MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

Parliament on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 passed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 adopting amendments that significantly narrow its scope, remove contentious provisions and introduce safeguards aimed at aligning the law with the Constitution and existing regulatory frameworks.

The Bill, which had attracted intense public interest over controversial clauses in its original form was considered during a packed plenary sitting chaired by the Speaker, Anita Among.

The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi who moved and justified the motion, said Uganda faces challenges that threaten its ability to self-govern.

Presenting the majority report, the Chairperson of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Hon. Wilson Kajwengye said the scrutiny process drew from extensive consultations involving over 200 stakeholders across government institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia and the diaspora.

He noted that although the objective of protecting Uganda’s sovereignty is legitimate, the original drafting of the Bill was overly broad and risked far-reaching consequences.

“The amendments are intended to harmonise the definitions with the scope of the Bill to limit the application of the law to only agents of foreigners and not any other person,” the report stated in part.

A key outcome of the amendments is the restriction of the law strictly to agents of foreigners, with earlier provisions that applied to any person deleted. 

Clause 2 was revised to ensure the Act targets only individuals or entities acting on behalf of foreigners in specified influence-related activities, particularly in political processes and public decision-making.

Lawmakers also overhauled key definitions narrowing the meaning of “foreigner” and excluding Ugandan citizens living abroad. 

The definition of an “agent of a foreigner” was refined to cover only those who formally and knowingly act on behalf of foreign interests to influence policy, elections or national security.

“The amendments exclude the application of the Bill to Ugandan citizens residing outside Uganda,” the committee noted.

Parliament further deleted the definition of “person” and introduced clearer terms, including “political activities”, to enhance legal precision.

The House also scaled back the powers of the minister, removing provisions that allowed the minister to declare any person a foreigner and replacing broad discretionary authority with more structured, rules-based mechanisms.

The committee warned that the original provisions risked creating a permission-based system that would undermine legal certainty and constitutional safeguards.

In a significant policy shift, Parliament replaced blanket ministerial approval requirements, particularly on foreign funding, with a declaration regime. Clause 22 now requires agents of foreigners to declare funds rather than seek prior approval, a move the committee said would avoid disruption to financial flows and economic activity.

The amended law also introduces wide-ranging exemptions to protect key sectors. 

Financial institutions, academic and research bodies, health facilities and individuals receiving funds for legitimate commercial or domestic purposes are excluded.

Lawful financial flows such as diaspora remittances, foreign direct investment, trade and humanitarian assistance are explicitly protected.

To address concerns about duplication, Parliament adopted recommendations exempting entities already regulated under existing laws, with the committee warning that the original Bill risked creating overlaps in regulation.

Lawmakers further revised criminal provisions, introducing clearer definitions of offences and requiring proof of intent, while reducing penalties from 20 years’ imprisonment to a maximum of 10 years.

Several controversial provisions were removed, including mandatory mental and physical health examinations for applicants and inspection powers without court orders. Timelines and procedural safeguards were introduced to ensure transparency and adherence to natural justice.

Clause 13 of the Bill prohibits economic sabotage, attracting a fine of Shs2 billion for legal entities and Shs1 billion for individuals, or 10 years’ imprisonment.

Economic sabotage is defined as an agent of a foreigner who knowingly publishes false information or participates in any disruptive act that weakens, undermines or damages the economic system.

Despite the amendments, several Members of Parliament led by Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute County South) tabled dissenting reports strongly opposing the Bill.
Odur said 18 amendments were proposed by the Attorney General rather than the originator of the Bill and alleged that the co-chairpersons of the committee were partial, claiming microphones of members opposed to the Bill were switched off.

Ndorwa County East, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba said the Bill criminalises free speech and infringes on Article 1of the Constitution by interfering with the sovereignty of the people.

Kilak South County, Hon. Gilbert Olanya argued that the Bill fundamentally contradicts the Constitution and poses risks to civil liberties, the economy and Uganda’s global standing.

Hon. Abdallah Kiwanuka (NUP, Mukono County North) said several amendments were made to the Bill, estimating them at up to 87 per cent, which he argued exceeded the permissible threshold.

Busiro County East Representative, Hon. Medard Sseggona said there was insufficient consultation, arguing that Parliament conducted the process within its precincts without broader public engagement. He also described the Bill as redundant in addressing any mischief.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi raised a procedural concern on Clause 2, citing Rule 215(2) of the Rules of Procedure regarding minority reports. 
He questioned why members presenting the minority reports likeHon. Jonathan Odur, were given less time.

Ssenyonyi also raised concern over a letter reportedly written by the President disowning the Bill and argued that the extent of amendments effectively transformed it into a new piece of legislation.

