Uganda Airlines is currently under investigation by the Uganda Police Force regarding the approval process for purchasing Boeing aircraft. A leaked letter from the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) alleges that officials may have engaged in abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting. The letter, dated January 7, is addressed to Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki and includes requests for various official documents related to the aircraft procurement approval, financial oversight, and operation records.
The investigation focuses on the airline’s planned purchase of Boeing aircraft, which has been approved by Uganda’s parliament with a supplementary budget of UGX422.26 billion (USD119 million). Authorities seek to verify the approval process and document procurement related to the purchase, leasing, and maintenance of the aircraft, as well as revenue handling and financial management for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Additionally, the CID is examining procurement records involving service providers such as MixJet Flight Support Services, Associated Energy Group (AEG FUELS), Nyanzi Tours and Travel, and Aircraft Leasing Services in Nairobi. Previous scrutiny includes a 2023 cancellation of an aviation fuel procurement process due to unfair practices, as well as a 2022 report by the Public Accounts Committee highlighting issues of financial mismanagement.
The investigation is part of ongoing efforts to address alleged irregularities in Uganda Airlines’ management, which have included the suspension and dismissal of the former CEO, Cornwell Muleya, amid accusations of mismanagement and corruption. Uganda Airlines has declined to comment publicly on the ongoing inquiry.
