By By Business Express Reporter
As Parliament probes the troubled history of Uganda Airlines’ procurement and management, questions are mounting about whether the government should proceed with plans to add eight new aircraft to the national carrier’s fleet.
The proposal, revealed during a Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) session, comes at a time when some of the Bombardier jets purchased in 2019 risk being grounded due to lack of spare parts. Legislators are asking whether the airline is ready for expansion—or if taxpayers could be saddled with another costly misstep.
COSASE chairperson Medard Sseggona urged caution, warning that leasing or other cost-efficient models should be considered before new aircraft are purchased. “The national airline is at stake,” he said, stressing the need for expert input on the viability of expansion given ongoing accountability concerns.
The debate has been intensified by Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki’s failure to appear before the committee, prompting summons. Lawmakers argue that her absence slows efforts to establish whether the airline is adequately managing its current fleet, let alone ready to handle new acquisitions.
Concerns have also been raised about a previous procurement deal, which allegedly left Uganda Airlines with aircraft whose spare parts are difficult to source after a key manufacturer exited business. Legislators fear a repeat of such costly oversights if due diligence is not enforced.
Beyond technical challenges, the airline faces unresolved accountability queries flagged by the Auditor General. According to COSASE, only 12 out of 18 recommendations in a treasury memorandum have been implemented, leaving multiple governance issues hanging.
Industry watchers argue that the bigger question is not how many planes Uganda Airlines acquires, but whether the airline has the governance, financial discipline, and operational strategy to thrive in an increasingly competitive regional market.
For now, the carrier’s future remains in limbo—caught between the government’s ambitious expansion plans and Parliament’s insistence on accountability. The final decision could determine whether Uganda Airlines grows into a sustainable national asset or remains a recurring drain on public finances.
