Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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Just days before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off, African women footballers are calling on leaders across the continent to renew their political commitment, sustain investment and take collective action to protect every child from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Launched by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in partnership with African women football stars, influential personalities and youth advocates, the “Kick Out Polio” campaign is rallying families, government leaders, young people, and community and civil society leaders throughout the tournament.

Women football stars from several African countries are calling on are calling on governments, partners, communities and families to safeguard hard-won gains and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Members of Generation Zero Polio, a network of young advocates from West and Central Africa, are supporting this call to action through an open letter to African leaders that will be released in the coming days.

The African Region has made significant progress towards the eradication of poliomyelitis, thanks to the leadership of governments and support from committed partners like KSrelief, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, Canada, Rotary International, the United Arab Emirates and Germany. There was a 50 % reduction in detections of all types of variant poliovirus (types 1, 2 and 3) reported during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. 

However, challenges remain. Conflict, displacement, operational challenges, misinformation, other diseases, outbreaks, operational challenges, limited access to essential health services and declining resources continue to threaten progress. As a result, many children in countries experiencing polio outbreaks remain unvaccinated, while significant immunity gaps persist among children in other countries.

Poliovirus spreads rapidly within and across borders. A single case can put children in communities and countries far beyond the initial outbreak at risk, particularly where vaccination coverage is low. Reaching every child, wherever they live, is therefore essential to stopping transmission and sustaining Africa’s progress.

Women are central to this effort. They lead vaccination teams, build trust with families, address concerns and help health services reach children in remote, underserved and crisis-affected communities. 

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations offers a powerful opportunity to turn attention into action. The “Kick Out Polio” campaign calls on governments, partners and communities to sustain the leadership, resources and trust needed to reach every child and kick polio out of Africa.

Quotes:

• Olayinka Babalola, Rotary International President: “Every girl deserves the opportunity to play, lead, and thrive on and off the field. Rotary is proud to be a part of the Kick Out Polio campaign to make that opportunity real.”
• Ramou Ndure, UNICEF West and Central Africa Deputy Regional Director: “Governments and institutions alone cannot end polio. It will be the people of Africa who finish the job. That is the spirit of the Kick Out Polio campaign.”
• Dr. Marie Belizaire, WHO African Region Regional Emergency Director: “Finishing polio is not simply about ending one disease. It is an investment in the health, potential and future of an entire generation.”
• Dr. Ayodele Renner, Health Content Creator: “Whether you’re a doctor, athlete, musician, influencer or football fan, you can help protect children by sharing facts, encouraging vaccination and supporting Kick Out Polio.”
• Smarty, UNICEF National Ambassador: “Music and football have the power to bring us together. Today, let us use that same power to mobilize, protect every child and kick polio out of Africa.”
• Noella Djouku Nguetchuissi, Youth Advocate: “Africa’s future starts with its children. If we want a healthier Africa tomorrow, we must invest in them today, make vaccination a priority and finish the fight against polio.”
• Oeurdice Mukeba Mwe Tshiama, polio survivor: “No child should have to live with a disease that can be prevented. Let us give every child the chance to grow, to dream, and to choose their own future.”

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Office of the President wishes to inform the public that President Dr Patrick Herminie will proceed on overseas leave from Thursday 23rd July to Monday 3rd August 2026.

During the President’s absence, Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay will assume the responsibilities and will represent the Republic in the discharge of official duties and engagements. 

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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A comprehensive review of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act is required to clearly define governance and operational roles at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

According to former Bwamba County Member of Parliament, Hon. Richard Gafabusa, the bureau has relegated its core mandate of enforcing quality standards for fair trade which has exposed the public to substandard products.

“The dysfunctional state of affairs at UNBS has resulted in the proliferation of poor quality and counterfeit goods, eroded investor confidence and frustrated industrialisation and the efficient enforcement of standards laws and regulations,” Gafabusa said.

Gafabusa who raised the same concerns while he served in the 11th Parliament made his submission while appearing before the Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives chaired by Hon. Boniface Okot on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Gafabusa said that overlapping roles at UNBS between its National Standards Council and its management have created conflict, delays in decision-making and weakened accountability.

He also cited lengthy certification timeliness which have delayed market access by manufacturers and affected their business competitiveness.

“It is not a guarantee that if a manufacturer follows up their application after eight months or one year, that one inspection will lead to certification. The process can take over three years and this had made many SMEs give up or put their goods on the market without certification,” he said.

He called for strengthening of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) programme through electronic certification, artificial intelligence and enhanced collaboration with Uganda Revenue Authority and border agencies.

