President Museveni witnesses signing of agreement to host AU Humanitarian Agency headquarters in Uganda

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni witnessed the signing of a Host Country Agreement between Uganda and the African Union to establish the AU Humanitarian Agency headquarters in Uganda, according to Watchdog Uganda. The ceremony took place at State House, Entebbe, and was presented as a major step in Uganda’s bid to host the continental body responsible for coordinating humanitarian response across Africa.

The report says Attorney General Sam Mayanja signed on behalf of the Ugandan government and thanked Museveni for backing the effort. It also states that Uganda’s bid scored 85%, and that the process of setting up the headquarters is expected to begin in December 2026, with full operations projected about three years later. The agreement is described as the legal and institutional basis for the agency’s work in Uganda.

Museveni said the agency would help improve coordination of aid during emergencies, including food and other essential supplies. Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Minister Sam Engola said the decision reflects Uganda’s record in refugee support and humanitarian response. African Union Commissioner Amma Twum-Amoah praised Uganda’s role and said the agency could become a continental hub for African-led humanitarian action. The broader significance is that the move could strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to conflicts, displacement, climate shocks, food insecurity and disease outbreaks.