Published on 19/08/2025
Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) has ordered Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki to appear before it on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to address queries from the Auditor General’s report and operational challenges plaguing the national carrier.
The directive follows Bamuturaki’s unexplained absence, along with other senior officials, from a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 19, at 10:00 AM.
COSASE Chairperson Medard Sseggona voiced frustration over the no-show, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money due to transport costs incurred by Parliament and MPs. “Tomorrow, we have the Uganda Revenue Authority, but we must recall this agency without fail. Bamuturaki must attend with the former accounting officer and task force as previously advised,” Sseggona stated, warning of stricter measures if she fails to comply.
Responding to media concerns about whether the current report might be blocked, as occurred under former COSASE Chair Joel Ssenyonyi, Sseggona assured its presentation. “This is their first failure to appear before me. They were here last week. They will come, and the country will have a report,” he affirmed.
Kashari South MP Nathan Itungo raised alarms about the airline’s aging Bombardier CRJ900LR aircraft, which face grounding due to unavailable spare parts after the manufacturer’s closure. He questioned whether the committee could hold the former accounting officer accountable for the problematic purchase.
With the government planning to acquire eight new aircraft, Sseggona stressed the need for expert input to avoid repeating past mistakes. “Engaging knowledgeable stakeholders could guide us. Leasing might be a cheaper option,” he suggested.
Committee Vice Chairperson Allan Mayanja backed the summons, noting unresolved accountability issues. “Only 12 of 18 Treasury memorandum recommendations were implemented. Beyond spare parts, there are performance evaluation concerns,” he said.
Bamuturaki and her team arrived at Parliament at 11:30 AM, after the session ended. Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head of Corporate Affairs, denied snubbing the committee, citing a scheduling mix-up. “The chair had indicated midday, and our team had a critical 10:00 AM meeting. We apologize for the regrettable error,” Lamar said, confirming attendance at the rescheduled 9:00 AM meeting.
The Auditor General’s report revealed Uganda Airlines’ UGX237.85 billion (USD66.8 million) loss in 2023/24, which Bamuturaki, during an August 14 COSASE appearance, attributed to high fuel costs, currency depreciation, crew allowances, and costly maintenance for the four CRJ900LR jets. Lawmakers plan to summon former CEO Ephraim Bagenda (2018–2023) and procurement officials to explain the aircraft selection.
COSASE also questioned the airline’s failure to pay dividends for two years, reliance on passenger and cargo revenue, and lawsuits over delayed cargo and lost baggage. Bamuturaki noted a 25.6% improvement from the prior year’s UGX324.94 billion (USD91.2 million) loss and said contracts are being renegotiated to cut costs.
Sseggona called the losses “gravely concerning” and demanded a written response by August 18 on allegations of ticket tampering and fare manipulation, raised by Transport Minister Edward Katumba Wamala, costing an estimated UGX179 billion (USD50.2 million) and UGX140 billion (USD39.3 million), respectively. A South African consultant’s findings on revenue issues were also requested.
Looking forward, Bamuturaki announced plans for domestic flights in 2026/27 to boost connectivity and ease road traffic. The airline, serving 23 international destinations including London Gatwick, operates four CRJ900LRs and two A330-800Ns. It aims to acquire four narrowbody aircraft (two A320-200Ns and two A321-200Ns) and explore Boeing B787 leases for China-bound flights in 2026.
