COSASE summons Uganda Airlines management over losses, missing fuel contracts

What the report says

Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has summoned current and former Uganda Airlines officials to explain audit concerns over financial losses, supplier contracting and low use of the national carrier’s fleet. According to Nile Post, the committee’s action follows the officials’ failure to appear at a scheduled hearing, where lawmakers were due to examine issues raised by the Auditor General and by a recent inspection of the airline’s operations at Entebbe International Airport.

The hearing is expected to include the accounting officer, the chairperson of the Contracts Committee, the manager of Corporate Affairs and the chief executive officer, covering both current and previous holders of those roles. Legislators said their concerns include aviation fuel suppliers operating without formal contracts, budget underperformance and aircraft remaining idle despite the airline’s operational needs. COSASE said the problems were identified through audit findings and its own unannounced visit.

The committee also signaled frustration over the officials’ absence, with some members urging stricter action against those who ignore parliamentary summons. A proposal to hold the session behind closed doors was rejected, with members saying public spending should be discussed openly.

COSASE later resolved that the officials must appear on Thursday morning, and ordered the summons to be delivered directly through Criminal Investigations Directorate officers attached to Parliament. The case matters because Uganda Airlines is a state-owned carrier, and the committee is seeking accountability over how public resources and airline operations are being managed.