They say an airline’s runway is paved with confidence, but for Uganda Airlines, the tarmac has long been cracked by questions. When Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala appeared before Parliament’s Budget Committee seeking a staggering UGX 1.696 trillion supplementary allocation, including UGX 422.264 billion as the first installment for 10 new aircraft, the request landed with the weight of déjà vu. Once again, the national carrier’s future rests on the shoulders of taxpayers.
The appeal comes against a backdrop of persistent financial strain, with the airline reporting UGX 237 billion in losses for the 2023/24 financial year. These figures mirror earlier concerns raised before Parliament’s COSASE committee, where legislators pointed to inflated procurement costs, uneven salary structures, and operational inefficiencies. Idle aircraft, underperforming routes, and scattered oversight painted a picture of a young airline still struggling to find its rhythm.
During the COSASE engagements, questions around governance processes, and executive management, including CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki, generated intense public scrutiny. While the committee raised several issues, later interventions by Speaker Anita Among, who disagreed with some of COSASE’s methods and conclusions, softened the storm and shifted the tone of the debate. The result was a mixed landscape: concerns remained, but the sharpest edges of the confrontation were tempered, leaving room for a more measured conversation about reform.
Now Parliament faces a significant choice: whether to inject fresh capital into an airline still navigating turbulence. Supporters argue that this investment is strategic, essential for national pride, connectivity, and regional competitiveness. Critics warn that without firm reforms and clear performance benchmarks, the spending could become yet another high-altitude gamble.
Both sides understand the stakes. A national carrier can be a powerful symbol of sovereignty and aspiration, but it can also become an expensive endeavor if governance and efficiency do not align.
As Uganda once again stands at the departure gate of a costly decision, the airline resembles a bird determined to fly but still adjusting its wings. Whether this latest financial boost becomes the lift it needs, or simply another hopeful gust, will depend on whether accountability and strategic clarity finally touch down where they have long been needed.mpass.
