Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to probe Uganda Airlines flight disruptions

KAMPALA – The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced plans to investigate a series of flight cancellations and delays at Uganda Airlines that have inconvenienced passengers and drawn public scrutiny.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Kampala on Wednesday, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said the disruptions do not pose immediate safety concerns, but the authority will conduct investigations to identify the underlying issues and determine appropriate corrective measures in line with aviation oversight standards.

Uganda Airlines has faced growing criticism after passengers reported missing flights, long delays, and limited support at Entebbe International Airport. A statement issued by the airline on December 13 acknowledged the operational disruptions and promised to restore normal services, but complaints on social media suggest many travellers remain frustrated.

Passengers cited examples including a midweek flight to Zanzibar that was postponed to the following day and a return service delayed past midnight before being rescheduled again. Insider sources said one Airbus A330-800neo was unable to accommodate all booked passengers, contributing to the chaos. The airline confirmed that technical issues affecting parts of its fleet have caused cancellations and delays that are being addressed.

Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki apologised to passengers, explaining that the airline’s fleet of seven aircraft is vulnerable to disruptions when even one or two planes are grounded for maintenance or technical checks. She dismissed online claims that long-haul flights to destinations such as London and Lagos were stranded, noting that international operations continue, citing the recent arrival of a London-bound flight.

Bamuturaki added that industry-wide factors such as NOTAM restrictions, which regulate airport take-off and landing slots, further limit scheduling flexibility for small carriers. She acknowledged passenger frustration, particularly during the holiday season, and said the airline is working with partner carriers to manage capacity while operational adjustments are implemented.

The disruptions have also drawn sharp criticism from public commentators. Investigative journalist Andrew Mwenda described the situation as indicative of “deep operational and management challenges,” claiming aircraft were stuck abroad and passengers stranded. Writing on X, Mwenda called for a complete management overhaul or closure, questioning the cost to government of sustaining operations amid perceived poor performance.

Aviation analysts, however, emphasise that carriers with limited fleets are inherently more susceptible to operational disruptions. They note that delays in fleet expansion due to financing and global supply chain constraints compound pressures for emerging airlines like Uganda Airlines.

Despite the turbulence, Uganda Airlines said restoring schedule stability and rebuilding passenger confidence remain top priorities. Management reaffirmed that the disruptions are being treated with urgency while the airline works to normalise operations, maintain regulatory compliance, and pursue long-term growth objectives.