“There is precedence set by this House where ministers have been told, with so many changes, just withdraw the Bill … because the majority of the clauses were amended,” he said.

The Speaker, however, said the amendments had not altered the object of the Bill.

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

Source: APO

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The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (www.SECAM.org), the body for communion, consultation, and coordination of the Catholic Church in Africa and the neighbouring islands, is deeply concerned about the recent events in the Republic of South Africa, which have been marked by acts of xenophobic violence against nationals of other African countries.

In these particularly grave circumstances, SECAM expresses its fraternal and ecclesial solidarity with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) for its prophetic stance in support of African migrants who are victims of discrimination and xenophobia. It also extends its sympathy to all victims of this violence and to their families, who have been severely affected.

At the heart of this crisis lies a fundamental challenge to the human conscience. Biblical revelation teaches that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27), a truth that underpins the infinite dignity of every human being, regardless of their origin, nationality, tribe, culture, or migration status. SECAM strongly reiterates that this dignity must remain the primary criterion for all social organisation and public policy. Any violence directed against foreigners constitutes not only a grave violation of the human person but also a negation of the foundations of universal brotherhood and the Africa we want.

SECAM reaffirms the need for a balance between the legitimate sovereignty of states and the imperative requirement for migrants to respect the laws and customs of their host country. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (CCC, n. 2241).

The acts of violence recently witnessed in South Africa constitute a serious violation of African principles and continental law. They undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, notably the right to life, dignity, security, and equality before the law. They also contradict the continent’s core values, such as African solidarity, the spirit of Ubuntu – I am because we are – and the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.

In light of this situation, SECAM calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent, concrete, and sustainable measures to ensure the protection of all persons living on its territory, in accordance with its continental and international commitments. It urges the Government to conduct impartial investigations, identify and prosecute those responsible for these acts, put an end to all forms of vigilante justice, and strengthen the legitimate authority of the State.

SECAM also calls on the African Union to fully assume its role as guardian of continental values, to ensure the effective implementation of African legal instruments on human rights, and to encourage the establishment of prevention and early warning mechanisms against xenophobic violence. The credibility of Africa, which aspires to become a key player on the international stage, is at stake.

SECAM calls on people to reject all forms of violence, all rhetoric of hatred and stigmatisation, to reject discourse that divides African peoples, and to promote a culture of encounter, dialogue, and African brotherhood.

Following the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–35), we are all called to rediscover an ethic of closeness, where the stranger is not perceived as a threat but recognised as a brother or sister of whom we are the guardians.

At this critical juncture, SECAM reaffirms its resolute commitment to migrants, the poor, and the most vulnerable, to promote a society founded on justice, peace, and human dignity, as well as on dialogue between African peoples and nations. It invites all men and women of good will to work tirelessly towards building a reconciled Africa, faithful to its profound vocation to be, from Cairo to Cape Town, a family of peoples united in dignity and solidarity.

Finally, SECAM assures all victims of xenophobic violence of its spiritual, pastoral, and supportive closeness: dear brothers and sisters, you are not alone; we will never abandon you!

+ Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo
Archbishop of Kinshasa
President of SECAM

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Source: APO

Fintech platform, Kaleidofin (www.Kaleidofin.com), has closed Kenya’s first private-sector local currency securitisation in the smallholder agriculture sector, in partnership with agri-finance company Apollo Agriculture and with investment from the IDH Farmfit Fund, a blended finance impact fund, marking a significant step in developing institutional capital markets for rural lending.

This first-of-its-kind securitisation in Kenya demonstrates how structured credit markets can channel institutional capital toward smallholder finance.

The milestone transaction involved the securitisation of smallholder farmer credit for inputs with a value of KES 370 million, mobilising KES 276 million (approximately USD 2.1 million) in financing through the sale of these receivables, originated by Apollo Agriculture and covering a portfolio of 23,839 smallholder farmers, 51% of whom are women and approximately 22% first-time borrowers. The issuance was supported by an investment grade rating of BBB- from Agusto, marking a significant milestone in demonstrating the credit quality and investability of this asset class.

Structured through Kaleidofin’s ki platform, a dedicated debt capital market infrastructure, the transaction enables the conversion of granular agricultural loans into investable assets for institutional investors in local currency. Unlike traditional models that rely on rigid standardisation, the platform supports customised structuring of portfolios and risk segmentation, powered by Kaleidofin’s proprietary ki score, an AI-driven risk intelligence layer built on loan transaction, bureau and alternative data.

The structure allows originators such as Apollo Agriculture to recycle capital efficiently while aligning financing to seasonal agricultural cycles, and provides investors with improved visibility into underlying asset risk, helping reduce information asymmetry in an otherwise opaque segment.

