Political and Regulatory Affairs Round Up: Issue No. 28 of 2026
Kenya
Gachagua Orders His Allies to Stop Attacks on Kindiki
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has called on his supporters to stop attacking Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, signalling a significant shift in their previously adversarial relationship. Framing Kindiki as “one of our own”, Gachagua said his supporters should instead focus their political criticism on President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Political analysts view the move as a strategic effort to consolidate the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, Gachagua maintained that some Ruto allies remain unwelcome in the DCP, insisting that only selected defectors would be accepted into the party.
(Daily Nation)
Uganda
Rwabwogo’s Reform Call Exposes Growing Governance Debate Within Uganda’s Ruling Establishment
A public exchange between Presidential Adviser Odrek Rwabwogo and former Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda has sparked debate over governance, institutional reform and freedom of expression within Uganda’s ruling establishment. Rwabwogo argued that strengthening the rule of law, protecting free speech and tackling impunity are essential to achieving Uganda’s long-term economic transformation. At the same time, Kabanda maintained that such concerns should be addressed through internal government channels rather than public criticism to avoid weakening state institutions. The debate has broadened into a wider discussion on the role of accountability, institutional renewal and open dialogue in supporting Uganda’s governance and economic development agenda.
(Uganda Today)
Tanzania
Samia and El-Sisi Broaden Ties
Tanzania and Egypt have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation through new agreements covering energy, renewable energy and transport, while expanding collaboration in healthcare, infrastructure, science and technology. The partnership includes plans to develop Bagamoyo Port and connect it to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) at Kwala to strengthen regional logistics, enhance maritime and aviation links and facilitate trade. Egypt also pledged support for a modern hospital, specialised medical training and capacity building in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and ICT. The two countries further committed to cooperation on water resource management, security and regional affairs, reinforcing a broader strategic partnership aimed at boosting investment, connectivity and economic integration.
(Daily News)
Rwanda
RPF Adopts Resolutions on Self-Reliance and Youth
The ruling RPF-Inkotanyi has adopted a series of resolutions aimed at advancing Rwanda’s long-term development agenda by reinforcing self-reliance, accountable leadership and youth empowerment. The resolutions call for stronger implementation of national development priorities, greater innovation, expanded employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, and increased civic participation to harness Rwanda’s demographic dividend. The party also reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, national unity and sustainable economic transformation, positioning self-reliance and youth development as central pillars of Rwanda’s continued growth and resilience.
(The New Times)
Ethiopia
African Policymakers Require Evidence-Based Choices to Make Decisions
Ethiopia has called for greater use of data, research and evidence-based policymaking to improve development outcomes across Africa, arguing that scarce public resources should be directed towards programmes proven to deliver results. Speaking at the 14th Africa Evidence Summit in Addis Ababa, policymakers highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Ethiopia’s evidence ecosystem through improved statistical systems, digital data management and closer collaboration between government, researchers and development institutions. The summit, held under the theme “Powering Policy with Innovative, Inclusive, and Transparent Data,” brought together more than 400 policymakers, researchers and development partners to explore how evidence, artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics can support more effective, transparent and inclusive policymaking across the continent.
(ENA)
Sudan
Rights Group Demands Release of Female Activists Held in Sudan’s Nyala
A Sudanese rights organisation has called for the immediate release of several women human rights defenders reportedly being held under house arrest in Nyala, South Darfur, by authorities aligned with the Tasais coalition, the political arm of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The group says the activists, including lawyer Majda Hassan Ali Al-Amin, have been detained for months without access to their families after being accused of collaborating with the Sudanese army. Their detention has raised concerns over enforced disappearances and restrictions on civil liberties in RSF-controlled areas, with campaigners urging their unconditional release.
(Sudan Tribune)
Somalia
Somalia and the Maldives Renew Direct Diplomatic Ties as Ambassador Odowa Presents Credentials in Malé
Somalia and the Maldives have formally restored direct diplomatic relations following the presentation of credentials by Somalia’s non-resident Ambassador, Dr Abdullahi Mohamed Odowa, to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé. The move revives bilateral ties first established in 1988 and reflects Somalia’s broader efforts to rebuild its diplomatic presence through non-resident ambassadorial appointments. The renewed relationship is expected to strengthen cooperation on shared priorities, including the blue economy, maritime security, fisheries, and trade, while supporting Somalia’s broader strategy to expand regional and international diplomatic engagement.
(SONNA)
