Political and Regulatory Affairs Round Up: Issue No. 22 of 2026
Kenya
Gachagua Holds Talks with Natembeya Ahead of Western Tour
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Nairobi for breakfast talks focused on the upcoming United Alternative Government tour of Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. The two leaders discussed mobilising regional support for the opposition, with Gachagua emphasising the need for a united front and a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
The meeting also touched on ongoing consultations with supporters and broader opposition efforts to build consensus on leadership selection, amid differing views within the opposition ranks on the most appropriate method for choosing a joint flag-bearer.
(The Star)
Tanzania
Samia’s Diplomatic Drive Gains Momentum with Historic Singapore State Visit
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s hosting of Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, following her recent visit to Russia, underscores Tanzania’s growing emphasis on economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships.
The historic visit, marking 45 years of diplomatic relations, sought to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, skills development and healthcare. Discussions also advanced prospects for a potential EAC–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a regional gateway economy and reflecting its broader strategy of leveraging global partnerships to support long-term development under Vision 2050.
(Daily News)
Uganda
19 Ministers Sworn In as Ex Officio MPs
Uganda’s newly appointed ministers have officially taken their oaths of allegiance and office following approval by the Appointments Committee, enabling them to participate in parliamentary proceedings and discharge their ministerial responsibilities.
The swearing-in of 19 ministers, including those responsible for trade, defence, finance, ICT, energy and tourism, marks the formal commencement of the new Cabinet’s engagement with Parliament. Separately, the Opposition has formed a 30-member Shadow Cabinet tasked with scrutinising government policy and presenting alternative proposals, thereby reinforcing Parliament’s oversight role and the functioning of Uganda’s democratic institutions.
(The Independent)
Rwanda
Gov’t to Expand Land Surveying Capacity with Two Additional Stations
Rwanda is strengthening its land administration and geospatial infrastructure through plans to install two additional Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), expand the pool of certified land surveyors, and introduce new regulatory and technical standards for the surveying profession.
The reforms are intended to improve the accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of land and geospatial data, support the growing demand for surveying services, and enhance service delivery across land administration, construction, and infrastructure development. The National Land Authority is also undertaking nationwide inspections of surveyors and existing CORS facilities while advancing new legislation and standards to strengthen professional accountability, data quality and governance within the sector.
(The New Times)
Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s FM Gedion Confers with EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks with EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, during which he welcomed the EU’s support for global health cooperation, including recent efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak and strengthen the Africa CDC.
He also briefed the Commissioner on peace and security developments in the Horn of Africa. At the same time, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a deeper EU–Africa partnership and enhanced collaboration on health and humanitarian challenges.
(ENA)
Somalia
NISA Intercepts Large Explosives Cache in Lower Shabelle
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has conducted an intelligence-led operation that disrupted a planned explosives supply chain linked to the Khawaarij network, seizing more than 100 jerrycans of chemical precursors in the Jilib Marka area of Lower Shabelle.
The materials had been concealed underground and were recovered following sustained surveillance that intercepted the militants’ logistics network before the explosives could be assembled or deployed. Authorities described the operation as a significant setback to the group’s bomb-making capacity and part of broader efforts to dismantle its supply routes and strengthen national security.
(SONNA)
Sudan
Rapid Support Forces Drone Attacks Kill Five in El Obeid
At least five people were killed and 12 others injured in drone strikes attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Kordofan State, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, with El Obeid among the affected areas.
The attacks reportedly targeted civilian locations, including a funeral procession at Dalil Cemetery, a fuel station and a truck transporting food supplies, raising concerns over continued strikes on non-military infrastructure. The medical group condemned the incidents as violations of international humanitarian law and warned of a possible rise in casualties as civilian areas continue to face repeated attacks.
(Sudan Tribune)
