COSASE Tasks Uganda Airlines CEO Over Expansion Plans, Financial Sustainability

What the report says

Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has pressed Uganda Airlines to explain the business case behind its expansion plans, fleet management and continued dependence on government support. According to Nile Post, MPs asked the airline’s leadership for route feasibility studies, financial projections and updates on aircraft acquisition and the condition of older planes.

Committee chair Muwada Nkunyingi, as reported by the publisher, told current chief executive Girma Wake to provide evidence on the commercial viability of new and proposed routes, expected returns and how the expansion would be financed. Lawmakers also questioned whether the national carrier has a clear path to profitability and whether public funds are being used in a sustainable way.

The committee further raised concerns about airworthiness, maintenance costs and the value of keeping older aircraft in service. Former chief executive Jennifer Bamuturaki also appeared before the MPs to respond to questions connected to her time in office. Uganda Airlines management said it would provide the requested documents, including route studies, financial projections and an update on its aircraft programme.

The hearing forms part of Parliament’s wider oversight of state enterprises. In general, airline expansion is often judged not only by route demand but also by financing, fleet reliability and long-term sustainability, issues that are central to the committee’s review here.