MPs query UCAA’s Shs 5bn fire truck, Shs 2.3bn transformer

What the report says

Members of Uganda’s parliamentary committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) have asked the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to provide fuller records on a specialised fire-fighting vehicle bought for Entebbe International Airport at a reported cost of Shs 5.3985 billion. According to The Observer, the lawmakers inspected the vehicle during an earlier visit and said the agency had not supplied enough documents to prove ownership or explain the procurement process.

UCAA later presented a registration book for vehicle UA38070AA, showing it was registered to the authority. The vehicle is described as a Lion 6X6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit manufactured in Turkey and fitted with a Scania engine. UCAA director general Fred Bamwesigye said it is not a standard fire truck but specialised aircraft emergency equipment. Acting airports director Samuel Wonekha said it includes a large water tank, foam systems and tools for reaching damaged aircraft and evacuating passengers.

Cosase chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi said the committee still wanted documentary evidence showing how the price was reached and how the procurement was handled. The committee directed its researchers to compare the cost with similar vehicles and asked the Criminal Investigations Directorate to verify the registration documents and ownership. UCAA was also told to submit the full procurement file, including supplier details, specifications, negotiations and the final price.

The committee separately raised concerns about a transformer reportedly ordered from Vietnam for about Shs 2.3 billion that had not yet been delivered at the time of inspection. The issues form part of broader parliamentary scrutiny of UCAA spending and airport procurement decisions.