Uganda Police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit have launched a major investigation into senior officials at Uganda Airlines over alleged abuse of office, embezzlement and false accounting.
In a letter dated January 7, 2026, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) asked Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki to submit key documents, including procurement records, revenue reports and bank statements. Investigators say the probe focuses on how airline funds were managed and whether public money was misused.
This is the strongest police action taken against the national carrier since it was relaunched in 2019.
One of the main areas under investigation is a disputed plan to purchase Boeing aircraft. CID wants records from the Contracts Committee that approved the deal, as well as the airline’s business plan and the 2024/25 budget, to establish whether the purchase followed approved strategy and budget limits.
According to internal documents, technical managers had opposed the Boeing plan, arguing that Uganda Airlines’ Cabinet-approved 2018 strategy recommended Airbus aircraft for long-haul and medium-range routes. Police are examining claims that senior managers ignored this advice and pushed the Boeing option.
Investigators are also reviewing plans to buy a 22-year-old Boeing 737-800 cargo aircraft. Records show the price increased from about $20 million to $31 million after a broker joined the deal. Engineers reportedly warned that the aircraft’s engines were close to mandatory replacement, which could have added millions of dollars in extra costs.
Fuel supply contracts are another focus of the probe. CID is examining agreements involving Mixjet Flight Support Services and Associated Energy Group after audits raised concerns about pricing, supplier changes and weak oversight. Fuel is one of the airline’s biggest operating expenses.
Police are also reviewing aircraft leasing deals with Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS) Ltd, amid claims of inflated lease costs.
Ticketing and revenue management are under scrutiny as well. Investigators are examining dealings with Nyanza Tours and Travel after audits found that agencies linked to airline staff controlled over 90 per cent of heavily discounted tickets, raising concerns about conflict of interest.
A key issue is the disappearance of more than $9.2 million (about Shs35 billion) in service fees. Although management officially scrapped a $30 walk-in ticket fee in July 2023, audits found the charge continued for nearly a year, with no clear evidence that the money was banked.
CID has also requested documents related to the launch of the airline’s London route, including contracts linked to the service.
The investigation is being handled by Detective Superintendent of Police Winnifred Nakatudde, with oversight from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. As of now, Uganda Airlines has not issued an official response.
The probe is expected to determine whether criminal charges will be brought against any officials and could have serious implications for the future management of the national carrier.