“Because of inadequate personnel at UNBS, they decided to outsource this verification and signed contracts with companies to do it on their behalf. In countries like India, Japan and China,some of these are briefcase companies and do not exist,” Gafabusa added.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen regional laboratories and decentralise testing, certification and inspection services.

The Chairperson of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, Peter Kasirye said that many small-scale manufacturers have paid identical certification fees for similar products in a single production line which has impacted negatively on investment.

“We have compliant manufacturers watching uncertified competitors undercut them on the same shelf because the cost of doing things the right way is not yet matched by consistent enforcement against those who are not properly certified,”  Kasirye said.

Kasirye said transparency in fees and access to standards documents in local languages will go a long way in improving public confidence in the bureau.

“We further ask that government considers harmonising our standards with our regional neighbours, so that our manufacturers are not disadvantaged in the very markets we hope to conquer together as the East African Community,” he added.

Hon. Okot asked the representatives of the manufacturers to suggest affordable rates for the certification and standardisation process to be considered by UNBS.

“You indicated that these services are still costly. What proposals do you have for an amount, that when charged to SMEs, they will be able to thrive? We shall present these proposals when we interact with UNBS,” Okot said.

Pader District Woman MP, Hon. CD Lowila emphasised the need to address the staffing gaps at the bureau which she said can improve the turnaround time on processing certification applications for manufacturers.

Hon. Wilber Manyisa (NRM, Nakaseke North) called for equity by the bureau in processing requests from local manufacturers and foreign investors alike.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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On 17 July 2026, the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie convened a meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council at State House under the theme “Aviation and Connectivity” to consider the future direction of Seychelles’ aviation sector and its contribution to national economic development.

Bringing together members with decades of experience across aviation, tourism, finance and business, the meeting focused on preparations for Air Seychelles’ acquisition of two Airbus A321XLR aircraft and the development of a commercially sustainable long-haul network. Discussions examined the re-establishment of direct air links with key European markets, market opportunities and the measures required to ensure that future expansion delivers lasting value to the country.

In recognition of aviation as a cornerstone of Seychelles’ economy, discussions focused on ensuring that the Government’s investment in the new fleet is guided by informed decision-making and expertise. Drawing on lessons from previous long-haul operations, members explored how Air Seychelles can be best positioned to deliver sustainable, long-term value to the country.

The meeting also examined the measures needed to support the successful introduction of the new long-haul fleet, including route selection, destination marketing and sustainable operations. These efforts are expected to strengthen Seychelles’ connectivity with key international markets, safeguard the tourism industry, facilitate trade and investment, and enhance the country’s resilience to external shocks.

The President thanked members of the Council for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to drawing on the expertise of industry leaders in shaping major national decisions. He noted that the acquisition of the new aircraft represents not only an investment in Air Seychelles but also a strategic investment in the country’s future prosperity, resilience and global connectivity.

Also in attendance were the Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms Veronique Laporte, senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, and representatives of Air Seychelles.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Government of Mozambique, through the Ministry of Health, launched the Action Plan for Child Survival 2026–2030, launched on Monday 20 July 2026, in Maputo Province, a strategic instrument aimed at accelerating the reduction of child mortality and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, grow and develop to their full potential.

The launch of the plan represents an important milestone in the national commitment to children’s health and well-being and comes at a particularly significant time, less than two months after the creation of the National Alliance for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality, reinforcing the country’s efforts to tackle the main health challenges affecting women and children.

It is estimated that, in 2024, around 4.9 million children under the age of five will have died worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa being the region with the highest rates of child mortality. According to the 2022–2023 Demographic and Health Survey, in Mozambique, the under-five mortality rate stands at 60 deaths per 1,000 live births, with the majority of child deaths continuing to be linked to preventable or treatable causes, including complications related to prematurity, birth asphyxia, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition.

The Action Plan for Child Survival was developed by the Ministry of Health in response to the global ‘Child Survival Action’ initiative, which mobilises governments, development partners, community leaders and civil society to accelerate the end of preventable child deaths. The initiative is aligned with the primary health care approach and with national and global efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

The Plan sets out strategic priorities aimed at expanding access to quality health services and strengthening high-impact interventions to improve child survival. These include strengthening primary health care, expanding access to quality health services for mothers, newborns and children, the prevention and treatment of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, improving child nutrition, promoting equity in access to healthcare, and strengthening partnerships between the Government, cooperation partners, civil society and the private sector.

WHO and its cooperation partners have reiterated their commitment to continue supporting the Government of Mozambique in implementing the plan, recognising that the success of this initiative will depend on the sustainable mobilisation of resources, multisectoral coordination and the active involvement of communities and families.

The Action Plan for Child Survival is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, which aims to eliminate preventable deaths among newborns and children under five, as well as with the global strategies of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents.

