local communities, linking conservation with livelihoods. Events Tourism: Kampala’s inaugural Africa Destination Celebrations Conference is making the case for the continent to win a larger share of destination weddings and business events.

Regional Travel Health: Kenya confirmed a third Bundibugyo Ebola case in a quarantined relative of the first patients. All three cases are linked, with no community spread reported. The first patient travelled from the DRC through Uganda to Nairobi, keeping cross-border screening in focus. East African Tourism: EAC ministers adopted a 2027–2036 strategy to jointly promote the region, develop multi-country tours and harmonise visitor-service standards. They also requested an updated report on a single tourist visa; the current visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, but not Tanzania. Tourism Investment: Uganda’s second-quarter budget release includes Shs48.2 billion for tourism development and promotion, including the Explore Uganda campaign. Hoima Events: Hoima City Stadium Arena will host its first international basketball tournament, the BAL qualifiers, from October 21–25—an opportunity to showcase the city to regional visitors.

Tourism Investment: Uganda’s second-quarter budget includes Shs48.2 billion for tourism development and promotion, including the Explore Uganda campaign. Regional Tourism: East African Community ministers have agreed to harmonise tourism rules, licensing and service standards, aiming to market the region as one destination. Easier Travel: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are pushing for a joint visa ahead of AFCON 2027 to make cross-border trips easier for fans and visitors. Health and Borders: Kenya’s second Ebola case was detected in quarantine, with no wider community spread reported; Ebola-related restrictions have nevertheless hurt businesses at the Kasese-Mpondwe border. Upcoming Event: Uganda will host the Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship at Bunjako Beach from October 21 to 26, with national teams preparing in Entebbe.