For Apollo Agriculture, the transaction releases immediate liquidity and improves capital efficiency, enabling continued expansion of financing to smallholder farmers without increasing balance sheet leverage. In practical terms, this means Apollo can extend more loans to smallholder farmers, helping them access the seeds, fertilisers and tools they need to grow more crops and improve their livelihoods. This is made possible by Apollo’s unique credit tech stack, which allows the company to build accurate, real-time credit profiles for farmers and underwrite customers typically excluded from formal finance. Apollo’s platform combines satellite imagery of farm plots, machine learning models trained on agricultural yield patterns, and mobile-based data collection to assess creditworthiness in real time — without requiring the collateral or credit history that traditional lenders demand.

“This transaction demonstrates how innovative financial structures can unlock capital for smallholder farmers at scale,” said Roel Messie, CEO of IDH Investment Management, manager of the IDH Farmfit Fund. “Building investable opportunities in agriculture requires both capital and enabling infrastructure, and this partnership brings those elements together.”

“We designed the Kaleidofin platform to function as scalable market infrastructure for traditionally excluded customer segments such as smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, clean energy and small business,” said Sucharita Mukherjee, Co-founder and CEO of Kaleidofin. “By enabling customised structuring and data-driven risk insights via ki score, we are building the foundations for institutional capital to flow into sectors such as smallholder agriculture in a sustainable way.”

The transaction is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar structures across emerging markets, demonstrating how technology-enabled infrastructure and blended finance can expand access to capital for underserved borrowers while creating investable opportunities for institutional investors.

“This is a meaningful step in building efficient, scalable funding for smallholder agriculture and validates our tech-enabled business model.” said Eli Pollak, CEO of Apollo Agriculture. “By converting receivables into working capital, we are able to lower our cost of funds and expand access to affordable, local currency financing for farmers.” Financing in local currency is critical for farmers, as it protects them from the foreign exchange volatility that can dramatically increase debt repayment burdens. A lower cost of funds means Apollo can offer more affordable loan terms, reducing the financial pressure on farmers and making it more likely they can repay, reinvest in their farms, and build long-term financial resilience.

The IDH Farmfit Fund acted as anchor investor in the transaction, which represents the first step in a broader multi-year securitisation programme expected to mobilise approximately KES 2.37 billion and reach more than 130,000 farmers over time.

The transaction was supported by a broader ecosystem of partners working to develop the enabling environment for structured finance in agriculture. UK-funded specialist development agency, FSD Africa provided support across legal and regulatory structuring, investor engagement, and market development, while the UK’s flagship public markets programme, MOBILIST, contributed to tax and structuring guidance.

“This transaction showcases how well-functioning market infrastructure can catalyse institutional capital for sectors traditionally considered high-risk, like smallholder agriculture. FSD Africa’s role has been to help build the foundations — from regulatory clarity to investor confidence — that make transactions like this viable and repeatable. We see this as a blueprint for how structured finance can unlock sustainable, large-scale funding for inclusive growth across Africa,” said Dr. Evans Osano, Chief Financial Markets Officer at FSD Africa.

“By supporting FSDA to demonstrate and enable innovation like this, we aim to make it more efficient to mobilize domestic sources of capital for women’s economic empowerment,” said Mark Wensley, Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation.

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, provided technical assistance to its investee Apollo Agriculture through BII Plus. The foundational funding strengthens its reporting and technology capabilities, enabling access to a scalable, KES-denominated funding model that significantly reduces FX risk while achieving a more efficient and sustainable cost of capital for its growing loan portfolio.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaleidofin Private Limited.

About Kaleidofin: 
Kaleidofin is a fintech platform building inclusive risk infrastructure and debt capital markets across Africa and South Asia. We work with over 60 SDG focused originators such as fintechs, agtechs, MFIs, digital lenders, and climate-focused enterprises that extend credit to smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, and informal MSMEs. Our solutions include data-driven underwriting (ki score), portfolio risk tools (ki monitor), and structured finance vehicles/SPVs (ki platform) that are designed to help originators unlock scalable, affordable local currency financing and better their risk management capacity. To date, Kaleidofin has enabled over USD 10billion in productive credit for over 11 million end customers. For more information, visit https://www.Kaleidofin.com/  

About Apollo: 
Apollo Agriculture is a technology-driven agricultural finance company that provides smallholder farmers across Kenya with access to credit, farm inputs, insurance, and advisory services. By leveraging alternative data and machine learning to underwrite customers traditionally excluded from formal finance, Apollo enables farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing inputs and climate-resilient practices. Through its integrated approach to financing and farm support, Apollo Agriculture aims to improve farmers’ incomes and livelihoods while contributing to the development of sustainable, inclusive agricultural value chains. For more information, visit https://www.ApolloAgriculture.com/   