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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A US$5.3-million cross-border fuel (gasoil) trade transaction has been successfully completed with support of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank’s) (www.Afreximbank.com) flagship digital trade ecosystem, demonstrating the value and efficacy of the Gateway in powering African trade.

The transaction, which saw Zimbabwean fuel importer Witeva Trading source a gasoil shipment from a leading commodity trader and supplier in Switzerland, with Innbucks Microbank Ltd. participating as the local issuing financial institution and Afreximbank providing confirmation support under agreed trade finance structure, demonstrates how African businesses can leverage one connected ecosystem to identify opportunities, access finance and complete international trade more efficiently.

The ATG made it possible for the commercial opportunity to be connected to the right ecosystem participants, bringing together the buyer, supplier and participating financial institutions to support a successful execution of the transaction.

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institutions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transaction in Southern Africa.

It also demonstrates how African Businesses can use a single digital ecosystem to identify commercial opportunities, connect with verified counterparties, access trade-finance support and execute cross-border transactions more efficiently.

Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, at Afreximbank, said:

“This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem. By creating a digital ecosystem to expand access to trade finance, Afreximbank is enabling more businesses to participate easily in regional and international trade.”

Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business, at Afreximbank, added:

“The Africa Trade Gateway is more than a mere digital platform; it is the ecosystem that helps trade happen. We help businesses discover opportunities, connect with trusted buyers, suppliers and financial institutions, and facilitate the journey from commercial opportunity to completed transactions. Every successful deal strengthens the network, attracts new participants and creates more opportunities for African trade.”

“As more businesses, banks and trade partners join the ecosystem, every successful transaction expands the marketplace, strengthens trust across the network and increases opportunities for future trade,” Mr. Onyia added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), Moody’s (Baa2) and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com 

About Africa Trade Gateway:
The Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) is Afreximbank’s flagship digital trade ecosystem that connects businesses, financial institutions and trade partners across Africa and beyond.

ATG helps businesses discover opportunities, connect with trusted counterparties, access trade-enabling services, including trade finance, payments, compliance, logistics and market intelligence, and facilitates cross-border transactions through one integrated ecosystem.

By bringing together the services required to support international trade, ATG helps businesses trade with greater confidence, efficiency and scale.

Source: APO

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The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has directed the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya to appear before on Friday, 24 July 2026 after failing to attend a meeting examining the commission’s Auditor General’s report. 

The committee members uncovered what they described as a breakdown in the institution’s leadership.

During the meeting chaired by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, officials from UHRC admitted that they not held a formal commission meeting since March 2026 despite the law requiring the body to oversee the institution’s work.

Nkunyingi questioned the acting Secretary and Accounting Officer, Kamadi Byonabye over governance and accountability at the commission, noting that although he assumed office after the retirement of the former accounting officer, Margaret Lucy Ejang, he remained responsible for accounting for public funds under Article 164 of the Constitution.

Kamadi revealed that he had personally informed Wangadya about the committee invitation and that she had indicated the Auditor General’s report concerned technical matters.

Nkunyingi warned that should she fail to attend the meeting; Parliament would invoke lawful measures including summons or warrants to compel her to attend.

“We are giving her and the commission a second chance; the matters to handle are very, very concerning,” he said.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga confirmed that the commissioners last met in March and acknowledged that no subsequent commission meetings had been convened.

“We are supposed to have a monthly commission meeting. The commission meeting is the top management decision-making body of the commission,” Nsubuga said before admitting that he had never formally written to remind the chairperson or fellow commissioners to convene another meeting.

The revelations prompted concern from committee members with Martin Muzaale (NRM, Buzaaya County) questioning how the commission had continued executing its constitutional mandate, including submitting reports to Parliament without meeting as a governing body.

Elgon North County Member of Parliament, Hon. Gerald Nangoli said the commission appeared dysfunctional, arguing that months without meetings meant Ugandans could no longer be certain the institution was operating effectively.

The committee also heard that the Commission’s tribunal system has effectively stalled because, under the Uganda Human Rights Act and the commission’s rules, only the chairperson can preside over tribunal proceedings.

Commissioner Shifrah Lukwago explained that without the chairperson, complaints requiring tribunal hearings cannot proceed.

The committee also examined delays in hearing human rights complaints.

The Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services at UHRC, Pauline Nansamba disclosed that the commission last held tribunal sessions in December 2025 after exhausting the budget allocated for hearings.

Wangadya submitted a notice of resignation to President Yoweri Museveni on 06 July 2026.

However, the Attorney General has advised that her resignation will only take effect upon formal acceptance by the appointing authority, meaning she remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.