Uganda’s national carrier is facing a fresh wave of legal scrutiny as the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) launch a joint investigation into senior officials at Uganda Airlines.
The probe, confirmed in early January 2026, targets allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement of funds, and false accounting. This development comes at a critical time for the airline, which has recently been plagued by flight cancellations, fleet shortages, and management controversies.
Inside the Investigation: What Is Being Probed?
According to a formal letter (Ref: CID/ACU/395/25) signed by Deputy CID Director Fed Lumala, investigators are demanding transparency regarding several high-value transactions and internal decisions. Key documents requested from Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki include:
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Procurement Files: Records related to Mixjet Flight Support, Associated Energy Group, and the construction of airline offices in Entebbe.
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Aircraft Acquisition: Minutes from the Contracts Committee regarding the purchase of Boeing aircraft.
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Financial Records: Audited reports for the 2024/2025 financial year, fuel expenditure, and ticketing revenue.
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Strategic Plans: The approved National Airline Business and Implementation Plan.
An official from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit noted that while the inquiry is in its infancy, the gravity of the allegations regarding “financial transactions” necessitated immediate action.
Operational Failures and Fleet Challenges
The criminal investigation follows a period of significant operational instability. In December 2025, Uganda Airlines passengers faced widespread disruptions, which the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is also investigating.
Management has attributed these delays to a “limited fleet size.” Currently, the airline operates seven aircraft, including:
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Two Airbus A330-800neo jets
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Four Bombardier CRJ-900LRs
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One wet-leased Airbus A320-200
With several aircraft reportedly grounded due to a lack of spare parts, the carrier has struggled to maintain its schedule for its 17 regional and international routes, including London Gatwick and Dubai.
Parliamentary Tension Over Shs422 Billion Funding
The probe unfolds just as Parliament approved a massive Shs422.26 billion supplementary budget for the 2025/26 financial year. These funds are intended for fleet expansion, specifically:
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Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners
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One Boeing freighter
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Two mid-range Airbus planes
However, the funding has faced stiff opposition. MP Ibrahim Ssemujju and Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi have raised red flags over “foreseeable expenditures” being pushed through supplementary budgets and have called for stricter oversight of how the airline manages public funds.
What’s Next for Uganda Airlines?
As Detective Winniefred Nakatudde leads the collection of evidence, the spotlight remains on Jenifer Bamuturaki’s leadership. The outcome of this CID and State House probe could have lasting implications for the airline’s expansion plans and its reputation on the international stage.
For now, the national carrier continues to handle nearly 40% of the traffic at Entebbe International Airport, but whether it can fly past these corruption allegations remains to be seen.
