Political and Regulatory Affairs Round Up: Issue No. 19 of 2026

  • 22 May 2026
  • 3 Mins Read
  • 〜 by Maria. Goretti

Kenya

Kenya Steps Up Nuclear Push After High-Level Talks at Rwanda Summit

Kenya has intensified its efforts to develop nuclear energy following high-level engagements at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali, Rwanda. Through the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, Kenya advanced discussions on international partnerships, including progress towards a United States “123 Agreement” for peaceful nuclear cooperation and renewed support from China for the country’s planned 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County. Officials also explored regional collaboration with South Africa and Rwanda, emphasising that nuclear energy is a key long-term strategy for meeting rising electricity demand, supporting industrialisation, and diversifying Kenya’s energy sources.

(Source: The Star)

 

Tanzania

Tanzania Completes the Second National Wildlife Census Using Domestic Funding for the First Time

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism announced the successful completion of Tanzania’s second national wildlife census, marking the first time the exercise has been fully funded domestically. Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma, Minister Ashatu Kijaji said the census was conducted to assess wildlife populations, distribution, trends, and threats to ecosystems across the country. The findings showed growth in wildlife populations, which the government attributed to improved conservation efforts. The data collected is expected to support wildlife management, protection of endangered species, sustainable hunting practices, tourism infrastructure planning, revenue generation, and economic opportunities for communities living near conservation areas.

(Source: Daily News)

Uganda

Women Demand Gender Balance in Speakership Race

Women’s rights activists in Uganda have urged the ruling National Resistance Movement to maintain gender balance in the leadership of the 12th Parliament, following outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among’s withdrawal from the Speakership race. Concerns arose after a political group linked to Muhoozi Kainerugaba endorsed male candidates for both Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, raising fears that Parliament’s top leadership could be entirely male for the first time in decades. Activists argued that Uganda has historically maintained gender representation in parliamentary leadership in line with constitutional principles on affirmative action and equality. They called on political leaders to uphold these principles by ensuring women remain represented in senior parliamentary positions. They emphasised that leadership selection should focus on integrity, competence, independence, and public trust rather than gender stereotypes or corruption allegations against individual leaders.

(Source: The Independent)

Rwanda

Kigali Police Destroy Illicit Drugs and Products Worth Over Rwf60 Million

Rwanda National Police in Kigali destroyed illicit drugs and prohibited products worth more than Rwf61 million during an operation at the Nduba Landfill. The seized items included cannabis, illegal alcoholic drinks, and banned skin-bleaching products. Police said suspects linked to the trafficking of the products would face prosecution and encouraged the public to continue reporting illegal drugs and prohibited product distribution.

(Source: The New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Expands Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomatic Engagements

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Ethiopia is strengthening its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements to enhance international partnerships and protect Ethiopian citizens abroad. Recent initiatives included the signing of a Bilateral Structured Dialogue Framework Agreement with the United States covering trade, security, and regional stability, as well as expanded cooperation with France, BRICS member states, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. Officials said the engagements focused on economic cooperation, regional peace, multilateral diplomacy, and improving the welfare and protection of Ethiopian nationals living abroad.

(Source: ENA)

Sudan

Sudanese Civilian and Armed Groups Open Nairobi Talks on Ending the War

A broad coalition of Sudanese political parties, civil society groups, and armed movements has launched peace talks in Nairobi aimed at ending the ongoing war in Sudan. The discussions bring together key opposition and armed group leaders to advance a shared political roadmap based on the view that there is no military solution and that dialogue is needed to achieve stability, democracy, and national reconciliation. Participants also emphasised the need to unify efforts across political divides and coordinate a comprehensive settlement to restore peace and address the country’s political crisis.

(Source: Sudan Tribune)

Somalia

Somalia Activates National Emergency Protocols Following Regional Ebola Outbreak

Somalia has activated emergency public health measures in response to the regional risk of Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The Ministry of Health convened an emergency coordination meeting in Mogadishu with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, to strengthen disease surveillance, border screening, and laboratory capacity. Authorities also ordered upgrades to infection control systems and the stockpiling of protective equipment, alongside a rapid implementation plan to enhance national preparedness and prevent potential cross-border transmission.

(Source: SONNA)