Flying high on billions in losses, Uganda Airlines officials dodge scheduled accountability questioning at Parliament

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki and her senior team today dodged a crucial meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), prompting the committee chairperson to threaten ‘stronger measures’ to compel their appearance.

The national carrier’s officials were expected to respond to damning queries raised in the Auditor General’s 2023/24 Report, particularly concerning the airline’s substantial financial losses.

The no-show left COSASE Chairperson Medard Lubega Ssegona visibly frustrated, as he postponed the session and issued a fresh summons for the airline’s top brass to appear without fail on Wednesday at 9 AM.

“We summoned the group through the current accounting officer, who has not shown up. She is the one to account for. And you know, not showing or turning up for scrutiny is a choice. But I also know that choices have consequences,” Ssegona stated, emphasizing the gravity of the officials’ absence.

He clarified the committee’s scope, adding, “The matter was not limited to spare parts for the aircraft. It is a matter of accountability for the entire budget or the entire sums that were dispersed.”

The parliamentary committee is currently probing the Auditor General’s report, which revealed staggering losses of UGX 237.855 billion for Uganda Airlines during the Financial Year 2023/24. This significant deficit raises alarms, especially as the government reportedly plans to acquire eight additional aircraft for the airline. Ssegona expressed concern over this expansion amidst financial woes.

“My view is if we could get some of the people we consider knowledgeable in this industry and have a discussion with them because the national airline is at stake,” Ssegona remarked. He questioned the procurement strategy, suggesting alternatives: “If we invited stakeholders we consider knowledgeable, maybe not experts but knowledgeable in this area, you could advise. Remember that the government is about to purchase, is it another eight aircrafts? Eight. But yet there could be cheaper options like leasing.”

However, Shakila Rahim Lamar, Head of Corporate Affairs & Public Relations at Uganda Airlines, vehemently denied allegations that the airline’s officials deliberately snubbed the meeting. She attributed the mix-up to a misunderstanding regarding the scheduled time.

“Actually, there was a mix-up in time. As you are aware, I don’t know whether some of you were here last Thursday, the chair had indicated midday. So, with that also we had the CEO and other team members had scheduled a meeting, a crucial meeting for the airline at 10:00 AM,” Rahim explained.

“So, in hindsight, we really knew all of us were supposed to be here at midday and as you’re aware also even the Auditor General’s representative came in at almost midday. So, it was a mix-up on time; this is regrettable. We apologize that we had that mix-up because we also want to have this hearing done and have some of these issues resolved and so that we can get back to the operation.”

Despite the airline’s explanation, the parliamentary committee remains firm on its demand for accountability. The national carrier’s future operations and financial health hinge on its ability to address the concerns raised by the Auditor General and satisfy the committee’s scrutiny.

All eyes will now be on Parliament on Wednesday at 9 AM to see if Uganda Airlines officials heed the fresh summons.