By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), working jointly with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, has opened a fresh investigation into Uganda Airlines, seeking extensive financial and procurement records over alleged abuse of office, embezzlement and false accounting.
In a letter dated January 7 and addressed to the airline’s chief executive officer Jenifer Bamuturaki, CID formally requested documents covering key financial transactions and procurement processes at the state-owned carrier.
The inquiry, led by CID’s economic fraud and anti-corruption desk in collaboration with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, seeks board-approved business plans, budgets for the 2024/25 financial year and contracts related to the acquisition of Boeing aircraft.
Investigators are also demanding procurement files for major suppliers, including fuel, ground handling, travel services and aircraft leasing, as well as detailed banking records, ticketing accounts and expenditure reports.
The letter, signed by Fed Lumala on behalf of the CID deputy director in charge of economic fraud and anti-corruption, further requests a list of companies involved in supporting the launch of the London route, one of the airline’s most capital-intensive projects since its revival.
Confirming the probe, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit spokesperson Natasha Mariam said the investigation was authentic. “It is genuine. That is what I can say for now,” she said.
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of Uganda Airlines’ operations and finances. Since its revival in 2019, Government has invested close to Shs1 trillion to fund fleet expansion, route launches and operational costs.
However, the airline has continued to post losses, despite indications of improving income margins.
While Government has consistently defended the national carrier as a long-term strategic investment aimed at boosting tourism, trade and connectivity, critics have raised concerns over governance weaknesses and opaque procurement processes.
CID officials say the current inquiry does not in itself amount to proof of wrongdoing, but forms part of a broader government effort to tighten oversight of public enterprises and curb financial mismanagement.
The probe also comes at a sensitive time for the airline, which is seeking to stabilise operations and justify continued public funding, even as it faces mounting financial pressure and heightened public scrutiny.