About IDH Farmfit Fund: 
The IDH Farmfit Fund is a blended finance impact fund for smallholder farmers, many of whom are amongst the poorest people in the world. The Fund can take the highest risk positions in smallholder farmer-related transactions, thereby reducing the risk currently borne by borrowers and lenders. By doing so, IDH Farmfit Fund aims to catalyse capital to co-invest in this sector. These investments will increase the availability of affordable, long-term financing to smallholder farmers, allowing them to invest in their farms, increase productivity and adopt climate-smart agriculture best practices, leading to improvements in their livelihoods and incomes. The IDH Farmfit Fund is facilitated by IDH Foundation, and supported by a unique coalition of partners, including commercial banks, development banks, government bodies and value chain companies. For more information, visit https:www.IDHSustainableTrade.com/Farmfit-Fund/

About FSD Africa: 
FSD Africa is a specialist development agency established in 2012 by the UK Government, working to make finance work for Africa’s future. We work on the ground in over 30 African countries to mobilise “green plus” finance that will power economic and social development while delivering environmental gains and building Africa’s resilience. We work on policy and regulatory reform, capacity strengthening and improving financial infrastructure, and addressing systemic challenges in Africa’s financial markets to spark large-scale and long-term change. Under its current strategy (2025-2030) the organisation seeks to mobilise £ 10 billion, improve access to basic financial services for 80 million and help create 200,000 jobs across Africa.

For more information, visit: https://www.FSDAfrica.org

Source: APO

The hospital ship Africa Mercy® arrived in Toamasina yesterday, marking the sixth time that Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) has visited the island nation since 1996. It is also her third consecutive field service to the country, reaffirming the strength of a growing partnership between Mercy Ships and the government of Madagascar.

Following the recent devastation of Cyclone Gezani, the return of the Africa Mercy comes at a meaningful moment for the country. While parts of Madagascar continue to recover, Mercy Ships expresses solidarity with its people and remains committed to supporting the nation’s ongoing recovery efforts through safe surgical care and long-term strengthening of its health systems.

“Returning to Madagascar for the third consecutive year is a powerful reflection of trust, partnership, and shared ambition,” said Nicholas Ahadjie, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Madagascar. “In a time of recovery following the cyclone, we are grateful to stand alongside the government and people of Madagascar, supporting both surgical needs and long-term resilience in healthcare.”

During the upcoming 2026 field service, Mercy Ships estimates to provide more than 1,400 surgeries, along with more than 1,400 dental encounters. Alongside these free life-changing interventions, the organization will invest in strengthening the country’s health systems by providing more than 22,500 hours of training and education for healthcare professionals across Madagascar.

Mercy Ships is honored to work closely with the newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr. Managna Monira, whose leadership reinforces the importance of strong collaboration in advancing national health priorities.

“Strengthening our surgical system remains a top priority for the Ministry of Public Health, and partnerships like the one with Mercy Ships are key to making this vision a reality,” said Dr. Managna Monira. “Together, we are working to ensure that high-quality surgical care is more accessible to the Malagasy people, while building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable health system.”

Madagascar’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) continues to guide the development of its national surgical system. Working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships continues to align its activities with the country’s healthcare strategy, supporting patient selection across multiple regions and ensuring those most in need can access specialized surgical care in areas such as general, pediatric, maxillofacial, orthopedic, ophthalmic, reconstructive plastic, and women’s health.

Beyond hospital ships, Mercy Ships’ work in Madagascar is anchored to a broader ecosystem of programs designed to strengthen healthcare in Madagascar over the long term. Initiatives such as surgical education and training, infrastructure support, and targeted programs – including the treatment of clubfoot (https://apo-opa.co/42hSGW8) – are implemented in collaboration with national and local partners. These efforts ensure that care continues, even after the ship leaves, for generations to come.

“Over the past few years, we have worked closely with partners across Madagascar to support clinical education and training, and contribute to national priorities for surgical care,” said Brendan Smith, Senior Director of Programs at Mercy Ships. “As we return, our focus is on working with our partners and stakeholders on what has already been established, ensuring that the progress made continues to strengthen surgical systems and support healthcare professionals beyond the field service.”

Mercy Ships will also continue to partner with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Freedom From Fistula (FFF), and the University of Mahajanga, while also seeking to establish additional partnerships to continue improving access to healthcare in the country.

Since first serving the Malagasy people in 1996, Mercy Ships has delivered more than 10,940 life-changing surgical procedures and over 66,640 dental procedures, while training thousands of healthcare professionals in their areas of expertise.

This ongoing collaboration is propelling a stronger, more sustainable surgical ecosystem for the future of Madagascar.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, 2,500+ volunteer professionals from more than 70 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.