Kenya  

Wanjigi Dismisses Opposition Budget, Unveils Alternative Tax and Debt Plan  

 Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi dismissed the opposition’s “People’s Budget,” calling it too similar to current government policies. Unveiling an alternative plan, he proposed replacing VAT with a 5% sales tax, which he claims will return about KSh300 billion to citizens. The “People’s Budget” prioritises education, healthcare, job creation and reducing the cost of living while narrowing the fiscal deficit.  

(Source: Daily Nation)  

Uganda  

Panic Grips Katosi as NEMA Demarcates Lake Victoria Buffer Zone, Residents Fear Evictions  

Panic and uncertainty have gripped residents of Katosi Landing Site in Mukono District following the demarcation of the Lake Victoria buffer zone by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), raising fears of possible evictions affecting thousands of people. The villages likely to be affected include Katosi Central, Kisakombe-Bunakijja, and Nakitolota-Kizaala Buganda, where more than 4,000 residents live. Properties at risk include commercial buildings, residential houses and schools, some of which were established over 40 years ago.  

(Source: Nile Post)  

Tanzania  

MPs Raise Alarm over Unclaimed Financial Assets  

Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns over billions of shillings held in dormant bank accounts, mobile money wallets, pension funds and other unclaimed financial assets, arguing that the funds could be put to productive use if managed under a transparent legal framework. The issue emerged during the ongoing debate on the 2026/27 national budget, with lawmakers calling for stronger oversight and mechanisms to safeguard unclaimed assets, while protecting the rights of their owners. They noted that dormant bank accounts, forgotten mobile money balances, unclaimed pension benefits, shares and bonds could be holding enormous sums that, if properly managed under a transparent legal framework, could contribute significantly to national development.  

(Source: Daily News)  

Rwanda  

Kagame, EAC Boss Discuss Regional Integration  

President Paul Kagame and the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Stephen Mbundi, met at Village Urugwiro on Wednesday, June 17, to discuss Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration. Mbundi was in Kigali for the national stakeholders’ consultations on the drafting of the constitution for the proposed East African Political Confederation. The proposal of the EAC Political Confederation, endorsed by Heads of State in 2017, is a transitional step toward a political federation. The plan is being shaped through consultations across member states to gather public views from leaders and citizens and build a workable governance framework for the region.   

(Source: The New Times)  

Ethiopia  

Ethiopia Highlights Progress in Democratic Reforms, National Reconciliation at UN Human Rights Council  

Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights, democratic governance, and national reconciliation during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62) in Geneva. Presenting Ethiopia’s national statement to the Council, Tsegab Kebebew underscored the government’s continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and implement its nationally owned reform agenda.  He noted that Ethiopia’s 7th General Election was conducted peacefully and inclusively, reflecting the will and aspirations of the Ethiopian people. According to the ambassador, the successful conduct of the election represents another significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey.  

(Source: ENA)  

Sudan   

SPLM-N Revolutionary Current Boycotts Sudan Political Talks over ‘Fragile Solutions’  

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Revolutionary Democratic Current announced on Monday its boycott of upcoming political talks, conditioning its return on anti-war forces regaining the initiative and restructuring the dialogue agenda with international mediators. The decision follows exploratory meetings held in Ethiopia during the first week of June. Facilitated by a five-party mechanism consisting of the African Union, IGAD, the United Nations, the Arab League, and the European Union, those talks yielded initial understandings among several political blocs and armed factions to form a preparatory committee. “The leadership office has decided not to participate in the current political process and its accompanying meetings,” the movement said in a statement following an emergency meeting. It urged anti-war factions to reclaim the initiative and agree with the five-party mechanism on a process that “serves our people and steers us away from the path of fragile solutions.”  

(Source: Sudan Tribune)  

Somalia  

Israel Reveals Years of Secret Security Cooperation with Somaliland  

Israel has revealed that it maintained years of undisclosed cooperation with Somaliland before the two sides brought their relationship into the public spotlight, marking a significant development in growing Somaliland-Israel relations. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made the remarks on Wednesday following a meeting in Jerusalem with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, whose visit to Israel has underscored the rapid expansion of ties between the two sides. “Israel and Somaliland have a long-standing friendship based on shared interests, democratic values, and a commitment to security and stability,” Katz said in a statement issued by his office.  

(Source: Somali Guardian)