Former CAA Director Ayub Sooma Remanded Over Neglect of Duty

What the report says

Former Uganda Civil Aviation Authority director of airports and aviation security Ayub Sooma has been remanded to prison after appearing before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court on a charge of neglect of duty, according to Nile Post. He was brought to court by Criminal Investigations Directorate detectives after first being held at Natete Police Station, and he denied the allegation before Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis.

The charge sheet says Sooma failed to supervise, repair or respond quickly enough to risks linked to the theft of copper rods from the lightning protection system on the roof of the new cargo terminal at Entebbe International Airport. The alleged conduct is said to have taken place between October 2024 and July 21, 2026. Sooma, who was retired in the public interest by President Museveni in July 2026, asked for bail through his lawyer, Peter Walubiri, who said he needed medical treatment and planned to travel to India for specialised care for a heart condition.

The magistrate remanded him until November 13, when the bail application is expected to be heard. Nile Post reported that the case is part of a wider probe into damage and theft involving airport infrastructure at Entebbe, including copper cables and lighting systems. The day before Sooma’s appearance, 13 other UCAA officials were also remanded over related allegations, including neglect of duty, theft of electrical materials and interference with airport infrastructure valued at Shs3.7 billion.