AGP Executive Report

Ebola and Travel: Uganda has tightened screening at crossings with the DRC after a Kenyan traveller who passed through Uganda died of Ebola. The DRC outbreak has topped 9,000 cases and 4,381 deaths; Uganda says it remains Ebola-free, but travellers should expect heightened checks. AFCON 2027: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are working on a joint visa to help fans cross borders for matches and visit attractions. Eligibility, fees and border procedures are still undecided. Tourism Investment: Uganda is courting Thai investors in hospitality and other sectors, offering incentives including 10-year tax holidays for qualifying manufacturers and agro-processors. Park Access: A collapsed bridge on the route to Bwindi has cut off access, raising concerns for visitors and tourism operators until connections are restored.

Ebola Travel Alert: The outbreak in DR Congo has passed 9,000 cases, while Kenya has introduced new screening and quarantine rules after an imported case travelled through Uganda. The US has also extended travel restrictions on Uganda, citing cross-border risk. AFCON 2027: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are developing a joint visa to help football fans move between host countries and visit regional attractions during the tournament. Events Tourism: Kampala’s Africa Destination Celebration Conference has brought international planners to explore Uganda for weddings, retreats and other major events, creating potential business for hotels and tour operators. Tourism Investment: Uganda has pitched Thai investors on opportunities in tourism and hospitality, alongside other sectors. Park Access: A collapsed bridge has cut off access to Bwindi, raising concerns for visitors travelling to the gorilla park.

Events Tourism: Uganda is pitching its wildlife, luxury lodges and cultural heritage to the global weddings and events market at the Africa Destination Celebration Conference in Kampala, aiming to bring more business to hotels, tour operators and transport firms. Tourism Investment: Uganda’s High Commission in London plans a roundtable ahead of World Travel Market to attract funding for hotels, eco-lodges, transport and visitor facilities. Regional Travel: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are developing a joint visa for AFCON 2027 fans, who could combine matches with trips to attractions across the three host countries; Uganda is also pursuing tourism links with Kenya’s coast. Health and Travel: Kenya reports no additional Ebola infections among 293 tests after its first imported case, while Uganda says it remains Ebola-free. The regional case, whose journey passed through Kampala, keeps cross-border monitoring in focus.

Regional Travel: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are working on a joint visa to help AFCON 2027 fans cross borders and visit attractions. A separate Uganda–Kenya tourism summit in Mombasa later this month will explore joint holiday packages and ways to ease travel barriers. Health & Travel: Kenya has declared its imported Bundibugyo Ebola case a formidable epidemic and introduced rules for screening, isolation and contact tracing. The patient travelled through Uganda before reaching Nairobi; visitors should follow official health updates as regional monitoring continues. Tourism Partnerships: Uganda’s new honorary consul to the Bahamas, Anita Rukundo Tayebwa, says she will strengthen tourism ties and promote lessons from the Caribbean nation’s visitor economy. Visitor Appeal: Mirima Kibale Lodge has opened near Kibale National Park, adding accommodation for visitors to the area. Uganda will also host an international water congress in 2027, expected to draw more than 3,000 delegates.

Regional Tourism: Uganda and Kenya are pursuing joint holiday packages, easier cross-border travel and digital links for tourism businesses. Their Mombasa summit on October 26–27 comes as visitor numbers rise in both directions. Wildlife: Ugandan youth groups and communities are collecting plastic waste near conservation areas, while local recycling initiatives turn it into useful products and help protect wildlife. Travel Update: Uganda says it remains Ebola-free after an infected traveller passed through the country; Kenya reported no new cases by October 11, with 108 contacts under monitoring. Access & Mobility: A collapsed bridge on the route to Bwindi has cut off access, while Entebbe has secured UGX100 billion for road upgrades. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are also discussing a temporary shared visa for AFCON 2027 fans. Events: Uganda will host the 2027 International Water Association congress, with more than 3,000 delegates expected.

