By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA: Uganda Airlines officials who failed to appear before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have been ordered to attend the committee’s proceedings through forced summons.
The committee on Monday directed Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) officers attached to Parliament to trace and compel more than seven current and former Uganda Airlines officials to appear and respond to questions concerning the national carrier.
COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi adjourned the proceedings to Thursday at 8:00am, directing the summoned officials to appear before the committee.
Those expected to appear include former and interim chief executive officers, indicating that the inquiry will examine decisions made under both the current and previous leadership of the airline.
The action follows the officials’ failure to honour a summons issued after COSASE inspected Entebbe International Airport last week as part of its broader investigation into Uganda’s aviation sector.
The committee is examining issues raised in the Auditor General’s report as well as concerns surrounding the management, procurement and utilisation of aviation assets.
During the inspection, MPs assessed baggage-handling systems, security scanners, electricity infrastructure and firefighting equipment at the airport.
The committee found concerns relating to baggage-scanning equipment at both the new and old terminals. At the new terminal, MPs were informed that some scanners had not been installed, while equipment at the old terminal was reportedly causing operational challenges when it malfunctioned.
Nkunyingi warned that delays in procurement could increase costs to taxpayers as the prices of equipment and services change over time.
The COSASE chairperson said Uganda Airlines officials would be required to explain issues connected to the airline’s operations and decisions identified during the inspection.
The committee’s decision comes amid increased parliamentary scrutiny of Uganda Airlines over its financial performance, procurement practices, governance and management.
The national carrier has experienced several leadership changes since its revival. Former Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki left the position in February 2026, after which the board began the process of recruiting a substantive replacement.
The airline has previously faced parliamentary criticism over its business model and financial performance. An earlier COSASE inquiry in 2022 raised concerns about alleged mismanagement, procurement practices and the airline’s ability to achieve financial sustainability.
Former CEO Cornwell Muleya told MPs during that inquiry that the airline needed to properly implement its business plan to move towards profitability.
The latest investigation is also being conducted against the backdrop of an internal audit report that reportedly identified financial irregularities amounting to about Shs1.6 billion during the 2024/25 financial year.
The audit cited issues including poor planning, undelivered contracted items, budget overruns, expenditure without adequate justification, payments made without purchase orders and procurement undertaken without valid contracts.
The findings reportedly prompted recommendations for disciplinary action against some officials.
COSASE has increasingly taken a firm position against government officials who fail to honour parliamentary summons.
On August 19, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth reminded accounting officers that appearing before parliamentary committees is a constitutional responsibility and should not be treated as optional.
The latest directive against Uganda Airlines officials signals the committee’s determination to obtain explanations from both current and former managers as it investigates the national carrier.
The summoned officials are expected to appear before COSASE on Thursday at 8:00am to respond to questions regarding Uganda Airlines’ management, operations and financial accountability.