NATIONAL
Uganda Airlines is facing scrutiny over the quality of products served on its flights, following a reported food safety scare involving bottled water supplied by Wavah Water.
In an internal complaint seen by this newspaper, the national carrier raised alarm over what it described as “a very serious and unacceptable food safety incident” on board. The matter was formally communicated to Wavah Water management on August 21.
According to Uganda Airlines, a crew member allegedly discovered a dead cockroach inside a plastic drinking glass after pouring water from a sealed 1.5-litre bottle of Wavah Water. The glass was immediately replaced before being served to passengers.
Dominic Mascarenhas, the airline’s in-flight product and catering manager, warned that such lapses compromise passenger safety, tarnish brand integrity and breach regulatory obligations.
“Uganda Airlines will not tolerate repeated lapses in food safety,” Mascarenhas wrote, demanding a full investigation, corrective measures, and assurances that similar incidents will not recur.
The airline also asked Wavah Water to confirm whether stock from the same batch required recall or quarantine, pending investigations, and to provide a detailed action plan on sanitation and quality control.
The revelation adds to simmering concerns from passengers who have, in recent months, quietly raised complaints about unexplained flight delays, and cancellations among others. Industry analysts say such flaws risk denting the image of a carrier still struggling to cement its reputation as Uganda’s flag bearer in regional and international skies.
Shakila Rahim Lamar, the Uganda Airlines’ head of public relations confirmed the incident, stating that this was the first formal complaint lodged against the supplier, and admitted it raised broader quality concerns.
“This incident is deeply concerning for several reasons: breach of food safety standards, risk to passengers, and regulatory implications,” she said, adding that the airline was taking the matter seriously.
Wavah Water officials are yet to comment on the matter, but this publication learned that there are ongoing internal consultation regarding this incident.