Travel Health: Kenya reports no new Ebola cases since its imported case was confirmed on October 6. All 122 contacts have been identified; 108 are quarantined and symptom-free. The patient travelled through Uganda from the DRC, where health officials say the country remains Ebola-free. Bwindi Access: The River Mucha bridge collapse has cut the direct route from Kisoro to Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. A diversion via Karengyere and Rubuguri adds about 30–45 minutes; engineers are working on repairs. Regional Tourism: Uganda is urging Kenya to reduce travel costs, improve connectivity and ease paperwork so visitors can combine trips. Uganda also advanced tourism ties with Mozambique at a Maputo roadshow. Events and Stays: Kampala will host the 2027 International Water Association congress, expected to draw more than 3,000 delegates. Mirima Kibale Lodge has also opened near Kibale National Park. Travel Costs: The shilling has weakened past Shs4,100 to the dollar, while diesel has climbed above Shs7,100 a litre, adding pressure to transport costs.

Bwindi Access: The River Mucha Bridge collapse has cut the direct route from Kisoro to Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla-tracking sectors. Tourists are being diverted via Karengyere, Nyanamo and Rubuguri, adding about 30–45 minutes; engineers are working on repairs. Regional Tourism: Uganda is seeking closer cooperation with Kenya to reduce travel costs, improve connections and ease paperwork so visitors can combine trips across both countries. Ebola Watch: Kenya’s first imported Bundibugyo Ebola patient travelled through Uganda from the DRC, where cases are spreading in border areas. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free, while health authorities continue surveillance and contact tracing. Entebbe Upgrade: The municipality has allocated more than UGX 100 billion to pave over 20 kilometres of roads, aiming to improve access and support tourism ahead of AFCON 2027. New Stay Near Kibale: Mirima Kibale Lodge has opened near Kibale National Park, adding accommodation for visitors exploring the area.

Bwindi Access: River Mucha Bridge has collapsed, cutting the direct Kisoro route to Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Tourists should use the Kisoro–Karengyere–Nyanamo–Rubuguri diversion and allow an extra 30–45 minutes. Cross-Border Tourism: Uganda is urging Kenya to reduce travel costs, improve connections and simplify paperwork so visitors can combine both countries in one trip. Health Alert: Kenya’s first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case travelled through Uganda before being diagnosed in Nairobi. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free; regional health agencies are stepping up surveillance and contact tracing. Tourism Partnerships: Uganda’s new honorary consul to The Bahamas wants to build links between the countries’ tourism sectors, while Uganda and Mozambique have also promoted cooperation. AFCON Preparations: Hotel owners are preparing local dishes for tournament guests, with a focus on food safety and staff training.

Travel Health: Kenya’s first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case travelled through Uganda from the DRC before dying in Nairobi, highlighting gaps in regional screening. Cases continue in DRC provinces bordering Uganda; Uganda says it remains Ebola-free as surveillance steps up. Entebbe Airport: UCAA has upgraded car-park gates with number-plate recognition, touchless access and mobile payments to ease queues. Tourism Links: Uganda’s new Bahamas honorary consul wants to share tourism expertise and attract more visitors; the Bahamas drew over 12 million visitors in 2025, compared with about 1.6 million for Uganda. New Stay: Mirima Kibale Lodge has opened near Kibale National Park, offering chimpanzee tracking alongside crater-lake walks, birding and community visits. AFCON and Regional Promotion: Hotel owners are preparing local dishes for tournament guests, while a Uganda-Mozambique tourism roadshow secured a cooperation agreement and 100 business meetings.

Regional Travel Health: A suspected Ebola case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative for malaria, easing immediate concern. But the outbreak remains active in DRC border provinces, and Kenya’s fatal imported case travelled through Uganda. Uganda says it remains Ebola-free as authorities monitor cross-border risks. AFCON Hospitality: Uganda’s hotel owners are preparing local dishes for tournament guests, with a focus on food safety, presentation and training. Airport Upgrade: Entebbe International Airport has introduced AI-assisted number-plate recognition and digital payments to speed up parking and ease congestion. New Kibale Stay: Mirima Kibale Lodge has opened near the national park, offering chimpanzee tracking alongside birding, crater-lake visits and community experiences. Tourism Partnerships: Uganda and Mozambique signed a cooperation agreement after a tourism roadshow, while the Bahamas’ new honorary consul says she will promote visitor exchanges and share hospitality expertise.

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.