President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered for the rupture of the board of directors of the Uganda Airlines, following an investigation that revealed occurrences of corruption, mismanagement and collusion.
The President listed a total of 14 grounds against six board members led by former Minister Prerez Ahabwe, Benon Kajuna, Godfrey Ssemugooma, Catherine Asinde Poran, Charles Hamya and Rehema, and the officials including; Tom Gidudu, Bruno Oringi, Roger Wamara, Andrew Tumusiime, Michael Kaliisa, Paul Turacacysenga, Moses Wangalwa, Harvey Kalama, Deo Nyanzi, Joseph Ssebowa, Kenneth Kiyemba, Alex Kakooza, Juliet Otage Odur and Moses Wangawa.
The President ordered Gen Edward Katumba Wamala the Minister of Works and Transport , to terminate the board of directors and consider legal action against Uganda Airlines officials he accuses of corruption practices like bribery and mismanagement.
The President instructed Gen Katumba and other authorities to prohibit all suspended managers and hand them over to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) for possible prosecution.
The President directed that the permanent secretaries of the ministries of Works and Transport, as well of Finance, should handle matters of Uganda Airlines
The officials are accused of extorting money from job applicants, bungling procurement contracts, recruiting relatives, friends and church members across the network, maintaining ghost workers on the airline’s payroll and giving jobs to unqualified pilots at the expense of the safety of passengers.
The President ordered for changes in all contracts including; ground handling, aircraft spare parts, catering servises, uniforms, fuel, systems among others to comply with the procedures of the Public Procurement and Disposal Authority guidelines.
The President also directed Gen Katumba to assign a commercial director preferably with international experience to restructure the commercial department. Staff members are subjected to re-interviews to ascertain whether they are qualified and experienced employees for the jobs.
Mr Kajuna remains in his position and continues to oversee the operations of the national carrier on behalf of the ministry.
