Uganda Airlines Faces Scrutiny as Anti-Corruption Probe Targets Procurement and Financial Practices
The spotlight is firmly on Uganda Airlines as the carrier finds itself at the centre of a high-profile anti-corruption investigation led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. This formal probe, launched in early January 2026, is examining alleged financial irregularities and procurement lapses, with investigators demanding extensive documentation on contracts, supplier dealings, and financial records. The inquiry is particularly focused on the airline’s much-publicised London route and transactions involving fuel suppliers, flight support services, aircraft leasing, and travel agencies.
For Africa’s aviation and tourism professionals, the developments at Uganda Airlines are more than just headline news—they offer a revealing case study of the operational and governance challenges that continue to shape the continent’s national carriers. The investigation comes at a time when the airline is striving to establish itself as a key player in the region, having launched direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick in May 2025 using its flagship Airbus A330-800neo. This expansion was seen as a bold step for Uganda’s connectivity and tourism ambitions, but it has also brought the airline’s internal processes under intense scrutiny.
Authorities are now poring over a wide array of documents, including business plans, procurement files, supplier contracts, banking records, and expenditure reports. The probe zeroes in on alleged abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting, with particular attention to how contracts were awarded and whether procurement procedures were properly followed. Notably, the investigation is reviewing deals with key suppliers such as Mixjet Flight Support Services and Associated Energy Group for fuel, Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS) Ltd for leasing, and Nyanzi Tours and Travel for agency services. There are also questions about a substantial PR contract awarded to Abbavater Ltd without competitive bidding, raising concerns about transparency and value for money.
Audits and special reports have previously flagged issues such as conflict of interest in ticket sales, with agencies linked to senior executives controlling a significant share of discounted fares and generating billions in revenue. These findings have highlighted weaknesses in internal controls and a lack of effective oversight, exposing the airline to financial leakage and reputational risk. The current investigation is expected to delve deeper into these patterns, seeking to establish accountability and restore confidence in the airline’s governance.
Uganda Airlines’ situation is not unique in the African context. Across the continent, national carriers have long grappled with financial mismanagement, political interference, and governance failures. State ownership often brings with it a complex web of interests, with airlines sometimes serving as vehicles for patronage rather than commercially driven enterprises. The result is a cycle of operational inefficiency, persistent losses, and repeated calls for government bailouts. In Uganda’s case, the airline has relied heavily on state support since its revival, with ongoing losses and a history of management turnover and board interference.
Industry experts point to the need for depoliticised management, robust regulatory oversight, and professional governance as essential ingredients for sustainable airline operations. The success of Ethiopian Airlines, often cited as a model for the region, is attributed to its operational autonomy and focus on profitability—qualities that remain elusive for many of its peers. For Uganda Airlines, the outcome of the current probe could serve as a turning point, prompting much-needed reforms and a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability.
For the wider African tourism and aviation sector, the Uganda Airlines investigation is a timely reminder of the importance of sound governance in building resilient, competitive carriers. As the continent’s skies open up to new routes and partnerships, travel industry professionals will be watching closely to see whether Uganda’s flagship airline can emerge stronger and set a new e years ahead.
